How Do I Know If the Adobe Dreamweaver SR3 I Purchased Is Genuine?

Software pirates are looking for you.

Pirates don't just sail the seven seas anymore. There are larger and richer waters in the vastness of the Internet where piracy includes copying, distributing, and selling software like Adobe's Dreamweaver. A genuine or authentic software package means the software was published and licensed by the software maker. You are entitled to receive support and assistance for your genuine Dreamweaver software from Adobe for the product you purchased. If Dreamweaver doesn't work, you should be able to get a replacement or a refund. You can verify your copy of Dreamweaver in several ways.

Things You'll Need

• Adobe Dreamweaver box and disks

Instructions

1. Open your copy of Dreamweaver and inspect the contents of the package. Authentic software comes with an original disk(s), a serial number, and a licensing agreement. Adobe Dreamweaver and other copyright information should be melded onto the installation CD, not stuck on with a sticker. Your CD should have the version number of your copy.

2. Check to see that the installation CD does not have phrases like "For Backup Purposes Only," as these versions cannot be registered, says Adobe. If your installation CD is stamped "For Educational Purpose Only" these are educational copies for students and faculty at an education institution and should not be purchased by individuals outside the institution's system. You also should avoid multiple software titles on a single disk, according to Adobe, as these are likely to be counterfeit.

3. Use a web search tool to find what versions of Dreamweaver were released and when. Then, compare that to what you received. Also, according to the Adobe website, Adobe allows downloads of their software only only via their official website, so if someone is offering you a downloaded copy of the software, you know it is not authentic.

4. Register your newly purchased copy of Dreamweaver at the Adobe website. Adobe says if the serial number is already registered and the current license holder did not transfer the ownership of the software to you, then the copy is illegal. To transfer ownership of Dreamweaver, you need to fill out a Transfer of License form available on the Adobe website.

5. Keep your receipt from your software purchase. If it is not a genuine copy of Dreamweaver, then try to return the product. You should report the counterfeiter to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't purchase software from an email message or from a website you don't trust. If you are purchasing software over the Internet, make sure the site has a physical address and phone number listed. Look at their returns policy to see what the process is to return defective merchandise. Check to see if the software seller is an authorized reseller of Adobe products by going to the Adobe site and looking to see if it is an authorized seller.

References

• Adobe.com: How to Avoid Piracy
• Adobe.com: How to Buy Adobe Products

Resources

• U.S. Department of Justice
• U.S. Federal Trade Commission