How can I reinstall a giveaway of the day program at a later date? If, for example, I have hard drive problems; how can I reinstall one of these progams a month from now if the 'activate.exe' program will only work on the one day that the program is given away?
ReInstallation - how to activate again?
(43 posts) (20 voices)-
theog
MemberI download and place in Microsoft Virtual PC... VPC is a free product by microsoft that allows for you to have an entire OS on your main machine as a guest OS. If your main machine goes down, you will always have the free program stored in VPC... and when vista is released, you can format your computer and install vista... then put the VPC and everything should work ok.
The rub with these "free" products is the product key... with vista being released next month, seems they would address this issue as most people should do a complete format then install vista.
Posted 18 years ago # -
Here's the link to Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 SP1
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=6D58729D-DFA8-40BF-AFAF-20BCB7F01CD1&displaylang=enPosted 18 years ago # -
polski8
MemberI found out that if there is a separate file for activation only, just activate it right away, and you can install or re-install whenever you want. If you want to uninstall and re-install later, just make a registry backup, then uninstall. When you re-install, import your backup to the current registry, and it will re-install just fine. On some of the programs with the activate and setup all in one, I found it changes the executable or dll instead of the registry, so save these somewhere on your computer, also, and when you re-install replace the executable and dlls with the backups. This will save you lots of space on your laptop, or whatever you are using, and make the application sort-of portable.
Posted 18 years ago # -
davrobin
MemberI liked the sound of the Microsoft Virtual Machine, but when I tried it out, I found that I need a new license for the copy of Windows XP that I have running on the virtual machine (apparently Microsoft consider the virtual machine to be just another computer, and so it needs a license for the operating system... even though it is running inside a licensed system already). Shame really. I guess i will have to look into the other methods (listed above) for backing up GOTD itmes.
Dave R
Posted 18 years ago # -
Whiterabbit
MemberAll these ideas to continue using the software even after having to clean your HDD's by formatting, (which I do at least once a year, just to clear the discs of all the rubbish that accumulates. I have disk cleaner utilities, but these never do a perfect job.)don't take account of the fact that the programs will more than likely be upgraded sometime soon and that no tech support is available and you can't use it for commercial gain,. Most of the utilities that have been offered are very useful and do a great job, (for example blind write has enabled me to make back up copies of all my favorite games. I've purchased two other similar packages that haven't been up to the job, but have cost me more. Also I anticipate that the latest new games I buy from now will not be copied correctly due to the ever changing protection changes; so updates to that particular program are probably a must have. So reiterating what I've just said; as time goes by, to gain the benefits from them you'd probably need to upgrade them, which you can't. I certainly will be buying quite a few of the utilities and games once I format my disks. I think what you are suggesting is just typical of those that end up spoiling the whole idea, as I'm sure some software companies will not be happy to give away software titles due to the very fact that the give aways can be forever. Those competent enough, or knowlegeable about the in's and out's of computer software and the workings of the registry, mirrors and back ups will be able to continue using it after full formats and to be able to transfer these programs to other computers; very likely to other family and friends as well.
I do hope your greed will not spoil this project. Sorry to be so negative about the revelations you have made. But I really do feel that you are wrong to have suggested this and have probably already stopped us getting to try some very cool software.
(This reminds me of a situation when i was in the army back in the 1970's. While on excercise over in Germany, we could be separated from our wife and children for months on end sometimes. We were given a free telephone service so that we could phone our families, until one day one of the Seargents in my troop phoned Australia, and stayed on the phone for about 4 hours. Back in the seventies the cost of a phone call to Australia was about £2 (($3.6) a minute. Which then was a lot of money. Because of this one persons greed and selfishness, the perk was stopped.What you're doing reminds me of this)
The way I see it is that being able to use a full product for an extended period and to probably compare it with several other give aways of the same genre will enable me to buy the updated programs knowing a lot more about what I'm buying, that is having an informed choice. Just as an example, last year I purchased a particular memory manager after reading about the fantastic improvements I should expect once the program had been installed and configured. It worked to a degree, but I didn't think it justified the price I paid as I'd used freeware with better results Two weeks later the same developer released a totally different memory manager that was only slightly more costly than the first, but far superior. I bought that one to and was really happy with it. The point I'm trying to make is that the giveaways will give us the power to really evaluate a product and then know we have got our moneys worth out of the program once it has been purchased if we purchase the upgrade.
Remember someone has sweated, probably for months and even years to build some of these utilities. I personally think that developers should be payed well for their work. Just look at the software package Photoshops for example. When I first became interested in photography back in the sixties to be able to do what you can with photoshops and all the plug ins, would have cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to accomplish then, (and much of what photoshop does would not have been possible then), as well as require a large industrial unit and a workforce to attain thje same results that I can produce, sometimes in a matter of minutes or even less. For example I can create a fantastic looking watercolor of any of my landscape photo's within minutes, have it printed out an framed within another few minutes and then have a pretty cool original piece of art work. Now with the lite version you have the best photo laboratory in the world for just a measly days pay. Yss, I say developers should be rewarded well. What you are doing is in my opinion theft.
Posted 18 years ago # -
Richard
MemberNice post, whiterabbit. Totally agree.
GOTD's T&Cs are clear enough (and generous enough) without trying to figure out a way of getting around them.
But then those looking for the permanent free ride are also the ones most likely to have a PC stuffed full of freeware from developers whose modest requests for the donation of a couple of dollars via PayPal will always have been ignored. . .
Posted 18 years ago # -
theog
MemberWhiterabbit, you need to get over yourself. No one is going to ruin anything by ensuring they have a working copy if they format a computer. I would say that 99% of the people here would not even bother to purchase a full copy of anything they get on here for free... too many open source and free products available that can do what many of these products can.
If anything, I think it is rather ignorant to not have a "discount" option in place for people who format their computer many times a year, like I do. Then again, it would not matter since I've not seen one product here that I would use... much less purchase. In addition, I own over $30,000 in software on my computer, but have not seen one GAOTD version yet. Hmmm... that is odd....
Anway, I think most companies are looking for the halo effect and hope people might purchase the product for commercial use or purchase another product out of their product line.
Theft? Well, when you give away keys, that is not theft. I build and sell software online, and if I put one of my titles on this site, I would highly recommend you to use virtual pc. Actually, I would apply a "discount" for GAOTD users who upgraded or wanted to use a commercial version. I could not see locking software, that I give away, to one computer. Does not seem right in my book....
Instead of GAOTD, I think you want this site (and maybe we should) to be named ETVOTD -- Extended Trial Version Of The Day.
Posted 18 years ago # -
Any of you guys read the section for developers?
"First and foremost, you have an absolute guarantee that you will be paid for your software, even when the software is distributed within a special Giveaway of the day offer. Our company will pay you for your software, thus protecting you from software piracy."
Curious, so if reg info from GAoTD gets abused, does that mean that GAoTD will have to pay for other people's abuse?
Quite simply that's the way this site works, they have made set agreements with the publisher, theog - more power to you in your way of publishing, but not all authors are like you.
Just like offering special sales and promotions, authors and distributers have the right to handle it how they see fit. It is us as a consumer that will decide to take advantage of an offer or not.
Posted 18 years ago # -
theog
MemberI guess there must be an agreement on the definition of theft... is putting in virtual pc theft? Is ensuring you can still use the software after format theft?
Of course, we can all agree that making a copy of virtual pc and giving it to a buddy is theft, but no one here is saying anyone should do that. I'm not... that is theft.
Seems to be two valid arguments going... maybe the mods/admins should pop in and clear the muddy water.
With the Terms and Conditions being in such a state, of course there is confusion on what can and cannot be done. In my contract class, I've never seen anything so small....
Terms and conditions
Please note that the software you download and install during the Giveaway period comes with the following important limitations:
No free technical support
No free upgrades to future versions
Strictly non-commercial usageTHIS SOFTWARE PRODUCT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WITHOUT LIMITATION, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWABLE BY LAW, END USER ASSUMES THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE DOWNLOADED SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
Posted 18 years ago # -
PhilK
MemberReading the stuff from whiterabbit, tichan, theog et al make me wonder why the hell they are here in the first place ? They seem so wrapped up in how "rights" of the company to make money from us (what about the fact we'd never of bloody HEARD of them if not for this site ?) - what is this "format and you lose" thing other than a sodding DEMO for chrissakes ? - I hadn't realized that was the case with these "giveaways" - I had recommended this site to friends too. Should I have to rename it "demo of the day site" perhaps ?
Posted 18 years ago # -
Richard
MemberJeez. Re-visiting this thread, it's apparent some posters need a non-trial software application called
A Dictionary
filled with things called words, all of which have a meaning.
Use of "A Dictionary" will prove invaluable when confronted by a series of words which, for example, may have been put together to communicate that an item of fully-featured commercial software, freely provided, is capable of being activated on one day only.
That those words do not include the following:
"this free software can also be activated time and time again for all those who like to repeatedly re-format their computer"
means that the fully featured commercial software, freely provided, and capable of being activated on one day only, is not capable of being activated time and time again for all those who like to repeatedly re-format their computer.
By the way: the above is not a soddin' demo.
Hope this helps.
Posted 18 years ago # -
theog
MemberRichard, you were so busy trying to be a smart-***, that you missed explaining how a virtual pc would fit in your explanation. In other words, Virtual pc does activate only once.
Also, you seemed to have added terms not associated with the official “Terms and Conditions.”
Posted 18 years ago # -
Michelle
Member"Whiterabbit, you need to get over yourself. No one is going to ruin anything by ensuring they have a working copy if they format a computer. I would say that 99% of the people here would not even bother to purchase a full copy of anything they get on here for free... too many open source and free products available that can do what many of these products can."
That's probably true, nothing really caught my eye here either. I downloaded a couple games from here, but imo a lot of them are alike and once I beat a game I uninstall it anyway, which a few games I have took off my computer because I bet the game. The world isn't going to end because you have to reformat your computer and get rid of these downloads and programs you install.
"means that the fully featured commercial software, freely provided, and capable of being activated on one day only, is not capable of being activated time and time again for all those who like to repeatedly re-format their computer."
When you buy software is it piracy because you need to reformat your computer and reinstall the program again? No, I don't believe that and I think that the one who said that all this is is a promotion, is right (and it's cripled). If you buy an application like supposedly giveawayoftheday is doing for it's customers. You should have the right to install the software as many times as you need or for that matter want to, but can you do that? There are ways to combat piracy without the need to say you can only install it once on your computer.
Posted 18 years ago # -
"No one is going to ruin anything by ensuring they have a working copy if they format a computer. I would say that 99% of the people here would not even bother to purchase a full copy of anything they get on here for free... too many open source and free products available that can do what many of these products can."
-That is true, I'd be among the 99%.
"If you buy an application like supposedly giveawayoftheday is doing for it's customers. You should have the right to install the software as many times as you need or for that matter want to, but can you do that? There are ways to combat piracy without the need to say you can only install it once on your computer."
-Hmm...good point, if GAoTD is a paying customer, we are entitled to backup our software are we not (and in any scenario it is legal to have backups if I remember correctly?) My mom also agrees with this statement greatly (she's reading behind my shoulder). A lot to think on....
Posted 18 years ago # -
Richard
MemberThis thread goes round and round. Now there's a post about buying software and is it piracy if you need to re-install it and some wordplay on 'customer', as in: GOTD has bought on behalf of its customers, and having given what it has bought to the aforesaid customers, then the customers should be entitled to make back-ups.
But the 'customers' have received the software free of charge and on the full and certain understanding that it can be activated on the day of issue only.
Where. . . where. . . is the ambiguity in that? And what on earth does it have to do with making copies of software you have bought?????????
theog: not being a smart****. Just fed up with those who having received a gift horse, lament they can't then run it in the Grand National. As for those who can't tell the meaningful difference between the word 'customer' and 'recipient', well, I guess my earlier post remains relevant.
Posted 18 years ago # -
BillW50
MemberWell that isn’t a problem. As when you do your application and system backup (including the registry), you can restore everything since your last backup. So you won’t lose anything. Everyone is supposed to do this anyway, if you care what is on your computer that is. So there is nothing to worry about, right?
Posted 18 years ago # -
theog
MemberThis thread is going no place...
There are two camps and the moderators/admins of this site need to step in and "clear the air." I'm in one camp, but I can see the validity of the points raised by others in the other side of this debate.
Admins/mods need to answer:
1. Can you backup/copy your keys (registry) in order to validate the activation once you format a computer.
2. Is it legal to place the installs in a virtual PC.
Posted 18 years ago # -
The best thing you can do in order to ensure ongoing availability of the software you download from here is employ a registry diff system. This works one of two ways:
1) It takes a snapshot of your registry before and after an event
2) It monitors changes to the registry in realtime
In either case, you can usually get a file that gives a list of registry changes.There is even software that will duplicate an installer in this manner. It will watch for registry and file changes and create an installer that does exactly those changes. Inctrl and Installation Monitor are two titles that do some of this. Google for that, and for things like "registry diff" and you'll find the sort of software I'm talking about.
I highly recommend this sort of thing any way - I don't like installers that do things I'm not aware of. More and more games and whatnot install ring 0 device drivers, and I like to know what software is doing to my machine.
In any case, armed with a list of files and registry changes, it is not hard to recreate the installation later.
Edit: I forgot to mention Pocket PC software. Yesterday there was the Pocket PC game "Brutal Wars". In those cases, it's not usually necesary to go to a lot of work to preserve an installer. The .cab file that is the actual Pocket PC installer doesn't itself have any restrictions on when it can be installed. The trick is getting the cab file. If your Pocket PC is docked when you install the software, the cab will be transferred to the device and then deleted. If your Pocket PC is not docked, however, the cab file is saved in the installation directory. Copy it out and save it elsewhere, and it can be used to reinstall the game at will on the device.
Posted 18 years ago # -
theog
MemberKurt,
Thanks for the advice, but we are at a stage now that people wonder if it is legal to do what you are suggesting. Some people say yes, while others say no. The admins need to clear this up, but so far they have seen this thread but not responded for some reason.
Posted 18 years ago # -
BillW50
MemberWhy do you need the admins to tell you how to backup your programs theog? And how would they know what kind of system and hardware you have connected? Why not ask the experts in this area for free in the Microsoft newsgroups (USENET)? Most of them are MVP qualified. How can you go wrong there? I'm serious! :)
Posted 18 years ago # -
comicfan2000
MemberThere is nothing stating you can't back up these free programs, in virtual or not. If it's free and legal on your pc, you can back it up. For one, I haven't downloaded anything "yet" that I would go through all the trouble for, especially when Erunt will back my registry. Well, maybe HDDlife, or S&W game. I like those.
I think my eyes began to hurt and tear when reading about format "theft"? Well, that's a new one, erasing a hard drive is theft. How do you steal a free program? lol. This is like the idiots who cracked "True launch bar" I believe. Cracked a FREE program, loll. Boy, I am getting more laughs from this site as I go. Some going into the past in their service days, wow, I didn't think software could cause a rukus. Somehow this goes back to service in Germany and making calls. How is downloading a FREE software and backing it up, which some may never buy anyway, relating to a few hundred dollar phone call? The licenses are arleady paid, we are not taking any more or less. Keeping it\backing it up is of no loss to them. If people want to upgrade , they will.
I admit, I was and still am a bit bewildered as to this being TRIALWARE or FREEWARE. Look up the FREEWARE definition and this is riding a fine line that I believe will cause more arguments to flare. All in all, I came to the conclusion of this: it's not costing me anything either way and so be it. I will simply enjoy trying some stuff and maybe come across something I may buy. BillW and Tjchan helped put that into perspective a bit for me which I appreciate as they didn't go on an attack, simply explained the other side of GAOTD.
A virtual OS is still on your hard drive,needs registered Windows to run, it doesn't float in the air above the pc like a ghost , hanging over you waiting to be booted. It still has to store things to your hard drive if chosen to, so if the hard drive gets trampled by a herd of buffalo, guess what, virtual or not, it's gone. You won't get the programs back. Not to mention the trouble, resources it would take to run it, yeah, it can sap a pc pretty good depending on configuration. I'm not sure I would go through all that.
So far what I have gathered from some members is this...
1.) If you back up your FREE, say it again...FREE, one more time..FREE programs, this is THEFT.
2.) If you use a Virtual OS which is still linked to your PC and Harddrive, to for whatever reason, go through the trouble of backing up some software, it's THEFT.
3.) We are greedy to use our FREE, *cough* software and this is in some REVALATIONS of white rabbits and Alice in wonderland.
4.) We are not to say we don't like something or disagree or we are greedy, throwing a fit, non-appreciative of freeware. So we must say we like everything OR ELSE!
5.) In these Revalations, we are bringing down upon ourselves, "with backing up FREEWARE" to never be able to download cool software again. Hmmmm, I just did a few minutes ago, perhaps later this will take place in Revalations II.
6.) Some members are in CAMPS? Wow, we have a full blown civil war going here, "the backups are comin, the backups are comin" uh hu, while demanding the Admins to reply. **just a thought, we would all like a reply but maybe the Admins are ,OH,just slightly busy, you know, getting us all the Freeware that's being argued over?** I would think they are a bit more than busy. I think demanding answers from the Admins is more of a crime than backing up our freeware.
While I am making a bit of fun here, it's hard to keep a straight face about this. I was at best, mildly peeved to think freeware comes with a standard of either you back up or you lost it. The Freeware definition does not fit here. I still think it's a fine line to be honest, many don't know how to back up or can't afford good backup software to back their drives, or find freeware to do the job. This leaves some open for a loss on their hopes for this freeware. Not everyone knows about registry or virtual machine. I would like to know where this borders as well and want to know, is software FREE if it cannot be installed at our disposal or is it time limited, knowing that pcs crash, etc..and you can't reinstall unless a back up guru. However, I am not going to demand Admins give us an answer. Either way as I stated before in another post after MY rant, i'll just stick around and enjoy the site and download some software until we do get an answer. Like I said, i'm not losing out either way but simply want to know. I did think I was wasting my time downloading this software but so far, all in all, it's been good.
Paul
Posted 18 years ago #
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