How to re-install Adobe CS3 after components install failed

Previously, I had installed it without any problems but later, the error "license has expired" when starting the application. Then I uninstalled it to re-install all applications but I got a horrible experience with the Adobe CS3 installers. Only shared components were installed and the other components failed. I tried to uninstall and re-install it for several times. It screwed up my PC and my head for almost a week but all ended up at the same errors: "Some problems occurred during installation," "Component install failed,", "Shared components failed to install" or "Please insert Adobe CS3 ... to continue installation".

I dedicated my whole day off to tackle it. Searching and looking up to find solutions, I finally found some useful blogs of the guys who got the same hellish experience as me.

I said to myself that it would be my last try, and if it did not work out for me, I would give up to screw around this Adobe CS3 re-installation and back to use CS2. I followed their suggestions.

For goodness sake! It worked!! THANKS for their advices!!

Here below are the remedies that may help you to get your Adobe CS3 installed.

1. Please download CS3-5 Cleanup Script to clean up any beta or pre-release installations.

2. Please download Windows Installer Clean Up Utility to be used in the clean up process by CS3 Clean Script. You can run this program to get it installed first.

3. Please download Adobe Flash Player Uninstaller because the Adobe Flash Player could cause the corrupted installations.

4. Copy all applications/contents in DVD to your hard disk.

5. Delete/Uninstall all installed Adobe and Macromedia products including CS2 version by Add/Remove program. All Adobe/Macromedia folders you found in your PC have to be deleted. You may check if there is nothing left by using "search" tool and type "Adobe" and "Macromedia" to check. For example, some Adobe folders are kept under C:\Users\-UserName or ComputerName-\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe. Carefully check!

6. Run the Adobe Flash Player Uninstaller. Do it twice to make sure it is really gone.

7. Restart your computer to make sure that there are no active Adobe/Macromedia programs left.

8. Run CS3 Clean Script and follow the on-screen instructions. For the level, please enter "4" which is not in the options. Clean with Level "4" will really help as it will delete all Adobe/Macromedia remnants on your system. Do this twice or more to make sure it cleaned.

9. Reboot your PC and install CS3 from the files copied from DVD to your hard disk.

After the last step, you will have your CS3 installed perfectly! as I do.

Little notes:
- The OS that I am using is Vista Home Premium.
- Adobe CS3 program I re-installed is Adobe CS3 Web Premium.
- During the installation, I did not disable any firewall.