What happened to my Object Desktop license?

AzDude

Join Date 11/2002

+551

Hello,

Sorry to hear you are having issues.

Object Desktop is a Yearly Renewal Service to be able to keep using all the apps

included with it you can renew here and scroll down to the bottom to renew

LINK . https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/download

AzDude
Stardock Community Assistant

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Thanks for you replay

As it says at the page. the 1 year service is for updates and betas.

Access updates and betas for included software for one year

This is fine I guess (although I don't think it was the plan when I bought the plan)

I'm not looking to upgrade to Fences 4.

All I'm asking is to install the same version which i had and bought (Fences 3)

Why does it comes with a price tag?

Thanks.

Yakir.

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Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. But, I think it is best if you refer here for information on ODM : https://forums.stardock.com/486310/object-desktop-support-faq#objectdesktop

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

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Thanks for you answer

This is from the

"Should your access to the suite expire, your installed application will continue to function but you will not have access to the installers, or updates, from your Stardock account page. Any installers you have backed up, however, will continue to work"

I do have the original installer both for ODM and also fences files on my laptop.

For the ODM : Once i logged in to the account, it shows that i have to buy all the SW again. like i wasn't even registers. i guess that the part you were talking about the 1 year packages.

For the Fences installer - Once i used the older installer file (the original i had) and lunch the SW, it crash for an "Windows explorer" error.

Any suggestions? as I'm not planning to pay any extras for this

I didn't ask for any updates or any new feature but the same SW version i already used before.

Thanks.

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Please try purge and reinstall steps as mention here : [Link]. Reboot after the purge. Reinstall and reboot again after the installation. Retest and report back here.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

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Thanks for your answer.
Should I use the Installation file I Already have (Fences3_SD) or should I install the new one from the website (Fences4_SD) ?

(At the link above its written its important use the most recent version but the license I had is for an older version)

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You should use the version that you have while you subscription still valid. Which ever version that you downloaded back when your subscription still active. Also, note that, there are situations where old version not working with current version of Windows. If that is the case you have two choices. One, use Windows version that compatible with that old version (revert back). or Two, purchase a newer version that are compatible with your current Windows version.

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Its the same Windows version I used before and the application worked without any issues.

Anyway once I installed the SW now i get the following error.

I tried installing the original file, the Newer Fences 3 file, the newer Fences 4 file.

I get the same results every time with this error

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You did the purge and reinstall that version you have saved? Fences V3.xx?

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

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Yes I did. including the purge using an administrator permissions

I have it on my Onedrive backup.

all version give the same explorer error.

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The error popup right after you restart your system after Fences finished install?

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

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Yes. I performed a restart between every single step

after the purge & after the installation and still getting the same error

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Hello,
I have forward your problem/question to Stardock Support Team for their assistance. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates. We appreciate your feedback and patience.

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

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Usually with the "Fences has detected that Explorer was not closed properly" message, there is another application coming into play. Were there any new applications installed recently or even updates to existing app that may also use explorer.

Please review the link below for additional information and maybe some helpful suggestions to look into:

https://forums.stardock.com/507474/error-fences-has-detected-that-explorer-was-not-closed-properly

Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns,

Paul Scroggins
Associate Technical Support Analyst

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There are several people having the same experience, so it's not a coincidence. It seems Stardock decided to make the Object Desktop software a "subscription only" collection and changed the terms for existing customers rather than grandfather them in. With few exceptions, most consumers strongly dislike subscription-based software with good reason. Who would rather rent when they can own? I kept all of my email receipts, including pdfs of my original purchase, and there was no mention of a subscription when I purchased the product in 2020. Their language about "Legacy purchases" is also murky at best. If we purchased prior to the subscription, does that mean our renewal will invalidate our original purchase and thereafter render it subscription only?

I only opted for the Object Desktop to upgrade my Fences 2.0, to Fences 4.0, believing the additional software included was a good deal after a new PC build. However, I can no longer validate my Fences 4.0 and am discovering that not honoring previous purchase agreements seems to be a pattern with Stardock. I've just seen many negative reviews echoing the same sentiment. And here we are. Unfortunately, after a recent glitch with Windows 11 and my new graphic card drivers, I ended up doing a complete reinstall and was unable to get my Stardock Object Desktop software to work, even with my license. After wasting way too much time trying to resolve the problem, and doing a bit of research, I discovered what almost everyone else has. The policy for the software I purchased changed after my initial purchase.

It's unfortunate that they chose to do business in a way that feels misleading to their customers because it contradicts the original terms. I do like the software, although it can be buggy. But the software offers a useful concept, and I am not currently aware of any better alternative software competitors. I'm not looking for freebies and don't mind paying for value, and consistent quality, with clear and honest terms. In fact, I'm usually a loyal customer. But for me, trust is a critical factor when it comes to choosing a product, "Once bitten, twice shy." So as disappointed as I am, I may choose to renew for now, but I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for all rising competitors, and I am sure there will be many to come. I'm especially eager to see what can be done with AI and desktop management.

+1

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Quoting Dreambug-Designs,

reply 15

There are several people having the same experience, so it's not a coincidence. It seems Stardock decided to make the Object Desktop software a "subscription only" collection and changed the terms for existing customers rather than grandfather them in. With few exceptions, most consumers strongly dislike subscription-based software with good reason. Who would rather rent when they can own? I kept all of my email receipts, including pdfs of my original purchase, and there was no mention of a subscription when I purchased the product in 2020. Their language about "Legacy purchases" is also murky at best. If we purchased prior to the subscription, does that mean our renewal will invalidate our original purchase and thereafter render it subscription only?

I only opted for the Object Desktop to upgrade my Fences 2.0, to Fences 4.0, believing the additional software included was a good deal after a new PC build. However, I can no longer validate my Fences 4.0 and am discovering that not honoring previous purchase agreements seems to be a pattern with Stardock. I've just seen many negative reviews echoing the same sentiment. And here we are. Unfortunately, after a recent glitch with Windows 11 and my new graphic card drivers, I ended up doing a complete reinstall and was unable to get my Stardock Object Desktop software to work, even with my license. After wasting way too much time trying to resolve the problem, and doing a bit of research, I discovered what almost everyone else has. The policy for the software I purchased changed after my initial purchase.

It's unfortunate that they chose to do business in a way that feels misleading to their customers because it contradicts the original terms. I do like the software, although it can be buggy. But the software offers a useful concept, and I am not currently aware of any better alternative software competitors. I'm not looking for freebies and don't mind paying for value, and consistent quality, with clear and honest terms. In fact, I'm usually a loyal customer. But for me, trust is a critical factor when it comes to choosing a product, "Once bitten, twice shy." So as disappointed as I am, I may choose to renew for now, but I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for all rising competitors, and I am sure there will be many to come. I'm especially eager to see what can be done with AI and desktop management.

Hello,

From what I know, Object Desktop was always subscription base. Well, at very least, I can confirm, it is Subscription base since before I became Community Assistant which was back in 2018. And I don't think the term and condition change much over time. If you said it change, in which area and do you have specific proof of it?

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

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c242

Join Date 03/2001

+380

Quoting Dreambug-Designs,

reply 15

There are several people having the same experience, so it's not a coincidence. It seems Stardock decided to make the Object Desktop software a "subscription only" collection

This is utter nonsense.

I am an Object Desktop subscriber since the 2000s. Once You let it run out, You can only install what You downloaded before. It may well happen, that windows changed things with updates meanwhile that the old software can't handle anymore. So as with nearly every other software You have to buy an update to a new main version or resubsribe.

+3

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DrJBHL

Join Date 04/2002

+3818

Quoting c242,

reply 17

This is utter nonsense.

I am an Object Desktop subscriber since the 2000s. Once You let it run out, You can only install what You downloaded before. It may well happen, that windows changed things with updates meanwhile that the old software can't handle anymore. So as with nearly every other software You have to buy an update to a new main version or resubsribe.

c242 is absolutely corrext. Stardock tries and mostly succeeds in making software that is compatible with current MS operating systems.

People run into problems, generally with expecting software made for earlier OSs to work with the ever changing W11 RTM releases, and with dev releases of it, as well.

The other group of problems come from folks who have installed additional customizing software and expect Stardock to change its software to match the other program. That's akin to telling Ford to change its cars to accept Volvo parts, or Ford parts from different models made years apart.

+1

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DaveRI

Join Date 09/2003

+451

Quoting Dreambug-Designs,

reply 15

However, I can no longer validate my Fences 4.0

This is a link for information related to activation issues:

https://stardock.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/topic/04036a95-5f64-4b34-82a5-11fbe003b80c

Since you had to reinstall Windows, you may need to deactivate the previous installation. That is the first topic in the list.

Another common issue is that the email address for activation needs to be the same as the email address used to purchase. See the "Merging two accounts" topic in the list.

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If what you state is true, then why were the terms so vague, evidenced by so many customers being confused by the terms? I do see now there is a statement about the software being subscription only. That's helpful for future customers. However, this was not the case when I purchased my software back in 2020. And if it was always a subscription software, then why do those with a Legacy Licence not need to renew as long as they have a saved copy of their downloaded software? And does this mean once those with a Legacy license renew, they will be opting into a subscription software?

We are just asking for transparency. It is the responsibility of Stardock to be as clear as possible regarding their terms and not change them after their customers have already purchased software. A Google search reveals several customers with the same "so-called" misunderstanding. And when you have so many people confused regarding your terms, it's not the customer at fault but rather it is the terms that are not as clear as they should be. Consequently, it's unsurprising that those same customers may also begin to wonder if this is a simple result of poor communication, or whether there is a deliberate intention to be vague. Either way, it does not bode well for brand integrity.

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Jafo

Join Date 03/2001

+1752

Dreambug-Designs...

Object Desktop is, and always has been [for several decades] a Subscription Service.

It has never been anything else.

The issue arises generally when Customers do not understand the meaning of 'Subscription', although it is identical to that used in a "magazine subscription".

You have access to...and get any magazines [programs] produced during that subscription period.

You get to KEEP any magazines [programs] you received [downloaded] during that period....and can read them [use/install them] forever.

You are not able to receive back copies of magazines if you subsequently lose them [delete program downloads] after the expiration of the subscription service.

None of this is difficult, however some people may be under the misunderstanding that they can always download more copies of the programs after the Subscription has ended. That has never been the case, and cannot be so, as programs available must evolve with the OS they are designed for.

Now...

Once you have downloaded a program [within/via Object Desktop - or directly outside of the subscription service] it remains yours to use for eternity.... just as a magazine bought by subscription OR singly from a newsagent remains yours forever.

Some customers may be confused with English not a first language, but even they too can subscribe to a magazine service and understand what they will get...

+2

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DrJBHL

Join Date 04/2002

+3818

Quoting Dreambug-Designs,

reply 20

Consequently, it's unsurprising that those same customers may also begin to wonder if this is a simple result of poor communication, or whether there is a deliberate intention to be vague. Either way, it does not bode well for brand integrity.

Dreambug-Designs...neither is the case. Stardock has no such motive. It never has. It's motive is succeeding by creating a superior product, and doing it in an ethical manner. I've been a customer since 4/2002. Jafo, even longer. I've known him and people at Stardock for an equal time, and I assure you, they are ethical and honest. Please believe me: I wouldn't be here, and wouldn't trust my computers to them were they not.

I honestly have lost count of the times Jafo has explained the term "subscription" to customers, even though it is a word which is used commonly. His explanation hasn't changed is all those years. It doesn't mean what we want it to mean, nor what we think it means. It means exactly what he explained.

+2

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I also bought Object Desktop before subscription (2013) and it was not yearly it was for the package deal.

I feel that since I did purchase this item as a full purchase (not subscription) it should still be given to those who purchased it.

+1

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DrJBHL

Join Date 04/2002

+3818

Quoting Dragonrb-1,

reply 23

I also bought Object Desktop before subscription (2013) and it was not yearly it was for the package deal.

Object desktop subscription is foe one year. That ended for you in 2014...9-10 years ago. You were entitled to all updates during that year. If you still have your installers you can still use the software on an appropriate OS.

You are not, however, entitled to free updates forever.

Object desktop was always a subscription suite of apps.

See reply #21.

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Jafo

Join Date 03/2001

+1752

Quoting Dragonrb-1,

reply 23

I also bought Object Desktop before subscription (2013) and it was not yearly it was for the package deal.

Yes...you could purchase "Object Desktop" and receive everything it contained...as it was always a service providing you with most [not all] of Stardock's programs.

What you actually bought was access to all of the included ones...for a whole year.

After that year you would find you no longer had access to those programs...unless you retained your downloads.

You can still do the same thing today.

That's what is called a Subscription.

What "Subscribing" means is for the entire length of same you can continue to access and download the programs...and any and all updates to them....

Buy once...use forever....as is.

Continue to buy and you don't just use forever...you get updates 'forever' ...

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