Error "License has expired" when you start Adobe CS3 applications, including Design and Web Suites
Issue
When you attempt to start Adobe CS3 applications, you receive the error message: "License has expired," and the application does not start.
Reason
This issue occurs when an Adobe CS3 Suite or stand-alone application is installed after the public beta version of a CS3 application has been removed. When you remove the public beta, you must also deactivate it before you attempt to install the retail version of an Adobe CS3 Suite or application. If you do not deactivate, the system retains your serial number information and automatically enters it into the appropriate spaces in the Adobe CS3 setup application.
Solution
Replace the Adobe CS3 beta or pre-release serial number with your retail serial number.
1. Remove the CS3 application:
- On Windows XP: Remove CS3 using Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel.
Watch a movie that illustrates this process - On Windows Vista: From the Programs And Features section of the Control Panel, select the Adobe CS3 application or Suite and click Uninstall/Change.
Watch a movie that illustrates this process - On Mac OS: Open the uninstaller from Applications/Utilities/Adobe Installers.
Watch a movie that illustrates this process
2. Download and run the Adobe CS3Clean Script from the Adobe website at www.adobe.com/support/contact/cs3clean.html.
3. Locate and remove any remaining cache.db files:
- On Windows XP and Windows Vista, the cache.db file is located in Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe PCD\cache
- On Mac OS X, the cache.db file is located in Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache
Important: After you delete the cache.db file, you must re-enter the serial numbers for your other existing Adobe products.
Reinstall the Adobe CS3 Suite or stand-alone application and enter the serial number from your retail version.
Adobe Captivate Movies for Using the Uninstaller
The Adobe Captivate movie below illustrates how to remove CS3 suites or applications using the uninstaller on Windows XP.
The Adobe Captivate movie below illustrates how to remove CS3 suites or applications using the uninstaller on Windows Vista.
The Adobe Captivate movie below illustrates how to remove CS3 suites or applications using the uninstaller on Mac OS.
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