Explanation/ Context
Very often we find an issue with Adobe licensing in which a user with an SDL install will show "Trial" in Creative Cloud. We've found Adobe licensing to be somewhat temperamental and easy to confuse. For example, bringing some Adobe folders in AppData over from Crashplan can result in this issue. We find the quickest resolution to this issue is to completely remove Adobe from the computer and reinstall. However, in doing this we do not rely solely on uninstalling the programs; we also manually delete various folders that are orphaned by Adobe's uninstaller.
The Process of Removal
Some of these steps may be redundant, but we're airing on the side of caution.
Step 1: Uninstall the Normal Way
For this step you'll just want to uninstall all the Adobe programs and Creative Cloud as you would normally.
Step 2: Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool
Next we like to run the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool. The idea behind this tool is for it to completely remove installs and registry keys from a Creative Cloud install. The tool can be found here: https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/download-failure/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html and it allows for various removal options. We always opt for the first option, removing everything:
Step 3: Manual Deletion of Folders
Finally we want to manually remove all Adobe folders. You'd think Steps 1 and 2 would obviate the need, but there are a number of orphaned Adobe folders remaining. Remove all that you find, here is a general list:
- C:\ProgramData\Adobe
- C:\Program Files\Adobe
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe
- C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe
- C:\<User in Question>\AppData\Local\Adobe
- C:\<User in Question>\AppData\Local\Adobe_Systems_Incorporate
- C:\<User in Question>\AppData\LocalLow\Adobe
- C:\<User in Question>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe