What did you get? A full version copy, or an upgrade? If it's a full version copy, that's all you need.
If it's an upgrade, the seller must also provide you with the original full version license, and all other upgrades in between (such as from CS4 to CS6) so you can legally own and use the upgrade. Why, you may ask? Because in Adobe's world, the original license is the one that counts. All upgrades purchased after that, no matter how many, are tied together as a single ownership all the way back to the original full version purchase. The seller cannot keep an older version for themselves and only sell you an upgrade.
In either case, the person who sold you the software must transfer ownership to you, or it will remain under their Adobe user ID as the owner.
- They must deactivate the software on their end.
- If you don't already have an Adobe account, you must create one and send the seller the email address you are using as your account name. The seller and Adobe need this to complete the following.
- The seller must fill out this form. Click on the Get File button to see the transfer PDF.
- The seller fills out the PDF form twice. Once as the seller (Transferor) with their name in the signature box. And again for you (Recipient) with your name in the signature box. All serial numbers and versions back to the full version copy must be on both forms.
- The seller calls Adobe (or through a chat session) and lets them know they are transferring ownership of the software to you. Adobe creates a support case under their Adobe ID.
- Once that's ready, the seller saves both completed PDFs as a JPEG. Don't ask me why Adobe won't accept uploading the filled in PDFs, but they won't. The seller then uploads both completed JPEGs to the page so Adobe can transfer the license(s).
- The seller will see that title and its associated serial number(s) disappear from their list of purchased software, and it will then appear under your ID.
- Only after this is done should you try to activate the software.
Yes, it's kind of complex, but it's the only way to get that serial number legally under your Adobe ID so you can activate it with you as the owner.
