Adobe Creative Suite 3 is Pure Crap!

Well, the title says it all... I'm not talking about the software itself but rather the installation process. I tried on 3 differents computers (Vista 64-Bits & 32-Bits) and I always end up in a dead end.

First, when I tried to install to another drive than C:\ (because there was not enough space available) the installer refused to continue on anoter partition... always telling me there was not enough space (you need at least 1.4Gb available on the C:\ drive even when installing elsewere).

Then when I repartitioned my drive to get more free space on the C:\ drive, the installation when thru but I got the following warning at the end:

Hmmm...

And when I try to start any of the CS3 program, I get the following:

"Licensing for this product has stopped working. You cannot use this product at this time. You must repair the problem by uninstalling and then reinstalling this product or contacting your IT administrator or Adobe customer support for help."

After this first experience I tried with a Vista 64-Bits computer and I got the same stupid message and during the installation, I also had to point to AdobePDF.dll (in the AMD64 folder above) to allow Acrobat Professional 8 to continue...

Then I installed on a brand new computer with Vista 64-Bits and the same happened so CS3 installer doesn't like Vista at all.

I've been browsing the net and adobe's website for a solution and I tried many different approach but still no luck:

• Enable or disable UAC
• Launch from command line with administrator previleges (run as...)
• Copy installation files to the hard drive and then launch the installation
• Move or delete the cache.db file (Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe PCD\cache)
• Search installation log for "ERROR" and "DEBUG"
• Tried on 3 differents computers with Vista 64-Bits and 32-Bits

Well, that's about it... here are some really helpfull recommendation regarding CS3 on Vista from Adobe:

TechNote Troubleshoot installation problems (Adobe Creative Suite 3.x on Windows Vista)

1. Make sure that the system meets the minimum requirements for Adobe Creative Suite 3
2. Check the DVD and DVD-ROM drive.
3. Install Adobe Creative Suite 3 in a simplified mode from the desktop.
4. Optimize handling of temporary files by Windows Vista.
5. Repair and defragment hard disks.
6. Scan the system for viruses.
7. Install Adobe Creative Suite 3 on a different computer.
8. Visit the Adobe User to User Forums.

WoW Now that's HELPFULL, Thanks Adobe. Great job.

Update on Monday, October 8, 2007 at 22:34 by Patrick Laforte

I think I found it. I added a application.xml.override file in the installation folder. It is used to perform silent (Unattended) installation.
Even if I wasn't using it, I guess it was taken into account because nothing was working.

It looks like this file was badly formated. When I copied the XML example from the Adobe documentation, the double quotes tag (") wasn't the proper caracter (similar but not valid).

Also, I'd like to point out this XML is crappy if you take a look at the first line and the fact that the <charge> tag remains open.

Way to go Adobe!

<?xml version="place1.0" encoding="utf-place8"?> WTF???
<Configuration>
<Payload>
<Charge> Remains unclosed?
<Data key="Serial" protected="0">SERIALKEY</Data>
<Data key="Registration">Suppress</Data>
<Data key="EULA">Suppress</Data>
</Payload>
</Configuration>

Update on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 19:07 by Patrick Laforte

One last detail, I have been unable to install with this file yet. I have to remove it from the installation source (or rename it) in order to install. Otherwise the file is taken into account and it doesn't work...

The fun part is that it takes at least 1 hour to remove the creative suite and then try to reinstall. :-(

Comments

[sash]

yeah cs3 installation is shit, i almost threw my crap laptop out the window

[Altaf]

Really, I'm facing the same problem, I attend Max 2007 Europe event and everybody was talking about CS3, Well i was impressed by their demo, in sneak peak they were talking about CS4 and CS5 why the hell do we need 4 and 5 when 3 is not installing. I have a brand new computer and was using CS2 it was fine, until this crap came to my mind. During the event i was so impressed that I wanted to buy the CS3 right away, lucky I didn't do that. Instead bought a Trail Version of Adobe Masters Collection, oh my god, i tried around 50 times to install in my brand new computer, but nothing, it installs only few components and few applications nothing else. I reformatted my computer several times. But nothing i just ended up wasting my time, hey guys its not worth spending time on internet to find solution it cannot be installed.
I challenge if any Adobe Technicians can install that in my computer. Anyways there is no use banging my head on the wall, just forget about this and use your CS2.

[Altair]

"in the AMD64 folder above"

Where's the AMD64 folder above?

[efficent]

I agree, Adobe have dug a whole and made it really deep this time. i wont be supporting their products anymore.

[bob]

Do not purchase Adobe CS 3. I've used it for two months without many problems. Today it virtually imploded. First Premier went down then every other Adobe program went with it. I have 8 months worth of work that had to be finalized by the 17th that is now gone. I used my HP to jump back five days figuring (hoping) could use that start-up. No luck. Even HP couldn't save the files. I contacted Adobe for help - their technical support closes at five so... I lose $250,000! That's right you piece of low-life-garbage, $250,000 of contract work that is now lost. If I can't get that stuff fixed tomorrow the contract expires and I'm screwed. SCREWED. It couldn't have picked a better time. And, for those of you wondering, yes, I back-up my files. Every other program is working fine - but Creative Suites. Do yourself favor - DO NOT PURCHASE THIS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the second time it's failed on me but it seemed to be running fine until three hours ago, just after I completed the first video. If I lose this money my next web site is dedicated to the demise of ADOBE. Fortunately I have attorneys that will climb on this like ugly on ADOBE and since I may have no other choice that may be the direction I'll have to take. I run 3D MAX and other applications - including photo shop 4, and I've never had these problems.
IF YOU BUY THIS JUNK IT"S YOUR MISTAKE. Take it from a "LOSER" - save yourself the misery.

[IronChef]

Did you ever get it working?

I am digging through all the same info and not getting anywhere. I am going to try to call Adobe Tech Support tomorrow.

I seem to be having a different problem from anyone else. My install works just fine. I have Adobe Design Standard CS3 student edition but I am using Vista 64-bit on a new HP laptop with Vista Home Basic.

I can install fine but when I run Photoshop it just hangs on loading. Once or twice it got all the way to "register product" but that thing didn't seem to work correctly and crashed everytime.

Argh!

[Henry in AZ]

Yes Adobe c3 is stinking pile of shit. I use it at my business and have wasted many hours with license stopped working and installers that will not work. And always the same lame f'in response from adobe in a delayed prolonged manner .

I am typing this on my new out of the box HP desktop computer and can tell you that the OEM Adobe CS3 disk WILL NOT perform a successful installation.

[Adobe Hater in FL]

This has been a problem since 2007???

CS3 was working on my laptop until a week ago and poof! I, like others, spent too much time trying to resolve the problem with no luck.

I loved Macromedia and was not pleased when Adobe took over. Now I'm reminded why!!

Ahhhhhh....

Thanks for listening.