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cocteau3
cocteau3
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Is it possible to purchase a used, deactivated copy of creative suite cs3 from a seller?

May 18, 2011 6:12 PM

Hi folks, I am shopping on eBay for computer related items, and I see many people are selling used copies of Adobe Creative Suite CS3 for example. Is it legal, and possible to purchase a used copy if the seller properly "deactivates" the software? Or is this only for his/her use on a second computer? My guess is that the deactivation feature allows the original purchaser only to use the software on a second, new computer . . . and not intended for the original purchaser to SELL the software to a new person . . . I'd love to be able to buy a copy used, but is this possible? Most versions are Educational versions too, in case this makes a difference. Help anyone? These sellers don't seem to have a clue about it other than to say they are "deactivating" the software and it will ask "me" for a serial number off the box. I think registration and installation utilize the internet and keeps track of the name of the original purchaser?

6594 Views   19 Replies   Latest reply: Dov Isaacs, Jun 19, 2012 8:44 AM
 
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  • Dov Isaacs
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    1. Dov Isaacs,
    May 18, 2011 6:22 PM   in reply to cocteau3
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    It is legal to sell a used copy of the Adobe Creative Suite if (1) it is neither an student/academic nor a NFR copy, (2) it is not currently activated on any computers, (3) it wasn't already used as the basis for an upgrade, and (4) the current owner of the license is willing to fill out a transfer of ownership form and file it with Adobe.

     

    That having been said, much if not most Adobe software that appears on eBay or similar outlets (such as Craigslist) is either (a) counterfeit/pirated software, (b) illegal attempts to "unbundle" volume-licensed software sold to a large enterprise for use only by its members, or (b) ineligible for legal transfer per the the four points above.

     

    Let the buyer beware!

     

              - Dov

     
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  • cocteau3
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    2. cocteau3,
    May 18, 2011 6:42 PM   in reply to Dov Isaacs
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    Yes, as I thought. I must be a smart shopper by nature. There are many people who, I believe are well intended and are not software pirates, yet they believe they can simply deactivate the software and then sell it, presuming that when I attempt to install it, it will allow the installation... is this true? Regardless, I would ask them to initiate a transfer program first..

     
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  • alhayoth
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    3. alhayoth,
    May 19, 2011 2:15 AM   in reply to Dov Isaacs
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    Strongly linked to the original post, my question is: to how many computers could an owner install his/her CS3 Master Collection S/T Ed originally? The same as per later versions, i.e. two? One desktop and one laptop provided the two systems do not run simultaneously?

    If so, in case I am unable to install my acquired second-hand CS3 onto my laptop, what does it mean? The original owner might still use it on one of his/her systems?

    I suspect I made a mistake, the question is how to resolve it.

     
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  • Bob Levine
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    4. Bob Levine,
    May 19, 2011 5:45 AM   in reply to alhayoth
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    Original owner? Of a student/teacher edition?

     

    The EULA for that is quite clear...it can not be transferred to a new owner. You have an illegal copy installed on your computer.

     

    Bob

     
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  • cocteau3
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    5. cocteau3,
    May 19, 2011 10:11 AM   in reply to Bob Levine
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    Sounds like the seller did not deactivate the software, or if they did, they re-installed a copy? Make the seller provide a transfer form...

     
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  • Bob Levine
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    6. Bob Levine,
    May 19, 2011 10:16 AM   in reply to cocteau3
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    A student/teacher version CANNOT be transferred.

     

    Bob

     
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  • cocteau3
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    7. cocteau3,
    May 19, 2011 10:27 AM   in reply to cocteau3
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    I found this article:  http://www.adobe.com/products/activation/?promoid=GYODU

     

    It describes the activation process, which uses "information collected" to determine the status of the deactivated and re-activated software. I can imagine experiencing problems upon activating (installing) puchased used software, even if the seller has deactivated his/her copy. It is possible certainly, to imply the buyer's computer is the new user of the orginal software, but if I'm in another region of the country, it could be suspicious. Therefore, the transfer form is the way to go. Insist on it. Although, I'm not sure how to conduct a purchase. Will the seller complete the transfer before being paid, or after being paid? Hmmm....

     
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  • Dov Isaacs
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    8. Dov Isaacs,
    May 19, 2011 10:31 AM   in reply to cocteau3
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    This problem is exactly why purchasing “used” software on eBay is so risky!

     

              - Dov

     
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  • alhayoth
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    9. alhayoth,
    May 20, 2011 6:46 AM   in reply to Bob Levine
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    Bob,

     

    That's why I said I made a mistake - the question is how I can resolve.

     

    NOW I know I should've read this forum PRIOR TO making any risky business on eBay BUT the damage is done and I really want to resolve any matters, legal or illegal, connected with this purchase. Your answer prompts some repercussions towards the seller as well, however, this is an Adobe forum so I keep eBay-related questions aside.

     

    Still, knowing that a S/T edition cannot be transferred, my question is: to how many computers can a CS3 be installed? What does EULA of CS3 says?

     

    Thanks,

    alhayoth

     
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  • Bob Levine
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    10. Bob Levine,
    May 20, 2011 6:49 AM   in reply to alhayoth
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    You only resolve that through eBay.

     

    As for legality, if you care about such things you will uninstall that software and go after the seller.

     

    Bob

     
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  • Bob Levine
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    11. Bob Levine,
    May 20, 2011 6:50 AM   in reply to Bob Levine
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    Oh, as far as LEGAL copies go, you can install in as many machines as you want, but you can only have two activated at the same time.

     

    Bob

     
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  • alhayoth
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    12. alhayoth,
    May 20, 2011 7:14 AM   in reply to Bob Levine
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    I forgot to add: the seller did NOT describe the CS3 as S/T edition. I realized this fact at the very moment I opened the parcel. When making an inquiry about it, he replied I should not make any fuss about, I should go home and make money with the software. I sensed something was, and is, wrong.

     

    What I can do here in the first place is to warn anyone who intends to, or just thinks about to, purchase software packs through on-line channels.

     
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  • cocteau3
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    13. cocteau3,
    May 20, 2011 8:43 AM   in reply to alhayoth
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    You can file disputes through eBay, although they can be difficult at understanding the basic truth. It depends

    entirely on how the seller advertised the software, and what exchanges and communications you had with the seller

    about the software. I imagine if you did not discuss the transfer of license prior to purchase, then there is a problem?

     

    I'm thinking you can install in two machines, but not the same time, yet if the software were to be installed in your computer,

    say in Washington state, and you bought it from someone at another ISP location such as Maryland. the adobe activation

    process will "flag" the installation. Note that on this page, it mentions using information to assess this possibility:

     

    http://www.adobe.com/products/activation/?promoid=GYODU

     

    Use of information could imply controlling this license transfer subject. I can't say I blame them, so the only way to go

    is the license transfer. Why not in the first place? Use this info and these links when you arbitrate with eBay.

     

    J

     
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  • cocteau3
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    14. cocteau3,
    May 23, 2011 6:14 PM   in reply to cocteau3
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    "Oh, as far as LEGAL copies go, you  can install in as many machines as you want, but you can only have two  activated at the same time.

     

    Bob"

     

    More questions:

     

    What then is the difference between installation and activation? Don't you have to activate to install? How would adobe tell if someone has their software activated on more than two computers? Is this because you have to activate online? I suppose so..... so how could one install the software on more than two? Is this because you just install it, and then in a different step, go online to adobe to 'activate' it?

     

    Anonther question

     

    If one bought a used computer that came with adobe creative suite cs3 loaded on it, and the seller kept the discs, would/could there be any issues later with using the software? I assume the sold computer would have no problems as long as one did not deactivate the software from it. But for the seller who sells the computer with the software loaded, he/she may run into problems if they install the discs onto their new computer? More selling / buying issues here.

     

    Thanks for any advice!

     
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  • Bob Levine
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    15. Bob Levine,
    May 23, 2011 6:28 PM   in reply to cocteau3
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    You install then activate.

     

    I'm not going to provide advice on obviously illegal installations.

     

    Bob

     
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  • Ian C. Matthew
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    16. Ian C. Matthew,
    May 27, 2011 8:55 AM   in reply to cocteau3
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    "What then is the difference between installation and activation?"

     

    As Bob says, when you install, the software does just that. It installs and takes up space on your hard disk. Activation is a process of the CS software contacting Adobe's (or in the case of Windows and Office, contacting Microsoft's) servers via your broadband connection to make sure you have a legit copy of said program or suite. Checks are made esp the product key. If a pirated copy of Windows, Photoshop, Office etc is using an overused product key, then this key will be eventually blacklisted and blocked.

     

    You can use software without activation. With the likes of Adobe CS and Office you're limited to a period of 30 days effectively a trial, albeit a very expensive one.

     
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  • Bakerxxxxx
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    17. Bakerxxxxx,
    Jun 18, 2012 6:55 PM   in reply to Bob Levine
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    Ian,

     

    Helpful information which I wish to take a bit futher and be more specific to my situation. 

     

    I just ordered the upgrade to CS6 Master Collection.  That upgrade eligibility comes from owning CS4 (full purchase) and CS5 (upgrade).  Once the install of CS6 is complete, I intend to transfer ownership of those earlier versions to my two children living out of state, one for each.  I am wondering, after I install the CS6 upgrade and transfer ownership using the forms supplied by Adobe, will I have a problem re-installing my CS6 upgrade on another computer if 1) one of my two computer dies and I buy a new one, or, 2) I have to reinstall my operating system and all software due to corruption problems?  Will Adobe allow me to reinstall the upgrade if I no longer own the CS4/CS5?

     

    Thank you in advance for any light you can shed on this situation.

     

    bakerxxxxx

     
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  • Bob Levine
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    18. Bob Levine,
    Jun 19, 2012 5:46 AM   in reply to Bakerxxxxx
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    That would be a violation of the license. Any version you use as the basis of an upgrade is tied to that upgrade.

     

     

     

    You cannot transfer the earlier versions!

     

     

     

    Bob

     
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  • Dov Isaacs
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    19. Dov Isaacs,
    Jun 19, 2012 8:44 AM   in reply to Bakerxxxxx
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    On behalf of Adobe, once you upgrade from a particular software version, you no longer have any right whatsoever to transfer (either sell or give) the older software. You may continue to use that software on the same system(s) you have installed the upgrade on, but legally, the new and the upgraded software are the same license.

     

              - Dov

     
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