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Participant
May 1, 2025
Answered

My CS5 was an upgrade and won't install on my new PC, I don't have the original photoshop cs3.

  • May 1, 2025
  • 5 replies
  • 867 views

My CS5 was an upgrade and won't install on my new windows PC.  The error says I need the old program on my new pc or the serial # of the old program that was originally upgraded in 2011.

Correct answer Stephen Marsh

The activation servers for anything below CS6 have been retired, therefore these old products can no longer be licensed.

5 replies

Stephen Marsh
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 1, 2025

@D Fosse - no worries, I was hoping you were right!

D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 1, 2025

Ah, got it. Sorry, @Stephen Marsh  😉

 

So it can't be long before CS6 is killed off too.

Ged_Traynor
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 1, 2025
D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 1, 2025

Not to be nitpicking, but I just noticed that it says CS 5.5 and CS 6, whereas CS 5 and back are out.

 

Anyway, it's a decade and a half ago, so it's on life support either way.

Ged_Traynor
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 1, 2025

I never used CS5 or CS5.5, but was CS5.5 an upgrade from CS5 or was it a standalone version?

D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 1, 2025

Actually, CS5 is still above the horizon and can be activated - but only if you still have a remaining activation slot. If both slots are used, without deactivating, it's dead and useless. Adobe will not reset activation counts.

 

CS4 and earlier are out for good.

 

Most likely it's just a matter of time and most of us expect CS5 and CS6 servers to be shut down any day.

Stephen Marsh
Community Expert
Stephen MarshCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
May 1, 2025

The activation servers for anything below CS6 have been retired, therefore these old products can no longer be licensed.