Photoshop CS3 [CS3 is dead]

[memphistide]

Is it even possible to activate Photoshop CS3 anymore?  When I try to do so, it tells me there is no connection but I've ruled out firewall or security issues. Any ideas?

MODERATOR'S NOTE (Sept, 2020):

The activation servers are gone.  It's no longer possible to re-install CS1, CS2 or CS3. And Adobe Customer Care cannot help you. 

[mglush]

Hi!

Here is a post that I think will help answer your quesiton:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/get-started/how-do-i-activate-adobe-photoshop-cs3/td-p/9354225?page=1

Michelle

[John Waller]

That used to be the solution until last year.

Now that the links to the non-activation versions have been removed, CS3 is truly dead.

[wkazmierczyk]

So, there is no any solution to use CS3 right now after  f.e. reinstalling the whole Windows system

Even the registering by phone or something like that?

[davescm · Accepted solution]

The activation servers for CS3 were taken down some time ago, but in addition the links mentioned in the other post to download non activated versions have also been removed.

I know it's not the answer you are looking for .

Dave

[mglush]

Thanks for the update! Would it be a good idea to remove those posts so that there is no confusion?

[davescm]

It probably would , but I don't think any of us (even moderators) have the ability to delete posts.

I have added a note to the bottom of the linked thread

Dave

[flusskrebs]

...that means even I had the installation file from 2018 an the new code, I was not able to install the programm again after a system-upgrade?

[davescm]

If you have a non activation version that Adobe made available for some time then it should re-install as it does not require activation. That can no longer be downloaded though.

Dave

[ks1234]

Are these downloads available elsewhere? I really want to use my CS3. 

[davescm]

No they are no longer available

Dave

[Guest]

I was fortunate enough to download the proper CS3 files back when they were available and they still work with the "Never Register" option (just reinstalled over a month ago).

However, if you're like me and don't wish to be a subscriber, switch to Affinity Photo. Affinity is a relatively new suite that is not subscription based and has some really, really cool features that Adobe does not have. And it is at a fraction of the cost.