Windows CS6 Serial Number already in use by maximum of two computers

[terry_5316]

Hi everyone. I've searched the forums for an answer to this, but most-- if not all suggest going to your old PC and deactivating it that way.  This is not possible as I have done a fresh install of Windows 11 on my computer, wiping my old installation of CS6.

My account shows only the MAC OS serial number is registered.  When I enter the serial number for the Windows version, I get the "already in use on maxium of two computers" error.   When I check the "Activated Devices" tab on my account, it says I have no activated devices.

Am I just totally out of luck, and cannot use my old license because I don't have the old PC anymore?

I appreciate any help on the subject.

[Ged_Traynor · Accepted solution]

@terry_5316 Adobe have stopped resetting the activation counts, so you are out of look, you can try contacting Adobe support, but I wouldn't get your hopes up.

Type agent in the chatbot to speak to a real person

Chat support: https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?rghtup=autoOpen
You will need to be on a browser that allows pop-ups and cookies, or the icon won't show.
Twitter: @AdobeCare https://twitter.com/AdobeCare

[terry_5316]

Thank you for your response Ged_Traynor.   I've tried getting to a real person in chat by using "AGENT" but apparently talking to a live human is only allowed if you have a paying subscription.  The chatbot is not helpful; it's a whirlpool of circular stupidity.

I am as disappointed as I can be about Adobe's abysmal support and the abandonment of its obligation toward my perpetual license of CS6.  Sadly, I guess its time to abandon Adobe myself and look elsewhere for software that fits my needs.   I understand Affinity is well-liked by many as a Photoshop replacement.

Regards    

[psab]

hi, i am having the same issue, were you able to solve it?

[D Fosse]

See Ged's post above.

The only way to free up one of your two activation slots is to deactivate one of the previous.

That was always the case, but the difference now is that Adobe will no longer reset activations if you have used up both and you can't access the old installation(s).

[erbludorn]

I'm having the same issue.  I've logged on to Adobe and deactivated any old devices, even my current devide, and still no luck.  I called and spoke to a human at Adobe and was told that they are no longer supporting this software and could not help.  They state that somewhere, somehow, the system thinks this serial number is on other computers, active or not, so it cannot be used.  The old computers that it may still be on are years old and in the garbage.  There is no way I could every deactivate from the device.  And Abobe is unwilling to help...

Has anyone found another work around?

I just don't like the new version avaiible in the subscriptoion model.  I love this old version.  

[D Fosse]

@erbludorn 

There is no workaround. If you cannot deactivate one or both of your previous installations, from within a running and working application, that serial number cannot be activated again. It's gone for good. Adobe will no longer give you new activations.

These old Creative Suite applications cannot be deactivated from your Adobe account. Only newer Creative Cloud applications can be deactivated from your Adobe account.