CS3 activation issue

[adamk75209817]

I can't activate CS3. I've contacted support, provided the serial number and activation code and claims it continues to fail and told me to post here. 

I tried calling the phone number and no longer supported. Online activation is no longer available.

Please help ASAP. Thank you.

[kglad]

the activation server was shuttered, Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8

[John Waller]

Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8

Have you followed the steps provided by Adobe above to obtain a new non-activation version and serial number?

[bethc51761847]

I am having the same issue and I have followed the steps, and it still isn't working

[John Waller]

still isn't working

Where exactly are you getting stuck?

[bethc51761847]

I uninstall the software then download the new files and install them when I go to open the programs it asks me to activate the software but I keep getting the same error message that there is no internet connection

[Nancy OShea]

Just to be clear are you being prompted for Activation or Registration?  These are 2 different things.

Registration is not required to use the software.  You can hit the never Register this Software button.

If it's an Activation prompt, did you use the CS Cleaner Tool to wipe all traces of old CS3 from your system before you installed the replacement version?

Use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to solve installation problems

If not, see reply #22 from this thread:

Re: CS3 - Still getting Activation Error Message with new Installer

Nancy

[bethc51761847]

I uninstall the software then download the new files and install them when I go to open the programs it asks me to activate the software but I keep getting the same error message that there is no internet connection

[kglad]

the downloaded files don't need activation so you're doing something wrong.

[adamk75209817 · Accepted solution]

I have since figured it out and so far it's working. I followed this thread:CS3 - Still getting Activation Error Message with...

plus I did this: Obtain a new serial number | CS3, CS4

Hope this helps but if I run into an issue in a few days, I'll come back and update the post.

[brightonwhite]

I had the same problem today with my new Mac.   Apple did a data transfer and I had to remove the CS3 suite off my new computer.   I followed all the instructions and downloaded everything.  When I clicked the set up it asked me for my new serial number and I typed in what was given to me only to be told it was an invalid number.  I contacted the Chat and they told me to upgrade of course.  The issue is CS3 works for what I need but now I can't get it unlocked and they won't give me a valid code.  Really frustrating.

[kglad]

hi,

use the new cs3 serial number with the newly downloaded cs3 program. both should have been obtained via https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/activation-fails-cs3-acrobat-8.html

[brightonwhite]

I did this but when I put in the new number it says the number is invalid.  So I contacted support via chat and asked them and they said to post the problem to the forum because they no longer support cs3  I told them I could post it to the forum but I doubt anyone there could give me a valid activation code!  I checked it 3 times so I know I am not typing it in wrong....

[kglad]

if the number is correct, the installation file is incorrect.  they must match.

also, it's possible you had a different cs3 version/serial number installed before on the computer you're using and that's causing a problem.

so,

uninstall cs3 (using the uninstaller)

clean per http://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/cs5-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

remove the cache.db file from Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/

restart your computer

follow the steps here to install cs3, https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/activation-fails-cs3-acrobat-8.html

if that fails read this, https://forums.adobe.com/thread/2385900

[brightonwhite]

It didn't work so I went to the last thing you said and am following that the problem is I am on a Mac and the instructions are for Windows.  In step 7 it says to find the file AdobePCD and delete it but I don't have a file called that - or I can't find one.  Where do I find that file on a Mac?  BTW - thanks for your help - I appreciate it!!

[Nancy OShea]

Resolve "temporary activation expired" error for CS3 and Acrobat 8

Uninstall all Adobe software before removing the cache.db file. To uninstall the software, run the Adobe uninstaller from the following locations:

• Mac OS: In the Finder, navigate to Applications > Utilities > Adobe Installers.

Download and run the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to remove any remaining licensing entries.

Navigate to the cache folder and manually remove the cache.db file. 

Mac OS: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/

[brightonwhite]

I just can't find the file.  In my Library file there is a Caches folder and when you open that the only thing in there is a folder called GeoServices and in there is a ReqCount.db file.  There is no Application Support file there - I even used the search tool to find it and it didn't show I had one.  This is a brand new computer so maybe that is it?

When I search Cache - a folder comes up but when I click on that it is empty.

I uninstalled the Adobe Creative Suite with uninstaller but there are still Adobe folders in Applications - none are the actual software but there are folders for Adobe, Illustrator and InDesign still there.

When I search Cache.db in the search bar for "This Mac" nothing comes up there either.  Any ideas??

[kglad]

your pcd and slstore folders, Configuration error in Adobe Creative Cloud

[brightonwhite]

The issue I don't have either an AdobePCD or an SLStore under my Adobe folder.  I even called Apple today and they did a screen share and could not help me - they said it wasn't there.  What am I missing?  Is it because I am no the new Sierra and a new Mac and those folders don't exist anymore??

[kglad]

if they're already gone there's no license left from a previous version so you should be successful continuing with the other steps in message 13.

[brightonwhite]

I tried it again with the number they gave me and it says it is an invalid number so I am right back where I started.  Really frustrating.

[kglad]

i haven't seen anyone else have that problem if they're using the new serial number and the new cs3 version and they're old license was cleared.

so i suspect the slstore and/or adobe pcd folders are still on your computer: check this thread to see if it helps: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/2385900