CS3 Serial Number/Uninstall Issue

[SadWaterBear]

Hi, I have a weird problem.

I use Photoshop CS3. Recently, I needed a new serial number because the product no longer has a means of authenticating the original serial number. I went here:  Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8 and received my new serial number. I uninstalled my original software, downloaded the new software on the site, and followed the steps to install it.

For some reason, it kept the old serial number, which stayed no matter how many times I restarted the computer or reinstalled the new software. I tried calling Adobe for help, who only recommended I do what I had already done, then put me on hold for two hours. Finally, I tried uninstalling and reinstalling one more time, but the software stopped responding. The "Add or Remove Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Standard" is sitting in my control panel, and will not let me affect it, either to install or uninstall. This now prevents me from installing any new versions, so I cannot even upgrade now.

I am at my wits' end. Please tell me what I can do to correct this.

[SadWaterBear]

Okay, I found a way to remove the corrupted "Add or Remove Adobe Create Suite 3 Design Standard", ran the Creative Cloud Cleaner, and tried installing again. At least, I'm back to where I was with Photoshop refusing to let me change the serial number. Any recommendations?

[Jeff Arola · Accepted solution]

Try deleting the cache.db file from

Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache

like described in this thread:

CS3 - Still getting Activation Error Message with new Installer

[SadWaterBear]

This worked! Thank you so much!

[bummper]

Hi this worked for PC. I have the same problem on Mac. Any sugestions?

Thanks in advance!

[Jeff Arola]

On a mac the cache.db file is at

/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/

https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/temporary-activation-expired.html

[bummper]

That was it! Extremely grateful!

Tx!!