From Sue Chastain,
Your Guide to Graphics Software.
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In the forum, calindy06 writes: I'm needing help with an installation of Adobe Photoshop. I have numerous programs installed, however, I seem to have misplaced the serial number to install the above progam. I know they're locations to get an 'Installation Key', but I do not know how to get to a particular site. Can anyone help me to get this program installed legitimately?

A. Although you may be able to find an installation key out there, it would not be a legitimate way to get the program installed. It is also very risky to visit those kinds of sites with all the malicious software out there.

If you registered your software, you can choose Help > Registration to display your serial number. You can also log into your account at Adobe.com and retrieve your password there. If you can't log in to Adobe.com. you will need to contact Adobe for your serial number. They may require your original purchase reciept. Adobe also has a support document on how to locate your serial number.

If you still have the software installed on another computer, you may be able to find the serial number there.

• Belarc Advisor is a free PC Profiler that will show serial numbers for many installed programs. It doesn't show serial numbers for all Adobe products, however.

• Some older versions of Adobe software stored the serial number in the Windows registry. If you still have the software on another computer you can try searching the registry for the serial numbers.

If you never registered your software, I suggest you look harder for the serial number you misplaced. Adobe gives you several extra labels with the serial number on it. I've always put these on the CD itself (since you can't install without the CD), the CD storage case, and the user manual. I also make a note of it in a file on my computer where I save all my serial numbers.

If you've exhausted all these suggestions, Adobe customer support is your best bet for getting a new serial number. Be sure to present them with as much proof of purchase as possible when you contact them.

In the future it would be wise to always register your most essential and most expensive software programs, especially if you move a lot or you're the type to misplace serial numbers.