[Locked] Adobe Photoshop CS3 Activation [CS3 is dead]

[nathanaelm68873810]

I know the CS3 servers are decommissioned, but I have a user who would like to install their CS3 application on their machine. I have posted the information below:

(Serial numbers removed. This is a public forum and anyone can copy them) Moderator

I have seen various posts regarding this but need and "Authorization Code" for this user to begin working on his tasks for today. I have already called support and they directed me here. Thank you.

[kporlando]

California Kevin:

Congratulations.

Can you be more specific to what screen you are referring to that pops-up with the old serial number. In the numerous time I have tried to install the non-activation version, I do not get any popups regarding serial # in which I can edit the serial #. I get no popups during the setup/install. I get the "Temporary Activation Expired" pop-up when executing Photoshop, but there is no serial # mentioned. Only screen I get that mentions the old serial number is the one for entering an authorization code as part of the phone activation and you cannot edit the serial #.  Entering the new serial # as the authorization code results in an error.

[California Kevin]

I deactivated Premier CS5/Encore and ran windows uninstall.  Photoshop was not deactivated and again uninstalled by windows.  Restart.  Ran Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool.  I selected to remove ALL from menus. ( http://download.macromedia.com/SupportTools/Cleaner/win/AdobeCreativeCloudCleanerTool.exe  Note, there were lots of Adobe artifacts in folders/registry after this cleaning.  I left them in place.   Restart again.

Installed non-activation PS CS3 from desktop ( copied from USB stick as that computer never is connected to internet) .   After it copies files it says, click Finish to close.  Opened a Photoshop Tiff file.  PS loads and before the image loads, the first screen says SETUP and auto fills old serial number with green check mark.

This is where you clear these fields and enter the new serial number you obtained through the link listed in the top of the this thread.  (https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/activation-fails-c… )

If you click Ok, it will advance to the same activation screen we normally see listing your serial number, activation number, and blank fields to input new activation numbers, etc.  Do not click OK.

I ran windows uninstall several times as it never completely removed the files from computer.  If you clicked on program icon it would open a screen starting a  a trial version of  PS or Premier.   Ran CCCleaner tool several times as well.  Always checking that I was the Administrator.

Hope this gets you going.

[California Kevin]

kporlando,  I just re-read this thread and I think you may have a different problem.  It looks like you are running under a trial period and my explain why you are not getting the setup screen.   Maybe you can reset your date to ' run out the clock' on the trial.  Then try the Cleaner again.

In another thread, it was mentioned to try a third party software removal tool ( Revo ) to clear Adobe artifacts.

[kporlando]

California Kevin: The only things different from what you did and what I did was the option used in the Cleanup. I had chose option 10 (CS3/CS4 cleanup) whereas you did 1 (All).  So I tried one more time, and used all. I still have the issue and not by reactivation time limit of 5 days have expired so I cannot even get past the re-activation screen.

I am new to this forum. Since this thread has been officially designated a Answered I am thinking I should start a new thread for my issue in the hopes that someone else may stumble upon an answer, but until then the new thread would be marked as Unanswered. This will be my last post on this thread.

THANKS TO ALL who have tried to help me.

[MatthV20021590]

I've followed the following instructions given by Nancy OShea.  It worked:

Activation or connection error | CS3, Acrobat 8

It's official.  CS3 Activation Servers have been retired.  If you have CS3 or Acrobat 8, see this help article for further details on how to obtain a replacement version & new serial number that does not require activation.  This is not freeware.  You will be asked to log-in with your Adobe ID and provide a valid CS3 serial number.

Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8

NOTE: For best results, remove your old CS3 / Acrobat 8 BEFORE installing the replacement version.  Below is a link to the CS Cleaner Tool.

Use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to solve installation problems

If after installing replacement version you still see an Activation Countdown, remove the cache.db file from this folder.

Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/

When prompted for serial number, enter the new one.  And click on Never Register.

Restart your computer.

[kathyh888]

Removing the cache.db file from Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/ did the trick!  I was able to add the new serial number after that!

(after following the direction to uninstall, getting new serial#, install several times).

[mart3473]

Does the activation link still work?  I didn't see CS3 anywhere on the page.

[Nancy OShea · Accepted solution]

It's now 2020.  As an update, CS3 activation servers are gone.  And Adobe ended access to activation-free installers and replacement serial numbers.  Customer Care agents cannot help with this matter.  CS3 is officially dead.

If you never upgrade your computer or OS, you could potentially keep using CS3 for another 12+ years.  But I'm sorry to say that installation is no longer an option.

[ludekvlk]

Hello, how is that possible? We officially purchased the licence and as the owner of the licence we have rights to use it. I presumme the termination of activation presents illegal steps, because we paid for the product which we actually cannot use. 

[A HHH]

You are in good company: Adobe charged my Mastercard twice - but
I had never ordered it as it never ran last year.
Hein, Berlin

[Lumigraphics]

That we can't help you with. Contact Adobe Customer Care and let them know. I have a copy of the full CS3 Production Suite that is now dead, I'd love to still be able to use Illustrator but I can't migrate it (even to an older Mac.)

[Nancy OShea]

Read your End User License Agreement. English starts on page 419.

https://www.adobe.com/content/dam/acom/en/legal/licenses-terms/pdf/CS3.pdf

Adobe owns the software.  You merely purchased a limited, non-exclusive license to use it at Adobe's discretion.  End of story.

[en1991]

Is the new serial number totally offline?

Can I use it on another machine, when I would like (or have to) to change it?

[Nancy OShea]

Support for an activation-free installer and replacement serial number has ended.  Adobe withdrew that page from their servers.  

If you previously obtained them, you could possibly use them on another machine providing it has an older OS that can handle legacy CS3. 

[en1991]

Thank you for the answer. You mean more like Win7 than Win10?

[Nancy OShea]

Yes.  CS3 was built to run on Win XP and Vista. 

And it will never work on Mac OS Catalina.

[en1991]

Ok.

Last question: will the use of new code again (second PC) block the option to use ever CS3 on previous machine (first PC)?

[Nancy OShea]

According to your Terms of Service, you can install on 2 machines.  But you can use only 1 machine at a time. 

[en1991]

So if I will run CS3 on one machine, it will be blocked to use in on the second one at this moment?

[Nancy OShea]

No. But violating your terms gives Adobe the right to revoke your license on ALL  machines.  Do it at your own risk.   I'm locking this discussion.  There is nothing more to say.