| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Marijke |
Posted - 09/09/2006 : 07:47:43
Hello again,
We had a big virus problem recently and had to reinstall the whole computer, which means also PCStitch 7 and Pro. Since the activation key doesn't work anymore, I've sent an email to the sales departement the key. Since we also have a lot of connection problems I hope my email reached you, because so far I didn't get a reply.
Can somebody look into this please.
Thank you,
Marijke |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| wlhagen |
Posted - 10/13/2006 : 05:08:50
Thanks Mark!!!!
Jennifer in Customer Service assisted me with my unlock code yesterday, and I am back in business!!!
|
| Mark |
Posted - 10/11/2006 : 17:25:24
We have heard your pain!!!
I have made a few changes to the verification scripts on the web site so that you should be able to reuse your own unlock code (at least most of the time). There may still be some cases where you need to call us, but hopefully they will be few and far between.
Of course you will understand if I don't tell you exactly how it works ...
Security is a double edged sword. You always struggle with keeping away the thieves without inconveniencing your good customers. I hope the changes I made will help with the situation.
Mark Miller
M&R Technologies |
| ahecker |
Posted - 10/10/2006 : 22:49:24
I was wondering, to continue the discussion, if it is possoble to purchase the CD a year or so after you have bought the program. If so, how do you just buy the cd and not pay the $79.95?
Anna |
| Dragonlair |
Posted - 10/10/2006 : 20:37:59
wlhagen,
I admitted up front that having the unlock key with the CD is a bit of a hole. I haven't checked but sometimes you cannot make a copy of a copyrighted CD. Also, many users do not yet have CD burners with their computers. That tends to slow down this type of illegal sharing. It doesn't discourage "lending" the CD to others to install on other machines.
Although I have not had to do it with Pro. I did have to re-install my Standard once when it went haywire. The re-install from the CD solved the problem. The funny thing is sometimes when you do a re-install you have to access the site to update it and other times the updates are already there.
The problem with having your unlock code tied to your email address is your email address can change. That is a common occurance. It also does not prevent you having somone access your email to use the unlock code on their computer.
There is NO easy fix for the situation. One possible solution is to automate the unlock capability. They could keep a database of those who have purchased the download version similar to the way they keep track of what patterns you have purchased from PatternsOnline. You could "download" a new unlock key similar to the way you can download a new copy of a pattern. That way you would not necessarily be restricted to "normal business hours".
Diane
There is no such thing as a stupid question |
| wlhagen |
Posted - 10/10/2006 : 19:31:28
quote:
Originally posted by Dragonlair
To look at the other side of the issue, I can see why the unlock keys are one-time only affairs.
It can be seen as a method to prevent one user from giving away the software to others. From this I mean one person downloads the software and then pays for the "full" version and received the unlock key.
Then they decide their family and friends like it too and let them use the same unlock key. That is illegal but unless the unlock key is limited in some way, it is very possible.
Yes, it is also possible to install from a CD on multiple machines but most people don't want to let the CD out of their "hot little hands" so it does not seem to be a problem and I see no solution there.
To protect the copyright of their software could be seen as the reason for the limits.
I'm just trying to see the situation from the "other" side.
Diane
There is no such thing as a stupid question
Diane - I think your "other side" has a hole in it. If the real reason for requiring me to get a new unlock code is to prevent me from passing along the program illegally, then why is the unlock code included on the CD? If I really wanted to, I could burn a copy of the CD and pass it along to anyone I want.
So, I choose to download the most recent software when I have computer crashes. In return, I'm forced to contact customer service (and spend M&R staff time, too!!!) to get an unlock code.
If what Mark and Troy really want to do is "reduce the unauthorized distribution of their fabulous software", then I suggest they do something similar to the software developers have done with most of the Palm software I've purchased: The developer creates a "formula" based on my EMail address and other information (perhaps the software version could be included here?) and the result is my own personal "unlock code" - which only works with my own email address and the version/versions I paid for. Granted, I could still give away my unlock code and EMail address to someone, but, if someone really wants to illegally copy/distibute the program, they're going to find a way no matter what you do. With this solution, at least M&R isn't punishing their customers who prefer to download the latest software (and desire to use it immediately instead of having to wait for a CD to arrive in the mail) |
| Dragonlair |
Posted - 10/10/2006 : 10:19:36
To look at the other side of the issue, I can see why the unlock keys are one-time only affairs.
It can be seen as a method to prevent one user from giving away the software to others. From this I mean one person downloads the software and then pays for the "full" version and received the unlock key.
Then they decide their family and friends like it too and let them use the same unlock key. That is illegal but unless the unlock key is limited in some way, it is very possible.
Yes, it is also possible to install from a CD on multiple machines but most people don't want to let the CD out of their "hot little hands" so it does not seem to be a problem and I see no solution there.
To protect the copyright of their software could be seen as the reason for the limits.
I'm just trying to see the situation from the "other" side.
Diane
There is no such thing as a stupid question |
| Renee |
Posted - 10/10/2006 : 08:26:46
/
Emailing or calling for an unlock code isn't the issue. I've replaced my home PCs numerous times over the years, and each time I do so, I have to email or call M&R to get an unlock code for a program I purchased. This is frustrating for me because, altho the customer service staff is quite prompt and helpful, they can only assist me "during business hours". However, my reinstall issues occur outside of 'business hours', and I'm inconvenienced. One of the times that I emailed one of my requests for (yet another) unlock code to customer service, I indicated that I would save my code for the next time I would need it. The person I spoke to indicated that unlock codes are only good for one time only, and that next time, I would still need to call or email to get (yet another) unlock code! I've downloaded and installed many different programs over the almost 15 years that I've had computers, for different operating systems (and even for my Palm Pilot) and PCStitch is the ONLY program that I've had this frustration with!!!! If I didn't love the program so much, I'd have abandoned the program long ago......
Couldn't you just 'fix' this one thing for us???
[/quote]
GREAT POST!!!!!!
You very eloquently addressed this problem and I think you've hit the nail on the head!!
Personally, I broke down and paid the extra 5.00 to get the program on disc (besides the 30.00 upgrade fee)
If this 'problem' had been fixed then I would have saved myself $5 bucks!
In the current days of 3.50 for a gallon of gas that $5 was hard to part with.
Anyway, cudos to you... GREAT POST.. |
| ahecker |
Posted - 10/10/2006 : 00:05:44
I have emailed twice now and no response. I recently ot my laptop and wanted to use PC Stitch on it instead of my dinosaur (desktop) and I cannot take that one in for service without PC Stitch. How long should I wait for a response?
Anna |
| Dragonlair |
Posted - 10/08/2006 : 22:33:45
As far as I know, the only way to prevent the problem at this time is to have the software on CD. When you install from a CD, you don't have the unlock situation. You may have to run the updates but you don't have to unlock it.
It may be to your advantage to get the software on CD for this reason.
Diane
There is no such thing as a stupid question |
| wlhagen |
Posted - 10/08/2006 : 21:31:04
quote:
Originally posted by Mark
Just email your customer information to CustomerService@pcstitch.com or call our office during normal business hours (M-F 8 to 5 EST) and we will reset your key for you.
Mark Miller
M&R Technologies
Mark -
Emailing or calling for an unlock code isn't the issue. I've replaced my home PCs numerous times over the years, and each time I do so, I have to email or call M&R to get an unlock code for a program I purchased. This is frustrating for me because, altho the customer service staff is quite prompt and helpful, they can only assist me "during business hours". However, my reinstall issues occur outside of 'business hours', and I'm inconvenienced. One of the times that I emailed one of my requests for (yet another) unlock code to customer service, I indicated that I would save my code for the next time I would need it. The person I spoke to indicated that unlock codes are only good for one time only, and that next time, I would still need to call or email to get (yet another) unlock code! I've downloaded and installed many different programs over the almost 15 years that I've had computers, for different operating systems (and even for my Palm Pilot) and PCStitch is the ONLY program that I've had this frustration with!!!! If I didn't love the program so much, I'd have abandoned the program long ago......
Couldn't you just 'fix' this one thing for us??? |
| sam-p2m |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 08:18:41
hello
ok
i have written the mail yesterday
i'm waiting for an answer
thank you
sam |
| Mark |
Posted - 09/24/2006 : 11:59:53
Just email your customer information to CustomerService@pcstitch.com or call our office during normal business hours (M-F 8 to 5 EST) and we will reset your key for you.
Mark Miller
M&R Technologies |
| sam-p2m |
Posted - 09/24/2006 : 07:38:42
Hello
I have the same problem. We have changed our Pc and now i can't unlock pcstitch pro
How can i do ?
thank you by advance
sam |
| Dragonlair |
Posted - 09/17/2006 : 08:34:24
Renee,
Don't forget, you still need to update from the site. It's just easier if you do have to re-install. Usually, you don't even have to re-update if you have to re-install but if you do, you still don't have the unlock problem.
Diane
There is no such thing as a stupid question |
| Renee |
Posted - 09/17/2006 : 07:25:44
just wanted to update...I opted for getting the program on disc and just wanted to say it has been GREAT.
So far most of the problems I've had are resolved.
 
Renee' |
