The cause of the activation or connection error is Adobe has “retired” their older activation servers. It was these servers that Photoshop CS3 were connecting to every time I started the program (ie to check that the serial code is legit). What this means is that older Adobe software such as CS3 and Acrobat 8 can no longer be activated. It could be a firewall or other security software blocking access. If you can try switching your internet connection, for example from your work wifi to your home wifi that may work. A quick fix is to choose to authorize your computer without an Adobe ID. That will get you up and running. Adobe Flash end of support on December 31, 2020.; 2 minutes to read; T; In this article. Originally published: September 9, 2019 Updated: September 11, 2020. Please go here to search for your product's lifecycle.
On how many computers can I activate my apps? You can install your apps on multiple computers but activate them on two computers at a time. See On how many computers can I install my apps?
Why do I need to activate or deactivate my apps?
Activation validates your software license by contacting Adobe servers periodically. The frequency depends on the app and your plan.
Deactivation disconnects your app from your computer. You can then activate the apps on another computer or later reactivate them on the same computer.
Make sure your computer is connected to the Internet.
If prompted, sign in. Your app is now activated. Otherwise, choose one of the following options from the Help menu depending on your app:
If you see Sign Out in the menu option, it means you are already signed in.
Make sure your computer is connected to the Internet.
Open the app that you want to deactivate, and sign in if prompted.
Choose one of the following options from the Help menu depending on your app:
If you select Help > Deactivate choose one of the following options (when prompted):
Deactivate or Suspend Activation: Temporarily deactivates the app, but retains licensing information on your computer.
Deactivate permanently: Removes the licensing information from your computer and requires you enter a serial number to activate again.
If you still have issues in activating or deactivating your apps, see one of the following:
If you bought a new computer and want to transfer your apps to it, simply deactivate your apps from the old computer so that you can use them on the new computer.
Uninstalled or deleted your app?
Uninstalling or deleting the app from the old computer or formatting the computer does not deactivate the app.
Old computer no longer available?
If the computer on which you installed the product is no longer available (for example you have lost the computer or formatted the hard drive or the hard drive has crashed), you can deactivate your apps from the account management page. Then install the apps on the new computer and follow the onscreen instructions.
If you have more than one Adobe ID, check that you are logged into your account with the correct ID. If you are not logged in with the correct ID, sign out and then sign in to the Creative Cloud desktop app. For more details, see Stop Creative Cloud from showing trial mode after purchase.
If you have more than one Adobe ID, check that you are logged into your account with the correct ID. If you are logged in with the correct ID, sign out and then sign in to the Creative Cloud desktop app. For more details see Stop Creative Cloud from showing trial mode after purchase.
Uninstalling an app from a computer does not deactivate its license. You may still install the app on the new computer. When prompted to sign in, follow the onscreen instructions to deactivate the app on the old computer.
Still facing problems? See Activation and deactivation troubleshooting.
Information stored on your device during Activation
Activation stores information about your license in encoded form on the system hard drive of your computer at the following locations:
Application version | Storage location |
| Prior to Creative Cloud 2019 | Adobe directory |
| Creative Cloud 2019 or later | Per-user OS secure storage using credential entries whose names start with Adobe at the following locations:
|
The following types of information may be sent to Adobe during activation:
- Unique IDs (generated by Adobe) specific to your machine and to the license you have purchased for the software. These IDs cannot be used to locate your machine or identify you personally.
- Your Adobe ID, if you have logged in to Adobe as part of the installation, update, or use of the Adobe software. The Adobe ID personally identifies you, and links to all information that you have provided to Adobe while creating or using your Adobe account. If you or your company uses an administrator or other authorized party for the foregoing, Adobe may also receive the Adobe ID of that party.
Adobe Activation No Internet Connection
- Operating system type and version
- Locale (language dialect and writing system) in use
- Local machine time (including time zone)
- Machine ID
- Machine name
- Application name and version
- Locale (language dialect and writing system) in use
- Internet Explorer version
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Adobe Cs3 Activation No Connection
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