How to backup licence?

I bought Start8 and activated it a few times on the same machine.

 

The issue that I have is that after a certain amount of activates the licence stopped working.

 

After asking for support in the support section, which I never got - NO REPLY WHAT SO EVER I had to buy a new licence.

 

I THINK THIS IS AN INTENDED PRACTICE FROM STARDOCK. And this type of behaviour is deplorable!

 

How do I backup the licence so I can replace the file/reg entry so I don't have to continue to reactivate it if I re-install my W8?

13,786 views 27 replies
Reply #1 Top

You'll find your Stardock registrations at:

C:\ProgramData\Stardock\Registrations

 

Simply copy them to your backup media of choice.

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Reply #3 Top

Quoting dypsis, reply 1

You'll find your Stardock registrations at:

C:\ProgramData\Stardock\Registrations

 

Simply copy them to your backup media of choice.

 

Thank-you I will add this to my list and try it the next time I re-install.

 

Quoting Neil, reply 2

I do not see any posts from you in the support part of the forum.  Did mail [email protected] for help?

 

Did you notice that I had to buy a new license? Hence a new email address blah blah blah.

 

Right now, I cant find any tickets I have made to Stardock regarding this issue, however I can find one I made back on the 5th November 2012

 

Ticket #CGF-532-34278

 

No reply, however this issue was sorted after I found how to recache the icon cache, so that unanswered ticket was resolved.

 

That said, it just proves to me that your support system has failed me in the past.

 

I was not expecting any replies to this, so I must say thanks for these replies, and I will take back my initial thoughts on what I would expect from this forum.

Reply #4 Top

Oh and if anybody knows......

 

What is the forum software used by Stardock? (This forum)

Reply #5 Top

The forum software is custom to Stardock.

Regarding max activation issues, Stardock support can assist with those and all support tickets should be responded to unless they get filtered as spam or do not require a response.

There is also no need to create new accounts when purchasing multiple copies of a product though this was a limitation until late 2012.

Reply #6 Top

Quoting Neil, reply 5

The forum software is custom to Stardock.

Regarding max activation issues, Stardock support can assist with those and all support tickets should be responded to unless they get filtered as spam or do not require a response.

There is also no need to create new accounts when purchasing multiple copies of a product though this was a limitation until late 2012.

 

So that means then, you owe me a licence.

 

So are you saying that I am spam? Or deemed not worth responding too?

 

Even though I am a paying customer! Fantastic

 

There was a need to create a new account, because:

 

1. You never responded to my requests

2. I needed the software activated

 

So really, looking at this situation, I am stuck in a wire canoe up $%#^ creek without a paddle, if you don't see me as a currently paying customer, that classes me as spam.

 

Backing up of the registration file is useless, I still had to activate the software. So back to square one, as a beta tester that must reinstall software from time to time, I am singled out and screwed the next time I need assistance from you, correct?

 

Thanks, for your assistance.

Reply #7 Top

Hello,

I have reset your activation count.  There was no recent ticket recorded in the support system nor do I see any other forum posts. 

Sorry for the delayed response.

Reply #8 Top

Hello

I've a ticket number regarding activation issue with Start8 and Fences 2.0 activation. Could you please reset activation count for both of this products I own.

 

Ticket number is #MLY-772-94988

 

Regards

Reply #9 Top

Quoting ExtreameInc, reply 6

Quoting Neil Banfield, reply 5
The forum software is custom to Stardock.

Regarding max activation issues, Stardock support can assist with those and all support tickets should be responded to unless they get filtered as spam or do not require a response.

There is also no need to create new accounts when purchasing multiple copies of a product though this was a limitation until late 2012.

 

So that means then, you owe me a licence.

 

So are you saying that I am spam? Or deemed not worth responding too?

 

Even though I am a paying customer! Fantastic

 

There was a need to create a new account, because:

 

1. You never responded to my requests

2. I needed the software activated

 

So really, looking at this situation, I am stuck in a wire canoe up $%#^ creek without a paddle, if you don't see me as a currently paying customer, that classes me as spam.

 

Backing up of the registration file is useless, I still had to activate the software. So back to square one, as a beta tester that must reinstall software from time to time, I am singled out and screwed the next time I need assistance from you, correct?

 

Thanks, for your assistance.

I think you may have misunderstood my post.  I was just trying to point out we aim to reply to all support issues from customers or potential customers.

Regarding your repeated reinstalls, I would recommend using a base image of windows for rolling back to rather than constantly reinstalling windows.  This would save you a considerable amount of time.

As I understand it, support have reset your count so you should be good and if you have problems again then you should mail support so they can assist.

Reply #10 Top

Quoting Neil, reply 9




I think you may have misunderstood my post.  I was just trying to point out we aim to reply to all support issues from customers or potential customers.

Regarding your repeated reinstalls, I would recommend using a base image of windows for rolling back to rather than constantly reinstalling windows.  This would save you a considerable amount of time.

As I understand it, support have reset your count so you should be good and if you have problems again then you should mail support so they can assist.

 

I think you misunderstood my post. I was trying to point out that I am a developer of Windows 8 and therefore I must re-install the OS when needed.

 

Hence the repeated installs. I will NOT use any base image of windows just so I can not have to activate this stupid software.

 

So here I am, back to square one, totally screwed by not being able to activate the software. Reset the activation AGAIN, thanks

 

 

Reply #11 Top

I did activate it on the old account, but I would like both accounts reset to MAX possible activations thanks.

 

And I will be back when it fails again!

Reply #12 Top

Quoting ExtreameInc, reply 10

Quoting Neil Banfield, reply 9



I think you may have misunderstood my post.  I was just trying to point out we aim to reply to all support issues from customers or potential customers.

Regarding your repeated reinstalls, I would recommend using a base image of windows for rolling back to rather than constantly reinstalling windows.  This would save you a considerable amount of time.

As I understand it, support have reset your count so you should be good and if you have problems again then you should mail support so they can assist.

 

I think you misunderstood my post. I was trying to point out that I am a developer of Windows 8 and therefore I must re-install the OS when needed.

 

Hence the repeated installs. I will NOT use any base image of windows just so I can not have to activate this stupid software.

 

So here I am, back to square one, totally screwed by not being able to activate the software. Reset the activation AGAIN, thanks

 

 

If your OS install is going to last less than 30 days (and it sounds like that's the case here), why not use the trial option in the software.  That gives you 30 days.  Then you can use it like people used to use the MSDN copies of Windows where you would setup a test box and not bother to activate it if you knew you were going to be using it for less than 30 days.

Usually that would be a licensing issue, but in this case you have purchased your licenses.

Reply #13 Top

Look thanks for thinking about this. I do appreciate it.

 

The issue is, that with the work that I do, I use the OS for myself and for developing, this may not be for 30 days, but it could also exceed 30 days, and this is where the issue lies.

 

I just do not see any other viable way to do my work without consistent re-installs, as a virtual machine has many implications that do not work in the real world.

 

With my work over the last few days, I have done around 5 installs, the same machine, the same type of OS (check your own logs to verify).

 

Hence the need to be able to backup the licence so I do not have to be a burden on this system.

 

If there is no way to be able to backup the licence successfully so I do not need to continue to activate it, then unfortunately, due to my work, I will need to continue to get further activations reset or find another solution if you are not prepared to bare with me.

 

I just do not see any other way to be able to do this, for the sake of my own licence, and your sanity as a company.

Reply #14 Top

So here we are again.

 

Your support is rooting ME around and not giving me any activations back. I PAID FOR THESE ACCOUNTS.

 

This is absolutely unacceptable.

 

Here, I pay for 2 licences and get screwed around because I ask to have the accounts reset.

 

How hard is it for these people to understand that this (my situation) is not easy for me to come back here and ask PUBLICLY to have my accounts reset that I paid for?

 

I mean, here I am explaining my situation again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again..............................................

 

And I am still at square one.

 

This is stupid and freaking unacceptable, and if you really want to know why people get frustrated and LOSE IT, look at my situation and work it out for yourselves.

 

PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST ALMIGHTY RESET MY ACCOUNTS - TODAY

 

#MRY-480-12351

Reply #15 Top

The activation count was reset 14 May 2013 06:10 PM ET

Reply #16 Top

I will be doing some testing today.

 

Please reset both my accounts, so I am not stuck with no start menu - please

 

Thanks

Reply #17 Top

Thanks for letting me down again Stardock Uselessdock


PLEASE RESET MY ACCOUNTS OR I WILL REVERSE MY PAYMENTS DUE TO ZERO SUPPORT!!!!!!


Reply #18 Top

I mean it is just a simple request - right!

 

It is not that hard to do, so why are you not doing anything?

 

Look at your forums, it is FULL of people asking the same thing.

 

TIME TO LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS AND MAKE THIS PROCESS EASIER -

 

IT IS TIME TO GIVE US UNLIMITED ACTIVATIONS -

 

I MEAN EVERY OTHER COMPANY DOES IT, YOU PUT IN A SERIAL - DONE FOR EVER -

 

NO NEED TO ACTIVATE

 

AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN

 

PLEASE CHANGE YOUR STUPID - NOT WORKING - ACTIVATION POLICY

 

Here is some posts to prove my point:

 

https://forums.stardock.com/449126

https://forums.stardock.com/444749

https://forums.stardock.com/446474

https://forums.stardock.com/449264

https://forums.stardock.com/429926

https://forums.stardock.com/443214

https://forums.stardock.com/445865

https://forums.stardock.com/441607

https://forums.stardock.com/329940

https://forums.stardock.com/447981

https://forums.stardock.com/445988

https://forums.stardock.com/443774

https://forums.stardock.com/415967

https://forums.stardock.com/449134

https://forums.stardock.com/444880

https://forums.stardock.com/447373

https://forums.stardock.com/375388

https://forums.stardock.com/434961

https://forums.stardock.com/448745

https://forums.stardock.com/409102

https://forums.stardock.com/138428

https://forums.stardock.com/443449

https://forums.stardock.com/443156

https://forums.stardock.com/442804

https://forums.stardock.com/442421

https://forums.stardock.com/441882

 

Now this is just the FIRST page out of 30 - YES 30 PAGES OF THE SAME CRAP

 

TIME TO CHANGE YOUR ACTIVATION POLICY STARDOCK

 

BTW - I NEED BOTH OF MY ACCOUNTS REACTIVATED IF YOU DID NOT GET THE WHOLE IDEA OF THIS POST

Reply #19 Top

Oh and one other thing

 

Why does your stupid forum send me an email when I reply and not when anyone else replies to the thread?

 

Another broken stardock process!

Reply #20 Top

I have created a ticket for you under your other account as this one has not reached a limit.  In the future, please place a support ticket at [email protected] for this type of issue.

Reply #21 Top

Quoting extreame, reply 19

Oh and one other thing

 

Why does your stupid forum send me an email when I reply and not when anyone else replies to the thread?
 

Another broken stardock process!

 

This could have something to do with it.  The email we sent you, this came back.

---------------------------------------

The message you sent requires that you verify that you 

are a real live human being and not a spam source.


To complete this verification, simply reply to this message and leave
the subject line intact or click the link below:

Reply #22 Top

Quoting sean_drohan, reply 20

I have created a ticket for you under your other account as this one has not reached a limit.  In the future, please place a support ticket at [email protected] for this type of issue.

 

What so I get the run around with dumb unhelpful generic responses like this:

 

Hello,

It appears that you have activated fairly frequently in the recent past.
Can you provide some clarity on what is causing the activation count to be so high? Is there an issue with the software causing this that we can address?

Thanks.

 or

 

Unfortunately, inquiries to [email protected] are for technical support content only. 

We do not write the policies, write or sell the software and therefore cannot be of assistance in such matters. Please contact [email protected] regarding this matter.

If you restore or reimage your PC frequently, be sure to include the OS and application as part of the backup. 
--Back up the *.bin file for the Stardock product(s) you have either in C:\ProgramData\Stardock\Registrations or the program directory.

If you reinstall the OS from scratch (like from a bundled restore CD), you will need to reactivate.

If you install the application on another PC, you will need to reactivate.

I have reset your activation limit.

Please let me know if this does not resolve the issue.[/quote]

This is even after I have clearly shown them this thread with my reasons as to why I cannot backup licences via a cd or backup file.


I mean really, is your support staff that stupid as to not clearly understand what I have explained in this thread?


Quoting sean_drohan, reply 21


This could have something to do with it.  The email we sent you, this came back.

---------------------------------------

The message you sent requires that you verify that you 

are a real live human being and not a spam source.


To complete this verification, simply reply to this message and leave
the subject line intact or click the link below:


Wow, how on gods planet - an email that tells you to confirm your email message to stop spam on my servers have anything to do with only getting an email only when I reply?


I mean FFS mate - grow up smell the roses, dont be a dick.

[qoute]Stardock has always had activation limits for our products and it appears you have reached one.
Our policy (https://www.stardock.com/support/software_eula.aspx) allows for clients to activate the software a reasonable number of times over a specific time span to take into account testing, reformatting and new installations.

Your policy does NOT work - what part of this do you NOT understand?

I am going to be your pain in the ass until you change this stupid policy.

Reply #23 Top

I GIVE UP WITH TRYING TO QUOTE ANYTHING

 

broken - you can try and read it - as I just simply cant be stuffed trying to fix it

 

Reply #24 Top

The activation policy is designed to work for the vast majority of customers and in fact works brilliantly for over 99.9% of usage cases.  While there are a few threads here (and the correct policy BTW is to contact [email protected]), the actual number relative to the number of units sold is very tiny indeed and when they come up support assist those customers.

As it happens we have a tweak to activation coming which will further reduce those, however it will not help your particular scenario.

The problem is your usage is highly unusual and is hard to tell apart from say someone with a single license trying to install it on machines they sell.  This is why we do not have unlimited activation and require you to contact support past a set point.  Any system with activation will have limits because otherwise there is little point having activation at all.

What I am curious about is how you are not also running into Windows activation issues as that too will start to reject you and force you to phone Microsoft once you go past set limits.  If you are simply not activating them then may I suggest you do the same thing with Start8.  Click the trial button and use that until you are sure you are actually going to keep this OS installation around.

---

I must also request that you treat the members of staff who wish to assist you with respect and not to swear or insult them.

Reply #25 Top

Once again, here I am asking for you to reset my account so I can install this stupid software that I paid for.

I AM SO TIRED OF THIS!