Photoshop and InDesign CS5 erased from one computer, and loaded onto another.

Also, as we've mentioned, Apple Migration Assistant might move all the files from your apps, and the apps, but the apps WON'T WORK even on a suitable system. All Adobe apps need to be reinstalled. At least that seems to be the most popular view. It's all a bit uncertain.

Deactivate the installation before you get rid of the old computer. You can erase the hard drive yourself with the system restore DVD if you have one.

Also - if it DOES seem to work on your new machine when testing (doubtful, but vaguely possible), do NOT let anyone erase the old machine until you've confirmed. Once you HAVE confirmed, DEactivate your CS5 on the old machine before erasing. That way, you have access to both of your licensed usages, when you're done.

ernesto18  wrote (the old one, wiped, will be sold to Apple).

Sorry for the sidetrack, but I just have to ask: why do they want to buy a used disk? What are they going to do with it?

ernesto18  wrote I am using Photoshop and Indesign CS5 in an iMac. I am planning to upgrade my computer to another iMac. The hard disk where the programs are loaded in the old computer will be wiped clean by Apple at one of their shops, before buying  the new computer (the old one, wiped, will be sold to Apple). I will be using Time Machine's backup facility to restore all the files and programs to the new computer (I own all the disks for CS5, Photoshop and Indesign). Would that create any problems with Adobe? I know that the software will be loaded in only one computer, as per Adobe rules,

You are getting good advice here, but I should clarify the license terms. You are allowed up to 2 activations, not one. So you can keep CS5 on your old mac, and see if a reinstall of CS5 will work on your new one. I don't see why your local Apple dealer would insist you bring in your old mac to be erased. It has nothing at all with purchasing a new mac. They should not have any say what you do with your old mac, it is your property, not theirs.

(Just thought about it, is it a trade in deal?)

Here's the reference:

http://prodesigntools.com/how-many-computers-can-you-install-adobe-cs5-on.html

Gene

#1 Time Machine will not work with program files.  You must run the installation routine which makes essential changes to high level system files so you can use the software.

#2 The installers for Creative Suite 5 which came out about 10 years ago are not compatible with newer Macs.   So you must use Terminal workarounds.   And even then, there are no guarantees that legacy Creative Suite 5 will be  compatible with your new computer's operating system.    By most forum reports, Mojave & CS5 are not a good fit unless you run an older OS on a virtual machine that has Java SE 6 runtime..

Installing Creative Suite on macOS 10.12 (Sierra)

Most software has a practical shelf-life of 3-5 years.   When yui're ready to upgrade, see link below.

Creative Cloud pricing and membership plans | Adobe Creative Cloud

Switching the software is legally ok. But... You need to run old apps on old systems. New Macs won't run old systems.

Choices: Keep the same Mac, or get an old used Mac, or upgrade your apps.

If you're a hobbyist you might be able to get some or all of your apps limping along well enough, but for a professional this is just wasting valuable time.

In any case, software transfers rarely work. You'd need to start with a reinstall, which is where your big problems will start.