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Question

Photoshop CS3 re-activation failed. Please help.

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
October 25, 2017
4 replies
5380 views

URGENT! - Longtime user of Photoshop (since the early 90s). Bought and paid for PS CS3 and it does everything I need, until last week, when a window appeared when I launched PS and said "Temporary Activation" You have 4 days to re-activate this software." Apparently, Adobe is letting the servers that supported older versions die and activation becomes invalid.

They offer a solution, you type in your original product serial number and they issue you a new serial number which supposedly doesn't require activation. I followed every step at least three different times, uninstalling the old, restarting, downloading the new version, restarting, installing, restarting... everything.

The same message appears when I launch the new version and there is no valid option but to quit it. Any ideas? I REALLY don't want to subscribe to the Creative Cloud Photoshop as I already paid hundreds of dollars for the software when I purchased it. It should still work. But it doesn't. I run a photography business and this is sucking a LOT!

This topic has been closed for replies.

NB, colourmanagement

Community Expert

Hi,

Unfortunately CS3 can't be activated now, Adobe took down the servers, also the "non activation" version of CS3 offered for a time is gone now.

I hope this helps

neil barstow, colourmanagement.net :: adobe forum volunteer

[please do not use the reply button on a message in the thread, only use the one at the top of the page, to maintain chronological order]

Dave Creamer of IDEAS

Community Expert

Try running the Adobe CC Cleaner (works on CS too) at:

Use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to solve installation problems

If the new serial number and installer are still not working, uninstall everything and try creating a new admin user and install it there. If that works, once it is activated, it should work everywhere.

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)

jamesh62717231

Participating Frequently

Ok, will try this too. Thanks.

L

lenoras53520970

Participant

Did you happen to find the solution to this problem?? Having the same issue and not getting anywhere

JJMack

Community Expert

Did you download the new CS3 installer?

JJMack

robleefoto1

Participant

If Adobe did not provide this new non-activation serial number process which you can use forever then you would be left with nothing.

Yes but it doesn't work. I have followed all of Adobe's instructions trying to get CS3 reinstalled and working again but it just keeps saying 'Activation - No Connection' on launch. Your point that people should do away with legacy applications and update is beside the point - Adobe are offering a process that doesn't work and is frustrating people like me who spent many hundreds £ on the software 7/8 years ago, expecting that we would have access to it for life. Not being fobbed off to unhelpful forums or being told on the phone that we need to purchase an expensive monthly package for the rest of our lives.

Really terrible way to treat people who have made this company extremely wealthy. Basically upgrade or p*$s off, is the attitude I have experienced from their staff today.

I had the same problem installing CS3 on my new mac. I tried what adobe recommended but with no success and had the same problems that you are having. The way to get it working is to back up all your files and reformat the hard drive wiping off everything ( there is a hidden file somewhere that keeps the old serial number for the old version of CS3 which is causing the problem ).

Then after you reboot go back to Adobe and get the new serial number and download their “new” version of CS3 and instal it using the new serial number. It will work. When asked to register go to Never Register. It will then work. Then you will have to reinstall your old files and apps from the the back up. Boring but it worked for me. Good luck.

JJMack

Community Expert

CS3 is very old it was a very good release of Photoshop but most likely a new version of Photoshop Elements would be a better choice to us. Adorner took down the CS3 Activation servers. They made a new download available that does not require activation for their old users. You need to enter your CS3 serial to be able to download it. Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8

JJMack

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