Is Adobe serious with their serial number processes?

Question

I recently lost a hard drive and all my CS3 components with it. After the fact, I am learning I cannot re-enter my PAID serial numbers to reactivate the software (flash/PS)
I was on "online support" for an hour today, only to learn I need to call adobe now.
Meanwhile, I can't use the 30-day trial versions of anything, because I guess my system attempted activating the software with "used" serial numbers.
I don't understand this process. EVERY other software I've ever purchased works as long as you have the serial number. I need to get on my programs ASAP, and Adobe's support(or lack of) is making it impossible to get my work done.
The serial numbers were purchased from the company I work for. They allow about 4 machines per number. I really don't feel like sitting on the phone on hold for an hour, like the last time I had to contact Adobe.
I am really frustrated. This software is restricting me from getting work done. As much as people hate Microsoft, the software reinstalled in a breeze. Why can't Adobe learn from them.
How do I fix the situation?

Answer 1

It might, unless you've exhusted the amount of activations allowed per product (which is 2).
Adobe's activation process does actually recognize a machine that already has an activation on it, unless that machine had been formatted or had undergone a major hardware change, such as motherboard or HD replacement.
Of course it's not Adobe's business where you perform your work, but it is their business making sure that their customers are following the EULA, which is a legal contract between Adobe and it's customers.
Do you actually know which version you received from your company? Was it a volume license or a retail license? Because volume licenses have no activation, just a limited number of "seats". A retail version has a limited amount of activations. Once you arrive to that number you need to contact Adobe Activation by phone (the number appears in the activation window) and give them a decent explanation about why they should grant you another activation.