Question about software registration (Adobe Photoshop)

[2008]

I also posted this in the Computer Help and Support Group, but it's a time-sensitive question and I'm hoping for a quick answer.

I have the opportunity to buy a used copy of Adobe Photoshop CS at a good price, but:

The seller claimed he uninstalled it from his computer, and that it has never been registered. I think that's not possible, because I'm under the impression that Adobe Photoshop can't be installed without registering it.

Someone I know, a computer guru who speaks many levels above my comprehension, said I can research whether it's been registered by asking the seller for the "part number." (Then the guru had to hurry to a project, and couldn't discuss it further.)

Is this true? If the seller gives me the part number, is there some online resource where I can enter the part number and learn its registration history?

[ET Awful]

1. I'm not sure about the part number, but if you can find out the license

number or CD-Key, you can contact Adobe directly to find out if it's legit.

In many cases, the product WILL allow you to install and run for 30 days without activation, so it's conceivable that it's legit, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Ask him for the license no. and contact Adobe.

[2008]

3. thank you (nt)

[Spider Jerusalem]

2. No, you can install without registering...

the program checks to see that the license key is valid (i.e., created with a specific algorithm and within a specific range).

Registration of most software products is only necessary if you think you're going to need technical support.

[2008]

4. thank you (nt)

[Nye Bevan]

5. "Registration" versus "Activation"

It is true that "registration of most software products is only necessary if you think you're going to need technical support". However, certain very expensive programs, such as Adobe Photoshop CS, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Microsoft Windows, require Activation, which is different from Registration in that it is mandatory if you want the software to continue working beyond the grace period (typically 30 days). The Activation process records information about your machine and sends it over the internet to the software author; this prevents the program from being installed by multiple users (Adobe allows installation on 2 machines, I believe).

My suggestion: buy the software with a credit card; upon receiving it, immediately install it, ACTIVATE it AND REGISTER it (to be extra safe). If you have ANY problems immediately contact the seller and demand a refund. If the seller refuses then immediately dispute the charge with your credit card issuer.

I bought Adobe Encore DVD on ebay at a HUGE discount to the official price (at the recommendation of a DUer) and I didn't have any problems at all. Good luck!