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Astranova67
Participant
April 19, 2020
Answered

Deactivating Computer

  • April 19, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 11024 views

Ok my old laptop has gone into blue screen of death! Bought a new laptop and I'm trying to load Elements 14 onto it. But it's saying to deactivate a computer as it's already active on 2 computers. How do I deactivate a computer?. I've logged into my account but can't find anything for deactivating a computer! Help!

    Correct answer Phinny

    Supposing Windows 10, I only know of two choices.  The easy one might work, I've never tried booting into Safe Mode With Networking and running PSE in that state.  If successful you could then sign out from the Help menu and your mission is accomplished.

    The other option is to log into your Adobe account on your new machine and click on Support > Help Center.  Note the Chat icon in the lower right portion of that screen where you can request an activation reset.  Some have said that typing AGENT right from the start spares you the frustration of chatting with a chat bot and I'm inclined to believe them.  Make it clear to whomever that you only need your activations reset or risk needlessly waiting an extended period for tech support.  I'm not sure why registered users aren't permitted to do this themselves either.   That'd be nice.

    2 replies

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    Phinny
    Legend
    April 19, 2020

    Good job Astranova!   😊

      A
      AlteDäne
      Participant
      February 17, 2021

      Similar problem for me with Elements 15, bought 4 years ago. I shifted to a new computer a year later, transferred PSE15 with the help of PCFast Transfer (not quite sure of the name). This fall Windows 10 crashed and a new motherboard was installed, the C-drive was reformatted.

      So now PSE15 says my activation limit is reached. How on earth do I get a deactivation done? Adobe says deactivate on the old computer or contact us. Neither is possible! And Adobe just sends you around to various screens describing the activation system and the help forums. Everything about contacts leads to help screens or forums. On See support history there is a link, if you want to create a support case. Here is a chat bot, but no way to communicate with it.

      It seems I can use PSE just by ignoring the error message, is that the only way??

      T
      Test Screen Name
      Legend
      February 17, 2021

      You do indeed need to contact Adobe. It is the ONLY way. Be sure to ask for "activation count reset" first, and repeat the phrase often. Do NOT start by saying what you are trying to run, because they won't support old apps. There is supposed to be a CHAT icon on the support pages. Sometimes it isn't there because of ad blockers. Warning, scammers may contact you privately pretending to be Adobe staff. Adobe will never send you a private message asking you to email an account that isn't @17309390, or use Skype. Adobe never ask you for their password. These scammers want your Adobe info, credit cards, your money and control of your computer, please take care.

      P
      PhinnyCorrect answer
      Legend
      April 19, 2020

      Supposing Windows 10, I only know of two choices.  The easy one might work, I've never tried booting into Safe Mode With Networking and running PSE in that state.  If successful you could then sign out from the Help menu and your mission is accomplished.

      The other option is to log into your Adobe account on your new machine and click on Support > Help Center.  Note the Chat icon in the lower right portion of that screen where you can request an activation reset.  Some have said that typing AGENT right from the start spares you the frustration of chatting with a chat bot and I'm inclined to believe them.  Make it clear to whomever that you only need your activations reset or risk needlessly waiting an extended period for tech support.  I'm not sure why registered users aren't permitted to do this themselves either.   That'd be nice.

        A
        Astranova67Author
        Participant
        April 19, 2020

        Cheers ....just did exactly what you said....sorted in 5 mins.......STAR!

        E
        Elynwill
        Participant
        June 25, 2020

        This did not help me. I am at the end of my wits. I also have a pc that is no longer working. Now, after installing elements on my new computer and open the Adobe program it says I am licensed on two computers.  I tried to look everywhere to deactivate the pc that is no longer working. All I am getting is the Creative Cloud app that I am supposed to be buying. Why in the world would I be buying this app for fifty plus dollars in order to deactivate one of my computers from Adobe's list. Can someone please tell me if there is a simple step to do this? Thank you.

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