RonDavis Loc: Chicago, IL

Some advice requested. I’ve been running Lightroom 6.14 since 2016. AS most LR user may know, this version program is the last stand-alone-Perpetual License, no longer offered by Adobe. I also run Photoshop Elements 2021 alone and as a plug-in. PSE is the other stand-alone / perpetual license from Adobe. OK, so here’s what’s going. Today when I started the LR program, a pop-up window appeared asking to log-into Adobe with password; another pop-up ask, “License This Product” (by entering my license key codes) …or run the TRIAL version of LR for 7 Days? Yikes! (I also experienced the same sign-in issue with PSE).

Now, I must log-in to activate and log-out to deactivates the programs. I been running these programs for years (off-line) without signing-in/out. LR 6.14 has been reliable…until now. I don’t use a cloud account for application or storage…so why is this necessary now?

Fortunately, I was able to find my password to sign-in to “my account” and enter the license keys to activate the program. Lucky, because I haven’t done this for a very long time since I “own” the perpetual, stand-alone licenses. Signing-in connects these programs to the internet, which I shouldn’t have to do and don’t want to do! AND….it gets worse. Now I have to accept/click the terms of agreement on a link page that states that Adobe “leases” these programs. My account was created when I registered these products with Adobe. The product information can be seen with the purchase amount on My Profile page.

Yes, I contacted Adobe Customer Service immediately (3 times today). After waiting a considerable amount of time, the first 37 minute conversation didn’t resolve anything. The agent just looked up my account and confirmed my ownership of LR and PSE. I was transferred to another special agent, and waited 2 minutes on hold. Then, as I was speaking to the agent, the phone connection was dropped mid-sentence, after 6 minutes. I called back, but could not reconnect…..no one answered. This problem is unresolved and I’m still pursuing a resolution. But I think I’m going to experience more frustrating wait times☹

Has any other LR 6.14 Users had a similar issue?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Try googling the issue, you're likely not the first to encounter.

Or, use the technical support chat rather than phone calls to Adobe. Your PSE license can be used as the vehicle for support from Adobe. Just sign into Adobe.com and under 'Support' you can find the chat option in the 'contact us' section.

RonDavis Loc: Chicago, IL

Thanks Paul.....done....I did see other entries on the site with exact same issue. I didn't see any answers or resolutions from Adobe. I've had these programs (LR & PSE) install and properly working for a while....so I have no idea what changed with these programs to require sign-in / activation code entries every time they start now. This is really annoying

tcthome Loc: NJ

I don't have to sign in but I get a pop up for a Adobe subscription sometimes when turn on my computer & sometimes when I open LR6.14. Maybe a reinstall. Have you downloaded the free trial version of LR Classic at anytime at all? Either way, I figure it is only a matter of time before ...

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Perhaps it's time to pony up and end your problem.

RonDavis Loc: Chicago, IL

Brilliant, thanks

dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

I gave up on LR6 3 years ago. It was the right move. It's old, unsupported software that does not function with more modern operating systems, applications or hardware.
There are many other software packages for reasonable prices that will work better and be compatible with the modern world. Get some free trials and try them out.
I use a combination of Capture One and Affinity Photo. There are lots of discussions on what other UHH'ers use.

RonDavis Loc: Chicago, IL

Thanks tecthome.....I haven't downloaded any free trails of LR Classic, but I did take a look at it some time ago. This sign-in activation problem just started for no reason. Reinstall will be the last resort and hopefully will resolve it. As you know, you can no longer purchase LR6.14....and Customer Support seems to be getting thin.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I continue to use LR6.14 every single day on an up-to-date Win10 desktop and a Win10 laptop. I only have an old PSE-10 version that I work with independently of LR, not as a linked editor from LR, using PSE-10 every day too on both computers. Your problem description sounds like a Windows-related issue, or something exposed / related to recent and ongoing Win10 updates. The tech support chat with Adobe is likely to provide the necessary help.

RonDavis Loc: Chicago, IL

Thanks dandey, those programs (Capture One and Affinity) are being seriously considered as a replacement. (LR6.14 has been reliable....until now?)

dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

It sounds like CHG Canon has made LR6.14 work - but I'm still glad I made the switch.
Let me know if you have any questions on Capture One. They have some tutorials on how to switch from LR.

RonDavis Loc: Chicago, IL

Thanks Paul, have you signed out/in of your Adobe/LR6.14 account lately? I'm still not sure why the program changed the way it use to operate perfectly on Window 10. I'm still waiting to hear from the geniuses at Adobe. Hopefully there's a solution I can share, when I get one.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

My LR6 starts the same as always. No prompts for user name or sign-on. You might want to look at your preferences. I have no splash, no check for updates.

RonDavis Loc: Chicago, IL

Any plug-ins ?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I have Topaz modules as external editors. PSE-10 as well defined as an external editor. But for PSE, I mostly work on new graphics in PSE rather than transferring image files from LR. Or, I export an image file from LR and then incorporate that image file into the graphic. That is, PSE-10 is not part of my image edit workflow.