Defeating the Adobe CS4 ‘License Expired’ dialog in OS X.

Posted by admin

In How To, Tips
26Jan 09

“License Expired. Licensing for this product has expired.” – Adobe CS4, 2009

CS4 License Expired Dialog

When Adobe CS4 issues this message on your Mac alarm bells might start going off in your head. Not to worry though, simply quit all CS4 apps and delete the following file:

/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db

The above path refers to the top level Library immediately inside your Macintosh HD. Now when you restart your CS4 apps you’ll be prompted to license your product with a new serial number.

If you have lost your serial number / product key, or otherwise feel justified in so doing, you may download a CS4 keygen (key generator) which will work on your Intel Mac here.

If the Adobe activation servers are stopping you opening CS4, see ‘Stop Adobe CS4 calling home to Mother Ship in OS X’ .

(358) Comments

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355 Comments

HighVoltag3, January 27, 2009:

Excellent!! been looking like crazy for this…
admin, January 27, 2009:

no sweat!
mischamisch, January 27, 2009:

hmmm.. the above worked, but then when i entered a new serial number it pinged adobe’s server… arghh!
admin, January 28, 2009:

I’ll be posting instructions on how to shut your Adobe apps up later today! Thanks for the feedback.
Dartagnan, January 28, 2009:

Looking forward to the part about shutting the adobe apps up.
Great work though.
admin, January 28, 2009:

To block CS4 pinging Adobe’s servers see http://machacks.tv/2009/01/28/stop-adobe-cs4-calling-home-to-mother-ship-in-os-x/
JayZ, January 29, 2009:

Once deleted, reloaded app and cache.db reappears, every time. Any thoughts?
admin, January 29, 2009:

After deleting cache.db and relaunching apps it is normal a new cache.db will be created. If the problem is you’re not being prompted for a new serial then I suggest you reboot your Mac to make sure all Adobe app processes are killed. Make sure u have no Adobe Login Items. After reboot then delete cache.db and finally launch an Adobe CS4 app.

Disconnect from the Internet as you do this or follow the steps laid out in this how to:
http://machacks.tv/2009/01/28/stop-adobe-cs4-calling-home-to-mother-ship-in-os-x/
Dartagnan, January 29, 2009:

Tanks man! Very nice and easy to follow your instructions.
Tommy Soprano, January 29, 2009:

Great stuff!
SC, January 29, 2009:

I’m having difficulties locating the Adobe PCD file on my hard drive. I’m using a non-intel mac. Any suggestions?
admin, January 29, 2009:

PPC / Intel should make no diff. As long as it’s CS4 make sure you’re going into the right Library folder. Macintosh HD > Library, not home_folder > Library.
MS, January 29, 2009:

Greetings Gents,

I am having a bit of a problem setting up CS4. I hope someone can help … After removing “/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db” file, rebooting, and inputting a new randomly created serial number I am still receiving the same message “License Expired”. The kicker is my internet connection is turned off and little snitch is on. CS4 is giving me the expired message even without calling home… Strange. Anyone got any ideas?

THANKS….
Peter, January 29, 2009:

I have gone through the procedure of stoppng cs4 from calling its mothership outlined here and have deleted the cache.db file. As soon as I enter a serial and get a green check mark I get a validation warning and then I get a license expired pop up. How do I solve this? My trial period already expired on my Cs4 copy.
Mike, January 30, 2009:

I went through all the steps. rebooted, deleted again, serial keys are good, just doesn’t want to open! Expiry doesn’t get removed?

Please help…. I’ve got a video editing class and I DON’T WANT TO GO TO THE LAB!!!!!!!
admin, January 30, 2009:

@Mike “just doesn’t want to open” pls elaborate
wut, January 31, 2009:

if you are use Leopard you can find chache’s files in there : /library/chaches
John, January 31, 2009:

…………EXCELLENT……….
But How can i Solve the same problem with windows?
John, January 31, 2009:

It seems the date is January 20th for everyone. I’m using CS4 on a Mac and the licensing bomb must happen locally because I’ve locked down with LIttle Snitch. Any ideas on how to trick Adobe to think it’s Janurary 19th without having to reset the Date and Time every time I open an Adobe App? I thought about uninstalling and reinstalling. Maybe on reinstall set the date 2 years in the future? I just sometimes forget my clock is back and when i back up using Time Machine, it gets way funky. Thoughts?
admin, January 31, 2009:

@John (Mac) : the steps laid out in http://machacks.tv/2009/01/28/stop-adobe-cs4-calling-home-to-mother-ship-in-os-x/ obviate the need to change the system clock.
John, January 31, 2009:

@admin: Thanks for your response!! Is that not just a way to prevent the apps from accessing the activation servers? Or does steps 12-18 flush the cache in a way that will stop the January 20th bomb?
zanekills, January 31, 2009:

THANKS! I LOVE YOU! LOOKED EVERYWHERE FOR THIS!!
admin, January 31, 2009:

@John: Both. http://machacks.tv/2009/01/28/stop-adobe-cs4-calling-home-to-mother-ship-in-os-x/ and this article were both written in response to the ‘bombings’, which were not isolated to the 20th.
@zanekills: np
John, January 31, 2009:

Here’s what I’ve done:

I’m running Leopard 10.5.6 and still have Little Snitch running.
1. Stopped all Adobe Apps.
2. Put all entries in /etc/hosts
3. Removed cache.db
4. Flushed dns using the “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache” command
5. Rebooted
6. Launched Adobe After Effects
7. Entered Serial from Keygen

No Dice.

Where oh where have I gone wrong?

J
Greg, February 1, 2009:

I’ve tried this all . I’ve gone into the terminal and entered the code to block the mothership. i’ve deleted the cache file. The wifi is turned off when i enter the serial. It still gives me “license expired” no matter what i try. Deleting the cache.db releases the expire and lets me try again but none of the serials work. it instantly goes to “license expired”. any ideas?
anonymous, February 1, 2009:

For Mac the Xforce gen did not do the trick for me. I used this serial, which works for me:
http://www.mininova.org/com/2007800

look for post 108. serial in post 107.

cheers
A.
WJ, February 2, 2009:

very very tnx for this info, worked with me:P
kitp, February 3, 2009:

Thank you!
Alex, February 3, 2009:

Greeeeeatttt! Is wrking perfectly !!!!!
wknd, February 3, 2009:

Here’s what I’ve done:
I’m running Leopard 10.5.6 and still have Little Snitch running.
1. Stopped all Adobe Apps.
2. Put all entries in /etc/hosts
3. Removed cache.db
4. Flushed dns using the “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache” command
5. Rebooted
6. Launched Adobe After Effects
7. Entered Serial from Keygen
No Dice.
Where oh where have I gone wrong?

Same here
admin, February 3, 2009:

@wknd – see Marcos’ comment (no. 23) in the thread for this post: http://machacks.tv/2009/01/28/stop-adobe-cs4-calling-home-to-mother-ship-in-os-x/
Nicks, February 3, 2009:

He’s already stopped them calling the ‘adobe mothership’, but it still gets the license expired dialogue.

I’m in the same position.
even, February 7, 2009:

this may sound dumb, but i cant find the cache file. i do not have an Adobe PCD folder in my application support folder. where else should i look?
udo, February 9, 2009:

Same problem – dont have that file.
Andy, February 10, 2009:

Thanks anonymous poster number 26! I was getting Licence Expired popping up without the installer needing to phone home. Adobe must be updating their downloads with a built-in black list of serials, but that one that you linked to worked for me when many other keys had not.
aloha, February 12, 2009:

thanks so much post #26 and whoever posted this. got everything fixed and now running the extended version. no more licensed expired problems.

post #33 go to the main mac drive and not the application folder. there you will find adove pcd and so on.
smil, February 13, 2009:

I downloaded a cs4 for mac. it says version 6 but how do i know if it is the final or the pre-release. followed this tutorial and now working.
acrobat, February 20, 2009:

Hi,

Thanks a million for this.. Works like a charm except for Acrobat Pro 9. It has been installed with the master collection suite. I’m able to run all the programs except Acrobat.. it asks for serial when I start it, and the master collection serial doesn’t work… any ideas??
teufelein, February 21, 2009:

TY TY TY!! Thought I just wouldn’t be able to ever go on the internet while using CS – you’ve saved my life! =)
Drew, February 23, 2009:

In regards to the expired licensing, I went ahead and deleted the cache file. But after that, I get the same message telling me that the computer needs to restart in order for the app to relaunch. stating that it is an “Error: 6″ . . . I’m really new to this stuff and its my first time using a Mac. Any ideas?
JuliusC, February 25, 2009:

I have done everything said including removing everything adobe off my computer and reinstalling onto my computer. Could the problem be that I am attempting to use this technique on Adobe Master Suite?
me, March 13, 2009:

Thanks!!!!
Nikki, March 16, 2009:

Hi, I tried to delete the cache-file, but the folder mentioned doesn’t exist. I have searched some other folders, but I can’t seem to find any cachefile of Adobe. I also tried it trough Terminator, but still no luck.
I get the “license expired” message, but my Adobe is installed in Dutch. Could that be the problem?
If anybody has any suggestions where I could find that cachefile, please tell me. I need these programs for school, and it’s becoming quite urgent.
Maya, March 18, 2009:

omg thanck you SO MUCH
<3
cnr909, March 20, 2009:

thanks a million! this helped me so much. genius!
MELINE, March 20, 2009:

HII I SERCHED FOR THE CACHE-FILE ,COULDN’T FIND,DOES THIS WORK WITH WINDOWS PLEASE HELP HOW CAN I FIND THAT,I’M TIERD PLEASEEEEEEEEE
meline, March 21, 2009:

hiii, can anyone tell me where and how can i fined that fileon windows?
meline, March 21, 2009:

thaaaaaaaanks guys you are soo good it worked for me ,i deleted the file cache db,and didn’t change my serial,i have windows xp the file is in the program fils\adobe\adobepsd\cache db,and changed the hosts file too ,i’m happy with the results thanks alot.
meline, March 22, 2009:

hii thanks alot amazing,thanks for sharing this with media,i’m so glad i did that !!!!!
pixie, March 23, 2009:

hi, i’m on windows vista and ive downloaded the cs4 trial and now its expired, but ive tried to find the cache file to delete it but i cant find it anywhere! ive tried keygens and i cant seem to get them to work either. please help me!! x
craig, March 23, 2009:

worked like a treat! thanks so much for this.
chris, March 25, 2009:

cant find Adobe PCD file
Koraay, March 25, 2009:

I literally do not have the ““/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db” file…
it’s missing and I get the license expired message
help!
meline, March 29, 2009:

hiii korraay,try to look in program files and type adobe pcd\cache\cache.db,you can look for it in the add. bar from the drop down menu,hope this will help to find it .
Mike, March 29, 2009:

instead of ripping adobe off….i went and bought the suite…and the legit version is the one that gives me probs>your info solved the prob…thanks
tamtam, March 30, 2009:

for anyone using windows… i went to this site and it helped perfectly. Good luck! http://www.tkshare.com/adobe-cs4-fix-for-license-has-expired-for-this-product/
Eddy, March 31, 2009:

Can’t find that file….
Graham, April 2, 2009:

Thanks!
Joana, April 7, 2009:

Dude! you have just saved my life! Long live people who know about what they are talking about! you, my friend, RULE!
robin, April 10, 2009:

hi, I am a mac user and tried this technique. I removed the cache file and emptied the trash bin. But the moment I start photoshop again I see the cache file returning in the finder.

Also, photoshop seems to start and then disappear.
Anyone has an idea?
Curtis, April 12, 2009:

Remember people, if you are working with the terminal you need to use the escape character when working with directories with spaces in them. So the one liner to remove the file on a mac would be:

sudo rm /Library/Application\ Support/Adobe/Adobe\ PCD/cache/cache.db

Type in your password and voila!
Laura, April 14, 2009:

I do not have this cache.db file ANYWHERE. I looked everywhere and did a search and nothing is coming up. I am getting this damn message and i need to use my programs. PLEASE HELP ;_;
Carmen, April 16, 2009:

First, thank you for all of the great tips on how to solve this problem- they got me through the last two projects. Unfortunately I did not go ahead and disable the pinging and so CS4 threw another tantrum and ran away – this time taking the AdobePCD and cache.db files with it.
I have looked everywhere for them..even in the hidden files, but no luck.
Do you think they could have been renamed or hidden within another file?
mingo, April 17, 2009:

perfect! thanks guys
Marcus, April 20, 2009:

Im using a power mac G5 pc
I dont know what i am doing wrong i have deleted the pcd cache, reinstalled cs4 master suite about 5 times. I can get the input new serial up with a green tick, then when the app runs it says licensing for this product has expired, is it my serials? Maybe its the version master suite version i have installed? i dont know what it is.

I have also done the stop adobe phoning home cheat and still nothing, im losing this war against adobe
jonathan, April 21, 2009:

The above folders do not exist on my system. ??? How can I delete this cache? I get as far as the /Adobe folder and there’s no Adobe PCD folder in there. What can I do?

Please help…
Richard!~~, April 25, 2009:

Hi ,but I have a question I just can find the directory you are telling , it does not exist , Obviosly i cannot delete the file , and the messaje keeps apearing , i would aprecciate if you help me .

Sorry for my english , i am not from usa
Richard
admin, April 27, 2009:

sorry richard. If you are using Mac OSX 10.4/5 with Adobe CS4, then you should be able to find the file. This tip is for Mac only.
rcasca, April 29, 2009:

nice solution. Thanks.
tanvir, May 2, 2009:

I have purchased new creative suit and it was showing license expired, ur solution rocks
acrobat number, May 2, 2009:

respond to the post No. 38
here are Serial Numbers for the Acrobat Pro 9. the first one worked fine:
Mac Serial Only:
[SN]: 1118-0011-0841-2246-4404-1353
Mac & PC serial:
[SN]: 1118-4018-6583-4956-2486-7805
dean record, May 6, 2009:

if i delete the specified file will it affect any cs3 apps i have installed?
kieran, May 11, 2009:

The instructions at the top of the page worked fine for me. I used the serial I fount online and once I deleted the cache files, I entered this serial which worked fine. Just ignore the warning that Adobe may contact the internet, it does nothing. S/N: 1325-0958-5997-3696-7525-2029
Thomas O'Dowd, May 11, 2009:

To the guys who cannot find the cache file directory, you’re looking in the wrong folder. I had exactly the same problem, the folder in (username)-Library, is different from the Macintosh HD – Library one. Look under this directory: MacintoshHD-Library-Application Support-Adobe-Adobe PCD, it’ll be there, I promise. I was so relieved when I found this out…. Hope I helped.
keris, May 12, 2009:

Perfect:)
Eddddie, May 12, 2009:

Hey for Mac you can use Little Snitch right? You can prevent Adobe CS4 from connecting to it’s server with that. Can be found on rapidshare and piratebay. Serials http://www.serials.ws
Altough for some strange reason I cant get the program installed, I’m the only one… :S
rye3941, May 12, 2009:

Thanks so much …. sensational for my mac…. mine works fine now …thought i had was all my efforts till now …..
sarah, May 13, 2009:

you’re a star, thanks!
Roosashi, May 13, 2009:

Gold. Thanks
Roosashi, May 13, 2009:

Fantastic – this really helped. Thanks
Drew, May 18, 2009:

blew my mind, there is a way around everything, I promise you
Anna, May 21, 2009:

Thank you so much!!!!
Juan Olivares, May 22, 2009:

i have the same problem as Marcus on post 65.
I swear i did EVERYTHING that has been said
(not in this order) I edited the hosts, i deleted de cache file, i installed as trial, i installed with a working serial, i change my system’s date, and nothing.
Everytime i delete de cache file and reopen an app it shows me the Fu@#% “Licensing for this product has stopped working”
I just don’t know what to do anymore…
i think i’ll have to format.
any ideas?
thanks for your help though and congrats to everyone that got this to work…
JumpingGirraffe, May 22, 2009:

Oh my god, I’m almost in tears.. thank you so much, you don’t know how much this means to me to have flash back.. thank you so.. :’D
Raja, May 24, 2009:

OMG, I was making the same mistakes everyone else was making.
1) DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR AIRPORT CARD! You made a loop-back so it won’t actually call Adobe, however it needs to cycle through the process.

2) delete cache (see above) & Edit Hosts file. (or use crack to do it for you)
3) Start an Adobe program
4) Use crack Serial (See above)
5) MAKE SURE YOUR INTERNET IS ENABLE
6) Let the “Activation” think your going to allow it to validate, select “Next”
7) Wella! Your Adobe Program should start without a hitch.

Thank you for this post and for everyone’s input.
Rodrigo César, May 24, 2009:

WOW!
You`ve just saved my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You just lose for Jesus and my mommy! for the rest you`re the best! XD
TBB, May 27, 2009:

Ok.. So for all of you that were still having a problem getting Dreamweaver CS4 to work, even after following all the directions… here’s what I did, and it worked:

1 – Change the /etc/hosts file (although I’m also running Little Snitch, but it was never needed) and put all the entries in that were recommended.

2 – Flush your cache (use the proper command for your version of OSX).

3 – Install Dreamweaver AS A TRIAL.

4 – Change your date back by one year (i.e., from 2009 to 2008).

5 – Start Dreamweaver.

6 – Go into “Help” and click “Deactivate”. Follow the prompts to deactivate.

7 – Once deactivated, use this serial number “1325-0051-1253-2953-2623-3607″ to activate again.

8 – Close Dreamweaver.

9 – Set your clock back to the proper year.

10 – Start Dreamweaver.

And there you go. It should be fine. Also, I was able to update with no problem.

Hope this help…
Rubenius, May 30, 2009:

You sir, have saved my day. Cheers.
Hen, May 30, 2009:

Great job! Thank you so much.
The Virus, June 1, 2009:

To post #85… i did it all… now it get the same expired message + localized files/resources are missing –> repair the app. …so thats what i’m gonna try now!
Trisha, June 2, 2009:

You’re awesome. I’d never have worked out that on my own. I uninstalled and reinstalled so many times trying different things. This is perfect.
D333, June 4, 2009:

omg it worked!!!!!!!! im so happy right now
Danygirl, June 4, 2009:

WoW!!!! Thx alot my friend, i was depressing for a while eheheh. This is just what i needed for, thx for yur support and to all of you guys whit yur questions and answers

You deserve a BIG kiss
Norton, June 5, 2009:

!!YOU CANT FIND THE FOLDER?!!! LOOK HERE!!
Thanks to 74 Thomas O’Dowd, May 11, 2009:
“To the guys who cannot find the cache file directory, you’re looking in the wrong folder. I had exactly the same problem, the folder in (username)-Library, is different from the Macintosh HD – Library one. Look under this directory: MacintoshHD-Library-Application Support-Adobe-Adobe PCD, it’ll be there, I promise. I was so relieved when I found this out…. Hope I helped.”
Chris, June 8, 2009:

I tried to delete the cache-file, but the folder mentioned doesn’t exist too. And how am I supposed to “start” the adobe programs , if it shows me always licence expired??..
Tom, June 10, 2009:

Finally go Photoshop, Indesign and Illustrator working. However, Acrobat will not allow the same password. Any thoughts?
Joqr, June 10, 2009:

Hey thanks for that mate,
the keygen works a charm,
i had another keygen that worked as well but the only thing was i recieved the expired licence message with it, so this is GREAT thanks a bunch
Massaki, June 11, 2009:

Hello, I have installed the cs4 master collection on my Mac OS 10.5x and just after installing I open the photoshop.app and i got expired message. now, I can`t open any app and this message come out. How Do I solve it ? The cache file do not exist on my system, I did a complete search for it .. the path on the tutorial also do not exist. Any solution ?
Krepotkin, June 11, 2009:

Absolute ledgend… I actually forgot you could do this, so your blog reminded me… I’m guessung you all know but ‘little snitch’ will stop the call back to Adobe. But remember if your using Dreamweaver and an FTP file sever to test pages you have to stop network filters.. DO NOT use any adobe product when you stop filtering as you will go back the begining.

Thanks again. Had some serious deadlines.
Shawn, June 11, 2009:

Excellent stuff. I was really getting sick of changing my system date 3 times a day. Keep up the good work
Andrew, June 12, 2009:

Someone please help me !! Please!
I deleted the /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db
file….but im still geting the same message from Adobe Cs4 apps….
Please help me….need it urgently…
mandira, June 18, 2009:

thank you sooooo much you saved my life !!!
mistress, June 21, 2009:

Hey there, I’ve got 1 doubt:
first of all, I’ve got photoshop running without a problem.
Dreamweaver is the one that never got into action showing me the “lisence expired” popup.
Now: if I follow your instructions and delete the cache.db do I need to find me a serial for my photoshop again? Can I use the same nr, and if so, is it findable somewhere in my mac?

soo scary to do it!!!
nick, June 24, 2009:

oh my god thank you. there are some seriously smart people out there. Ledgendsssssss!!!
Escaton, June 24, 2009:

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! It worked perfectly for me
little snitch will protect me now
jack, June 25, 2009:

there is no file marked adobe PCD in my Library folder so i cannot delete it what do i do?
zuaksament, June 30, 2009:

liste, i tried to find the chace.db, and i didn’t find it, followed all steps and didn’t find first of all the Adobe PCD folder, hence can’t find the cache or the cache.db what do i do?!
Tsjerno, July 2, 2009:

Thx!!! works very well. I have also little snitch to block internet connection for some programs.

Thx is was looking maaany days for this!! if i could do something to you one day.ask me
Melissa, July 3, 2009:

IT’S WORKING!!!
OMG, I LOVE YOU!!!!
KonstantinMiller, July 6, 2009:

How soon will you update your blog? I’m interested in reading some more information on this issue.
Diego Martinez, July 7, 2009:

Hi everything works fine exept when I open my adobe acrobat reader, and ask me for a serial number, but the rest of the suite its fine, so my question its there a way to solve this problem, thanx
Rondo, July 8, 2009:

i don’t have that file path in my library. is there another way to go around it?
Tan, July 10, 2009:

Great stuff, thanks. I just used it and it worked.
mico, July 13, 2009:

super thanks man! haha!
Raym, July 14, 2009:

:’( 3 month’s ago the trick helped me.
Only little snitch allowed spontanious CS4 to phone home.
Now i m trying to re-install CS4,
Only i get the message “License is expired”.
Last time i deleted the cache.db,.
That worked only this time it wont work.

This is steps i did.
I updated my Hosts file
(like in the page ‘Stop Adobe CS4 calling home to Mother Ship in OS X’ .)
Then i deleted CS4 with adobe clean script.
After the clean script i deleted all the remaining Adobe files in min library (user and system) manualy.
Flush cache in terminal.
Rebooted.
Installed CS4.
Deleted cache.db.
flush cache.
Start photohop.
Now i need to fill a serial..
Al goes good.
After serial the message “license expired” pops.

(all the steps worked last time :S or am i forgetting something?)

somebody help ? please!
skippy, July 14, 2009:

My computer does not have the file “Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db” , I followed the path in Library and can’t find it. Mac OS X ver 10.5.7
Raym, July 15, 2009:

yea! it worked. I did the same steps again, But this time i used another serial from the web and now it worked. Here you can download the serials: http://www.mininova.org/tor/2026449
Justin, July 15, 2009:

i looked for the .cache file…i dnt have one.i downoaded the free trial found a serial..and once i tried to access pscs4..i got the expired mesg….NEED HELP ASAP…I HAVE MAJOR DEADLINES FOR CLIENTS…
Amazed, July 21, 2009:

OMG – I just spent two days on the phone with Adobe to try and get my legitimate license to work! Their customer service is beyond TERRIBLE! I finally took it upon myself to fix the problem and found your website. I deleted the cache.db file and VOILA!! It’s gone and my legit s/n works finally. Thank you so much!!! xoxoxo
bearlover, July 21, 2009:

omg u guys are amazing. id been searching for the clue to solve this problem for days!!!! i do appreciate it. thanks all!!
Jake, July 27, 2009:

i never had adobe pcd
Liz, July 28, 2009:

i love u r awesome
WINDOWS, July 28, 2009:

FOR WINDOWS:
c:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe PCD\cache\
crivcho, July 29, 2009:

Deleting the cache.db file just did it for me!!!
THANKS a lot
John, July 29, 2009:

I have been having the same problems as all of you for two days. I think I found out how to get it to work. Every time I deleted cache I opened AE CS4 put in a serial number and then that IMPORTANT window appeared, I clicked OKAY and the License Expired window appeared.

Solution:

-Delete Cache.db

-Alter the hosts as explained above.

- *CHANGE YOUR COMPUTER DATE TO 2006* (This is what made mine work, it did not work before I changed the date)

-Open AE CS4 or whatever , type in the serial and, as mine did, it should work!
irish_mist13, July 30, 2009:

It took me a while but I finally got this to work! Thank you so much for posting this information! This is awesome!
riley, July 31, 2009:

when i go to delete the file, it’s not there. halp
riley, July 31, 2009:

jk i just saw comment #74
kiwas, August 2, 2009:

great all its doing really good!! you just make my day!!!
No1Ken, August 3, 2009:

Has anyone had issues with CS4 not launching, had been using it for a few months and suddenly it won’t launch. Even reinstalling won’t fix it.
Ameliaa, August 10, 2009:

Thank you so much for this , i think you saved all of the poor students who cant afford adobe programs around the world !
Von Kruchieffe, August 10, 2009:

woo! finally got it working! thanks to the one who posted ait and number 74!
Picard, August 11, 2009:

Post 125 Solved my problem.

1. Run little Snitch, use the Trial version if you need to, it works as good.
2. Delete the cache
3. Change the date to 2006
4. Use any of these Serials:
1325-0133-2536-6121-5818-1284
1325-0585-1164-4958-7420-3907
1325-0104-2957-2144-0436-6221
1325-0261-5714-9589-1591-9199
1325-0867-2602-2818-2536-7663
1325-0526-8588-7067-8962-8112
1325-0085-9491-1279-6029-4470
1325-0123-8026-4952-6924-9847
1325-0031-5956-9850-3089-7488
1325-0349-4536-6349-0931-1434
1325-0817-4850-4184-6879-8586
1GR3, August 14, 2009:

what about acrobat 9? it doesn’t accept keys generated with those keygens. i’m not using it that often but yesterday it took me an hours to bring other adobe applications back after starting acrobat.
skiier, August 14, 2009:

Hey there’s a much easier way to get past this Photoshop problem. First, delete the cache.db as usual. THEN…

Open Terminal by entering shift+command+U when you’re in the Finder. You should see the applications/utilities directory. Open the Terminal app.

Type the following command = “cd /etc” without the quotes.

Type “sudo pico hosts” without the quotes. This command line makes the hosts file opens, in root (=admin) mode. The terminal should prompt you to type your admin password. Do it. It won’t appear as you type, but don’t worry. When you’re ok, press enter. The text editor pico appears. Copy and paste the following lines :
127.0.0.1 activate.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 hl2rcv.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 practivate.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 ereg.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 activate.wip3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 wip3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 3dns-3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 3dns-2.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 adobe-dns.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 adobe-dns-2.adobe.com

Press ctrl+O, then enter and then ctrl+X. Thoses commands save and quit the editor.

Launch the CS4, enter a serial. It works !
1325-0133-2536-6121-5818-1284
1325-0585-1164-4958-7420-3907
1325-0104-2957-2144-0436-6221
1325-0261-5714-9589-1591-9199
1325-0867-2602-2818-2536-7663
1325-0526-8588-7067-8962-8112
1325-0085-9491-1279-6029-4470
1325-0123-8026-4952-6924-9847
1325-0031-5956-9850-3089-7488
1325-0349-4536-6349-0931-1434
1325-0817-4850-4184-6879-8586

You don’t have to change the date at all. This basically blocks photoshop from contacting adobe about the invalid serial number. It works perfectly.
Artro, August 14, 2009:

Thank you post 133!
Just another question,
Once Photoshop is running and everything, can I change my system’s date back to 2009?
coder, August 15, 2009:

it worked
for windows
delete cache.db in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe PCD\cache
then put these serial in cs4
1325-1954-3795-4908-9120-8554
Raymonde, August 17, 2009:

OKay, guys, I’ve tried 2 methods mentioned above, and here’s what I’ve got, and I hope this helps.
For any method I used I first deleted the cache.db file (Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/Cache/cache.db), and then either altered the host on Terminal (see thread 135 above, or ran the script mentioned in the article that blocked Adobe from contacting mother ship. But I guess if you’re unsure which one, it’s perfectly okay to do both.

Then I tried 2 different things:
a. Change the time on my computer back to 2008, and then run Adobe Photoshop CS4 trial and enter a random serial that the users here provided.

This worked, but ONLY IF THE COMPUTER’S TIME SET-UP STAYS IN 2008, once I changed the time back to 2009 and ran Photoshop CS4 again, the same “license expired” message popped up.

b.( Attention! This finally worked perfect for me) Thanks to thread no. 73, I entered this specific serial number: 1325-0958-5997-3696-7525-2029. Just as I was expecting the full effect of murphy’s law, Photoshop CS4 came up booting without the “expired license” pop-up.

So far I don’t yet if it has anything to do with the specific S/N or not, but if you’ve tried everything else, why not give this another shot? Worked for me, and it might as well just for you this time.
Kresh, August 18, 2009:

It works!

Thanks Raymonde
dee, August 19, 2009:

THANNNGGGKKK YOUUUU muach muach
meline, August 20, 2009:

hii tierd of this lol can any one help pleeeeeeease admin i’m having problem with the accpet end user lisence agreement each time i try to accept it cs4 does not respond do you know whats the reason and is there a solution for that pleeeeeese need your help HELP HELP HELP.
meline, August 20, 2009:

HELP PLEASE HELP
meline, August 22, 2009:

hiiii lol it worked i changed the date too but don’t know if i fix it will have to be awake till morning to try again lol thanks guys anyway you were so great thanks alot hope it works with you all too i have windows xp thanks for sharing good luck for you too admin
Annony, August 24, 2009:

Comment number 87 worked for me perfectly with Illustrator CS4, thanks!
annnn, August 24, 2009:

you are a genius ! and you too #135! thanks a lot.
Smashy, August 25, 2009:

Thanks raymondo, works wonderfully . Must have something to do with blacklisted serials or something, since it finally opened with ypurs XD.

Btw I had already blocked adobe from contacting the mothership via post 135.
bossman, August 27, 2009:

I have an active CS3 suite working and am trying to reactivate CS4. Will deleting the cache file effect cs3?
Lachlan, August 30, 2009:

I have tried everything! Still not working! After i delete the cache file and enter serial etc the the cache file comes back and the original ‘license expired’ message comes back!
PLEASE HELP!
Lachlan, August 30, 2009:

I did it ! Did everything and changed my dat to 2006! THANKS SO MUCH POST 25!
Gabriel, September 1, 2009:

Stop Adobe CS4 calling home to Mother Ship in OS X

16. Open Terminal (/Applications/Utilities) and type:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache (10.5) does this work fo snow leopard 10.6
Tomas, September 2, 2009:

use this serials! they work …..do not use xforce keygen!!!

1325-0051-1253-2953-2623-3607
1325-0132-7780-8972-7957-2399
1325-0054-6061-3529-2635-7889
Anonymous Coward, September 2, 2009:

So far, Little Snitch also prevents PS from phoning home. So far, working for me
Stephen Hawkins-Flavell, September 4, 2009:

Tried everything, does not work on 10.6
meow, September 5, 2009:

@raymonde
That exact serial did the thing for me! Ive tried a gazillon serials.
Lulu, September 8, 2009:

I’ve tried every S/N suggested above.. but the “License Expired” keeps showing up… any NEW S/N or solution to my problem?
@lodog, September 8, 2009:

I went through these steps (running Snow Leopard) as well as the steps to stop calling the Adobe mothership and I’m still getting the License Expired error. Is there any update to the hack for Snow Leopard users?
littlemayon, September 8, 2009:

I have CS3 on my computer but am trying to get CS4 (Premiere) to work… will erasing the cache.db file force me to re-register the CS3 currently working on my computer?
anonymous, September 9, 2009:

People, there’s no need to worry.. i tried to fix this problem for days and now finally it works.. i deleted the cashe.db file and entered the serial mentioned in post 138. Apparently this serial works fine instead of all the serials generated with the xforce keygen. If that doesn’t work, keep trying other things! I swear, there’s always a way!
Tobi, September 10, 2009:

Finally i solved the problem with the expired license. but now if i start cs4, there is the license agreement and if i klick accept, cs4 doesnt start. any ideas please??
@lodog, September 11, 2009:

Did anyone have any success with this fix for OS 10.6 Snow Leopard?
Foster, September 12, 2009:

installed on SNOW LEOPARD. Working just fine!
detters, September 13, 2009:

Indeed, Snow Leopard will not co-operate with any of this, in my findings.
Linda, September 14, 2009:

I can’t locate the cache.db file, when I go to library >> application support >> adobe there is no adobe pcd?? Also via library >> caches >> adobe I can’t find the file. Searching for cache.db doesn’t work either. I’m using Mac OS X 10.5.7. I hope someone can help! Thnx!
james, September 16, 2009:

To all those who cant find the cache.db file,
LOOK IN YOUR MAIN “MACINTOSH HD” -
Double Click, go to Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD

I spent hours looking for it through my home folder under places & no dice.
I thought it was something to do with Snow Leopard but it’s not the issue.
Good Luck!!
bob, September 16, 2009:

Using Mac OS x 10.5.8 and I’m having the same problem as above. Can’t find adobe pcd!
Linda, September 17, 2009:

It works now Thank you admin!
For all people with the same problem: click on the macintosh hd on your desktop. Do not open the finder and than go to the library: THIS IS THE WRONG ONE!!
Once you’ve opened the macintosh hd, you can follow the path as previously described.
Shaun, September 18, 2009:

I’d like to say a big thank you to skiier and raymonde you’re posts were very helpful and sorted it out once and for all with the least hassle possible cheers
idlemind, September 18, 2009:

I have installed the master collection (on mac)(not running snow leopard) and everything seems to be working just fine except dreamweaver cs4 which I get an error message stating “licensing for this prodcut has expired”. I have deleted dreamweaver which was previously installed and installed the master collection and I am still getting the error message. Any help is GREATLY APPECIATED!! I am lost without dreamweaver as it is my means of work……please help
idlemind, September 18, 2009:

AHHHHH GOT IT!!! NO NEED TO REPLY TO THE ABOVE AT THE MOMENT. Just deleted the cache.db and used a serial for master. THANKS GUYS!!! whew saved my life lol!!!!
stupid, September 18, 2009:

#138 !!!!
Bearspirit, September 19, 2009:

For those who have upgraded to SL or did clean install and keep getting License Expired(Error 150;30) when launch any adobe app. I found an solution that worked for me.
Delete the “/Library/Preferences/FLEXnet Publisher” directory and the “/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db” file. Launch Adobe.app , and enter your serial (have used 1325-0505-2949-5043-2724-34320).
Adobebane, September 19, 2009:

Ok, Admin or anyone….
I’ve followed multiple instructions on this…changed the host, installed little snitch, etc.

No matter what serial I use, after every time I insert the serial and click OK, the next screen to pop up says “Important. Adobe License Activation: The software may attempt to contact Adobe servers over the internet in order to complete the license activation process and validate the right to use this software on this machine.
“No personal information will be transmitted during this process”

When I click OK, I always ALWAYS get the same “license expired” popup.

ANYONE? suggestions???????
Peter, September 20, 2009:

There is no adobe pcd file on my pc .. fuck Adobe lamers!
anthony, September 22, 2009:

Alright, I’m going nuts here. I’ve spent an hour trying everyone’s suggestions here. The Effed up part is Photoshop doesn’t even get as far as dialing out. Once I trash the cache file and restart, I get the prompt to agree to the license agreement and then it goes straight to error 150:30.

This is killing me!!
anthony, September 22, 2009:

wheeew! Got it!
I found post 25 here http://forums.adobe.com/message/1225252#1225252 that suggests deleting /Library/Preferences/FLEXnet Publisher/FLEXnet. I did that, then cache.db and I finally got the serial number prompt.
dillongarner, September 22, 2009:

amazing!!!!! thank you
tash, September 23, 2009:

OMG i have spent the past 2 months talking with adobe trying to get the trial version of indesign to work as my dreamweaver trial had expired. i tried everything and nothing works.

Then i found this and YES IT WORKS!!! THANK YOU!!!!
KoZe, September 23, 2009:

Hey guys this works for my mac (snow leopard) i was able to locate the db and delete and then enter 1325-0132-7780-8972-7957-2399
key worked first time do not use the keygen

locate your “MACINTOSH HD” then..
Double Click, go to Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD
delete db and your good to go ..
Jill, September 24, 2009:

Hi, you are brilliant. Thankyou so much. I had to delete the cache.db file a couple of times until I gave it a serial number it liked. It works perfectly. Thanks a million
Steven Lam, September 26, 2009:

First, thank you very much!! This method worked for my new macbook pro, however, I did the exactly procedure on another macbook pro (both are Snow leopard)..the second macbook doesn’t work. The licensing has expired message keep coming up. I have tried all the method and even did a clean uninstall, but I just couldn’t get it through. Anyone has idea about it? Your help will be appreciated!!!!thx so much!
vostrihodamon, September 27, 2009:

IT WORKED! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!!
Sheena, September 27, 2009:

Please help !!

I’ve removed cache.db several times before when I got the “expired license” message, but now, I can’t find him with Finder.
I don’t have “Adobe PCD” folder either…
What can I do ?
HT, September 29, 2009:

The link for the keygen is broken… any suggestions?
Lou, September 30, 2009:

Yaaay!! After 2 days of frustration I have finally got Dreamweaver working by binning the cache and changing the date. Thanks for all the tips and help.
But next problem… as soon as I re-set the date to today, i lose it.
Any advice, or do i just need to be 6 years behind everyone else?!
Thanks a million
Russi, October 1, 2009:

thank you!!!! we really needed this!
Nena Sowath, October 5, 2009:

Huge thanks for this. #87 worked perfectly!
grumpytico, October 5, 2009:

@Bearspirit (comment 171):

Worked like a charm, thanks for your post!
Dima Buko, October 6, 2009:

Thanks thanks thanks!
I removed cache file, it didnt work with any serials but work with serial from link in post 26 good luck!!!
Michael, October 6, 2009:

I can’t find the the pcd thing. I am looking in the library and all that and i can’t find it. What folder should i be looking in exactly if I have the CS4 installed?
admin, October 7, 2009:

@ Michael – wrong lib mate! (osx has 3 ‘Library’ folders) – check the comments…
Rathead, October 7, 2009:

Hi.. I had a serial number that worked with CS4 master collection… then it stop working saying that it was expired… I then installed little snitch and told this to block all Adobe software from contacting the mothership… I deleted the cache file to allow me to enter new serial numbers.. I got new serials tonight from a Codetempest torrent… Everything looks good when I put in serial, green correction sign appears.. then a window comes up saying.. adobe may need to contact online to verify bla bla.. click ok… then it says licence for this has expired…is there an easy way of cracking this or do I have to fuck with alot of code?? Cheers
Rathead, October 8, 2009:

sorted… foget about it!
Pedro, October 12, 2009:

Still no success. Stop, adobe CS4 from contacting the mother ship, and erase the cache file. but no matter what serial key I try from all the comments stated It still doesn´t work. I have a mackbook pro with OP Snow Leopard.
Can anyone help?
Mina, October 13, 2009:

Ok i did read thru all the comments above, but am still having probs. I am really new to Adobe P.S. I currently have the cs4 installed on windows vista. when i entered the serial number at the beginning, I get a green check mark, then it installs the program. Once the installation completes it says my serial is invalid, so i try another one. The new one i enter prompts the license is expired, click ok and it closes. I’ve clear the cache thru the internet and cookies option as well as uninstalled and reinstalled the program about 5 times, with no success. I’ve even unchecked the adobe options thru the firewall settings so it can’t call home. Did i miss anything? or am I totally doing this wrong? Because now, every time when i click on it, it just shows the expired license sign no matter how many times I uninstall it n reinstall it. I have a couple of big projects coming up that requires this system Any help would be greatly appreciated.
big jim jones, October 14, 2009:

thanks guys works a treat on snow leopard! 193 – read through the comments, keep the internet on, use little snitch and the disable_activation_osx in terminal, delete the cache in the PCD folder, also follow the instructions for the acrobat as this was the one that I was stuck on

5 stars!
pops, October 14, 2009:

It worked, it worked, it worked…. Thank you sooooo soooo much Admin
Laujeman, October 14, 2009:

For those of you wondering were the Adobe PCD folder is make sure you are Not under your user, you must be lookingin the default mac HD.
Iliass, October 16, 2009:

you are my hero!
Robert, October 17, 2009:

I got CS4 going via Photoshop using the great advice above. And Dreamweaver, etc. also work. BUT strangely enough Acrobat Pro 9 (which is part of CS4) requested a serial number (the trial option was dimmed). I used the same serial number I used for Photoshop and tried about 10 others I have seen on this page, but I get a RED CROSS all the time. How do I get Acrobat Pro 9 started??????
Mia, October 17, 2009:

Thanks, dear, it is working fine!
DJ Big Papa, October 17, 2009:

Finally my real copy works.

FOR WINDOWS:
c:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe PCD\cache\cache.db

Delete Cache.db
andyv, October 17, 2009:

KoZe, post 178 you are an absolute life saver, I have been trying everything for about a week now and gone on to all sorts of sites and your serial number is the first to fully work so thank you SO much!
Pedro, October 23, 2009:

Can anyone find serials that work?, Thanks
jimmy906, October 24, 2009:

thank you very much!
to pedro:
check post 178, i think i used that serial.

THANK YOU!!!
Cat Chen, October 25, 2009:

#138 is the key to me!
netsurfer, October 25, 2009:

Worked on this problem for hours until something simple like post #197 solved it all. Working perfect now. Thx soooooo much.
Grande, October 25, 2009:

1325-0181-3738-0615-5739-9898
1325-0084-0806-2185-0302-7354
1325-0112-3840-5467-8974-0282
1325-0248-9800-0187-7623-7106
1325-0412-0855-1375-6305-7806
1325-0581-1108-1105-1944-2760
1325-0213-2599-6032-5159-4780
1325-0882-6599-8787-6439-6137
1325-0261-4811-3496-3493-1549
1325-0133-2536-6121-5818-1284
1325-0585-1164-4958-7420-3907
1325-0104-2957-2144-0436-6221
1325-0261-5714-9589-1591-9199
1325-0867-2602-2818-2536-7663
1325-0526-8588-7067-8962-8112
1325-0085-9491-1279-6029-4470
1325-0123-8026-4952-6924-9847
1325-0031-5956-9850-3089-7488
Pearl, October 25, 2009:

gr8!..it works but can i simultaneously use the internet?
Carol, October 28, 2009:

Thank you!!! =)
nek, October 28, 2009:

Im using snow leopard and I just had to delete the cache.db file and it did it all!! GRRREAT!
rebecca, October 29, 2009:

I am trying to use Photoshop CS4 on Snow Leopard 10.6 on MacBook Pro

Have tried literally EVERYTHING listed above. PLEASE could you post a solution once and for all?
Rick, October 29, 2009:

I love you!!!!
IreneC, October 29, 2009:

Thanks so much..deleting cashe.db worked!
abraham, October 29, 2009:

Dear Admin
Thank you sooooooooooo much for your great help . i really appreciate it .
but it would be so good if you can find a way to block dreamweaver as well .
thanks so much
Andy, October 30, 2009:

Nothing works for me. I’ve tried out so many posters suggestions…

Can someone please tell me in clear thorough instruction how to make CS4 work?? PLEASE!

ThankU
Anna, October 31, 2009:

Hi, i’ve deleted my cache as instructed and i’m getting error 6 (Licensing for this product has stopped working). i read through the posts and saw only one comment mentioning this. is anyone else getting same error. were u able to resolve it?
JohnnyQwest, October 31, 2009:

Adobe CS4 Master Collection installation on Leopard & Snow Leopard for Dummies:

1- If you have a CS4 installed, uninstall it and make sure the “Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache” folder is deleted. Just trash the entire “Adobe PCD” folder to be safe.

2- Make sure you have the latest “Adobe CS4 Master Collection” installer. An earlier version is floating around (ADBESTAMCS4_LS1) and if used will hit you with a “Licensing for this product has expired” even if you do everything correctly. Use the (ADBESTAMCS4_LS4) dmg made available from “jovial”, this is the version suggested for this installation. Do a Google search for “Adobe Master Collection CS4 [App][Mac OSX][MULTi] By jovial” you shouldn’t have a problem finding it.

3- Disconnect your internet by unplugging your ethernet cable or by turning your AirPort “off”.

4- Open your Terminal.app located in your “Applications/Utilities” and enter the following command, you may copy-paste it:  sudo /Applications/TextEdit.app/Contents/MacOS/TextEdit /etc/hosts  Hit return and enter your admin password when prompted and again hit return. Your “hosts” file will automatically open in TextEdit as root/admin so you will be able to make and save the following changes.

 Copy the following list and paste it into your “hosts” file list between the existing “broadcasthost” and “::1 localhost” entries:  

127.0.0.1 activate.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 practivate.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 ereg.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 activate.wip3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 wip3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 3dns-3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 3dns-2.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 adobe-dns.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 adobe-dns-2.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 adobe-dns-3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 ereg.wip3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 activate-sea.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 wwis-dubc1-vip60.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 activate-sjc0.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 hl2rcv.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 adobe.activate.com
127.0.0.1 adobeereg.com
127.0.0.1 192.150.18.108
127.0.0.1 192.150.8.118
127.0.0.1 192.150.8.100
127.0.0.1 192.150.18.101
127.0.0.1 194.224.66.48
127.0.0.1 192.150.22.40
127.0.0.1 192.150.14.69
127.0.0.1 192.168.112.207

  Save the “hosts” file and quit TextEdit.

In your currently open Terminal, type in “exit” (just the word exit and no ” “) and quit the Terminal as you would with any app (File/Quit Terminal or Apple+Q).
 You need to open Terminal again to flush your cache, incase you have any leftover information from a previous CS4 install. Do it even if you didn’t have another CS4 install. Enter the following command into the Terminal, again, you may copy-paste:  sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

Hit return and don’t expect to see a confirmation, there wont be any. Just enter “exit”, and once again, quit the Terminal as you would with any app (File/Quit Terminal or Apple+Q).

5- Make sure any open applications are closed before starting the installation process, Safari etc.

6- Mount the ADBESTAMCS4_LS4.dmg. Once mounted, open the “Adobe CS4 Master Collection” folder, then open the “Setup.app” file. Enter your admin password if prompted then wait as the installer checks your system profile. If all goes well, use the serial number supplied by “jovial” and continue with the installation. If you have the hard-drive space, it is suggested to install “everything” as you can uninstall them individually afterwards with the uninstaller included in every CS4 application folder.

7- After installation, you will be prompted with the Adobe Registration, don’t register, obviously.

8- Open one of the CS4 apps, Photoshop, create a new file (File/New… or Apple+N), then go to “Help/Updates…” which will open the Adobe Updater Preferences. Uncheck “Automatically check for Adobe updates”, hit OK, then exit out of everything, including the CS4 app you opened, Photoshop in this case.

9- Re-connect your internet connection by plugging in your ethernet cable or turning AirPort “On”. Once connected, you may start using your newly installed CS4 apps.

10- If you want to update the apps that were updated since the “ADBESTAMCS4_LS4″ release, go to http://www.macupdate.com and search for the updates you need. At the time this was written, only Photoshop, AfterEffects and Soundbooth were updated.

-Enjoy!
JohnnyQwest, October 31, 2009:

I found that file and thought it may be helpful. The paste kinda clumped all the text together, sorry bout that… Admin, if you want to delete it I will try to fix it. Thanks!
andrez, November 1, 2009:

I could not find the adobe PCD folder…

THEN!!

make sure you go to MACINTOSH HD/library/…

not “youname”/library…

I finally found it
varo, November 2, 2009:

Thank you to everyone who provided insight and determination to access CS4. I downloaded ADBESTAMCS4_LS1 and run OSX 10.4 and was able to gain total access. It took me a while- but here are the similar steps I took.

1) Completely uninstall all Adobe products- drag them to the trash and empty trash. Might need to restart computer to ensure Adobe is not running.

2) Install ADBESTAMCS4_LS1—STOP—before entering serial number. (I say to do this now because opening the dmg can take a while-so you can continue with following steps)

3) Use Text Edit to gain root access.

6) Open terminal window and enter the following:

sudo /Applications/TextEdit.app/Contents/MacOS/TextEdit /etc/host

IMPORTANT: notice there is a SPACE after sudo and after TextEdit

7) Hit return and type password when prompted and press enter.

NOTICE: password will not show up in terminal.

If it works correctly, your Hosts file should automatically open in TextEdit.

9) Go to the bottom of the document (cursor after last character) and hit return and paste in the following:  
127.0.0.1 activate.adobe.com
 127.0.0.1 practivate.adobe.com 
127.0.0.1 ereg.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 activate.wip3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 wip3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 3dns-3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 3dns-2.adobe.com
 127.0.0.1 adobe-dns.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 adobe-dns-2.adobe.com
 127.0.0.1 adobe-dns-3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 ereg.wip3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 activate-sea.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 wwis-dubc1-vip60.adobe.com
 127.0.0.1 activate-sjc0.adobe.com

10) Save the file. Do NOT do a “Save As”. Close the file.

11) Use Terminal again to flush cache.

12) Open Terminal in a new window (CMD+N)

13) If you run Tiger copy and paste into terminal:

sudo lookupd -flushcache

NOTICE: There is a SPACE after sudo and after lookupd

14) Hit return and type password when prompted and press enter.

NOTICE: password will not show up in terminal.

IMPORTANT: If the command works correctly a new command prompt will appear (as if you were starting over)

15) Ex out of Adobe and Restart Computer.

16) Double check to make sure cache is both flushed and deleted from computer. *Might need to repeat steps 11-14

17) Go to Hard drive and open:

Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db

18) Delete both Cache and Cache.db folder, drag it to trash and empty trash.

19) Now Open Adobe CS4 Start-UP

20) When prompted for serials enter:

1325-0465-4684-3792-9574-8287
1325-0505-2949-5043-2724-3432

NOTE: Thank you Marcos. The first one worked for me.

21) Fully install SC4!

22) Open any ADOBE program and feel at ease when you need to save and quit.
x, November 3, 2009:

Does anyone have an AFTER EFFECTS CS4 serial?
Tigs, November 3, 2009:

Im running a mac os. Its version 10.5.8. And I just got hold of an Adobe InDsign trial straight off the Adobe website. I have done everything to stop connections to Adobe but when I try to enter ANY serials. From above they all fail.

I dont know what else to do, your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Zambo, November 6, 2009:

I had the Illustrator CS4 trial, it expired than I’ve uninstalled because I wasn’t going to need ILL. anymore, now I want to install it again and the download app from the adobe website keeps stopping the download at 52% is it some kind of protection to prevent me to download it again? Anyway I can remove it and complete the download? thanks.
Sean, November 7, 2009:

Alright guys. My problem is slightly different than the rest.

I have a MacBook Pro running CS4 beautifully using Little Snitch to block activate.adobe.com and it works perfectly.

I bought a new iMac and used the Migration tool and a Time Machine back up to set up my iMac. This is where the licensing issue has started occurring.

I have tried EVERYTHING mentioned above; deleting the cache folder and file from the Adobe PCD folder, making sure Little Snitch is blocking activate.adobe.com, clearing my cache using terminal. NONE of this has worked to resolve the issue. I have uninstalled and reinstalled the CS4 Master Suit countless times trying both using a serial number and using it as a trial version; still nothing has worked.

I really need some help.
Tom, November 8, 2009:

Thanks Mate, your work is highly appreciated
After upgrading to Snow Leopardthe system has launched without little snitch on, so apps pinged and apps were blocked. Thanks to you I’m working again
Jom, November 9, 2009:

My CS4 still stop working on 10.6
Anyone can guide me little ?
Tom if you have time please give me some suggestion. It’s look like you are running 10.6 and working CS4

Thank
blasphemy, November 9, 2009:

post #138 did the trick for me. Thank you Raymonde. I tried everything in the post but still got the licence expired message. Turns out the serial key makes a difference. Use this: 1325-0958-5997-3696-7525-2029
Solved, November 10, 2009:

1. DELETE
“/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db
2. set the date of your computer a year before.
3. reneter the seriall.

works…

I just wish i figured this out before reinstalling my whole system :/
andrez, November 11, 2009:

for whoever it did not help after doing everything… go to adobe, and download the License Recovery script…. it is used to fix your license, by adobe… it worked for me

I clicked a link somewhere but look for it on adobe.com it is a file named: LicenseRecovery109. then buy a serial: hmmm hmmmm or fix your issues and let me know it anyone has questions or if it worked

I am referring only to the people that already followed all the steps and still got a License Expired message.
Eduardo RG, November 12, 2009:

NO GO. Everything works BUT only setting the computer date 1 year back later. There´s away to make it work and having your DATE on the actual day ?????
MacDesigner, November 17, 2009:

I was followed all the instructions on this site and to no avail… but as post #229 said download the License Recovery Tool from here http://www.adobe.com/support/contact/licensing_download_eula.html.

Run that, and restart your Adobe Applications again and as if by magic the pop up License Expired has gone and you can use all your applications again.
El canardo, November 18, 2009:

Hey Administrator, how are you so far ?
Tell me since this summer : Do the Marco serial still working ?
1325-0465-4684-3792-9574-8287

??
Bart V, November 18, 2009:

Hm, I’m stuck. I don’t get the clue of the answers. I tried all the things mentioned but failed. Quiet stupid, I know, but can anybody tell me the most easy way to find a working serial or let a serial work? Kind Regards
Eugene S.E. Teow, November 18, 2009:

Hi.
I’m facing this problem, but I can’t seem to find the file (/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db) to be deleted.
It is not there even though after I’ve reinstalled it many times.

How shall I proceed from here?
Louis, November 19, 2009:

I have tried keygen`s but I did not succeed to get a working serial.

Is there any way to get my CS4 validated? I tried also 2 different methods in the terminal settings, but for some reason I can`t get the path to the txt files right…

Someone here knows how to do the trick?
James, November 23, 2009:

As with post 234 I cannot find the cache.db file. It does not exist. Is this because I’m running a newer version? I’ve even typed cache.db into my search just to see if it exist anywhere on my machine and it doesn’t. Where do I go from here?
Snow Leopard new iMac, November 23, 2009:

So is anyone’s Snow Leopard (new) iMac working? That’s what I have and I’ve deleted the cache file, ran the terminal, ran the license recovery script and I need to get this working ASAP. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I would even pay you to help me make it work

Thanks.
Jayjay, November 24, 2009:

hi ive tried looking for /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db to delete the license expired stuff but cant find it anywhere on my computer, can anyone help?
Jayjay, November 24, 2009:

ive done it jus read it again and sorted it out thanks man your a genius!!!
TheTricker, November 25, 2009:

Hey,
i try it now for days. i deleted all previous version. Installed the testversion of Photoshop CS 4 donwloaded from Adobe. Edited the /etc/hosts file (ping activate.adobe.com says 127.0.0.1, is that enough), deleted cache.db, flushed cache, restarted and entered several keys?
The key is accepted, next dialog i say ‘OK’ and in a second there is the “License expired” dialog. When i set back my date a year, it works. Please help me, some ideas, it’s not a solution for me to change the date all the time.
Thanks for all comments
fabi, November 26, 2009:

exelente
Chuckbaker, November 26, 2009:

I am brand new to the mac world, so all of the above language is confusing the hell out of me. Can you please give me (if possible) step by step instructions to downloading, storing, uploading the proper software. So that I can use CS4 and this torrent/keygen thing. I hate to sound dumb, but I have been a PC user for ever and I have finally come to the Mac world. Thanks
ed, November 26, 2009:

OMG IT WORKS! been trying to fix this for ages! Thanks!
NewMacMan, November 26, 2009:

For those of you who are concerned about setting your computer back one year and leaving it there, consider trying setting your computer forward to a distant future year BEFORE YOU INSTALL THE TRIAL VERSION OR OTHER CS4 APP. Then permanently set it back again to the correct year after installation. Perhaps this will have the effect of never activating the “LICENSE HAS EXPIRED” message, since the trial period ends on a day far into the distant future. I have not tried this myself, but it is just a thought which seems logical for those concerned about setting computer year back.
epic fail, November 27, 2009:

for Snow Leapard users/all users who cant find the cache.db file, ill try to make this as idiot proof as possible:

Click on Finder in your menu bar along the bottom of your screen.
Click on Main Drive icon on the left menu
Click on Library
Click on Application Support
Click on Adobe
Click on Adobe PCD
Click on cache

You will see the cache.db file. right click and “move to trash”
BillyBen, November 28, 2009:

Wow, there is some file or something left on my computer which tells any new Adobe install that the ‘Licensing has expired’. I have deleted all the recommended files and made the necessary changes.

It’s as though my mac is permanently infected with an Adobe virus. Any help very much appreciated.
(Macbook pro, OSX 10.6.1)
BillyBen, November 28, 2009:

… I just thought of something. A couple of months ago I installed the Photoshop CS4 trial with the patch file that’s been doing the rounds. Do you think this is somehow stopping a successful install of the entire suite?
maximilian, December 1, 2009:

hey guys, great brainstorming and solving “issues”
does anyone have a working serial number for indesign cs4,
i apreciate that
m
Daniel, December 1, 2009:

#138 worked for me!
Tiaggy, December 1, 2009:

If you followed the instructions in the top of this page and still getting the “license for this product has expired” message:
1. uninstall the suite.
2. open the terminal and type:
sudo rm /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/pcd.db
sudo rm /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db
4. reinstall the master collection.
Enjoy
cyko, December 1, 2009:

THANX MARCOS! i just had a little problem getting there, but it worked perfectly!
Which means u don’t have to download anything illegal, just download the trial version from adobe.com!
FOLKS! IF U ARE HAVING PROBLEM STARTING FROM THE BEGINNING! LOOK AT THIS!
okay, for those of you who can’t find the cache.db or choose the trial version when you install,
get an app called CLEAN APP! it doesn’t matter if it’s a trial version, but i’ll post the serial
CAPP-8883-8879-8888-8883
ERASE THE CS4 USING CLEAN APP -> THEN REINSTALL! the cleanapp app will erase anything created by the cs4, so when you install it again, you can actually put serial or choose serial mode when you install it, just like your first time!
Toyma, December 1, 2009:

Just to let you guys that after trying EVERYTHING, I followed the steps exactly as directed above, using the serials posted here. Do not use Key Generators, they don’t work anymore.
So far….. happy camper here Everythimg works, and I don’t have to switch my date anymore.
Thanks a lot!!!!!!! Muchas Gracias!!!!!!
Mark, December 6, 2009:

Thanks very much, this solution & Little Snitch worked perfectly!
Zbomb, December 6, 2009:

to all those who cannot find the file:

/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db

you are looking in the wrong library place. in your finder window, click on the name of your mac computer in the top left directly under Devices. then go to library/applicationsupport/……..

you should definitely find it there. good luck
sucih, December 7, 2009:

Hi anyone who keeps getting the liscense expired. delete the flexnet db in app support folder

see no # 171. great work, stick it to the man
Ewa, December 8, 2009:

You saved my life! Thank you very much for help! I really appreciate
Frustrated, December 9, 2009:

I have tried all options and I still have no results. My CS4 has been working and all of a sudden it stopped. When I go to load the program, the icon just bounces up and down. I have cleaned and deleted all programs and cache and and re-installed, selected the option to use serial #, that worked, everything installed and when I went to load a progam again, it did the same thing, the icon bounced and nothing. I am in the middle of a project and cant finish, someone please HELP ME!!! Please!!!!
Frustrated, December 9, 2009:

I am also using Little Snitch and have denied all Abobe access.
Veronica, December 10, 2009:

Hi!
I got it working but I have to set system date to an year ago everytime I use photoshop. How can I fix this?
Thanks for the great help I found here!
Randy, December 11, 2009:

First. this site is absolutely amazing. Here is how I solved my problem.

1. For those of you finding it difficult to locate pcd file and cache.db go to the main mac drive and NOT THE APPLICATION FOLDER. There, go to Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/Cache and you will find cache.db

2. how to stop adobe from updating in the future: below are the instructions. I don’t want to paste a link as i don’t want Adobe to blacklist this link, so just follow the instructions below.

INSTRUCTIONS TO STOP ADOBE FROM CHECKlNG YOUR SERIAL AND DE-ACTIVATING IT

You will be opening a hidden file which needs special permission to open. With a
special terminal command, the file will open automatically in TextEdit. You will
add a few lines of text to the file, save and close. That’s it. Pretty simple and
totally not scary, huh? Ok so let’s get to it:

Step 1 – If you’re still going to install CS4, make sure you install it as a trial
(do not enter a serial number). If you’ve already installed and have used one of
the expiring serials, load any CS4 app, go to the Help menu and Deactivate.
Quit any open CS4 apps.

Step 2 – Open Terminal (found in Applications/Utilities/). In the terminal window,
paste in:

sudo /Applications/TextEdit.app/Contents/MacOS/TextEdit /etc/hosts

Step 3 – Hit return and type in your admin password.

Step 4 – A file will automatically open in TextEdit. In TextEdit, at the bottom of
the document, hit return and paste in the following:

127.0.0.1 activate.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 practivate.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 ereg.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 activate.wip3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 wip3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 3dns-3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 3dns-2.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 adobe-dns.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 adobe-dns-2.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 adobe-dns-3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 ereg.wip3.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 activate-sea.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 wwis-dubc1-vip60.adobe.com
127.0.0.1 activate-sjc0.adobe.com

Step 5 – Save the file. Do NOT do a “Save As”. Close the file.

Step 6 – If you’re on OS X 10.4, reboot. If you’re on OS X 10.5, in a new terminal
window, paste in:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

Hit return and exit out of Terminal.

Step 7 – Launch any CS4 app and enter the serial from the keygen. The serial will
last for decades.

As from at I can see this method is working with CS4 trials download via
http://www.adobe.com

Hope this helps
single mom, December 11, 2009:

Hello… i recently bought photoshop cs4 extended from Ebay about 2 months ago… everything was working great then last night i got an license expired now i cannot access my cs4 at all… i have called adobe and given them everything and they will not help me due to me buying it from ebay… because i dont have the activation code or something like that. i have windows vista. is there any way to crack it to let me back in? i really do not want to spend another 800 dollars on this. please help me if you can… also im stupid when it comes to computers so please try to make it as simple as you can! thanks a million
AGnostICXv, December 21, 2009:

when the 30 days expired,delete cache.db ,use this serial 1325-0958-5997-3696-7525-2029 and done .works thanks
kalid, December 21, 2009:

does anyone here have after effects cs4 for appl serial number, if you do please reply. been trying to find for days.

thanks heaps
Mizan, December 24, 2009:

Thankz, you’re help won’t be forgotten!
hhhuang, December 25, 2009:

i love you!
Liam Maskell, December 25, 2009:

Awesome!!!!! Thanks!!!!
liberatus, December 27, 2009:

I found at least the right solution for mac os 10.6.2. from Adobe IT WORS WELL!!!

1. Set the computer clock back to May 31, 2009
2. Launch the affected CS4 product, or any CS4 application within the Creative Suite.
3. Go to Help->Deactivate, and check the option ERASE THIS SERIAL NUMBER.
4. Quit the CS4 application.
5. Launch the CS4 application and when prompted for the serial number, enter the number
alex, December 27, 2009:

I deleted that file you said and i can open it to the page where it says trial or serial, and if i try either way the same error message comes up again, helppp

HEEEEEEEEEELLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
Dee, December 27, 2009:

1325-0958-5997-3696-7525-2029 worked for me! Thanks alot!
yoyo, December 28, 2009:

What exactly does “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache” do? (Post #260)
I got CS4 working again,
But now it takes my computer 5 minutes to bootup instead of 2.
on 10.6.2 new MBP.
yoyo, December 29, 2009:

thanks for the SN# for Acrobat post #71
btw. it was a new external HD causing the issue w/ the startup.
faizal, December 31, 2009:

thanks all….it work really great for me on my snow leopard. for the terminal command, pls use this ’sudo dscacheutil -flushcache’
blakercart, January 2, 2010:

I’m looking at purchasing a version of adobe cs4. However as a college student 2 others are going to help me foot the cost. The product only has one lisence with it. Any way to download it on three computers? Will the posts above solve this problem?
r0gu3, January 8, 2010:

can this serial works 1325-0958-5997-3696-7525-2029? without changing the year?
zemfir, January 10, 2010:

Hey guys, there is a way to use CS4 legally and free

So, download free trial, use it 30 days and when cs4 tells you that your license is over, do next steps:

1. Disconnect from all networks.
2. Delete cache.db, you wil find it here:
For Windows – c:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe PCD\cache\cache.db
For Mac – Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/cache.db
3. Change date on your computer to 10.01.2008
4. Start Photoshop.
5. Choose Help/Deactivate – follow the instructions and delete license from computer, after start use this serial number “1325-0051-1253-2953-2623-3607″ to activate again PS
6. Change date on your computer to the right one.
7. Start Photoshop and choose another 30 Days Trial.

It cost you 3 minutes in a month, but you use it legally and free
Solo, January 12, 2010:

I know this is basically ‘off-topic’, but can somebody help me get an expired trial version of Adobe After Effects 7 (for Mac) registered and/or working?

The only options I have when I open it are “Buy” and “Quit”.
Grundit, January 16, 2010:

Help! I have installed CS4 and used the terminal and pasted the information provided. I keep getting the excuse me sir, your serial is invalid if I go online. I need to stop CS4 calling home but the instrucitons do not seem to work on OS 10.6.2. I have had no issues with this license has expired and have removed the db file. Any help would be very welcome.
Grundit, January 16, 2010:

I have installed little snitch which lets me use photoshop but obviously I cannot use Contribute. When I try using terminal, it tells me the host file does not exist. Is there any other way I can stop adobe phoneing home?
dirtyleo, January 17, 2010:

Mac OSX Leopard Intel Macbook s/n 1325-0958-5997-3696-7525-2029 worked for me thx!!!!!!!
dirtyleo, January 17, 2010:

One more thing: Acrobat pro didnt work until i used this s/n for mac:
1118-0011-0841-2246-4404-1353
Now everything works once again thanks everyone!
Just keep trying – If i can do it, so can you – I’m a dumbass
Anna Smith, January 21, 2010:

Guys all i did is just CHANGING THE DATE on my computer! i set 2008 year and MAGICALLY Photoshop opened!!! i hate this damned error msg. btw i coudn’t find Adobe PCD folder in my Library – so tried this way and it worked..
Jay, January 23, 2010:

YEEEEEEEEEEEP!
Taila, January 23, 2010:

You are the man!!!! Thanks. This is great! Thanks!!!
Shinay, January 25, 2010:

Hi guys, and Admin.
I have tried EVERYTHING. I have deleted the cache file, I have edited the hosts, changed the date on my MAC, and Adobe InDesign CS4 works for that one time after I do all that. Now, a couple of days later, when I click on InDesign to open it, it brings the little pop up on the bottom of the screen (as if it is opening up), and then disappears, and InDesign does NOT open!
I have spent hours and hours of many days on this, my eyes are going cross-eyed, so I am now desperate for a solution. Please please help me Admin, or anyone else who had this problem and has now solved it successfully. I am about to cry and smash my computer!
Neel, January 25, 2010:

plzz tell for XP users ……. i m gettin the same dialogue solution plzzzzz
jessica, January 25, 2010:

#275-It may be free but it is not exactly legal. Way to lie to yourself.
Tiago Barbosa BRAZIL, January 25, 2010:

Thanks man!!!
Punkass, January 26, 2010:

Can anyone give me a serial for indesign and dreamweaver please need asap?
Mrk, January 26, 2010:

Hmm.. I tried a lot of this commands, but whatever I do, the message Licensing for this product has expired.
I’ve deleted the cache file from the right place, I changed the date, then I installed the program: succes! A soon as I change the date back to normal (I first deactivated as said above) the message pups up again. license expired.
Someone has a clear solution? I woud appreciate it.
Shade, January 28, 2010, January 27, 2010:

I have just installed adobe cs4 master collection using info from JohnnyQuest and Varo combined. Worked!!! My advice dont be scared just try it if comp brakes you’ll still have your health. can’t believe i Joined a couple of sites that you had to pay for. Dumb or what. Good luck everybody. desrerves respect innit!
Shade, January 28, 2010, January 27, 2010:

oh yes, and thank you, thank you, thank you. To all!
raychopp, January 29, 2010:

I’m running 10.6.2 also and nothing works when I’m connected to the net. Worked great before upgrading to Snow Leopard.
anon, January 30, 2010:

for pc users!!! Go to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe PCD\cache
and delete the file “cache.DB”
teck, February 1, 2010:

OMG YOURE BEAUTIFUL! much appreciated! hope to be like you when i grow up!
maru, February 4, 2010:

♡
mica, February 5, 2010:

THANKS!

For windows Xp or Vista users, the cache.db file is located in Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe PCD\ca
Ollie Saunders, February 8, 2010:

UURRGGHH! Please help me! I downloaded the trial of Adobe After Effects a while ago, and ever since tried to open it, the “License for this product has expired” popped up. Fair enough. I tried uninstalling the software and downloading it again, this time with a serial number that works and which I payed for. I go to open it, after it tells me that the serial number has worked and it all downloaded fine, and still the message “License for this product has expired” which is really pissing me off now. WHAT SHALL I DOOOOO? CAN SOMEONE SEND ME AN EMAIL ON HOW I COULD RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM OF MINE… MY EMAIL IS: Ozz_iscool@hotmai.com.
I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT!
makhintosh, February 10, 2010:

Awesome Tip…Thanks a lot!
Tom, February 11, 2010:

Thank you SO much! This was driving me insane, and nothing I could do could fix it. The nerds at Adobe tech support didn’t even know this. THANKS!!!!!!!!!
manny, February 12, 2010:

I have the same problem on vista home premium, can you advise please?
Alvaro, February 12, 2010:

Thanks!
spynoza, February 15, 2010:

for windows: follow the ways above, remove the cache in program files/common files/adobe/adobe PCD /cache … then enter the new sn: 1325-1955-2306-9287-5092-4687. hopefully can work!
admin, February 17, 2010:

im pretty sure XP also has a hosts file, no?
elico, February 17, 2010:

hi there. is it possible that i do not have the cache file? actually- i do not find the adobe PCD folder under the given path. why?
elico, February 17, 2010:

hi i was looking under user/library… and now i found the right path. it works great, thanks!!!
nomadictx007, February 21, 2010:

Works for everything except Acrobat Pro. Anyone else have this issue? Every program works after the above steps, but acrobat pro still says expired. I’m thinking they’ve set up an additional activation server. How do I find out?
RuidoPC, February 21, 2010:

Thank You! It Worked perfectly
meiry, February 21, 2010:

oh god..it worKs..
nayan, February 22, 2010:

there is no folder ADOBE PCD and its just showing license has expired what should i do
and when i installed photoshop cs4 it showed an error saying
“some components could not be installed properly
1. adobe bridge
2. adobe photoshop cs4″
TR, February 22, 2010:

Thanks a million! nomadictx — did you happen to clear the cache.db file in Utilities/Adobe PCD (?) — (I think that’s where it is)…?
masaru, February 22, 2010:

oh my!! finally….. THANKS!!! it works except Acrobat Pro.
nomadictx007, February 22, 2010:

hey TR. Yes, I did. I followed all the steps. It’s so weird that it’s just the one piece of the suite. I even tried clearing it again. It asked me for the key for all the programs again as well and when they all worked except for pro I didn’t want to take my chances clearing it again. And actually it doesn’t pop up the little box, it’s the big box where it says the ‘Trial’ has expired and to enter a serial # or buy one. When I enter any of the serial #s here or from a keygen it doesn’t take. That’s a big reason I think it’s talking to the mothership.
Matt, February 24, 2010:

Hey guys im not sure if this will work on Mac because im a Windows user but planing on changing to apple please give me a comment of MAC please at Black_system.14@hotmail.com.. anyways this should work try changing the date on your PC and Photoshop Should open give it a try it works perfectly for me so why shouldent it for you well hope it works and please send me a comment on what you think of Mac thanks enjoy!!
Jezter, February 24, 2010:

Had this problem on a mac running 10.6.2. Tried everything mentioned here. Nothing worked!
The found another site that said to delete the preferences file for FLEXnet publisher. (macHD/Library/Preferences/FLEXnet Publisher) I did and now everything works! At last!
nema, February 26, 2010:

thanks !!
Caroline, February 27, 2010:

I do not have an Adobe PCD file in my library/Adobe file. I still can’t get around my ”expired licence” for Flash CS4 on my MAC OS X. Can someone help me?
estoyloko, March 6, 2010:

Can someone please help me on figuring out why Photoshop is not working, keeps giving me the expired license pop up window after putting in the serial number. Every other app works fine from the Adobe Master Collection CS4, except Photoshop. I have no idea where to go from here. Have been trying to figure this out for the past two days and no dice. What is weird is that I did everything that is required to shut adobe from contancting its servers and also the deleting the cache file and nothing seems to work for Photoshop. Thanks
Bal, March 9, 2010:

Here’s what I did. Firstly I edited the hosts file to isolate the external Adobe sites as above (see post 260). I also downloaded an XFORCE keygen onto my laptop PC. I downloaded Adobe CS4 Master collection and installed onto my Mac (10.6.2) using a key from the keygen (KEY A). I then switched off my network. After installing I ran Adobe Photoshop after deleting the cache.db file and entered the SAME key (KEY A) as I used for install of the suite. It worked. I then opened all the apps, played around a bit, then switched the network back on. It’s all good.

I have a question for someone though. Adobe updater recommended an update, and I declined. Can anyone confirm if this is okay?

By the way I am using this just for personal education; if I am creative enough I may be inclined to use for commercial gain after which I’ll likely buy a full copy. In the mean time Enjoyyyyyy!!!
maru, March 9, 2010:

thx.

♡♡♡
Lauren, March 9, 2010:

I’m trying to delete the cache.db. I’m getting stuck at finding the Adobe PCD folder. I’m having the same problem as Caroline.
asdf, March 12, 2010:

I’ve got the same problem as Caroline. I can’t find the cache.db file or the Adobe PCD folder anywhere. Help please!
eyevolve, March 13, 2010:

Any suggestions for the same warning on CS3? I tried finding a cache.db file, but none seem to be there. I am running a wide variety of adobe programs from various sources and only wish to change one (after effects)
Batman, March 15, 2010:

HELP I registered Dreamweaver with a serial and now it says the exact same thing as the picture at the top of the page (only for Dreamweaver). The problem is that when I open up Dreamweaver, I don’t get a help menu when I open it!!! Anyone who thinks they can help send me an email at gman.zeppelin@gmail.com and I’ll explain my situation in more detail
Batman, March 15, 2010:

Oh wait never mind, I’m Batman, I can fix anything, like I just fixed my problem there… back to the Batcave…
joe, March 17, 2010:

works like a charm!!
thank you so much
Hilly, March 21, 2010:

Jetzer, Do you know which serial number you used? I’m running 10.6.2, and have tried everything as well including the flexnet publisher. still can’t make it work. Wondering if it’s the serial numbers i’m trying? Any suggestions?
Max, March 23, 2010:

Hi,

i look for a serial for Dreamwaver CS4 can anyone help me?

Thanks
Max
Kreis, March 28, 2010:

I don’t have an adobe pcd folder. nor this mysterious flexnet-whatever file that Jezter, February 24, 2010: mentioned. how can I fix this problem? I bought this cs4-package so I don’t have these particular problems. I’m very disappointed with adobe now.
mike leynes, March 29, 2010:

thank you post 302
Stephany143, April 3, 2010:

GREAT HELP U GUYZ~! WHOOT WHOOT~!
ahhh~! saved~!
jervan, April 5, 2010:

where i can get a free adobe photoshop cs4? thnx…
melo, April 6, 2010:

hii therer does anyone have a serial for soundbouth cs4 please i need one had the trial and it gives me that lisence error can anyone help?
Tim, April 8, 2010:

The Adobe PCD folder isn’t in the Library folder under your name. There are Two Library folders. The one you should be looking in is the one under the Mac HD. I hope that helps.
melo, April 15, 2010:

hii looking for serials for adobe soundbooth cs4 any suggestions please if you can help
Ian, April 15, 2010:

Where did the OSX keygen go? The link doesn’t work any more.
Jade, April 21, 2010:

Yes!!!!! Thank you so much this worked!
CARLOS SANCHEZ, April 21, 2010:

HI EVERYONE ACTUALY EVERYONES ADVICE HELPS, I DID THIS:

1.- FOLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS TO CHANGE DE “sudo /Applications/TextEdit.app/Contents/MacOS/TextEdit /etc/hosts”
2.- I INSTALLED LITTLE SNICHT FOR EXTRA PROTECTION.
3.- RAN THE LICENSE RECOVERY UTILITY FROM ADOBE.
4.- USEDED A SERIAL FROM THIS POST.
5.- READY.
Sara, April 29, 2010:

Hey everyone,

Here is the solution to your problems. How simple.

http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/494/cpsid_49485.html

Make sure the serial you are using is not a ‘pre-release’ serial.

GL
frank, April 29, 2010:

bro, this is awesome.. lots of appreciation goes to u.. thnks a million..
little french, May 3, 2010:

Dear Admin and all,

ALLElUIAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH after spending a week (including 2 days to read all comments) the installation finally works for me. I have 10.6.2 snow leopard machine.

I simply followed post 249 and purchased (first time I buy a software ) little snitch 2.2.
and finally my adobe is not calling mother ship.

Thanks again for your help.
cheers. I have a year off work so Adobe here I am.
little french.
Shade, May 10, 2010:

Hi admin and macfans
Having previously installed CS4 master collection and got it working I would like to install CS5 mc. Does this mean I would need to uninstall CS4 first or would it be possible to have them both on my system, just incase I couldn’t get the CS5 to work and I end up loosing them both. Could you also let me know if I can still use S/N’s from previous posts or do I need to get new ones for CS5. All help and comments appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Brian Matthews, May 14, 2010:

Has anyone found a serial which works with CS5.
I am assuming use of Little Snitch
Bill, May 18, 2010:

I TRIED EVERY SOLUTION MENTIONED HERE AND IT STILL DOES NOT WORK! I am running 10.4.11 and have ran little snitch, deleted the cache.db file, changed the text file, rebooted, flushed cache in terminal, reopened PS4, tried DOZENS of sn’s, and still keep getting the license error. Even if I simply select the trial it still gives me the error. Can somebody please help here, I am certain I have done everything properly but it simply won’t work.
JAYYYYYYYYYY, May 19, 2010:

I have an open-source program called LittleSnitch for mac. It allows me to notified any time a program is attempted to be contacted or make contact through the internet, and block or allow generally, or specifically by ip, and hostname. BTW it gives host name by default. GREAT program.
for windowz on machackz,lolz, May 24, 2010:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe PCD\cache
it ur running windowz, there it iz, this mac guide got it for me, credit to them
WTFisWRONGwME?, June 3, 2010:

I used to think I was a reasonably intelligent guy. Now I know better. I have run the terminal steps to block calls to home, I delete the cash.db file, even the FLEXnet adobe event log, I enter a serial i got off the net and it won’t let me do a thing because it cannot call home to activate. I can’t even use the trail period anymore. It tells me that some “problem” has been encountered when I try. I’m embarrassed in front of myself.
Regen, June 10, 2010:

Hey guys i cant find the cache file on my mac where is it located?
Regen, June 10, 2010:

There is no adobe pcd file when i follow the instructions and the message still appears what can I do?
macmax, June 21, 2010:

May you receive all the blessings #133.
Rajinka, June 29, 2010:

Heeeelllp! Please!! Every serial I’ve used has expired on my Photoshop CS4. Same as Regen #348’s question. I don’t have the “adobe pcb” file to delete. Any other ideas? Dyin’ here! Anyone got a recent or still functioning serial for Mac? Big hugs and appreciation! xx
SHIIIIIIT, July 1, 2010:

i also don´t have a adpbr pcd folder, so i don´t have a cache folder, so i don´t have a cache.db file!!!!
CB, July 2, 2010:

Comment 399 on below page is the key, all working fine now, just make sure you block all requests to connect to adobe when installing using snitch

http://machacks.tv/2009/01/28/stop-adobe-cs4-calling-home-to-mother-ship-in-os-x/comment-page-12/
entelwaka, July 2, 2010:

I couldn’t solve the problem by this way
Ren, July 6, 2010:

Any idea for us poor PC users how to stop PS and CS4 products from contacting Adobe?
bafic, July 19, 2010:

Does anyone know where i can download a Key generator for Mac ?
Thanks in advance!