Photoshop Elements 12

[HI_N]

I purchased Photoshop Elements 12 in 2014.  I upgraded my laptop in June this year (2024) but was unsuccessful downloading my Elements 12 with my Serial Number.  Adobe keeps telling me that the Serial Number is being used by someone else, i.e. me!  So I deactivated the listing of my previous laptop computer and then tried to register the Serial Number but it still keeps saying it is being used by someone else.  Can anyone offer advice please.  Thank you.

[Peru Bob]

Did you purchase it directly from Adobe?

Did you register it?

Does it show in your account?

[HI_N]

Hello Peru Bob, thank you for responding.  I purchased it from a retailer and registered it.  Every time I upgrade my laptop, it has been easy for me to just key in the Serial Number and I can download it but for some reason this time I can't.  It doesn't show in my Adobe account. 

[Peru Bob]

If you purchased it from Best Buy, they had some licenses that were time limited and expired.

What retailer was it purchased from?

[HI_N]

It was an IT store in Australia called City Software.  It was only when I updated my laptop in June this year that I had the problem.

[HI_N]

I found the software download card that came with the purchase and went on to Adobe Redeem and when I typed in the number on the card it said it is invalid.  So I am wondering whether it has expired as you suggest.  I will contact the store tomorrow, closed today, and discuss with them.

[HI_N]

Actually, I think I will try to buy the Adobe Photoshop Elements 2024 - I don't want it as a plan so is it best to purchase from Adobe themselves?  Is there an advantage?  And is there a way I can have a free trial then buy it or does the free trial always come with a plan?  Thank you.

[hatstead]

Free Trial | Adobe Photoshop Elements 2024

If you decide to purchase the license at the end of the trial period, you may do so. There is no "plan."

[HI_N]

Thank you for the link - I think this is what I will do.

[Peru Bob]

went on to Adobe Redeem and when I typed in the number on the card it said it is invalid. 

By @HI_N

If it was a redemption code, then it may only be used once to get a serial number.

[HI_N]

Thank you for that.  I tried to phone City Software but it looks like they are closed down.  I don't think Adobe supports Elements 12 any more and sees it as outdated.  Every time I go back into my account to activate it at https://account.adobe.com/products and click in the window to enter the serial number, the number already comes up but still tells me it is being used by someone else.

[Peru Bob]

 I tried to phone City Software but it looks like they are closed down. ...the number already comes up but still tells me it is being used by someone else.

By @HI_N

The serial number may have been sold to more than one person.

[HI_N]

Oh I see.  Even though I have been able to reactivate it every time I upgrade my laptop since 2014, this can still happen?  It is only since I upgraded my laptop in June this year that this has occurred.  Perhaps that is why the store is closed now because this has happened to other customers.  Well, many thanks for your help, I have really appreciated it.  I will investigate a free trial of the Elements 2024 and see how that goes.  Thank you again.

[Peru Bob]

every time I upgrade my laptop

By @HI_N

Do you mean "get a new laptop" or "install new hardware in the laptop"?

Did you sign out or deactivate before upgrading?

[HI_N]

I meant getting a new laptop.  I would have been signed out of my Adobe Account when I set up my new laptop.

[Peru Bob]

 I would have been signed out of my Adobe Account when I set up my new laptop.

By @HI_N

You need to open Photoshop Elements 12 in the old laptop and do this (if you haven't done it already):

From the Editor menu, go to Help > Sign out or Help > deactivate (whichever option is there) so that you release that activation and make it available.

[HI_N]

Thank you that is such a good idea.  I tried but my old laptop won't stay on even though it is connected to power, keeps cutting out - a shame that I can't deactivate it online through my Adobe account from one laptop to another.

[Peru Bob]

my old laptop won't stay on even though it is connected to power,

By @HI_N

Check the power jack.  They can sometimes not connect properly to charge the battery or supply power to the laptop.

If it is an overheating problem, try vacuuming the vents.  Have a desk fan blow on it while it is on.

[HI_N]

Many thanks for that, I will give it a try.

[HI_N]

I tried to get the former computer going but no luck, it isn't overheating but comes up with the message now to say the battery needs replacing.  I have decided to go ahead with replacing the Elements 12 and started on a trial for Elements 2024.  Many thanks for all your help.  Has been greatly appreciated.