Activating CS3

I've been in an Adobe nightmare for almost 2 months, trying to activate one copy of CS3 that was on my computer for almost 4 years and worked fine, but wouldn't activate when my husband moved the hard drive it is on from one computer to another, saying it had too many activations. Chat support told me to contact the previous owner to have her deactivate it, which I did, but got no response.
So bought a different used copy and can't activate it.
At first my second used copy of CS3 told me there were too many activations. I contacted the previous owner. (Aparently he had uninstalled it but did not deactivate it.) He went on the chat support to explain that and was told that the serial number is valid and there should be no problem with activation. (He sent me a copy of the chat transcript.) I tried again, this time the program tells me the serial number is invalid. (I checked it 3 times to make sure I had typed it correctly.)
One thing that might be an issue is that it is a volume licensing version.
I went to chat support and explained what the other rep had told the previous owner, even offered to send the transcript to her, but was told there is nothing she can do for me for an older version of CS3.
If I don't get it activated, I will have to return it to the previous owner for a refund.
Can anyone tell me what to do? I am great with software but don't know much about activating, deactivating and all, so please explain simply and completely.
Message was edited by: TeachArt1

Re: the Creative Cloud Software. I did get a CC subscription for Photoshop in a special deal (for $9.99/mo) that ended on 12/31/13. I use Photoshop nearly every day, so that was a no-brainer. But I have some Illustrator files that I need to update occasionally. I'm retired on a fixed income and do graphic work pro bono for a couple of non-profits, so I don't want to pay an extra monthly fee for CC Illustrator when I use it so rarely. I figured a used version of CS3 (which is what I had before and that I'm used to) would serve me well. The used CS3 cost less than I would pay for the CC Illustrator subscription in a year.
I see from another response that there is a way to transfer the license. I contacted the previous owner. If the copy in question qualifies and he is willing to go that route, that's what we'll do. Otherwise I will return it for a refund.

Similar Messages

I need help activating CS3 on a new computer

I work for a non-profit and I have had CS3 for 6 years. My computer just died. We were able to install the program on the new computer (Windows 7) and we have the serial number, but the number of activations have been exceeded. I was not able to deactivate my copy before the other machine died. Any help would be appreciated.

K_gaudet if you are facing problems activating Creative Suite 3 then please contact our support team directly at Contact Customer Care. You can also find more details regarding activating Creative Suite 3 at Activation & Deactivation Help.

Problem re-activating CS3 on new machine

I want to install CS3 on my new machine. Have de-activated it on old machine.
Have installed CS3 on new machine with no probs. it works just fine.
It asks me to activate software which I expected and went through procedure.
It would not activate online but directed me to phone activation.
I followed procedure and entered the serial # and the Activation #
After approx 30 seconds told could not activate the software and redirected to agent
who redirected me to adobe.com/go/activation.
Tried direct chat with adobe service agent who suddenly told me to go to this forum.
I am using OSX 10.8.3
Any help would be most appreciated.
Thanks
Peter

Hi
The problem is that the phone # has only 2 options. The 1st is where you
key in the s/n and activation # when this fails you are directed to 2nd
option where you get recorded message. This tells you that activation
problems are no longer dealt with on phone and you are directed back to
website. I am going to try and find dome other phone numbers for Adobe in
UK.

Issues Activating CS3 on Win7 64 bit

Hello,
I have contacted Adobe online support in a chat session on this and they suggested I come here.
I have a new PC with Win7 64bit.
Im trying to install my old CS3 software on the new PC.
Install goes fine.
But Im having issue with activating my product. ( Im just amatuer so I really dont want to buy newer software)
My serial code is valid and Adobe has checked and reset the account stating that I should be able to activate my software.
MY PROBLEM:
Starts when I try to activate my software. The process starts...and the install window goes to a blank while its trying to activate ( contact Adobe )
After maybe 30 to 45 seconds the install window comes back with a window telling me " Activation - No Connection"
The has options to wait, or try again, or call Adobe.
Adobe online chat support stated that the problem is because Im running a 64 bit OS.
Im a systems engineer and that just doesnt make sense to me, sounds like a cop out by support team.
Now I was using my WI-FI to activate....but I doubt that is my issue.
I will try with hardline.
Im hoping someone has a work around to help
Thanks

The activation server for CS2 no longer functions, and you have to download a special version that doesn't need activation. I haven't heard that that is also the case with CS3, and you would have thought that Customer support would have been able to tell you. I am afraid it would come as no surprise if it turns out that they were not up to speed though.
Things to try
Check this page first
http://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/windows-7-cs4-cs3.html
Have a good look at the GPU issues.
There's an old thread that dealt with simikar problems at
http://forums.adobe.com/thread/564960
Search support pages HERE
Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

Cannot (re)-active CS3, Adobe does not help

Hello All,
My wife has a macbook running Photoshop CS3 and Illustrator CS3. These are not part of the CS but applications that were bought separately. They still work and are perfectly fine for the work that needs to be done.
The Macbook crashed yesterday so I re-installed OS X from a time machine backup. I was not able to de-activate the software before restoring the system.
Now that the computer is fixed, both applications ask to activate before you can open them. Activating over the internet does not work due to an "connection error". I tried activating over the phone but that does not work either. You are then transfered to an automated message saying that Adobe no longer "supports activation issues over the phone".
A website address was given (adobe.com/go/activation) where no solution is found.
I then started a live chat with support. The support person could see that the software was properly registered, and that both serial numbers have an activation remaining. But he did not help me with activation, since Adobe "only supports current products". Advice was given to look into the forums, or to use my CS3 to purchase a Creative Cloud subscription, which we do not need or want.
So Adobe leaves us in the cold with their software were they choose to put restrictions on to protect it from piracy but that are now preventing the legitimate user to continue using it.
My question: what to do to get both Photoshop and Illustrator running again?
Thanks

Jeffrey,
Thanks for your answer.
The error I get is that I get stuck in the activation screen.
Then I tried over the phone, giving in the serial and the second number that appears.
It takes a while and then it says that activation was not succesfull.
I will dm you the serials and adobe ID later (I don't have access to that computer here.
Here is the transcript of the chat (not complete):
Prabhanshu: Hello! Welcome to Adobe Customer Service.
andre: hello Prabhanshu
Prabhanshu: Hi Andre.
Prabhanshu: May I please have your email address registered with Adobe?
andre: most likely XXXXXXXX
Prabhanshu: Thank you for the email address .
Prabhanshu: If I am correct you are not able to install the software in your system?
andre: no, i get a "no connection" error. besides, i have not de-activated the software prior to restoring the OS
andre: so i think we need to de-activate first/
andre: it is the same computer by the way
Prabhanshu: Thank you for information, to assist you better may I have the serial number of the product?
andre: yes, hold on
Prabhanshu: I am with you.
andre: XXXXX
andre: and for illustrator: XXXXX
Prabhanshu: Thank you for the serial number , May I place this chat on hold for 2-3 minutes while I check the information for you?
andre: sure
Prabhanshu: Thank you.
Prabhanshu: Thank you for being online. Andre I have checked that the both serial number has Activation remaining.
andre: ok so i need an activation code?
Prabhanshu: As the product you have a very old product from Adobe, Adobe support only current products.
andre: meaning?
Prabhanshu: In this case please go with the forums. find below the link for forums.
andre: No, that is not right.
Prabhanshu: Click for forums.
andre: Adobe choose, in the past, to set limitations on the use of the software, that we paid for.
andre: If you can't support it anymore, you should remove the restrictions, so that i can go on using the software, which is my legal right
Prabhanshu: Click this link for support portal.
Prabhanshu: Please use the above support portal link .
andre: and what am i suppose to find there?
Prabhanshu: Go with the forums to get all the information.
andre: Does this telephone activation still work?
andre: then I might try that
Prabhanshu: I am sorry but you have to only go through the forums.
andre: i am sorry to say that this is not acceptable
Prabhanshu: I am really sorry for this but I hope you understand the terms and conditions of Adobe.
andre: i tried activating over the phone, didn't work...
Prabhanshu: As I have informed you, we support only current version product. Andre you can use your CS3 to purchase Creative Cloud Subscription.
andre: i don;t want that, i just want to continu using the software I paid for. The software works fine, only your activation process makes it impossible for me to use it anymore. That is not right, and it is your responsibility to make sure thet this is solved.
Prabhanshu: Click this link.
andre: since you can see from were you are that I have an activation left, you might be able to see why i can't activate over the phone

Activating CS3 Design Premium

I have moved CS3 Design Premium from an XP machine to a Windows 7 Machine. I cannot activate it because it says there are too many activations. I was unable to deactivate on the old XP machine as it never gave me the option. What do I need to do to be able to activate again?

Dear One,
I am sorry to inform you that CS3 version of the Adobe applications does not support the Window 7, So there can be an activation issue and the issues related to Network and connection.
In this case I will suggest you to to upgrade your version to the new and updated one, as Technical support for CS3, CS4, CS5, C5.5. Is no more available from Adobe.
I can Suggest you the steps related and associated to activation on this product, but same as Adobe I can not Confirm you that this will work for you or on your Computer.
1. Please Close all the other Adobe application and launch the application in XP Compatibility mode with an Administrator rights.
2. When the application asks for serial number and its prompts for " to many activation", Check on try another serial number and Enter the same serial number.
3. You will be able to activate the Adobe application.
The best I will suggest you to avail the CC offer for with the 40% Discount. As I believe Adobe will shortly will Close activation server for CS3 also as they did for CS2 in Early 2013. And, once the Activation server is closed you will have "nothing to upgrade into anything" Condition.
As simple, Choice is yours.
Regards and Thank you.
Maitreiyee.

Deactivating and activating cs3

i had cs3 on my old computer, it crashed, so im not able to deactivate it, also i cant activate it on my new mac
i tried connecting my old computers hard drive to my new mac, but the option Help/Deactivate is unavailable
what should i do?

Zemgalietis you will need to contact our support team to resolve your difficulties with activation. For the best assistance, I recommend our chat support at http://adobe.ly/yxj0t6. Our chat representatives can provide a personalized experience to resolve the issue you have described.

Re-activating CS3

Hello,
I've got CS3 Suite for Windows, changed HD and now I'm not able to re-activate CS3, neither online nor by telephone.
Apparently there's no service for this product anymore.
Anybody there to help?
thanks in advance
Gunter

I am having this same issue after the Windows 8.1 (involuntary) upgrade last Friday. My CS3 is running fine right now but the message I get every time I turn it on is "This is a temporary activation - this program will shut down in 5 days if not reactivated" (I'm at day 5 today). I went through the whole nightmare phone method and kept getting "your activation code is too short" after entering it. This "code" was generated and texted to me by Adobe when I started this whole procedure on Sunday. Went to the on-line Chat support.... 2 separate calls total of 2 hours wasted...they in a word were USELESS! Example of the lack of help: one tech kept telling me "CS3 won't run on Windows 8"..."Adobe never tested CS3 for Windows 8..." "CS3 is very old -we don't support it any more" and a string of other similar comments, over & over. I asked repeatedly "do you understand CS3 is currently working - and has done so for 2 years on my Windows 8 machine?" I could not get a simple "YES OR NO" answer to that question!.... no matter how many times I asked it! I was told to go to the forums - I was told several times I would have to "update my version" Then I was told my only solution was to start getting CC 2014.
I Asked (more than once) if you don't support it anymore why- or how - am I getting the re-activation message? Obviously Adobe still has systems monitoring my CS3 license - when I try install it on a new machine (which is how it interpreted the 8.1 upgrade) - AND It's generating a new activation code against my serial number when I try to re-activate //// which means Adobe does see my copy as a legal copy. BUT you cant find a way to fix the "code is too short " problem. NONE OF THOSE QUESTIONS WERE THE LEAST BIT ANSWERED. I was told . again...."go to the forum - our expert will have a fix very soon"
My final take away on all of this is: Adobe has created a situation in which it's systems will close down my Legally Owned $600 piece of software and does not feel the need to do anything to remedy the problem. It's an opportunity to force me - and eventually thousands of others - into renting CC for the rest of our life. They stand to make a lot of money from this action. and there's nothing that I see can be done about it - they hold all the cards and keep saying it's a "Windows 8 issue" ducking legal responsibility.
Look forward to hearing anyone's feeling or experiences with this problem

Activating CS3 when past registration died with computer

I have a valid copy of CS3 that I have been using on and off for a long time. The computer it was on recently died.
I installed it on a new to me computer and it is saying no registrations left - must unregister other activations. There are no other computers running this copy of the seriel number. Please help! I have work I must get done!

contact adobe support and request an activation count reset, http://www.adobe.com/support/chat/ivrchat.html

Problème activation CS3

Bonjour, j'ai installé Adobe Production Premium CS3 sur mon nouvel ordinateur sous Windows 7 (après plantage précédent ordinateur sous XP). Lorsque je veux lancer une application, j'arrive sur la fenêtre d'activation et lorsque je lance celle-ci, j'arrive sur une fenêtre "Activation - Pas de connexion". La réactivation par internet me renvoie, sur la même page. Je tente donc "Activer par téléphone" et je tombe sur répondeur qui m'informe ne plus être en service, m'envoie sur une adresse internet sur laquelle il n'y a aucune réponse satisfaisante !!!. J'ai payé une suite que je peux aujourd'hui plus utiliser ! Merci de me venir en aide.

Merci pour la rapidité
malheureusement, j'ai tout parcouru à cet endroit et je ne trouve pas de solution à mon problème

Activation CS3 on Mac

I needed to transfer the license to Adobe CS3 from one Mac to another. The problem came when I tried to activate CS3 on the new system:
On the old Mac, I tried to deactivate the license, but do not see this menu item:
What can I do so that I can deactivate the license?

you have a volume license. Contact support.
Mylenium

Problème d'activation cs3 : vous ne pouvez utiliser votre produit pour l'instant...

vous ne pouvez utiliser votre produit pour l'instant. Vous devez corriger le problème en désinstallant puis en réinstallant ce produit ou en contactant votre admin...

ça fait suite à une réinstallation sur mon nouveau macbook, mon ancien étant mort, j'ai voulu l'installer sur le nouveau avec ma licence, achetée bien entendu.
Malheureusement il me met l'erreur à chaque fois alors que j'ai une clé valide et officielle, mais que je ne sais pas ou rentrer du coup...
Help please!

How do you do dual boot without Dual activation for CS3?

I know this has been discussed but I can't find the post called Daryl Pritchard, "Activating CS3 with both Vista and XP Pro on same system" #3, 21 May 2007 12:49 am . That link seems to be dead.
I'm slow to make the switch, but I'm planning to install Vista on the same box I've had XP Pro on. I have a LOT of software on this box (it normally takes 34 hours to install everything from scratch) including VIsual Studio (2003, 2005, 2008), Lotus Notes designer (R6.5, R8), 3D Studio Max, etc. etc. etc. I'm not ready to flip the switch and just run the Vista upgrade. I want to dual boot with XP on one partition and Vista on the other, so that I can boot to XP if something doesn't seem to be running correctly under Vista.
Here is my dilemna. I also have Photoshop CS3 installed on my laptop, and I need it there because I travel every few weeks and still have to manipulate images. I'd like to avoid deactivating licenses everytime I get on a plane or drive across town. I don't want to have to use up both of my "activations" when I'm staying within the intent of the Eula - it's only going to be used on one machine.
How has everyone else faced this challenge? I know there are plenty of people with dual boot set ups.
I'll deactivate Photoshop on XP Pro if I have to, but that's going to be a headache if I have to turn on the laptop everytime I work in XP on the desktop and need to modify a PSD image.

I believe you can only deactivate/activate 20 times, precisely to keep
people from swapping the two licenses amongst more than 2 computers, so
deactivating on your travel-computer will only work for the next few times
you do it.
Depending on what things you do to your images, you might be able to get by
with using Elements to work with the PSDs. The newer versions of Elements
lets you work with Layers so it may be ok. Install the PSE trial and see
how well it works.
If you must have Photoshop, and one copy needs to be on your laptop, then
you must choose dual-boot you want to use it on, and perhaps install the
trial on the other bootable partition and if it works fine for everything,
and at the end of 30-days, choose which one to keep activated, or decide
that you can upgrade your XP. I think you should attempt to upgrade it,
anyway, just to see if it's even possible. I think you can uninstall the
upgrade if you do it right away, and get back to your XP...I had to do that
when my graphics card refused to work, even though the Vista Upgrade Advisor
didn't complain. Installing Vista from scratch seemed to work. I just
bought a new HD and reinstalled everything.
Another thing to consider is that Windows 7 will be available for retail
purchase before Halloween and people like it better than Vista as far as
running things faster, so maybe just skip Vista. The only glitch I had was
having to uninstall Nero's packet-writing (CDRW as a floppy) software after
I upgraded to Vista and it didn't quite work and I had to use a Nero-clean
utility to get rid of it. It isn't compatible with Win7 and I could have
gotten around the problem by merely uninstalling Nero before upgrading and
putting it back, afterwards. I have an older version of Nero was my actual
problem.
I am running the Win 7 Ultimate RTM from my MSDN subscription and like it a
lot...more transparency and they finally combined the quick-links with the
actual task-bar so you can just pin things down there and they are
highlighted if they're running or not highlighted if not--sort of like a Mac
has been doing for a while, but with much smaller icons if you want.

How to deactivate a Photoshop 10.0/CS3 (Mac) serial key when the workstation with the activated installation has been entirely wiped?

Hello,
We have a license for Photoshop 10.0/CS3 (Mac version) but it appears that the users previous workstation was wiped without deactivating the installation of Photoshop. Now when he tries to activate the product, it says that the maximum number of activations allowed has been reached. Does this mean that we need to deactivate the serial key somehow? If so, how are we supposed to do it without the activated installation?
Thank you very much,
Mauno-Juhani Kari
Ambientia

Hi Wksl98472121,
Please share your serial number via private message so that i can help you out in activating CS3 Photoshop.
Thank you for posting on Adobe Forums.

CS3 (Design Premium) Activation x86/x64 Question(s).

I've checked around the forums a little and found a few posts about 64-bit Windows, but wanted to ask before I return to college.
I had a laptop running Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit), installed, registered, and activated CS3 Design Premium that I got from college and everything was fine for about a year. While on medical leave from college that laptop fried (I wasn't able to deactivate it first) and I bought a new one. This laptop has 64-bit Vista Home Premium and I have been told by fellow students and Professors that there are issues with CS3 on x64 which seems to counter a few of the things I have read on these forums.
So I guess my main question is, since I have to use pretty much all of the apps in the suite for different classes, do I dare install it on the x64 copy of Vista and pray it doesn't break when I have a deadline or should I install it into x86 Virtual Machine that I have installed for some of the other applications I need to run (the VM is kind of sluggish for some reason already, don't want it to snail crawl running multiple Adobe apps as well)? The only other option I really have at this point is to attempt to install it on an x86 version of Windows 7 RC, than reinstall again when I can put Windows 7 Ultimate final (probably x86) in October.
Sum it up:
Should I install on Vista Home Premium 64-bit?
Should I install on Vista Ultimate 32-bit (Inside a VM)?
Should I install on Windows 7 RC/Final?
{Note: Due to medical reasons, the desktop is hard for me to use for longer timeframes without issues}

You'll get no guarantees about any one particular system but CS3 is fully supported under Vista 64 (with the exception of Home Basic). I'm running it on Vista 64 Ultimate along with CS4 with no operating system related issues.
Bob

Activating CS3

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