Is this ULead company as bad as they come.

[kjstap]

I recently purchased an updrade to V12. A couple of days after the thirty day download service I purchace a new computer. I have all of the paper work and downloaded files, but the program comes up as a demo. I have the licence and everything that should show these ??? that I am one of the decent people who buy programs. Instead they want me to BUy BUY BUy. no wonder people steel from these companies. I am at my end. They have told me to deal with Element 5. TH reworse THEY DO NOT EVEN accept customer comments etc. I am so ticked atthe fact I allowed another software company to rip me off. They do not even anser my emails now. Is it not too bad that there are no internet police. For all the anguish they have created for me I hope I will be able to get the word out.
Ken

[heinz-oz]

Where in all this mess you describe is the part where ULEAD is at fault? I fail to see it.

Calm down, get yourself a cup of coffee and start again. What, exactly, did you do?

My guess is:

• 1. you bought an upgrade version of PI12 on the internet. That would be from elements5 since ULEAD do not distribute themselves on line.
  2. you got yourself a new computer shortly after the download link for your program expired.
  3. now it gets a bit confusing... what did you install and where did you get it from?

If you downloaded a TBYB from the Ulead website and hoped to be able to activate it with your serial number from your previously downloaded program, think again. It doesn't work like that.

You need to contact elements5 with your purchase details and, politely if you can, ask for a fresh download link for the full version. They have provided that in the past and I can't see why they should not do so again if your story is as you describe.

One more hint: When you do get a fresh download link, make yourself a copy of the downloaded files for safe keeping. It will spare you the aggrevation if something like this happens again.

[kjstap]

1 - Purchased upgrade
2- downloaded all files and saved to special directory where I down load all programs. Saved all paperwork etc
2A - did not purchase the extra $10.00 item since I saved it to the hard drive. I did NOT install from the download directly. I do this with all programs and then burn back up.
3- Installed program on computer.
4- Worked with it for 3 weeks.
5- Bought new computer since with Net Object fusion and Ulead 12 running, computer was very slow.
Loaded all software. all other software worked fine.
6- UL12 comes up with DEMO on it even though my serial # shows up under help.
7- Contacted UL people "I was COOL" !
8 - they said I needed to send them info from purchase. the email they sent said to copy and paste the info into the area designed for typing.
9 - The item does NOT allow that function. Wasted my time!
10- sent them email explaing problem and included al info from the Element 5 info.
11- received email again asking basically for same info that I could not send because of their lack of technology. Wasted more of my time. ( my time is very valuable and limited)
12 - They should be able to look up the invoice aor registration or any of the info and we could have moved on peacfully.
13 - They basically take their sweet time to ignore the real problem . If they cared they would do something with the info I sent.
All they want is more money.
If they wanted the money, in the first place they should have warned me that they operate diferently than most software companies. I had no problems with loading any of the other software. Not even MS Windows. I loaded my original verision back on the computer, called them and they activated it. NO PROBLEM.
14 - If I lost the download I could agree to pay more money but since I have ALL the info and can still see the full order on element5 site I do not understand the lack of professional attitude. To me it seems that they don't give a damn.
Element5 does not even have a way of handling customer service. As far as I see there is none.
I log onto their site and see all my particulars and all it has is the offer of giving them more money.
It is only 10.00 + dollar differance but to me it is principle.
I DO NOT screw my customers and expect to be treated the same.
As far as the ranting. I have tried the easy way. It did not work. It seems my only way to look at this is to face the fact that this company does not operate under the same good business practices as I believe in.
Another thing - It ticks me off to have to type. So when I have to keep doing it, i realize the time I am wasting and it further ticks me off.
I spend a lot of time helping people and this takes my time away.
No one should have the right to do this to me.
I should have been illegal. Those people do not have these headaches.
All my software is legal. hope you get a taste of why I got Pissed. Service? Service? Service? or should i say NO service?
www.kjselectric.net

[sjj1805]

You've missed out the most important step.
What did YOU do between items 4 & 5.

Lets have a fresh look at this.

You have computer "A" and you installed Photoimpact, activated it and everything is working honky dory.

You purchase a brand new machine computer "B"
So how did you get Photoimpact onto computer "B"

Now think about this carefully, what you have said so far would sound very much like buying a piece of software and installing it on your computer and then lending the discs out to friends.

[kjstap]

Maybe that happens! I can understand that but I am No CROOK. I was the only one stupid enough to lay out the cash!. Your insult is sure not taken lightly! Do you never upgrade? I had Corel on the other machine. Legally!.My plan was not to load it since I found it always unreliable. It likes to crash! I did not have that problem with the old version of PI.
I can NOt believe this ignorance. I have any and all data to prove that I bought it. I could have sent copy of visa to them. Anything to prove who the hell I was.
Oh! and as far as giving a copy to someone of anything that I pay for- - Call me cheap or what ever Not crook - I would NOt give something like that to someone else after I paid for the damn thing. ARE YOU NUTS? Right now I have had to reconnect my old computer to allow me to use the damn program. That is *!*!*!

[sjj1805]

Calm down fella, no one has said YOU are a crook and no one has insulted you. You are taking everything the wrong way.

I have simply pointed out to you how things look from a different perspective.

Now for the important bit, you still haven't answered the question I raised.

[kjstap]

I checked your 1st reply. There was no question mark only direct comments and thoughts.
I would very much appreciate help but do not see this as help.
You did not ask a question. If you did, I believe there would have been a "? " in the comment.
As far as calming down, it seems that the comments are designed to tick me off.
Ken

[Ron P.]

Ken,

What would we have to gain by ticking you off? You are apparently asking for help, and that is what we are wanting to provide.

Steve asked how you got PI on to your second computer, and yet you still don't answer. If you would like some assistance then please try to cooperate.

As the top of the Web Board states, this is a User to User Web Board. We are all users, not unlike you. We are not employed by or affiliated with Corel, Intervideo * Ulead. We are here to help if you need and want the help.

[kjstap]

I already said it in my other emails.
I loaded the program on the NEW computer which hope will be the only computer soon by running the back up copy of the down load that I got when I purchased the program. At that time they ask you if you want ot pay additional ~$10.00 for future down loads. I figured as I have done with all the programs that I have purchased over the net, that since I alway make a back up of the file ; Why would I ever need to be able to down load it from Element 5 again. It is the same routine that I have used for Years. Down Load and save then Run!!! I did not know that this company does NOT do it the same as most others. I have many professional programs. I am a business person who runs a small shop that even though I have employees; I DO EVERYTHING. I create website, brochures, music. I do it all. and I do all without ripping anyone off.
I am justnot used to the idea of being screwed this way.
Take a look at just the concept of Ulead. They allow a company to represent their product that does NOT have any easy customer service. If there is I sure could not find it.
I did not just get into this frenzy over night. The ignorance of the lack of good honest help is what has drove me insane. I can not relate to this.
I do know that the forum is probably private, but I ran out of ideas.
There should be protection from software companies that operate with the intent to not serve. They figure since there are Billions of potential customers that they do not have to respond with care to their customer.
This could have all been prevented by them acting in the same manner as Micropsoft or Intuit or Smart Draw or any of the other thirty or so companies I had to deal with to get my new computer up and running.
I most certainly have no ill feeling nor do I disrespect someone who is just trying to help that is not part of the COMPANY.
I can not though understand how the peole who have responded can not understand my frustration.
Thanks again.
Ken
www.kjselectric.net

[Ron P.]

Ken,

The one thing that is stumping us, is that you say it comes up demo. Ulead's Demos are known as TBYB (Try Before You Buy) or trial versions. With the TBYB, there is the option of "activating" it, to a full version. In that case you purchase an "unlock key", which is similar to a serial number, but yet different. There is no additional files to download and install.

Is that what you originally done?

What I have noticed with the ESD versions (full or upgrade download) is the serial number is generally embedded. If not then it is included in the purchase email from Element 5. When installing you are required to enter that number, along with your name, and possibly your company. I've never heard of a Full ESD version showing as a TBYB.

Now my thoughts are that you may have originally downloaded the TBYB version to try it out before purchasing. Then decided to purchase the program. After purchasing, you burned the wrong file to disc. So now when you installed it on your new computer, you are installing a TBYB. Could that be what has happened?

IF you have the receipts, email from Element 5, Serial Numbers, Element 5 has generally been good about getting fresh download links to customers. If you haven't already tried this approach, you might just try the approach of a lost program, and needing a fresh download link. They may or may not. I've read posts on this forum, where users that I clearly thought would not be able to get a new download, and did.

[kjstap]

You wrote:

The one thing that is stumping us, is that you say it comes up demo. Yes the word DEMO is on the screen. Ulead's Demos are known as TBYB (Try Before You Buy) or trial versions. With the TBYB, there is the option of "activating" it, to a full version. In that case you purchase an "unlock key", which is similar to a serial number, but yet different. There is no additional files to download and install.

I entered the serial # that was sent to me in the email after purchase. The serial # actually shows up under the help.


Is that what you originally done? I had to down load three or four files! I originally down loaded the trial upgrade before I bought the upgrade, but I think that I did not load the trial since I found that the upgrade was only ~70.00 So I bought it instead.


What I have noticed with the ESD versions (full or upgrade download) is the serial number is generally embedded. If not then it is included in the purchase email from Element 5.
Yes, It was in the email! You get it!

When installing you are required to enter that number, along with your name, and possibly your company.
I've never heard of a Full ESD version showing as a TBYB.

I think you are getting why I sent the first email to Ulead, It made no sense what was happening. But their email --- If you previously have the TBYB (Try Before You Buy) version, you should enter the activation code (this is different from serial number). If you still ahve problems, please send us the full text of Invoice/Order Confirmation Email Receipt the vendor sent you when you purchased the PhotoImpact 12. With this, we can request a Redownload Service Link for your new program installer. You can copy and paste the content of the said email in the reply box of this message.

Thank you.

Case #24045

Their reply section did not allow me to follow their instructions. I COULD NOT do a copy and paste as per their request. Their reply for does not allow it. this frustrated me to no end. I had all of what they were looking for with no method of getting it to them. Do you understand that frustration? This email request should have cured all but due to their software (Reply section) my problem only grew.


Now my thoughts are that you may have originally downloaded the TBYB version to try it out before purchasing. Then decided to purchase the program. After purchasing, you burned the wrong file to disc.

DID NOT BURN IT Yet. This all happened in a few weeks. I am very busy so I had to load software etc inbeween service calls and my music and LIONS Jamboree responsiblities. The copies of that I made were still on the hard drive of the old computer that I will eventually wipe and give to someone needing a computer. The system fully works, it is just too slow doing the web stuff and photos etc.

So now when you installed it on your new computer, you are installing a TBYB. Could that be what has happened? I believe it is safe to say absolutely not.

IF you have the receipts, email from Element 5, Serial Numbers, Element 5 has generally been good about getting fresh download links to customers. If you haven't already tried this approach, you might just try the approach of a lost program, and needing a fresh download link. They may or may not. I've read posts on this forum, where users that I clearly thought would not be able to get a new download, and did.

I sent all the numbers. They kept asking for more. I gave them dates etc. Mar 22/07 serial #, Invoice # that is why I got so ticked.
your email is the first of any to show some sense of help without accusations or otherwise.
I really do appreciate that. I did not need the same ignorance or what seemed to be that I got from the company.
I do know yopu can not help. Thank ever so much for your understanding. AS i just wrote to the administrator - my intent was not to insult or attack or swear at or what ever anyone in the forum. It was the seemingly accusations without understanding of any typr that put me in a bad state.
Once again thank You and I am sorry for taking up all of your time. We all have limited time and to waste it on this foolishment is ridiculous!!!!!!
Thanks again!
Ken Stapley
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