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[Locked] Photoshop CS3 Activation [CS3 is dead]

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
August 1, 2017
15 replies
79388 views

Adobe has retired the activation servers for Creative Suite 3 (CS3) and Acrobat 8 applications and has left CS3 users hanging. When the software is opened, a request for activation appears that cannot be activated because Adobe no longer has activation servers. Instead, you are told to request a new serial key for a "special version" of the software that has to be installed to replace the original software. According to Adobe, the "special version" of the software does not require activation. After requesting a new serial key and installing the "special version" twice, I still get the message that the software has to be activated. I have spent hours online and on the phone with customer support and no one seems to be able to resolve this issue. I now have Photoshop CS3 that I purchased for a substantial amount of money that I can no longer use because I can't activate it. Is anyone else having this problem and is there an answer?

How to

Correct answer Nancy OShea

It's now 2020. As an update, CS3 activation servers are gone. And Adobe ended access to activation-free installers and replacement serial numbers. Customer Care agents cannot help with this matter. CS3 is officially dead.

If you never upgrade your computer or OS, you could potentially keep using CS3 for another 12+ years. But I'm sorry to say that re-installation is no longer an option.

A

Anonymous

So basically what you are saying is that those of us who paid quite a bit of $ for the PREMIUM SUITE are left with a product which worked perfectly but is a write off for the company? This makes no personal or corporate sense. What ever happened to customer loyalty? Companies expect or entice us into 'brand loyalty.' Am so very disappointed in Adobe.

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

"What ever happened to customer loyalty?"

Excuse me? You haven't upgraded in 12+ years!! That makes you a loiterer; not loyal.

At least if you had upgraded to CS4, 5 or 6 when you had the chance, you would be able to re-install your software, outdated though it may be. But you didn't. So whose fault is that?

I'm sorry I can't muster up much sympathy for people who cry at Adobe over this. Ending access to an EOL product that won't install much less run on most devices anymore makes perfect sense. Accept it and move on.

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

S

sean.m.mcclain

Participant

That's a pretty cold response. I too paid a lot of money for CS3, Lightroom, and Acrobat licenses for many years. I still use CS3 because it meets my needs. Now I need to figure out how to load it on my new PC. I'm hoping someone in this forum figured out how to do it. Adobe did not sell me CS3 as a subscription...

Nancy OShea

Correct answer

Community Expert

It's now 2020. As an update, CS3 activation servers are gone. And Adobe ended access to activation-free installers and replacement serial numbers. Customer Care agents cannot help with this matter. CS3 is officially dead.

If you never upgrade your computer or OS, you could potentially keep using CS3 for another 12+ years. But I'm sorry to say that re-installation is no longer an option.

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

N

noizy

Participating Frequently

That link no longer works

N

noizy

Participating Frequently

I did what instructions said, and sofware still insists I need to activate it. Link above does not lead anyplace helpful.

SOlution does not work.

K

kj28739

Participant

The "Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8" topic is no longer available at the linked location. Is there a new page to input the old serial number and get a new serial number? I am trying to move my CS3 from an old computer to a new one and the serial number showing in the system info appears to be missing four digits.

G

gemreyes

Participant

how to download

cs3 extended

mothandrust

Participating Frequently

Perhaps someone can help me with this. I'm stumped...

Re: reinstalling CS3

OK, #1 - I've done this before on a Mac with THE SAME operating system (10.13.6) High Sierra, and had no problems getting the CS3 up and running.

#2 - Have followed the instructions, downloaded the 2 DMGs, but when double clicking on the icon for Setup.app (after getting the little window asking if I want to open it) NOTHING HAPPENS - it doesn't open.

#3 - I have installed the Java SE6 runtime app, no problem.

#4 - my newer computer which I'm trying to install the CS3 on is the same as the old one EXCEPT for the new one has more RAM and has a SSD, the old one had a regular HD. However, I'm trying to install it on an external HD that has the same operating system 10.13.6, and the same file system it ran on previously.

#5 - I have gone through every Volume on my system and got rid of all old Adobe files.

#6. Ran the CC Cleaner, too.

Am I missing something? Help if you can, please.

M

motive&cue

Participant

This forum saved my sanity thank you. All has finally worked and I can use photoshop and illustrator with no problems. However when I go to Acrobat Professional and I put in the new serial number it says I've entered an invalid serial number... Any ideas

GarthVader

Participant

Apparently not. Apologies JJMack.

JJMack

Community Expert

I did not assume anything you just assumed I did. I did not state I thought your intent was dishonest. Yes I can not type or spell...

JJMack

gener7

Community Expert

JJMack wrote
Yes I can not type or spell...

I resemble that remark.

GarthVader

Participant

gener7 wrote
JJMack wrote
Yes I can not type or spell...
I resemble that remark.

Apparently I misunderestimated the situation.

JJMack

Community Expert

It more like your old valid serial can not be user use to activate you an install you do using your old installation media for the activation servers required for the activation process have been retired. Because you have this valid licence you are able to download a new installer that does not need to be activated. The installed application will work as if it has been activated. The new downloads are available to Adobe customers. If there are Customers that give or sells that to others the software Adobe will have a valid reason to take legal action thief is illegal. Assuming that Adobe does not care could get you into trouble. The risk is yours if you sell the risk may be greater.

CS3 was a very good release of Photoshop it dated and still work well on old machines with an OS. There are may newer versions of Photoshop out there I do not think you will find a big market for CS3 if that is your plain...

JJMack

GarthVader

Participant

JJMack... you're putting the proverbial cart before the horse and assuming a lot about my intentions here. I never suggested giving away or selling licenses to other people. I'm a longtime, loyal Adobe customer and would never do that, so I find the inference offensive. I much prefer johnj67038146's answer which demonstrates a clear understanding of the question and offers a reasonable response, without all the fear and paranoia. Plus, he can spell. Thanks johnj...

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