How to Reset the Activation Limit for Adobe Acrobat 2017
Question details
The user needs to reset the activation limit for their Adobe Acrobat 2017 license to install it on a new or reformatted machine.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat 2017
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to reinstall Adobe Acrobat 2017 after reformatting previously used computers without manually deactivating the software first.
- Observed behavior
- The installation fails and reports that the serial number is already in use on the maximum number of allowed computers.
Ensure you have your Adobe Acrobat 2017 serial number and the email address associated with your Adobe ID ready before reaching out for assistance.
Contact Adobe Customer Service to Reset Activation Count
Since the previously activated computers were reformatted and cannot be accessed to perform a manual deactivation, you must contact Adobe directly to reset the activation limit on their servers.
A standard Adobe Acrobat 2017 license permits installation and activation on up to two computers. If a device is wiped, reformatted, or decommissioned without clicking 'Deactivate' in the software's Help menu, the activation seat remains occupied in Adobe's system.
Locate your original 24-digit Acrobat 2017 serial number and ensure you can log into the Adobe ID account used to purchase or register the software.
Navigate to the official Adobe Support page in your web browser and log in with your Adobe ID. Select 'Contact Us' to open the live chat or locate the customer service phone number for your region.
Inform the support agent that your previously activated computers were reformatted or experienced a hard drive failure, making it impossible to open Acrobat and manually deactivate the licenses.
Ask the representative to perform an 'activation-count reset' for your specific serial number. Once they confirm the reset, proceed to install and activate Acrobat 2017 on your current computer.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free PDF Experience
Struggling with strict activation limits on legacy PDF software? WPS Office provides a powerful, built-in PDF toolkit alongside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives. Enjoy seamless file management without the frustration of locked devices or complex license resets.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Suite: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Edit Your PDFs: Launch WPS Office, open your PDF file, and instantly access professional viewing, commenting, and editing tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I manually deactivate Adobe Acrobat 2017 if my computer is already reformatted?
No. Manual deactivation requires launching the Acrobat software on the specific machine where it was activated. If the hard drive is reformatted or dead, you cannot access the 'Help > Deactivate' menu and must rely on Adobe Support to reset it.
How many computers can I install Adobe Acrobat 2017 on?
A single-user license for Adobe Acrobat 2017 allows you to install and activate the software on up to two computers (for example, a primary desktop and a secondary laptop), provided you do not use the software on both devices simultaneously.
Will resetting my activation limit delete my PDF documents?
No. Resetting your activation limit only updates Adobe's licensing servers to free up installation seats. It has no effect on any local PDF files stored on your hard drive.
Are there free alternatives to Adobe Acrobat for editing PDFs?
Yes, office suites like WPS Office include a comprehensive set of built-in PDF tools. You can view, merge, split, annotate, and edit PDF documents without needing to purchase an expensive standalone PDF license.
