Had to Reinstall Elements 12 due to Windows reinstall, but it won't let me open it

[susanb91429133]

I had to re-install Photoshop Elements 12 (I had the serial number) due to having to reinstall Windows which deleted all non-Microsoft apps.  It seemed to install fine but now when I try to open the Photo Editor, it keeps asking me to log into Adobe to register it. I keep logging into Adobe but that doesn't help.  I really appreciate your advice as to how to fix this!

[Greg_S.]

Try activating offline, using the instructions found in this HelpX article.

The article is for Elements 19 but I understand that it may also work for Elements 12.  Please report back if you are successful.

[susanb91429133]

I'm pretty sure that I replied to your post. However, that article did not help me. Elements wants me to sign into my Adobe account with the link provided and I do that and after signing in, that screen says go back to where you were. I go back and try to get into Elements with the exact same result.  I am very frustrated. I went to Adobe's Elements Help and tried the chat. It brought up articles about signing on to Windows "Hidden Administrator".  That is frigging complicated! I'm afraid of losing access to my regular administrator account.  Isn't there any way to get help here!!!???

[susanb91429133 · Accepted solution]

By searching for how to get to a real person via the chat (type in Agent), I got to a real person who looked at my issue. The problem is annoying but at least I have an answer.  My Photoshop Elements 12 is too old.  It certainly worked with my Windows 11 but I guess reinstalling it was not possible.  It would be nice if ANY single one of the help answers I found even mentioned this.