Can't Deactivate Adobe Creative Suite 3 Master Collection

Hussman · 17 Feb 2013 at 19:00

I've got a legitimate copy of Adobe CS3 Master Collection.

It was given to me by a colleague when his business collapsed about 3 years ago. It has been sitting on the shelf ever since.

I decided to sell the software as I have no use for it. However, I need to ensure I am selling this legally. According to a number of websites, including Adobe themselves, the software needs to be "deregistered" or deactivated".

My colleague cannot remember if the software was deactivated, but knows the PC it was installed on has been reformatted and no CS software is on there. To try and see if the software would work I have installed it tonight on my PC.

I was hoping that if I could install it, I would be able to "deactivate it" and sell it, knowing it would install on the buyers PC.

I was able to install the software, registation number was accepted etc. However, on trying to "deactivate it" there is no option to do so. I have looked in the help menu and also ensured all menu items are visible. There is no deactivate option.

The only option that looks similar is "download e-license" or "return e-license". Both of which are greyed out.

Any ideas, I'm keen to sell the software.

Thanks in advance.

Hussman

Philip Perfect · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:16

A different version, but my copy of Photoshop CS5 has a 'deactivate' option in the help menu.

Perhaps for your version its something that needs to be done through the Adobe website?

Idleman · 18 Feb 2013 at 01:54

CS3 also has a"Deactivate" option in help menu, although sometimes it does`nt appear, so you have to try it again, until it does.
Also, if your friend has used up the number of times you are allowed to deactivate, it may not be possible.

Antar Bolaeisk · 18 Feb 2013 at 07:31

You could try giving adobe a call but they'll insist the key be registered to an account. It's worked for me in the past when moving it from a dead hdd to a new PC.

ShakenNstirred · 18 Feb 2013 at 08:38

What's well out of date software like this still worth anyway

Posted from Overclockers.co.uk App for Android

Antar Bolaeisk · 18 Feb 2013 at 09:27

ShakenNstirred said:
What's well out of date software like this still worth anyway

Posted from Overclockers.co.uk App for Android

Probably a decent enough price as there's no other way to get it now and some people are stuck, either because all the other computers run CS3 or because their Mac won't run anything higher.

durbs · 19 Feb 2013 at 00:15

I'd just phone them. Adobe are really tight on activations but you should be able to check whether that code has either of the 2 activations available on it. Just say you are changing pc's and can't deactivate it.

I recently reinstalled my laptop and PC that run CS5 with Windows 8 and forgot to deactivate the Adobe products. When reinstalling it wouldn't activate so I used their web chat and was told that as the activation count had been exceeded I'd have to purchase a new license to use it!! They then suggested I take out a cloud membership for CS6.

I ended up phoning them where after an argument with me saying There was no way i was going to pay £100's again to reinstall the licensed boxed copy I had sat in front of me they finally reset the activation count.