Are you facing the frustrating issue of not being able to reactivate your deactivated Photoshop Elements 17? You're not alone. Many users encounter this problem, often after a system upgrade, a hardware change, or simply due to the software being deactivated inadvertently. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue, ensuring you can get back to editing your photos and creating stunning visual content.
This article delves deep into the common causes of deactivation problems and provides practical solutions to get your software up and running again. We'll cover everything from checking your Adobe account and license status to troubleshooting common errors and contacting Adobe support for assistance. Whether you're a seasoned Photoshop Elements user or just starting out, this guide will provide the clarity and steps needed to reactivate your software.
Before diving into the solutions, it's crucial to understand why Photoshop Elements 17 might get deactivated in the first place. Common reasons include:
- System Changes: Upgrading your operating system (e.g., from Windows 10 to Windows 11 or macOS Mojave to macOS Catalina) can trigger deactivation. Significant hardware changes, such as replacing your computer's motherboard or hard drive, can also cause this issue.
- Software Conflicts: Sometimes, conflicts with other software or security programs on your computer can lead to deactivation. These conflicts can interfere with the licensing process, causing the software to revert to an inactive state.
- Accidental Deactivation: You might have accidentally deactivated Photoshop Elements 17 through the software's menu or during a system cleanup process. It’s more common than you think, especially if you're managing multiple software licenses.
- Subscription or License Issues: If you have a subscription-based license, deactivation can occur if your subscription has expired or if there are payment issues. For perpetual licenses, problems might arise if the software detects an issue with the license key.
- Exceeding Activation Limit: Adobe licenses typically allow activation on a limited number of devices. If you've activated the software on too many computers, you'll need to deactivate it from one device before you can activate it on another.
Understanding the root cause can help you tailor your troubleshooting steps more effectively. Now, let’s explore the solutions to reactivate Photoshop Elements 17.
When you encounter a deactivated Photoshop Elements 17 that you can't reactivate, a systematic approach to troubleshooting is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process effectively:
1. Verify Your Adobe Account and License
Your first step should always be to verify the status of your Adobe account and license. This involves ensuring that your account is in good standing and that your license for Photoshop Elements 17 is active and valid. Here’s how to do it:
- Log into Your Adobe Account: Go to the Adobe website and log in using the Adobe ID associated with your Photoshop Elements 17 license. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the password recovery options provided on the login page. Ensuring you’re using the correct Adobe ID is crucial, as using an incorrect account will prevent you from accessing your licensed software.
- Check Your Subscription/License Status: Once logged in, navigate to the "My Products" or "My Account" section. Here, you should see a list of all Adobe products registered to your account. Locate Photoshop Elements 17 and verify that its status is active. If it shows as inactive or expired, you may need to renew your subscription or address any payment issues. For perpetual licenses, ensure the license key is correctly registered to your account.
- Review Registered Devices: Adobe licenses typically allow activation on a limited number of devices. Check the list of registered devices associated with your license. If you’ve exceeded the activation limit, you’ll need to deactivate Photoshop Elements 17 from one of the devices before you can activate it on your current computer. This can usually be done through your Adobe account dashboard.
Verifying your account and license status provides a solid foundation for troubleshooting. It helps you rule out account-related issues as the cause of your deactivation problem. If everything appears to be in order with your account, proceed to the next steps.
2. Run Photoshop Elements 17 as an Administrator
Sometimes, the issue of reactivating deactivated Photoshop Elements 17 can stem from insufficient permissions. Running the application as an administrator can grant it the necessary privileges to access system resources and complete the activation process. This is a simple yet effective step that often resolves activation problems.
- Locate the Photoshop Elements 17 Executable: Find the Photoshop Elements 17 executable file on your computer. This is typically located in the installation directory, which by default is in the Program Files folder on Windows or the Applications folder on macOS. Look for the "PhotoshopElementsEditor.exe" file on Windows or the Photoshop Elements 17 application icon on macOS.
- Run as Administrator (Windows): Right-click on the executable file. From the context menu, select "Run as administrator." This will launch the application with elevated privileges, allowing it to bypass certain permission restrictions that may be preventing activation.
- Open with Elevated Privileges (macOS): On macOS, you can achieve a similar effect by using the Terminal. Open Terminal and type
sudo open /Applications/Adobe\ Photoshop\ Elements \ 2017/PhotoshopElementsEditor.app. This command runs the application with administrative privileges. You’ll be prompted to enter your administrator password to proceed.
Running Photoshop Elements 17 as an administrator ensures that it has the necessary permissions to write to system files and access network resources, which are often required for activation. If this resolves the issue, you may want to consider setting the application to always run as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking the executable, selecting "Properties," going to the "Compatibility" tab, and checking the "Run this program as an administrator" box.
3. Check Your Internet Connection
An active and stable internet connection is crucial for reactivating deactivated Photoshop Elements 17. The software needs to communicate with Adobe’s servers to verify your license and complete the activation process. If your internet connection is unstable or unavailable, activation may fail.
- Verify Connectivity: First, ensure that you have a working internet connection. Try opening a web browser and visiting a website to confirm that you can access the internet. If you cannot connect, troubleshoot your internet connection by checking your modem, router, and network settings.
- Check Firewall and Security Settings: Your firewall or security software might be blocking Photoshop Elements 17 from accessing the internet. Check your firewall settings and ensure that Photoshop Elements 17 is allowed to connect to the internet. Temporarily disabling your firewall can help determine if it’s the source of the problem, but remember to re-enable it once you’ve finished troubleshooting.
- Proxy Settings: If you are using a proxy server, ensure that your proxy settings are correctly configured. Incorrect proxy settings can prevent Photoshop Elements 17 from connecting to Adobe’s servers. Check your system’s network settings and verify that the proxy settings are accurate.
- Try a Different Network: If possible, try connecting to a different network to see if the issue persists. For example, if you're using Wi-Fi, try connecting via Ethernet, or use a different Wi-Fi network. This can help determine if the problem is specific to your network.
Ensuring a stable and unrestricted internet connection is a fundamental step in troubleshooting activation issues. A reliable connection allows Photoshop Elements 17 to communicate effectively with Adobe’s servers, facilitating the activation process. If your internet connection is not the issue, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
4. Deactivate from Other Devices
One common reason for the deactivated Photoshop Elements 17 problem is exceeding the activation limit. Adobe licenses typically allow you to activate your software on a limited number of devices. If you've reached this limit, you'll need to deactivate the software from one of your other devices before you can reactivate it on your current computer.
- Sign in to Your Adobe Account: Go to the Adobe website and log in to your account using the Adobe ID associated with your Photoshop Elements 17 license. This is the same account you use to manage your Adobe subscriptions and products.
- Access Your Account Dashboard: Once logged in, navigate to the section of your account dashboard that lists your registered products and devices. The exact name of this section may vary, but it's often labeled as "My Products," "My Account," or "Manage Devices."
- Locate Photoshop Elements 17: Find Photoshop Elements 17 in the list of your registered products. You should see information about the number of devices the software is currently activated on.
- Deactivate from Unused Devices: If you've exceeded the activation limit, you'll see a list of devices where Photoshop Elements 17 is activated. Identify the devices you no longer use or where you no longer need the software, and deactivate them. The process for deactivation usually involves clicking a "Deactivate" or "Sign Out" button next to the device name.
- Reactivate on Your Current Device: After deactivating the software from other devices, try reactivating it on your current computer. Launch Photoshop Elements 17 and follow the activation prompts. With the activation limit no longer exceeded, the software should activate successfully.
Deactivating from other devices is a straightforward way to resolve activation issues caused by license limits. It ensures that you're within the terms of your Adobe license and allows you to use the software on your preferred device. If this step doesn’t solve the problem, continue to the next troubleshooting method.
5. Reinstall Photoshop Elements 17
If you've tried the previous steps and are still facing the issue of deactivated Photoshop Elements 17 that you can't reactivate, reinstalling the software might be the solution. A fresh installation can often resolve problems caused by corrupted files, incorrect settings, or incomplete installations.
- Uninstall Photoshop Elements 17: Before reinstalling, you need to uninstall the current version. On Windows, go to the Control Panel, select "Programs," and then "Programs and Features." Find Photoshop Elements 17 in the list, right-click it, and select "Uninstall." On macOS, go to the Applications folder, locate Photoshop Elements 17, and drag it to the Trash. Then, empty the Trash.
- Use the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool (Optional): For a thorough uninstall, consider using the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool. This tool can remove any residual files and registry entries that might interfere with the new installation. Download the tool from the Adobe website and follow the instructions to clean up Photoshop Elements 17.
- Download the Installation Files: Go to the Adobe website and log in to your account. Navigate to the section for downloading your purchased software. Find Photoshop Elements 17 and download the installation files. Ensure you're downloading the correct version for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
- Install Photoshop Elements 17: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software. Make sure to close any other applications during the installation process to avoid conflicts.
- Activate the Software: After the installation is complete, launch Photoshop Elements 17. You'll be prompted to activate the software. Follow the activation prompts, entering your Adobe ID and password if required. With a fresh installation, the activation process should proceed smoothly.
Reinstalling Photoshop Elements 17 provides a clean slate, eliminating potential software conflicts and ensuring all necessary files are correctly installed. This is a more comprehensive approach that can resolve a wide range of activation issues. If you're still facing problems after reinstalling, the next step is to contact Adobe support for further assistance.
If you've exhausted all the troubleshooting steps and are still dealing with a deactivated Photoshop Elements 17 that refuses to reactivate, it’s time to reach out to Adobe support. Adobe’s support team has the expertise to handle complex activation issues and can provide personalized assistance tailored to your specific situation.
- Gather Information: Before contacting support, gather as much information as possible about your issue. This includes your Adobe ID, the version of Photoshop Elements 17 you're using, your operating system, and any error messages you've encountered. Having this information ready will help the support team diagnose the problem more efficiently.
- Visit the Adobe Support Website: Go to the Adobe support website and navigate to the Photoshop Elements section. Here, you’ll find various support resources, including FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and forums.
- Use the Chat or Phone Support Options: Look for the options to contact support via chat or phone. Chat support is often the quickest way to get help, as you can interact with a support agent in real-time. Phone support is also a good option if you prefer to speak to someone directly.
- Describe Your Issue Clearly: When contacting support, clearly explain the issue you're experiencing. Provide details about the troubleshooting steps you've already taken and the results you've obtained. The more information you provide, the better the support team can assist you.
- Be Patient and Follow Instructions: Adobe support agents are trained to help you resolve your issues, but it may take some time to diagnose and fix the problem. Be patient and follow the instructions provided by the support agent. They may ask you to perform additional troubleshooting steps or provide further information.
- Escalate If Necessary: If you're not satisfied with the initial support you receive, don't hesitate to ask to escalate your case to a higher level of support. Sometimes, complex issues require the attention of more experienced support agents.
Contacting Adobe support is a crucial step when you've tried everything else. Their expertise and resources can help you resolve even the most challenging activation problems, ensuring you can continue using Photoshop Elements 17 without further interruption.
Dealing with a deactivated Photoshop Elements 17 can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can often resolve the issue and get back to your creative work. This comprehensive guide has covered the common causes of deactivation problems and provided a step-by-step approach to troubleshooting. From verifying your Adobe account and license to reinstalling the software and contacting Adobe support, you now have a toolkit of solutions at your disposal.
Remember to start with the basics, such as checking your internet connection and running the application as an administrator. If those steps don't work, move on to more advanced solutions like deactivating from other devices or reinstalling Photoshop Elements 17. And if all else fails, Adobe support is there to help you navigate the complexities of software activation.
By following the advice in this guide, you can minimize downtime and ensure that your Photoshop Elements 17 is always ready when you need it. Keep these troubleshooting steps in mind, and you’ll be well-prepared to handle any deactivation issues that may arise in the future. Happy editing!
