CS4 license marooned on my dead / inaccessible computer. Online Support goes in circles. Can't elevate to human by phone, or by chat. Chat link grayed-out for me. Now what?

Hello:
I attempted to follow instructions given by a previous answer that addresses the same problem I have, but without success: Deactivation, cant reach computer it was activated on and Adobe "support" goes in circles and ends up in forum where Adobe cannot deactivate for me
Following Contact Customer Care did not lead me to chat option that I could spot. I'm sorry if I missed a link that is obvious to everyone but me. Maybe I just need that link pointed out to me more vigorously.
By the way, this link, What are my contact options? has a chat option, but it is grayed out (at least for me) so that's a dead end.
So, please explain to me (like I'm a bewildered child) how to get to chat support. I am unable to fill in logical gaps by myself. :-/
Thank you SO much. :-)
That's it for my question. The rest is just a boring account of how I struggled to get here. Which I include just in case an Adobe Staff Member would find my customer-experience worth noting.
I reached Shivangi Moitra (Adobe) [email protected] by sending feedback about the dead-end support loop that I encountered by following the steps here, at www.adobe.com/getsupport. Incidentally, I gave her a detailed description of my deactivation problem too. Shivangi responded by directing me to use the same link that goes in circles! To wit: "The first step for contacting us will be to start online [at www.adobe.com/getsupport]." Of course you notice that this is yet another dead-end circle in the customer support system.
If my email to Shivangi is a useful reference then here you go!
I am unable to get online or phone support from Adobe. I need to deactivate CS4 from a dead computer. Adobe online help is defective because it puts the user into an endless loop making it impossible for me to find a solution, and impossible to get support. Please remedy the defect and please call or email me to manually update Adobe's activation database. (Phone and email address redacted.)
I own a copy of CS4 that is marooned on dead computer. Consequently, I can not deactivate that copy. I know that a single license for Adobe CS4 only lets me install the application on two computers, of which I can only use the application on one computer at a time.
I need Adobe to manually deactivate my earliest CS4 installation from its servers so that I can activate CS4 again when my new computer dies so that my work flow is not interrupted by the unavoidable (meaning eventual) breakdown of my next computer.
1.) http://www.adobe.com/
2.) login to Adobe
3.) Don't search keyword "support" - worthless, instead go to . . .
4)  adobe.com/getsupport which resolves to
5.) http://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html
6.) Pick 'Adobe Creative Suite'
7.) http://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?step=STEA
8.) Pick 'Downloading-installing-setting-up'
9.) http://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?step=STEA_downloading-installing-setting-up
10.) Pick 'Licensing-activation'
11.) http://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?step=STEA_downloading-installing-setting-up_licensing- activation
12.) Pick 'Error: Sign in failed, activation limit, or maximum activation exceeded'
13.) http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/error-activation-limit-reached-starting. html
14.) Scroll to Error: 'Problems signing out or deactivating?'
15.) Click on link: Can't access your previous computer?
16.) OPENS THIS MESSAGE: Don't have access to the previous computer on which you installed the application? ***CONTACT US***. Be sure to have any purchase-related information ready.
17.) Click on the 'Contact us' link . . . infuriatingly returns you to the start of the loop
18.) http://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html         SAME AS STEP 5
I have explored all the other branching available at helpsx.adobe.com . No other branching resolves the problem or gets me support. I explored branching specific to CS4, and branching not specific to CS4, and branching of any kind in search of a solution or support. There is no solution or support available online from Adobe for this problem.
I also called 1.800.642.3623 per https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1030438 which was of no use.
This page was of no use. http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/activation-deactivation-products.html
This 'Let us know how we're doing' form is my last hope.

I have same issue:  CS 5 on a dead computer. I was able to chat just now with Adobe. I still need to try this to see if I can do as she says.
Chat 
Your case number: #######
Here's what we know about your issue so far. It relates to:
Other product or service change
Downloading, installing, setting up change
Licensing and activation change
Thank you for contacting Adobe.
A representative will be with you shortly. 
Thank you for your patience.
While you wait, you can try our community forums where experts are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You are now chatting with Rachana.
Rachana: Hello! Welcome to Adobe Customer Service.
Rachana: Hi Linda.
Linda : Hello Rachana
Rachana: How may I assist you today?
Linda In 2012 I purchased Adobe Creative Suite 5 to use in my retirement. I installed it only on my home computer as I had different software at work. Now my home computer has died. I cannot get it to start up. I have a new computer and want to install it on that computer. Can you please deactivate the dead software on my old computer so that I can install AND ACTIVATE it on the new one?
Rachana: I will check and help you with this.
Rachana: May I have the serial number for the product?
Linda : mastercollection # provided acrobat # provided
Rachana: Thank you.
Linda : there are also individual serial numbers for 4 other unidentified products on the back of the package discs came in. do you need those also?
Rachana: I have made the necessity changes to the software, you can go ahead and activate without any issues.
Linda: thank you Rachana

Similar Messages

  • I can record and hear me recording through the computer's built in mic, but can't get the external mic and headphones to work., The preferences are set for the external mic and headphones...

    I can record and hear me recording through the computer's built in mic, but can't get the external mic and headphones to work., The preferences are set for the external mic and headphones...

    What operating system are you using? Is it on a Mac or a PC? Which preferences are set for external mic/headphones, Audition's or the computers?

  • I deleted songs in my iphone on the music app but when I sync with the computer the songs disappear. How can I delete songs on my phone but keep them in iTunes?

    I deleted songs in my iphone on the music app but when I sync with the computer the songs disappear. How can I delete songs on my phone but keep them in iTunes?

    I use iTunes Match so I can't confirm this on my computer (my Music tab looks different), but as I recall, on the Music tab you have the option to check to sync selected playlists, artists and genres, and then check which playlists you want to sync below that.  Then, like songs, you would uncheck the playlists you don't want on your phone and sync to remove them.

  • In DCOMCnfg "Run application on this computer" is grayed out for my application on two Windows 7 machines, but it works fine on all other machines

    We have a COM application that is installed on hundreds of machines around the country.  We have instructions included in our install doc of how to set up DCOMCnfg.  On one machine in the field and one machine in our lab (both happen to be Windows 7 machines) the checkbox "Run application on this computer" on the location tab in DCOMCnfg is grayed out and therefore we cannot access our engine remotely.
    I turned off UAC before installing  (we found that the install works much better than way)  and it is actually still off.  I do not get any DCOM errors in the Windows Event logs when I try to access via DCOM, I just get the standard -2147023174 Server Error.  I have added CallFailureLoggingLevel to HKLM\Software\Microsoft\OLE and set it to 1 to enable logging, but still no errors in the event logs.
    I pulled a DCOMTest utility off of the Microsoft site.  Initially it failed, but there were entries in the event logs indicating that it did not have the permissions it needed.  I opened up those permissions and now that test utility works fine.  So, DCOM is functioning between the two computers.
    This application is used with DCOM by hundreds of people, so I know the application should be working properly.  I have uninstalled and reinstalled to verify that everything is registered properly.  I have tried turning off the firewall and the anti-virus.  I am logged in as an administrator
    I am at a loss.  Any ideas?
    Thanks

    Hi,
    This issue can occur if the current user profile does not have enough permission or related system file is corrupted. Please try the following steps to troubleshoot the issue.
    1. Assure the current user account has administrator permission. If not, please add it to Administrators Group and then test the issue again.
    2. Restart the machine in Safe Mode and logon to the machine with the account: administrator. Then, please check whether the option is grayed out.
    3. If the option is still grayed out, please try this step.
    a. Open C:\Windows\System32 folder and change the ownership of the ComUID.dll file from "trusted installer" to administrators group.
    b. Rename that file as ComUID.dll.org
    c. Copy the attached ComUID.dl_ file from the Windows 7 installation disk to C:\Windows\System32 folder and rename it to ComUID.dll
    Thanks,
    Novak

  • I can not activate my CS4 license on my new iMac 27' computer! When I down load CS$ link provided by Customer Support my computer does not recognize the files!

    I have a new iMac 27" computer purchased yesterday. It is running Maverick 10.9.4. I had an iMac 24" running the latest version of Maverick it could run. The graphics card crapped out and I could not repair the computer. Howver, I had a "My Passport" back-up disk from which I transferred all the files to the new machine. Howver, I can not open any of the CS4 apps. I get the error message: 150:30, which I I have learned from Apple is a licensing issue error code! How can I activate my CS4 on the new computer?

    You can run the license repair tool from Error "Licensing has stopped working" | Mac OS or you can simply uninstall the product and can reinstall the product from Download CS4 products.

  • Help - my ipod touch is stuck in the itunes screen, computer recognizes it when I plug it in, but won't restore, wants to restore and update, but get error message.  now what

    ok -  my ipod touch is stuck on the itunes screen.  Have tried shutting it off, plugging it into my windows computer, and it does recognize that it's there.  it goes to restore mode, then immediately goes to restore and update.  then back to restore mode,  then an error message.  don't know where to go from here,  any suggestions?

    Try here:
    iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
    iPod touch: Hardware troubleshooting

  • I had to reformat my computer and put my Itunes on an external hard drive.  Once I fixed my computer and put Itunes back I can't itunes to open on my PC.  I see it but it appears locked now.

    I reformed my PC and placed my Itunes on a external hard drive.  I have moved them back to the PC but can not open.  How are i get my Itunes working I can see them in my files but they are locked.

    I'm sure when it was taken to reformat, he just put everything from my computer onto the external.  I know he did't save them to any back up disc's.  When he moved everything back is when I lost my Itunes library and it only shows as that XML.  I do have an old back up I can restore most.
    Any way to import from my touch what is on it, I have not connected it to my PC since.
    I did get all my music purchased on, but under purchased I can't find my movies.
    Thank you!!

  • HT1212 hello i forgot my password for my iphone and it doesnt let me sinc it to my computer and i need it unblocked can you help me i am locked out for 60 mins

    hello can you please help me unlock my phone i need it and its locked out for 60 mins what casn i do my computer doesnt want to let me sinc it

    You will have to restore it form Recovery Mode as it states in the artcile that brought you here.
    Alternatively, place the device in recovery mode and restore it to erase the device:
    Disconnect the USB cable from the device, but leave the other end of the cable connected to your computer's USB port.
    Turn off the device: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds until the red slider appears, then slide the slider. Wait for the device to shut down.
    While pressing and holding the Home button, reconnect the USB cable to the device. The device should turn on.
    Continue holding the Home button until you see the Connect to iTunes screen.
    iTunes will alert you that it has detected a device in recovery mode. Click OK, and then restore the device.

  • CS4: Convert to Grayscale grayed out

    Trying to convert an Illust. CS4 document to grayscale using the manuals steps: Choose Edit > Edit Colors > Convert To Grayscale. However, all those options under Edit > Edit Colors > are grayed out (ironically ;^). I assume I have to convert something first, but what? Thanks!

    >Convert to Grayscale grayed out
    Oh, man... That's right up there with the timeless NY Post headline, "Headless Body in Topless Bar."
    I'm sorry, I can't comment further. I'm at AI 12 (CS2), which does not have that feature.

  • Moved CS4 files from WinXP to new Win 8.0 computer but get Licensing error. Now what?

    Tried to move my CS4 Suite from Windows XP to new computer running Windows 8.0 and now receive Licensing for this product has stopped working, Error Message 5. I no longer have the disks for this program. Help!

    Hi lcinlalala,
    I would just like add that you can refer to this KB too:-
    http://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/error-licensing-stopped-windows.html
    Prior to it, it will be best to check the technical requirements for CS4 at
    http://www.adobe.com/store/en_gb/popup/software/creativesuite/mastercollection4/systemreqs .html
    or
    http://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/system-requirements-cs4-point-products.html
    You can also try changing the compatibility of the Windows8, please refer to :-
    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-8/older-programs-compatible-version-windows
    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/6832-compatibility-mode-use-windows-8-a.html
    Hope it assists your issue.
    Regards,
    Rajshree

  • Using InDesign CS4 on iMac. Had to restore computer from backup. Licensing has stopped working. Error code 150:30. How can I reestablish my license?

    Using InDesign CS4 on iMac. Had to restore computer from backup. Licensing has stopped working. Error code 150:30. How can I reestablish my license?

    You'll need to have a chat with Adobe Support. Here's a link:
    https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?step=ZNA_downloading-installing-setting-up_licensing- activation
    We can't help you with that here.

  • How do I uninstall a license on a computer that broke so that I can reinstall it on my new computer?  This is for CS4 Design Premium.

    How do I uninstall a license on a computer that broke so that I can reinstall it on my new computer?  This is for CS4 Design Premium.

    open a cs4 program>click help>deactivate.
    if you're not able to do that contact adobe support for an activation count reset. contact adobe support by clicking here and, when available, click 'still need help', https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html
    Downloadable installation files available:
    Suites and Programs:  CC 2014 | CC | CS6 | CS5.5 | CS5 | CS4, CS4 Web Standard | CS3
    Acrobat:  XI, X | 9,8 | 9 standard
    Premiere Elements:  13 | 12 | 11, 10 | 9, 8, 7 win | 8 mac | 7 mac
    Photoshop Elements:  13 |12 | 11, 10 | 9,8,7 win | 8 mac | 7 mac
    Lightroom:  5.7.1| 5 | 4 | 3
    Captivate:  8 | 7 | 6 | 5.5, 5
    Contribute:  CS5 | CS4, CS3
    Download and installation help for Adobe links
    Download and installation help for Prodesigntools links are listed on most linked pages.  They are critical; especially steps 1, 2 and 3.  If you click a link that does not have those steps listed, open a second window using the Lightroom 3 link to see those 'Important Instructions'.

  • I wish to extend my CS4 license to a third computer

    I am seeking information about extending my valid CS4 license to a third machine.

    There is no such thing. You would have to buy an extra full license, but that's no longer possible for CS4.
    Mylenium

  • Photoshop CS4 - Licensing Error 150:30

    I have a MacBook with the OS X Maverick Operating System and have had no prior issues using my Photoshop CS4. My computer recently crashed and had to have my operating system re-installed. I tried to open up Photoshop today and this window popped up: "Licensing for this product has stopped working". I tried restarting the computer like the window mentioned and that did nothing. I also tried the solutions listed on the Adobe website for the Error: 150:30 and nothing has worked. My main problem is I cannot finish the "solutions" because I cannot locate the folder "FlexNet" or "FlexNet Licensing" or anything of that nature that is referred to in the solutions.

    The Licensing repair tool does work. OSX 10.7 and above:
    Download and open LicenseRecovery111.dmg on your Desktop
    Open Terminal and type sudo and leave a space. <do not press "Enter" yet>.
    Open the License Folder on the opened LicenseRecovery111.dmg and drag
    "LicenseRecover.py" file into the Terminal Window.
    The sudo command and path to the .py file should look like the screenshot below.
    Press Enter to begin
    Type in your password, but know that you will not see dots or asterisks as you type.
    Press Enter again, let the script run and finish. You should be able to run Photoshop now.
    (If this answer solves it, mark it as "correct" or get back to me if it doesn't.)

  • Illustrator cs4 license problems no solutions have worked

    i have cs4 illustrator. Imac running mavericks. get error code 150:30. I have reviewed the adobe information. no sollution works. I do not have flexnet folder- don't know why. I can't find it on any old computer either as some have. I downloaded the launcher, tried terminal, went to sudo command, dragged icon of liceneRecoverylauncher program, and get a syntax error. nothing happens in termainl. The other solutions are too draconian, not likely to work, or not applicable. THis is very, very irritating. if there were another product from another provideer, I would abandon adobe for it, but there isn't. I've shelled out many hundreds of dollars for 2 licenses for illustrator, can't use anything. very, very irritating.

    ason,
    Thanks for asking.
    Do you mean reinstall with the cds?
    I have not. Is there a way I can talk with someone? I don't really even know how useful this license will be. The computer I'm using now is probably not the one on which cs4 was originally installed. That computer died, and I cloned it/migrated its programs, etc. to a newer one, using a time machine back up. This new comuter is running Mavericks. Surely the original OS was pre Mavericks.  The present computer also has no CD drive. The Cs4 package I have (on my hard drive)  is version 14.0.0 copyright 1987-2008.  I do not know if this is as installed out of the box, or possibly upgraded through the internet over time.
    There is an uninstall program also on my hard drive.
    But, I do not have a disk drive on this mac. I have another mac networked, and it has a cd drive- not sure I can access that, probably I can.
    My first question is, is the version of cs4 compatible any longer with my mac hardware and Mavericks?
    If not, then I don't want to go through all of this trouble- it's very frustrating. I'd rather bite a bullet and get a paid upgrade, I suppose, and install it cleanly?
    But If it is, then I would try.
    If I'll need an upgrade anyhow, and if that would require downloading, and paying a fee, etc., and then all would be fine, then, i'd rather skip to that step, although, I'd of course like to spend as little money as I need to, but, on the other hand, my time is valuable to me also,
    I also don't recall whether I had a two machine license or not. We were able to use it on two machines, I think I had such, but perhaps we were running them non-simultaneously, or something else, I do not know. I only see one box of cds on the shelf, so, probably didn't buy two boxes.
    I don't even know to whom to ask these questions. I would like to be able to phone someone, but can't find any such number.
    so, I look forward to your reply, if you would know.

Maybe you are looking for