[Locked] CS3 new serial number and installer [CS3 is dead]

[FunkyMac]

I have CS3, and have had problems with activation failure. Got told that this would do the trick: Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8

"Receive a new serial number and installer  Get a new serial number and installer so you can reinstall CS3 or Acrobat 8 applications successfully. These special versions do not require activation."

I followed the instruction very carefully, yet everything is exactly the same as before, same message about activation failure.

What's the catch? Do I have to say a magic word or something?

I really need to get this working, please advice.

[Jeff Arola]

Hopefully deleting the cache.db file as described in the following adobe kb will work:

https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/temporary-activation-expired.html

[pcraw707]

Although the above idea got me past the roadblock of having an old serial number, when I installed the "new" CS3 and entered my replacement serial number, the program tries to register the new serial number but says that it cannot connect.  This is the ONLY app on my machine that claims it cannot connect.

Suggestions?

[Jeff Arola]

Yes, registration is optional, not required and no lomger connects to adobe, so just click on Never Register.

If your on windows vista, 7 8/8,1 or 19 then run cs3 as an administrator first to make the Never Register setting stick so the dialog doesn't reappear.

Right click on the cs3 shortcut, then click Run as Administrator or More>Run as Administrator and you only havet o this once to get rid of the registration dialog, Then run cs3 normally afterwards,

[JanBrase]

I'm having the same issue but I've done everything suggested here and I still get the same message about needing to activate my product. No option to put in my new serial number, no option to not register, nothing.

[Jeff Arola]

What operating system are you using?

You uninstalled your old cs3, download the new non activation version of cs3 and installed it?

Download Adobe Creative Suite 3 products

[jasonl59932699]

where does one download said non activation version of CS3? I have tried over and over again but the file only sends me documentation and some images. it makes no sense.

[Jeff Arola]

From here:

Download Adobe Creative Suite 3 products

[ach13]

I did the same thing (repeatedly) - uninstalled the old cs3, used the creative cloud cleaner, got the new serial number, downloaded a new version of cs3 and installed. I never got an opportunity to enter the new serial number or opt out of registering, I immediately got the temporary activation expired.

All I really want to use is Acrobat - and I don't want to pay for it again! It works fine with Windows 10.

[Jeff Arola]

Hopefully deleting the cache.db file as described in the following adobe kb will work:

https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/temporary-activation-expired.html

[ach13]

Thank you!! It worked, finally. It was very difficult to find this thread and find your answer. I really appreciate it. I did not find the 'Correct' ​to click on below your anwer.

[jeti79]

I had to made a complet reinstall of my Windows on my PC.Now i wanted to reinstall my CS3. The non activation version of CS3 seems to be no longer available. Is there any possibility to get them anywhere?

[no screen available]

Did You find a solution ? I have the same issue.

[jasonl59932699]

I've tried that like ten times. I download the file, it opens the Exe, I push the next button, it has an install bar. I open the file. There are only documents and images. There are no programs anywhere to be found or an installer for the program.

[seleya]

Where did you find the installer? All I can find are documentation and fonts, etc. No .exe file. What am I missing??

[Jeff Arola]

Go here to get the non activation cs3.

You need your original serial number.

Download Adobe Creative Suite 3 products

[jimb74691471]

Tried numerous times as other above.

Uninstalled my old CS3

Moved the AdobePDF.dll to my desktop

Manually removed the cache file from where it was shown in above info

Reinstalled CS3 from the link above from adobe

I go to Adobe CS3 folder after install to click on .exe. file and nothing is there but the set up and some folders

Not even getting to a point where I put in my new CS3 serial number.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

[Jeff Arola]

What operating system are you using?

[jimb74691471]

Windows 10

[Jeff Arola]

Maybe your looking at the folder on your desktop that adobe extracts the cs3 install files to?

That's the folder that has the Setup.exe which you double click to do the actual install of cs3.

The actual install of cs3 then should be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe.

After you actually run one of the cs3 programs is when your prompted to insert a serial number.

[Carolee_Owens]

Jeff,

I am having the same problem as above.

I followed all the instructions, but I've been going in circles for hours.

I get the Akamai installer and choose the .exe link, which creates a folder on my desktop. The only files in the folder are non-executable files, "Goodies" and "Documentation" folders and a Read Me file. There's also nothing executable in my Program Files or Program Files (x86) folder.

[rogert42053367]

Hi Carolee. Your query was a while ago now, but if you ever visit again, I struggled to find the applications too, on Win10 , once I'd reloaded CS3. I found the 1.6GB file under This PC/Desktop/Adobe

But I'm stuck at the vicious circle of No Connection, with the new files.

I could uninstall and reinstall, delete the Cache file (which I found as described) and hope it works, I guess. But where we live, there is a patchy and slow internet connection, so I have to find a public network to download the new files. Yesterday it took nearly 2 hours to download the new CS3.

[momofj5]

Jeff:

I am having the same problem as Carolee:

I followed all the instructions, - but here is what happened:

I get the Akamai installer and choose the .exe link, which creates a folder on my desktop. The only files in the folder are non-executable files, "Goodies" and "Documentation" folders and a Read Me file. There's also nothing executable in my Program Files or Program Files (x86) folder.

Please help!

Thanks

[Test Screen Name]

momofj5, can you let us know ALL of the files you see in that folder? A screen shot would be fine but you CANNOT email it, or a list of what you see.

[lees12005385]

Hi Jeff,

I am using Windows 10 Pro. I am looking forward to your advice.

Best regards.

Lee

Sent from my iPhone