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

[Loonphotographer]

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.

[Stephen Marsh · Accepted solution]

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

[D Fosse]

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.

[Ged_Traynor]

@D Fosse not any longer

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite.html?promoid=19SCDRQK

[D Fosse]

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]

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

[D Fosse]

Can't remember really. More than an update, but less than an upgrade? 😉

[Ged_Traynor]

Looks like the information in the link I posted above is incorrect, see reply from Dave in this thread

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/i-can-t-register-my-cs2-so-i-can-use-...

[D Fosse]

Ah, got it. Sorry, @Stephen Marsh  😉

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

[Stephen Marsh]

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