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nathanaelm68873810
nathanaelm68873810
Participant
August 14, 2017
Answered

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

  • August 14, 2017
  • 4 replies
  • 36262 views

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.

    Correct answer Nancy OShea

    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.

     

    4 replies

    E
    en1991
    Participant
    March 12, 2020

    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
    Community Expert
    Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 12, 2020

    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. 

     

    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    E
    en1991
    Participant
    March 12, 2020

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

    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Nancy OSheaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    January 2, 2020

    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.

     

    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    L
    ludekvlk
    Participant
    January 6, 2020

    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
      A HHH
      Participant
      January 6, 2020
      You are in good company: Adobe charged my Mastercard twice - but
      I had never ordered it as it never ran last year.
      Hein, Berlin
      M
      mart3473
      Participant
      December 11, 2019

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

      @mj
      Community Expert
      @mjCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      August 14, 2017

      You may find this link helpful.

      Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8

      HTH

      nathanaelm68873810
      nathanaelm68873810Author
      Participant
      August 14, 2017

      Yea I've looked there and my company is holding off buying anything until it is determined that Adobe will not activate the product as the user doesn't need anything fancy or much at all. The older programs are enough to do what he needs. Thank you though.

      kathyh888
      kathyh888
      Participant
      October 29, 2017

      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.


      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).

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