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I bought a program for screenwriting on disk back in 2006, and it still serves me well today, since nothing really has changed much.
However, I have already downloaded it from the disk onto three computers over the years and it will not allow me to download it a fourth time.
Back when I got it, I got it from someone who was a student since students have a much better and cheaper time, purchasing it, so it's not like I can call them up asking for help.
Does anyone know how to put it on the computer, if the program will not allow it?
I bought a program for screenwriting on disk back in 2006, and it still serves me well today, since nothing really has changed much.
However, I have already downloaded it from the disk onto three computers over the years and it will not allow me to download it a fourth time.
Back when I got it, I got it from someone who was a student since students have a much better and cheaper time, purchasing it, so it's not like I can call them up asking for help.
Does anyone know how to put it on the computer, if the program will not allow it?
You say you "got it from someone who was a student" and you also say "you bought a program".
It sounds like you purchased the install disk from an individual, not the software company itself.
If so, they what you got could have been 'pirated', IE: the activation code / serial number / CD-Key whatever they call it, could have been used on other machines too.
The serial number may be allowed only a certain number of installs, and this may have been exceeded.
Also, some software are sold with the Terms and Conditions (T&C, aka Fine Print) stating that there is a limited number of installs.
Also, some software are sold with a limited number of installs for each serial number as a piracy blocker, but they don't tell you this.
So there are several possibilities.
First: see if you can find proof that you are a 'legitimate' owner, IE: you have a purchase receipt or such.
Next: see if you can find the T&C, if not on your records then from the software vendor's website.
If I were you, and I could find a proof of purchase from them, I'd phone up (or directly email) the software company and just ask them.
Microsoft is like this. A lot of their software has a limit to the number of times a specific serial number can be used to limit piracy, but if you contact them, you are basically reassuring them that you're not a pirate and they'll just give you an all-new serial number.
You say you "got it from someone who was a student" and you also say "you bought a program".
It sounds like you purchased the install disk from an individual, not the software company itself.
If so, they what you got could have been 'pirated', IE: the activation code / serial number / CD-Key whatever they call it, could have been used on other machines too.
The serial number may be allowed only a certain number of installs, and this may have been exceeded.
Also, some software are sold with the Terms and Conditions (T&C, aka Fine Print) stating that there is a limited number of installs.
Also, some software are sold with a limited number of installs for each serial number as a piracy blocker, but they don't tell you this.
So there are several possibilities.
First: see if you can find proof that you are a 'legitimate' owner, IE: you have a purchase receipt or such.
Next: see if you can find the T&C, if not on your records then from the software vendor's website.
If I were you, and I could find a proof of purchase from them, I'd phone up (or directly email) the software company and just ask them.
Microsoft is like this. A lot of their software has a limit to the number of times a specific serial number can be used to limit piracy, but if you contact them, you are basically reassuring them that you're not a pirate and they'll just give you an all-new serial number.
What I mean is that I got a student to by it for me and then I payed him back, back then.
And yes the serial number has been exceeded in how many times I can use it. I don't think I have a receipt. I asked the buyer if he has it but he cannot remember as that was over 10 years ago. I can try calling then.
I don't want to get a new program though, cause then I would have to learn the ropes of a new program where as I like being able to get things done quicker, especially at this time now, when I am busy, and would like to keep using the old one therefore, if possible.
I could call them but I cannot find the proof of purchase, so then what?
Do you have access to any of the older installs? You need to remove it from there. Otherwise your only other option is to call the company and explain.
What I mean is that I got a student to by it for me and then I payed him back, back then.
I'm pretty sure because of this that you don't qualify as a 'legitimate owner'. IE: the software's fine print probably doesn't allow for resale.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ironpony
And yes the serial number has been exceeded in how many times I can use it.
Because of the above, you're probably not a "legal" (per their Terms and Conditions) owner. This means that you can't phone them to get a free replacement S#.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ironpony
I don't want to get a new program though, ...
If you had purchased the produce the way 'they wanted you to', then as a 'legal owner', when you phoned for a working S#, they would have given you a new S# for the old product. Not a new S# for the current version. (That would have constituted an "upgrade" for which they may have wanted more money.)
Your next best shot would be to try to duplicate your first acquisition.
Try to buy a different serial number for the version you're currently using. Use that during your 're-'install attempt.
You could try contacting the software firm as someone who wants to buy the old version. Don't mention past S#s, just say you're a happy user of the old version and want to purchase another license. Some firms sell S#s for older versions for a discount. It brings in money, and maybe leads to more money as they hope you'll buy the upgrade to current versions.
Or get on Craig's List and such, asking for people who have the product and still have installs left on their number to sell it to you. Make sure they understand that they can't use it after you buy it.
Okay thanks, but I did buy this disk and it's mine so I feel it's a rip off to pay for another license. I mean when I buy a movie on DVD I don't have to pay for when I watch it every three times for example.
Is there a way of using the program off the disk, that I don't have to pay for, and feel ripped off?
I could call the company and explain but I have no proof of ownership cause the person who bought it for me, does not have it anymore. But I have the disk in it's proper case, sitting right in my house, and the person who gave it to me, will say that they gave it to me after buying it. Isn't that proof enough, that it's right here? My older computer was a mac and I have a PC now, but I cannot move the mac version onto my PC. The disk has both mac and PC version on it, but I only used the mac version before. Now I want to install the PC version on my PC, but cannot.
I don't have the mac anymore, cause it's my parents and I used it way back when I lived with them, but I would like to use my new PC and get the PC version off the disk and working on my current computer.
Is this possible. I can send them a photo of the disk, which I bought, if that's proof enough. How about this... In their records, they would have a record of who bought that serial number, right? So if I could get that person to call and confirm, would that be enough? That person no longer has proof, but the company that made the program, would still have that person matching the serial number in their records, so could they check their own as proof?
Is there a way of using the program off the disk, that I don't have to pay for, and feel ripped off?
Seriously? Over 10 years after you got one over on the maker by getting a discount you weren't entitled to and installing it multiple times...you don't want to feel ripped off? Pay up and move on to more productive uses of your time.
^ [i'm being obtuse]. macintoshes are still personal computers so i assume you mean you also installed it on your windows based pc. <@
so without knowing this mythical company and their e.u.l.a policy, its hard for us to judge. you may need to call several times pleading your case and maybe eventually youll get a customer service representative that is having a good day and theyll let you borrow another cd-key.
open-source software is better in this regard because there are very few restrictions on how one uses whatever they pay for (although outside of very expensive support contracts, the user is self supported).
if you are married to this piece of software then ya' gotta' pay the cost of doing business.
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