Activation is an anonymous series of simple and quick steps users of Adobe Photoshop CS take upon installation in order to begin using the application. Product activation is built in to help Adobe prevent copying of the software onto more than the number of computers permitted by the license agreement governing the software.
You can choose the activation process you prefer: by Internet, by phone using the 24-hour automated Adobe Software Activation System, or by phone speaking directly with a Customer Care Representative. If you've activated more than two times using your internet connection, you'll need to activate by phone.
During the activation process, you'll provide Adobe with the a randomly-generated activation number given to you. Because each activation code and serial number is unique, Adobe can compare the numbers from your activation request with our database to help ensure your copy of the software has not been activated more times than allowed under its license agreement. For instructions on the activation process, see the How To Install readme on the Installation CD.
Adobe's activation system offers you a choice on when and how to activate. Adobe offers a 30-day grace period during which you can use the software without activating. There are activation reminders during the grace period. After the 30-day grace period you won't be able to use the software until you activate.
Some circumstances may require you to activate again. If you replace or reformat your computer's hard drive, you may need to activate again on that computer. You may also need to activate again if you uninstall Adobe Photoshop. There are two uninstall options. Advanced Uninstall removes most all components of the software, requiring you to activate again when you reinstall. If you uninstall using the Standard option, you won't need to activate again (certain activation related files and information remain on your computer).
The unique serial number assigned to each copy of Photoshop CS is combined with a randomly generated number, assigned to your computer. Adobe's activation system does not transmit, or collect, any personal information, including your hardware configuration.
Activation is separate from product registration, which is optional. Registration is for those customers who want to receive information about product updates and other special offers from Adobe. Adobe stores registration and activation information on separate secure servers, and there is no linking of these sets of data.
Note: No personal information is provided to Adobe Systems when you activate your software. No information about your use of the product or the files you create with the product is provided to Adobe Systems. Data necessary for activation is sent to Adobe Systems only at the time of activation.
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