CS2 activation no longer possible?

[1DSmII]

Last time I checked (doesn't seem that long ago) it was, but apparently it's not any more? If it is, what key to use?

 

[BobKnDP]

Photoshop CS2?

It's dead.

A quick Web search indicates that the activation servers for Photoshop CS2 no longer exist.

(CS2 was released in 2005. CS6 was the last version that wasn't subscription based.)

 

[jfriend00]

Last time I checked (doesn't seem that long ago) it was, but apparently it's not any more? If it is, what key to use?

It's time to check out Affinity Photo 2. Quite a bit more capable than CS2, very reasonably priced, great value for your money and not subscription. I replaced my copy of CS6 with Affinity Photo a number of years ago. In addition to all the features added in the last dozen years, it's handy to have support for modern image formats too like HEIC.

--
John

 

[1DSmII]

That's what google told me too. I fully intend to complain, as I did pay a lot for CS2!

 

[1DSmII]

Last time I checked (doesn't seem that long ago) it was, but apparently it's not any more? If it is, what key to use?

It's time to check out Affinity Photo 2. Quite a bit more capable than CS2, very reasonably priced, great value for your money and not subscription. I replaced my copy of CS6 with Affinity Photo a number of years ago. In addition to all the features added in the last dozen years, it's handy to have support for modern image formats too like HEIC.

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out. Have you tried GIMP? if so, how do they compare?

 

[jfriend00]

Last time I checked (doesn't seem that long ago) it was, but apparently it's not any more? If it is, what key to use?

It's time to check out Affinity Photo 2. Quite a bit more capable than CS2, very reasonably priced, great value for your money and not subscription. I replaced my copy of CS6 with Affinity Photo a number of years ago. In addition to all the features added in the last dozen years, it's handy to have support for modern image formats too like HEIC.

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out. Have you tried GIMP? if so, how do they compare?

I have not tried GIMP. I am going to try DarkTable though for RAW editing (unhappy with LR subscription and Capture One price increases).

 

[Tom_N]

Last time I checked (doesn't seem that long ago) it was, but apparently it's not any more? If it is, what key to use?

If I remember correctly, Adobe permanently deactivated the activation servers for CS2 a few years ago. That broke the ability to do clean reinstalls.

Adobe then issued a revised CS2 – for CS2 owners – that doesn't depend on being able to contact the (now-dead) Adobe DRM servers. I don't remember if that one came with its own key or if Adobe meant for you to plug in the key you got when you bought CS2.

 

[Tom_N]

Last time I checked (doesn't seem that long ago) it was, but apparently it's not any more? If it is, what key to use?

If I remember correctly, Adobe permanently deactivated the activation servers for CS2 a few years ago. That broke the ability to do clean reinstalls.

Adobe then issued a revised CS2 – for CS2 owners – that doesn't depend on being able to contact the (now-dead) Adobe DRM servers. I don't remember if that one came with its own key or if Adobe meant for you to plug in the key you got when you bought CS2.

CNET had a January 2013 article about the activation-free installer (meant only for CS2 owners) – but even at the time, it appears that people who weren't CS2 customers had been abusing it as a way to get CS2 for "free."

A couple of 2019 posts in Adobe's forums said that "Adobe has removed the activation-free installer and serial number" and that "The party's over." If you have registered CS2 with Adobe, you could try contacting Adobe support to see if they would provide a copy of the activation-free installer, but I'm not sure if they'd still do that even for registered owners.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/down...ow-do-i-activate-cs2-cs2-is-dead/m-p/10500952

 

[1DSmII]

Last time I checked (doesn't seem that long ago) it was, but apparently it's not any more? If it is, what key to use?

If I remember correctly, Adobe permanently deactivated the activation servers for CS2 a few years ago. That broke the ability to do clean reinstalls.

Adobe then issued a revised CS2 – for CS2 owners – that doesn't depend on being able to contact the (now-dead) Adobe DRM servers. I don't remember if that one came with its own key or if Adobe meant for you to plug in the key you got when you bought CS2.

CNET had a January 2013 article about the activation-free installer (meant only for CS2 owners) – but even at the time, it appears that people who weren't CS2 customers had been abusing it as a way to get CS2 for "free."

A couple of 2019 posts in Adobe's forums said that "Adobe has removed the activation-free installer and serial number" and that "The party's over." If you have registered CS2 with Adobe, you could try contacting Adobe support to see if they would provide a copy of the activation-free installer, but I'm not sure if they'd still do that even for registered owners.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/down...ow-do-i-activate-cs2-cs2-is-dead/m-p/10500952

That is very interesting. Thanks for posting. Nothing to loose so I'll try Adobe support.

 

[bakubo]

If I remember correctly, Adobe permanently deactivated the activation servers for CS2 a few years ago. That broke the ability to do clean reinstalls.

Adobe then issued a revised CS2 – for CS2 owners – that doesn't depend on being able to contact the (now-dead) Adobe DRM servers. I don't remember if that one came with its own key or if Adobe meant for you to plug in the key you got when you bought CS2.

Yes, I remember that. I think there is a thread on dpreview from a few years ago with the link and info.

 

[Ho72]

That is very interesting. Thanks for posting. Nothing to loose so I'll try Adobe support.

Probably a waste of time. The servers for versions up through CS4 are gone and they ain't coming back. I've read that some of the support staff will actually laugh at you if you make the request to activate CS2. Further, AFAIK, the only way to get the activation-free version now is to find someone who has it and is willing to share. Likely not strictly legal but I doubt Adobe cares at this point.

FWIW, I just installed CS5 not long ago so it is (or was) still viable.

--
Sometimes I look at posts from people I've placed on my IGNORE list. When I do, I'm quickly reminded of why I chose to ignore them in the first place.

 

[BobKnDP]

Last time I checked (doesn't seem that long ago) it was, but apparently it's not any more? If it is, what key to use?

If I remember correctly, Adobe permanently deactivated the activation servers for CS2 a few years ago. That broke the ability to do clean reinstalls.

Adobe then issued a revised CS2 – for CS2 owners – that doesn't depend on being able to contact the (now-dead) Adobe DRM servers. I don't remember if that one came with its own key or if Adobe meant for you to plug in the key you got when you bought CS2.

CNET had a January 2013 article about the activation-free installer (meant only for CS2 owners) – but even at the time, it appears that people who weren't CS2 customers had been abusing it as a way to get CS2 for "free."

A couple of 2019 posts in Adobe's forums said that "Adobe has removed the activation-free installer and serial number" and that "The party's over." If you have registered CS2 with Adobe, you could try contacting Adobe support to see if they would provide a copy of the activation-free installer, but I'm not sure if they'd still do that even for registered owners.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/down...ow-do-i-activate-cs2-cs2-is-dead/m-p/10500952

That is very interesting. Thanks for posting. Nothing to loose so I'll try Adobe support.

Adobe offers download links for old versions of Photoshop if you registered with them. I have CS2 on my list, but the oldest version offered to me is CS5.

 

[1DSmII]

Last time I checked (doesn't seem that long ago) it was, but apparently it's not any more? If it is, what key to use?

If I remember correctly, Adobe permanently deactivated the activation servers for CS2 a few years ago. That broke the ability to do clean reinstalls.

Adobe then issued a revised CS2 – for CS2 owners – that doesn't depend on being able to contact the (now-dead) Adobe DRM servers. I don't remember if that one came with its own key or if Adobe meant for you to plug in the key you got when you bought CS2.

CNET had a January 2013 article about the activation-free installer (meant only for CS2 owners) – but even at the time, it appears that people who weren't CS2 customers had been abusing it as a way to get CS2 for "free."

A couple of 2019 posts in Adobe's forums said that "Adobe has removed the activation-free installer and serial number" and that "The party's over." If you have registered CS2 with Adobe, you could try contacting Adobe support to see if they would provide a copy of the activation-free installer, but I'm not sure if they'd still do that even for registered owners.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/down...ow-do-i-activate-cs2-cs2-is-dead/m-p/10500952

That is very interesting. Thanks for posting. Nothing to loose so I'll try Adobe support.

Adobe offers download links for old versions of Photoshop if you registered with them. I have CS2 on my list, but the oldest version offered to me is CS5.

Would I be eligible for an upgrade? I did pay full price for CS2.

I tried to log in to my Adobe account, but it seems my email is not recognized - It's probably 15+ years since I logged in!

 

[cnyphotoguy]

Last time I checked (doesn't seem that long ago) it was, but apparently it's not any more? If it is, what key to use?

If I remember correctly, Adobe permanently deactivated the activation servers for CS2 a few years ago. That broke the ability to do clean reinstalls.

Adobe then issued a revised CS2 – for CS2 owners – that doesn't depend on being able to contact the (now-dead) Adobe DRM servers. I don't remember if that one came with its own key or if Adobe meant for you to plug in the key you got when you bought CS2.

CNET had a January 2013 article about the activation-free installer (meant only for CS2 owners) – but even at the time, it appears that people who weren't CS2 customers had been abusing it as a way to get CS2 for "free."

A couple of 2019 posts in Adobe's forums said that "Adobe has removed the activation-free installer and serial number" and that "The party's over." If you have registered CS2 with Adobe, you could try contacting Adobe support to see if they would provide a copy of the activation-free installer, but I'm not sure if they'd still do that even for registered owners.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/down...ow-do-i-activate-cs2-cs2-is-dead/m-p/10500952

That is very interesting. Thanks for posting. Nothing to loose so I'll try Adobe support.

Adobe offers download links for old versions of Photoshop if you registered with them. I have CS2 on my list, but the oldest version offered to me is CS5.

Would I be eligible for an upgrade? I did pay full price for CS2.

I tried to log in to my Adobe account, but it seems my email is not recognized - It's probably 15+ years since I logged in!

no, there is no availability of non subscription licensing. At $10usd per month starting its still a great value.

 

[BobKnDP]

(snip)

Would I be eligible for an upgrade? I did pay full price for CS2.

I tried to log in to my Adobe account, but it seems my email is not recognized - It's probably 15+ years since I logged in!

Upgrade to what?

As far as I know, Adobe only offers Photoshop as a subscription service now.

After using CS6 for years, I finally went with the $10/month subscription (with a minimal 20GB of cloud storage) something over a year ago. (Adobe still offers that, although I believe they try to steer you to the $20/month service (1TB of cloud storage).

The newer version of Photoshop is friendlier to high-resolution monitors (like 3840 X 2160).

 

[1DSmII]

(snip)

Would I be eligible for an upgrade? I did pay full price for CS2.

I tried to log in to my Adobe account, but it seems my email is not recognized - It's probably 15+ years since I logged in!

Upgrade to what?

That is what I was wondering!

You said:

"Adobe offers download links for old versions of Photoshop if you registered with them. I have CS2 on my list, but the oldest version offered to me is CS5."

Hence, why I wondered if upgrading was possible.

As far as I know, Adobe only offers Photoshop as a subscription service now.

After using CS6 for years, I finally went with the $10/month subscription (with a minimal 20GB of cloud storage) something over a year ago. (Adobe still offers that, although I believe they try to steer you to the $20/month service (1TB of cloud storage).

The newer version of Photoshop is friendlier to high-resolution monitors (like 3840 X 2160).

I'm really not interested in subscription based software. I'll likely go for something else like Afinity, or GIMP if I can't get CS2 back.

 

[BobKnDP]

(snip)

Would I be eligible for an upgrade? I did pay full price for CS2.

I tried to log in to my Adobe account, but it seems my email is not recognized - It's probably 15+ years since I logged in!

Upgrade to what?

That is what I was wondering!

You said:

"Adobe offers download links for old versions of Photoshop if you registered with them. I have CS2 on my list, but the oldest version offered to me is CS5."

Hence, why I wondered if upgrading was possible.

As far as I know, Adobe only offers Photoshop as a subscription service now.

After using CS6 for years, I finally went with the $10/month subscription (with a minimal 20GB of cloud storage) something over a year ago. (Adobe still offers that, although I believe they try to steer you to the $20/month service (1TB of cloud storage).

The newer version of Photoshop is friendlier to high-resolution monitors (like 3840 X 2160).

I'm really not interested in subscription based software. I'll likely go for something else like Afinity, or GIMP if I can't get CS2 back.

I suppose that Adobe could offer an upgrade to an old version of Photoshop that they still offer activation support for. It wouldn't be a free upgrade, even if it existed.

But I'd wager $1 (a lot for me; I don't gamble) that no such upgrade is offered. You could ask. They may not laugh before they say no.

Something not yet mentioned: Photoshop Elements. I don't know whether that could serve as a replacement for PS CS2, but it is available for purchase (not subscription).

I've not used it, but Affinity is supposed to be a real bargain.

 

[cnyphotoguy]

(snip)

Would I be eligible for an upgrade? I did pay full price for CS2.

I tried to log in to my Adobe account, but it seems my email is not recognized - It's probably 15+ years since I logged in!

Upgrade to what?

That is what I was wondering!

You said:

"Adobe offers download links for old versions of Photoshop if you registered with them. I have CS2 on my list, but the oldest version offered to me is CS5."

Hence, why I wondered if upgrading was possible.

As far as I know, Adobe only offers Photoshop as a subscription service now.

After using CS6 for years, I finally went with the $10/month subscription (with a minimal 20GB of cloud storage) something over a year ago. (Adobe still offers that, although I believe they try to steer you to the $20/month service (1TB of cloud storage).

The newer version of Photoshop is friendlier to high-resolution monitors (like 3840 X 2160).

I'm really not interested in subscription based software. I'll likely go for something else like Afinity, or GIMP if I can't get CS2 back.

I suppose that Adobe could offer an upgrade to an old version of Photoshop that they still offer activation support for. It wouldn't be a free upgrade, even if it existed.

But I'd wager $1 (a lot for me; I don't gamble) that no such upgrade is offered. You could ask. They may not laugh before they say no.

Something not yet mentioned: Photoshop Elements. I don't know whether that could serve as a replacement for PS CS2, but it is available for purchase (not subscription).

I've not used it, but Affinity is supposed to be a real bargain.

Adobe will not sell new CS6 licensing, they consider it end of life. It contains licensed IP from other companies they no longer pay for.

GIMP is not a RAW editor fwiw, Darktable/rawtherepee would be the free options.

 

[1DSmII]

(snip)

Would I be eligible for an upgrade? I did pay full price for CS2.

I tried to log in to my Adobe account, but it seems my email is not recognized - It's probably 15+ years since I logged in!

Upgrade to what?

That is what I was wondering!

You said:

"Adobe offers download links for old versions of Photoshop if you registered with them. I have CS2 on my list, but the oldest version offered to me is CS5."

Hence, why I wondered if upgrading was possible.

As far as I know, Adobe only offers Photoshop as a subscription service now.

After using CS6 for years, I finally went with the $10/month subscription (with a minimal 20GB of cloud storage) something over a year ago. (Adobe still offers that, although I believe they try to steer you to the $20/month service (1TB of cloud storage).

The newer version of Photoshop is friendlier to high-resolution monitors (like 3840 X 2160).

I'm really not interested in subscription based software. I'll likely go for something else like Afinity, or GIMP if I can't get CS2 back.

I suppose that Adobe could offer an upgrade to an old version of Photoshop that they still offer activation support for. It wouldn't be a free upgrade, even if it existed.

But I'd wager $1 (a lot for me; I don't gamble) that no such upgrade is offered. You could ask. They may not laugh before they say no.

Something not yet mentioned: Photoshop Elements. I don't know whether that could serve as a replacement for PS CS2, but it is available for purchase (not subscription).

I've not used it, but Affinity is supposed to be a real bargain.

Adobe will not sell new CS6 licensing, they consider it end of life. It contains licensed IP from other companies they no longer pay for.

I still have to chase up a few possible leads with CS2, and I'll give Elements a try as I've never tried it, so there are still a few leads to pursue.

GIMP is not a RAW editor fwiw, Darktable/rawtherepee would be the free options.

I usually use C1P as a RAW converter, and import into CS2 as TIF, but I'm curious to see what Darktable/rawtherepee are all about, as I've heard them mentioned a fair bit, and am not at all familiar with them. Thanks to both of you for the suggestions.

 

[bakubo]

I usually use C1P as a RAW converter, and import into CS2 as TIF, but I'm curious to see what Darktable/rawtherepee are all about, as I've heard them mentioned a fair bit, and am not at all familiar with them. Thanks to both of you for the suggestions.

Here is a tutorial for new users of the current version of darktable 4.2.0 (4 part video):

darktable 4.2.0 released today:

I have seen many people become discouraged when they pull out their hair trying to learn Lightroom and discover it is not just a darktable clone. If what you want is a darktable clone then you will be disappointed. You will have to bite the bullet and get the real thing: darktable. :-) ^^

www.dpreview.com