I need help with downloading

from Stardock Forums
Ok ... I'm confused. I just purchased Object Desktop Network Addition. The confirmation email said:
"It is strongly recommended that you make a backup of all files downloaded in case you need to reinstall the software at a later date. By making a backup now you will cut down on the support burden of our staff, as well as ensuring your peace of mind."

I can't download the enhanced (purchased) versions of the software without using Stardock Central, right? But Stardock central only allows me to install the program, not download it. How am I supposed to back it up?

I hope I'm missing something, because I'm going to be really ticked off if I can't download and save a copy of a program that I just paid $50 for! The info on the website lead me to believe that I would still have the program after my 1 year subscription expired. How can I have it if I can't back it up?

Any info is appreciated.

6,297 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

These mini tutorials may help:

Basic Installing of Object Desktop programs: http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=83625

Archiving / Backing Up programs: http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?AID=83629

Basic Downloading content: http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?AID=82563

Note - the tutorials use images for ease of use, but may take a bit to load in browser if on dial-up. They are also slightly dated, so you will end up with a slightly different file type as an archive (the tutorial shows a ".zip") due - I believe - to the activation requirements for some of the programs. The basic procedure should work fine.

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

One other note:

For programs like WindowBlinds and IconPackager (and soon ObjectDock Plus, if you purchase that one) - which use activation - you will want to look in the relevant programs folder (i.e., "Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds") and copy and save the "sig.bin" file so that you can avoid reactivation if you are performing a simple restore on the same Computer/Operating System installation.

Just copy the saved file into the same folder it came out of after restoring an archive, and then load the program and you should be good to go.

So for a WindowBlinds archive restore:

Restore backed up archive following the tutorial instructions > copy the "sig.bin" file into the "Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds" folder > reboot computer (may not be necessary to reboot) > load WindowBlinds and use.

The same would hold true for IconPackager currently.

ObjectDock - Access shortcuts and frequently used applications from an animated dock.
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
Thank you so much for your help!

So it looks like all I have to do is archive the program and if I need to reinstall it later, I can do that through Stardock Central's "restore" feature ... right?

Thanks again for responding.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

So it looks like all I have to do is archive the program and if I need to reinstall it later, I can do that through Stardock Central's "restore" feature ... right?

Correct.

The files listed when you use "File/Restore" command are the ones that reside in "Program Files\Stardock\SDCentral\BACKUP" folder. So you need only place the archive files back into that folder > start Stardock Central > use the restore feature.

Note - the only proviso would be the need to either place the copied "sig.bin" file into the appropriate folder, or simply reactivate when the dialog shows up asking for your e-mail address and serial number associated with your Stardock.net account.

A lot of words for a simple operation, though it can be confusing when you first start.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
I really appreciate you taking the time to explain the procedure to me. I did find the whole thing rather comfusing at first, but like you said, it is actually very simple once you know how to do it. Thanks again.