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anthonyd19805821
Participant
December 1, 2017
Answered

Photoshop CS3 new installer still asks for activation

  • December 1, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 1245 views

I have Adobe CS3 on Windows 10, and after an update on my PC, it asked for activation. Adobe has taken down the activation servers, so to re-activate, you have to get a new installer and a new serial number. I have done both. However, when I try to install, it still prompts me to activate the software. I have also tried downloading the 10.01 version patch, but I am still being prompted to activate. Has anyone experienced this? And if you have, have you found a solution?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Terri Stevens

    Hi Anthony,

    First Photoshop CS3 does run on Windows 10, but I cannot speak for the rest of the suite of programs

    See if you have the cache.db file in the folder below.

    'Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/'

    I can't remember if that is a hidden folder or not so you might need to turn on visibility for all files and folders.

    If it is there delete cache.db. Try to start Photoshop and you should be prompted for the serial number at which point enter the new one. Click on Never Register.

    Then Restart your computer. Hopefully that will work.

    3 replies

    Terri Stevens
    Terri StevensCorrect answer
    Legend
    December 2, 2017

    Hi Anthony,

    First Photoshop CS3 does run on Windows 10, but I cannot speak for the rest of the suite of programs

    See if you have the cache.db file in the folder below.

    'Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/'

    I can't remember if that is a hidden folder or not so you might need to turn on visibility for all files and folders.

    If it is there delete cache.db. Try to start Photoshop and you should be prompted for the serial number at which point enter the new one. Click on Never Register.

    Then Restart your computer. Hopefully that will work.

      A
      anthonyd19805821Author
      Participant
      December 3, 2017

      Thanks Terri, that cleared up the issue!

        Terri Stevens
        Terri Stevens
        Legend
        December 3, 2017

        Delighted to hear that Anthony. As Hannible Smith in the 'A Team' used to say , I love it when a plan comes together

        gener7
        Community Expert
        gener7Community Expert
        Community Expert
        December 2, 2017

        You needed to uninstall the old CS3 and that includes removing the old serial number, or else it will interfere with your new install.

        CS3 Serial Number/Uninstall Issue  has the instructions to fix this problem.

        Brad Lawryk
        Brad Lawryk
        Legend
        December 2, 2017

        I'd be very surprised that CS3 even installs on Windows 10 let alone activates. It's like about 11 years old. Where did you download your install and update files?

        A
        anthonyd19805821Author
        Participant
        December 2, 2017

        I downloaded the 10.01 update from the adobe update site. CS3 has always run very smoothly for me on Windows 10.

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