Activation issues with Windows 8.1 x64

Why doesn't anyone tell you about this stuff??

from Stardock Forums

OK, so after trying the trial and having it expired, I decided to take the leap to make the purchase for WindowBlinds 8. :thumbsup:  
But that proved to be a big mistake as the software has HUGE activation issues. :thumbsdown:  I tried to activate the product and it keeps on failing to write activation signature, so I went ahead and un-installed and re-installed it, ran the program as Administrator (which seems to me like bull that you should have to do that), and now it says that I've reached my maximum activation.

So then my question is, "How come the program and or software activation servers can't tell that you're trying to activate on the same machine with no success??"  You'd think a company with the reputation of Stardock would make the activation easier, or at least smarter; but I guess I was wrong about that.  (For example, be able to detect the IP from which activation is done, or use the unique machine ID that is common in other software activation schemes to tell that the same machine is being activated to avoid having to spend a long time trying to contact you to fix it).  I mean, I haven't had trouble in the past making purchases and activating them, but this really really leaves a sour taste in my mouth about Stardock software.

Please reset my activation count, so I can move on with this.  I've submitted the formal ticket thing with no response (another sour experience)...  I really am to the point where I'm gonna ask for my money back and uninstall it for good.  I know I can't be the only one who feels this way and is experiencing this.

>:(   XO

windowblinds
5,050 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Activation issues with Windows 8.1 x64
End of quote

first off, the title of your post should read, activation issues with Windows Blinds 8, and not Windows 8.1 x64, even though that is the OS you are using.

1st.  did you uninstall the demo, and restart the computer.

2nd  did you download the full version window blinds 8.03 from the Stardock store account you purchased the software under?

3rd  did you disable your antivirus/firewall before installing the new software.

4th  activate with your email address and Stardock password, not the serial number, as it  works much better.

5th restart system after install and activation are complete.

 

you should not have to run the software as administrator because that can cause issues with the install and running of the software properly.

please verify these steps and retry the software.

cheers

GigaByte69

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

OK, I know you're trying to help...  But I did all those things long before I decided to post.  You should know that I am not a stranger to activating software; I have been quite successful in other things from Stardock.  And also, I only ran it as Administrator because running it regular failed to write the activation signature, if you actually read.  Running as admin was the suggestion from the Stardock staff as a response to another post; which actually had no problem writing the activation signature, but failed due to the multiple attempts to get to that point.

The problem IS in fact with the software and it's activation scheme, nothing more.  Not operator error as you are trying to suggest.  Yes, I am trying to install v8.0.3 with the download from the download link after purchase (duh).  The reason why I posted my OS is because it seems that this issue is more prevalent with activation on 64-bit OS, as this software somehow requires permissions not normally needed to write a simple binary signature -- and then fails to read that signature properly afterwards.

ObjectDock - Access shortcuts and frequently used applications from an animated dock.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Just a question. Did you run a cleaner like CCleaner after the uninstall before rebooting? Sometimes left over files will cause a glitch or two.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

After a few tries, I did run my ccleaner in between the uninstall and re-install.  But unfortunately, it was too late; it had surpassed the install activation limit (I think it's 5).

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

I have replied to your tickets. You should be all set to activate now. We are working on revamping the activation system to be more friendly for this sort of thing.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Thanks for the reset!  It activated with Administrative rights this time.

B) |-)