How to Erase an Adobe Registration File
When upgrading trial software, older Adobe products or completing a fresh install, you may encounter registration and serial code errors with the Adobe Creative Suite. To prevent these errors, the Adobe registration files should be completely removed from a computer. This will save time and increase workflow because it will allow you to upgrade and install Adobe products a lot faster.
Adobe Creative Suite Cleaner Tool
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Adobe's official cleaning application is recommended by Adobe to remove the registration and other unnecessary files. Download the tool directly from Adobe and follow the installation instructions. The tool will automatically run and remove all of the files from your computer. Restart the computer if needed and follow the software installation instructions if you are upgrading your Adobe products.
Cache Clearing
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Even when the cleaner runs, a selection of cache folders are left in the computer with the registration information. Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Computer" and locate your hard drive. Go to "Program Files," select "Common Files" and choose "Adobe." Locate the folder "Adobe PCD" and the sub-folder "Cache." Delete any files labeled "cache.db." These files hold registration and serial number information. The serial number on all your Adobe products will need to be re-entered again when you install or open the software.
Adobe Servers
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In some Adobe software, the registration and account information is linked to servers that monitor the software for changes. When your computer is connected to the Internet, it may cause server communication issues with new or old registrations even if the files have been deleted from the computer. In this case, you must go to the Adobe help website and follow the prompts to report the problem. Adobe will contact you with a solution.
Windows Installation
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If previous methods do not work to get rid of registration information about the Adobe software, a last effort would be completely reinstalling your operating system. When this occurs the hard drive will be completely erased, so if you choose this method, back up any needed files using an external hard drive or other source. Use your Windows recovery disc to reinstall a fresh copy of Windows and follow the installation instructions. This will guarantee that your registration files are removed.
References
Writer Bio
Alan Donahue started writing professionally in 2003. He has been published in the Norwich Free Academy "Red & White," UNLV's "Rebel Yell" and on various websites. He is an expert on wrestling, movies and television. He placed second in the NFO Screenwriting Contest and received filmmaking awards from Manchester Community College and Norwich Free Academy. He currently attends Academy of Art University.