this post was submitted on 12 Jan 2026
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Yep, same here. Mojave on an old MacBook with a complete CS5 suite lets me continue to use what I paid for.
I didn't have a still-running copy like you did, so instead I disabled all network access and used my existing install media/licensing to activate offline, then before restoring network I went through and blocked every single executable at the firewall, esp anything having to do with updates or the licensing module. Now it doesn't matter whether there is internet access or not, everything is stable and it doesn't phone home.
The blocking was a pain in the ass, no lie, but I can restore the firewall settings from time machine if ever needed, and meanwhile I have a working, unshittified CS5 that is not constantly trying to move my data up to the cloud or give itself legal rights to my IP. It's lacking some newer features probably, but it does what I need.
I'm going to pass your instructions along to a friend still using CS5 on the same Mac he installed it on, though. It's a great strategy.
IIRC, I discovered it when I retired my Mirror Door Drive G4 and bought a MacPro. At the time I wasn't online and couldn't get the fresh install to activate and on a lark, because it WAS a universal binary, I just copied over the application from the G4.
It worked, but was a bit janky, so once the internet got sorted, I did a clean reinstall of CS3 and activated it as normal.. I still have the G4 with the CS3 on it, and also copies of the install I did on the MacPro.
Also, with the CS3 and the OSes later than El Capitan, you need to get the JavaForOSX.dmg from Apple. It won't launch otherwise.
The great thing about CS3 is that even if I try to have it update, it doesn't. I used to run it with all the Adobe "phone home" addresses blocked in my system's hosts file. Now I no longer have to even do that. Nothing's there online. It will launch Bridge but when it gets to the Adobe Stock Photos and accepts the certificate, it connects to their servers and promptly quits.
LOL! Too funny!
Adobe has moved on and it's pure bliss for me.