I tried to activate my CS2 Premium and Acrobat 7 (Windows) and got an error message that the Activation server is unavailable.

I understand that Adobe to remedy this difficulty has made available a version of these software titles that does not require activation.

So after uninstalling all these, I downloaded the version provided at the Adobe website and have 3 questions:

1) Adobe provides a "Pdf file" that is supposed to explain the installation steps; it lists 7 file names to be downloaded for the premium version, however, when I signed in using my Adobe ID to download it,  there were only 5 items (.exe files) to be seen for the  CS2-Download. Are there missing files or is the "Pdf-file" incorrect?

2) This "Pdf-file" instructs me as the first step to open the 5 files, but lists them in an odd order. Are these to be simultaneously selected and opened?

3) One of the files ending with "_4" I do not see as available in the list of downloads at the Adobe website...where do I find it?

I'm using Windows XP Professional. I've not tried to open any exe files -- simply because there is no explanation of what they contain.

I've had the entire CS2 Premium installed on my PC, and use mainly Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat 7 Pro, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and sometimes Contribute.  The last 3 Macromedia products have not been uninstalled yet.

It is exactly these step-by-step instructions that are difficult to follow: where the pdf lists 7 file names to be downloaded for the premium version, online there were only 5 items (.exe files) to download.  OK, I'll try to run the exe files and choose to install later. Should I be deinstalling my Macromedia software before I start?

If you're only seeing the 5 files, and not the missing D4 file or the Extras 2 folder for the Premium version, you'll probably have to contact Adobe. I don't think anyone outside of the company will be able to force the missing files to populate your list.

As for the instructions, I had to read through them a dozen times before I figured them out, myself. They basically tell you to extract all the files *EXCEPT* the one for Disk 1 first, because Disk 1 will automatically run the installer program, and they want the files already unpacked onto your hard drive before you run it.

Now, *I* am having a problem I need help with...I've followed the instructions to the T, and the stupid installer program won't work properly. I run and unpack all the other files first, then I unpack the Disk 1 file and let the installer run, it installs the first disk, then it asks me to insert Disk 2.

Uhm...there *is* no disk 2, it was a downloadable file that I already unpacked, per the instructions.

Obviously, there's details missing from this installation process that I'm not privy to.

I am running Windows 7 Professional 64. Yes, I know it's technically "completely unsupported." Yes, I've had the call center guy tell me it won't work. Yes, I was running it on Windows 7 Professional 64 for a full month without any problems (until I tried to run the program with my internet connection down and it told me I needed to re-authenticate, causing this situation to begin with).

I have also attempted to use this installer package on my Windows XP Pro 32 machine, I'm getting the exact same problem, it asks for a disk that simply doesn't exist.

Also, I'm POOR. Like, scraping to pay the bills POOR. The only reason I have Creative Suite 2 is that it was given to me as a gift a few years ago. Running out and throwing hundreds of dollars at CS6 is absolutely out of the question.

Ideas?

Ok,

I reinstalled the Adobe After Effects 7.0 from the Creative Suite CDs I have and it is giving me the same server error.

How do I activate After Effects 7.0?

EDIT: And now that I downloaded Premiere 2.0 and tried installing it on WIndows 7 64, it won't startup correctly. What I think is BS is I had the whole suite running on Windows7 for 2 years. So are you going to tell me the software I paid over 1800$ (2006) for now is usless because you decided your activation server was costing you to much money?

This is rediculous, if I hadn't JUST reinstalled my OS I wouldn't even be having these problems but now you have locked me out of my products.

Mike

Message was edited by: TeotiGraphix

PS,

Why can't you do phone activations still with the serial and activation number? Is that tied to the activation server where you can't get the activation number? This is what gets me frustrated, there IS a way to get the original CDs to activate without an internet connection! So why can't I use that method over the phone?

Mike

So where does this leave me? After Effects 7.0 has obviously been affected by this shutdown and it's not included in my downloads. Premiere Pro2.0 dosn't work on my windows anymore when the one I installed from the disks worked just fine.

What do you suggest I do? Do you have any advice getting Premeire working on Windows 7 64?

Mike

+1 for After Effects. I have downloaded the parts of Production Suite CS2 that I need - except After Effects 7.

For hints on installing under Win7 x64, look here:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_pro grams/windows-7-is-not-compatible-with-adobe-photoshop/6f1b4955-7166-4 b8f-ad9b-5d19150f803f

Linda

I just bought Production Studio Premium on Amazon to use on my home computer.  Just finished installing only to find that the activation servers were shut down less than a month ago.

I'm in the process of downloading all of the files I found by following the instructions phone activation gave but I'm concerned about issues I'll have with those files...  Running Windows 8.

Any advice from those who've already been down this path??

I called adobe and with an agent on the line and he guided me through the suggested steps above unsuccessfully.

My uninstall of Production Studio Premium was incomplete and now I am not able to install either, my original DVDS or the CS2 downloads.   He then attempted to connect me with a "installation expert" and my call was dropped.  Now I am on hold with Adobe again with a wait time of 30 minutes.

I was also assured by the adobe agent that After Effects was included in the CS2 downloads but it does not apear in any of the extracted files.

Please help.

I am having the exact same issue.  I reformated my hard drive, and now I am locked out of software I paid good money for.  I am not very happy with Adobe at all.  I know this activation protocol is great for keeping people from pirating this software, and that's great.  However, I think this is a terrible business model.  I spoke to an agent on the phone, and was told basically that my only solution was to upgrade.  Why would I give more money to adobe if I don't even know how long I'd be "allowed" to use the upgrade.  Please get this fixed soon.

Like JenniMac1215 and Teoitigraphix I am now blocked from using my CS2 Production Premium After Effects 7 and Encore 2 software (that I paid full $ for) due to Adobe removing the activation server. Needless to say, I'm very frustrated and awaiting a fix ASAP.

The problems began after I recently upgraded my XP system hard drive via cloning, AE reported it needed to reactivate. No problem I thought. Except that the server was always "unavailable".  After many failed activation connection attempts I searched and came across the Adobe page stating the server was taken down and I needed to uninstall all CS2 software, login, download and install the modified software (that doesn't require activation). BTW, the instructions provided are terrible; they refer to files that aren't there and the whole thing is very convoluted.

Trouble is, the CS2 provided omits several key programs from my original CS2 Production Premium discs like AE7 and Encore2.

I tried "supplimenting" the downloaded CS2 with the original discs CS2, but AE won't activate and has locked me out. I need AE to work on a project. No, I don't want to pay hundreds more to Adobe for the latest version when the version I have has been paid for, activated and working fine for years. The only reason I am locked out of my own software is because Adobe decided to take down their activation server.

Please fix this mess ASAP.

Is Adobe Systems aware that these new serial numbers and download lists appear to be available to everyone with an adobe ID?  (..and not just the CS2 owners)