I have used Photoshop for many years and happily ran CS2 on MS Server 2003. I loaded CS3 Beta on this server and encountered no problems.
I use 2003 as it is a very stable OS, in preference to XP.

When it came to upgrading to the full CS3 version, I purchased this upgrade and only then did I find that a fully licensed version of CS3 will not even load on anything but XP or Vista.

Adobe’s reaction was that it would not support CS3 on Server 2003. All was not lost as my CS3 Beta then offered to be upgraded or a valid license be entered. This I did and everything was OK until the programs end date must have still be operational as CS3 will no longer run as it has expired.

Very short sighted of Adobe to so closely link itself to MS’s newer OS’s in an attempt to get us to adopt the latest OS versions.

I am back to running CS2.

I have no problem with CS3 on Win 2003.
Try this: Microsoft Application Verifier

Andrew

Hello Andrew,
It would be nice If you say how to install Photoshop CS3 to win2003
I am downloading Microsoft Application Verifier but I dont know how to use it.

Yes, Andrew I am very curious how you installed Photoshop cs3 on 2003 Server. The install quits at the very start, stating that I need XP or Vista. Thank you for any help you can give. Jim

Alright, I am installing CS3 on my Server 03 box right now - it took me a few minutes of tinkering to get things rolling. Here’s what I did:

Download Microsoft’s Application Compatibility Toolkit from this address:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=24da89e9-b581-47b0-b45e-492dd6da2971&displaylang=en

After installing said toolkit (no restart or anything), you will have a folder in your start menu called Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0, and inside, two program shortcuts and a folder of tools. Run “Compatibility Administrator” and it will give you a window that somewhat resembles an .msc window. Go to the bottom of the list and where it says “New Database” right click and do “Create New -> Application Fix.” Name it whatever you want and put something in the vendor space, then pick out the “setup.exe” file on the install media. Click next, and select “None” under “Operating System Modes” and ignore the listbox next to it. Click next once again and you’ll be presented with a nasty looking list of “Fixes.” Scroll down until you see “WinXPSP2VersionLie” and check the box. Click next, and finish on the next screen.

Now you should be set! Make sure your new addition is selected in the box on the left, and click the Run button at the top! Hopefully everything goes well. (My install just finished without error, so hopefully yours will as well.) CS3 just launched without issue for me also so things must be well! :D

I hope this works out for you guys too! :)

Hey, guys, if you want to install CS3 on Win2k3 have a look here http://www.neowin.net/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t554607.html

Colin, you’re awesome. I’ve been looking for solutions to this all day long and all the other ones I found have failed.

Your workaround workarounded like a charm. Thank you again.