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Roughly the same problem as base-noter, but I want to continue using my Creative Suites Premium CS2 on my recently upgraded (replaced) company laptop. Currently Windows 7.
I followed the steps from "Correct Answer" for my CS2 and found my 24 digit serial number. and End User ID.
But I had ALREADY installed CS2 on the new computer with that 24-digit serial number!
I'm STILL getting the error "Your username, company or serial number is missing or invalid. The application can no longer be executed and will now close" (or words to that effect) whenever I try to use (e.g) Photoshop.
This is diabolically bad product design and user experience. Why don't I at least get the opportunity to re-enter the serial number, an identity-verification dialogue, or at least a link to some dept that can fix the problem? The product just shuts down and leaves you flat!
All I want to do is continue the legitimate use of a product that I paid for. I didn't rent the software; I bought it.
Please provide a simple way to way to move my CS2 to a replacement Win7 computer. Thanks.
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Branching to a separate discussion.
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Bosch_pb did you utilize the installation files and serial number referenced in Error: "Activation Server Unavailable" | CS2, Acrobat 7, Audition 3 to download and reinstall Creative Suite 2?
If not have you removed your current installation and reinstalled using the installation files and serial number referenced above?
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Thanks for picking this up, Jeff.
Questions:
Thanks in advance
+pb
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My understanding is that (re)installing ANY CS2 product means you must use the special version at the link Jeff provided... your original version simply will not activate, since there is no longer an activation server
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Thanks John,
If that is so then the weird thing is that each of the 3 CS2 applications that I installed from Jeff's link (the "Creative Suite 2" product) behaves differently:
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PB if you have tried the suggestions in this discussion then I would recommend installing Creative Suite 2 on a clean installation of Windows 7. The previous recovery, and subsequent orphaned files and registry keys, are likely leading to the inability to install and validate Creative Suite 2 on Windows 7.
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Thats just stupid. I bought this for $1000 7 years ago with the expectation that I would be able to use the programs when I needed.
To kill an activation server to disallow old software is BS. I want my money back.
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Sorry all, more pressing matters have kept me away of late, but jasonp deserves a reply.
Jeff A Wright wrote:
PB if you have tried the suggestions in this discussion then I would recommend installing Creative Suite 2 on a clean installation of Windows 7. The previous recovery, and subsequent orphaned files and registry keys, are likely leading to the inability to install and validate Creative Suite 2 on Windows 7.
Jeff, in the Adobe scheme of making their paying customers jump through hoops, this is a hoop too far.
Big companies like mine do not allow their employees to reinstall their laptops' operating systems any more. Adobe should know this.
BTW it is also a a hoop-too-far to suggest we move to that explicit SW-rental model that you call "Creative Cloud".
But what really rankles (and this is jasonp's point), is that it turns out we were duped into thinking we had bought SW, when in fact we were only renting it all along, because we were unwittingly at the mercy of some "activation server" which Adobe has now turned off! In effect Adobe is remotely disabling legitimately purchased software in an attempt to force customers to upgrade.
Well Adobe will find that this strategy will backfire: Why should I trust a company that can (and has been proven to) remotely disable my purchases in this way? "Fooled me once, shame on you, fooled me twice..." It wouldn't be my first choice, but I guess I'll have to try GIMP, Inkscape and the other freeware that's now available.
I have worked in tech support myself, Jeff, and I don't blame you personally, but I would appreciate it if you could escalate jasonp's and my dissatisfaction to a level where it might do some good.
And if Adobe wants to do the decent thing, you have all that you need to allow our software to work as purchased.
Bosch_pb
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Bosch_pb I would recommend re-reviewing the discussion you originally responded to Activation server shut down for Creative Suite 2, Acrobat 7, and Macromedia products where your question has been discussed.
I branched you to a new discussion to see if there was any additional steps which could be implemented to allow Creative Suite 2 to install under your current installation of Windows 7.
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PB you are welcome to try installing Creative Suite 2 under Windows 7. The error you are experiencing usually occurs when the installation was copied/transferred/migrated to the new computer. I would recommend running the uninstaller, if available, and then reinstalling again.
If you can't find the uninstaller then you will want to use the steps listed in Manually remove Adobe Creative Suite 2.x | Windows to remove your current installation. Please be aware that many of the file locations were changed during the Windows Vista time period. You may need to find the appropriate updated location for Windows Vista or later.
Finally as an alternative you may want to consider a Creative Cloud membership. Our latest Creative applications are designed to work under Windows 7. Additional details can be found at Software and services for creative professionals | Adobe Creative Cloud. System requirements for the Creative Cloud can be found at System requirements | Creative Cloud.
Please feel free to update this discussion if you have any additional questions.
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Started Illustrator --> works
Started Photoshop --> I'm STILL getting the error "Your username, company or serial number is missing or invalid. The application can no longer be executed and will now close" (in German)
In other words, back to square one
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Yes PB just removing and reinstalling may not resolve the issue. You are welcome to review Error "Please personalize your copy..." or "The serial number..." | InDesign, InCopy | CS2 | Windows.... If you continue to experience difficulties then you may want to have a fresh install of Windows 7 and then install Creative Suite 2 or complete the manual removal instructions referenced in message #5.