Can't get licence for Elements 14 after trial period

[fedwards]

After my trial period for Elements 14 ended, I clicked on "Licence this software." I paid the fee but received a serial number for Elements 2018 (and a download link) instead of the earlier version that will actually work on my Mac (OS 10.9.5). I entered the serial number that Adobe sent me but Elements 14 wouldn't activate with it.

I just spent an hour on Adobe chat support but the staffer could only give me a refund -- no ability to issue a serial number that will work with my trial Elements 2014. He told me I had to go to a retailer or third-party to get the older version but Adobe offers uploads of the older versions.

I suspect there is a route to pay for Elements 14 after the trial but all my attempts lead to a licence for Elements 2018.

Any help would be appreciated.

Frank

[99jon · Accepted solution]

Hi Frank,

Adobe only sells the current version because they no longer support older versions. But you may be able to find a copy on line that is compatible with your OS. Try Amazon, Costco, Bestbuy, PC World etc. If you can buy the boxed version with disks, the serial number will be inside, on the disk wrapper. If you are lucky enough to find a copy of PSE14 there is no need to uninstall the trial. Simply enter the serial number from your purchase to licence the softer permanently.

Example from Amazon UK

[fedwards]

Thanks Jon. What you say makes sense... but I don't understand why Adobe allows downloads and 30 day trials of software it no longer makes available. Odd.

[99jon]

I think it is so users can check that installation and running is compatible with their computer systems. Adobe then offers upgrade pricing on the latest version for any owner of a previous version.