Adobe Software Activation

What is activation?

Activation is the process of validating your software installation to enable the product use rights for a specific computer. The product use rights are granted by your software license agreement.

What rights does my product license agreement provide?

The Adobe product license agreement allows you to install and use the product on a primary computer and also on a secondary computer (on a desktop computer at home or on a laptop computer), provided that the two copies are not used simultaneously. For more information about Adobe software licenses, see Adobe product license agreements.

Is any personal information transmitted during activation?

No. Activation is completely anonymous and no personally identifiable information is transmitted. The unique serial number assigned to each copy of Adobe software is combined with a “machine identifier” for your computer. When you activate your product, this machine identifier, the product serial number, and the string name of the computer are transmitted to Adobe to ensure that each genuine copy of its software is not activated more than the permitted number of times. The activation system does not collect, transmit, or use any personal information.

I have used Adobe software with activation in the past. What’s different now?

Adobe is simplifying the activation process. In the past, activation was an explicit process that you needed to complete within 30 days of first using the product. Starting with Acrobat 9, the software activates automatically upon detecting an active connection to the Internet. Activation occurs silently in the background. Activation via the telephone will no longer be necessary or offered as an option.

How do I activate my software if I don’t have access to the Internet?

The Adobe software detects when a connection to the Internet is available and processes the activation automatically. If a connection is not available, the product will continue to run normally and will attempt to activate during a subsequent session.

Can I move my license to a new computer?

Yes. You can deactivate the software either on your primary or secondary computer, and start using it on your new computer. A license can be deactivated a maximum of 20 times. If you attempt to deactivate more than 20 times, the deactivation will be denied and the software will remain activated on your computer.

What happens if my computer is stolen or damaged and cannot be repaired?

If your computer is stolen, damaged beyond repair or the hard drive is completely re-imaged, the activation will be lost. In either case you can install and start using the Adobe product on your new computer, which will automatically detect the problem if you already had two computers activated. The activation process will guide you through the new activation, even if the prior computer is no longer available.

My serial number was rejected. What does that mean?

While processing the activation, the Adobe activation application may determine that the serial number you provided is either invalid (non-genuine) or has been explicitly revoked. In either case you will receive a message, and be given the opportunity to enter a new serial number for your Adobe software product.

My company purchases Adobe licenses under a volume agreement. How does activation affects me?

Product activation applies mostly to the individual retail versions of Adobe Acrobat 9 and is generally not part of the Adobe Open Options programs. In some regions, however, activation might apply to certain volume licensing programs. Volume licensing customers who order Adobe software products should order licensing program-specific CD sets. Contact your Adobe Authorized Reseller or customer service representative if you have questions, or see Adobe Open Options.

Who can I contact for more information?

You can contact an Adobe Customer service agent to help you with your activation problem.

Additional information and details on activation are available at the Adobe Product Activation center.