cannot ask pre sales questions

[jbodden6977]

I feel like I just hacked into a high security area and all I did was create a forum account.
NOWHERE can I find anywhere that Corel addresses the need for POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS to ask questions BEFORE they purchase.
Apparently, you are only permitted to let the pig out of the poke after you buy it?
I have come up a few hams short that way in the past and I don't like the arrogance and virtual contempt that this displays towards the customer.
Just my opinion...
My problem is registration basically. I have been burned in the past with programs that I paid for - and cannot use - because even though I paid, even though I have the 'branding codes', and have 'fully installed' - the product has to be 'activated' online.
This puzzles the heck out of me for a couple of reasons.
1: Why is the 'activation' and registration not combined in one fell swoop? What is with the chinese puzzle approach?
2: If it is not communications software - why in the Heck is the internet made to be a requirement?
I have the trial installed on my NON internet computer - for security reasons (and others) my work computer is never online, ever.
My online computer is slower and less powerful - so I do not want to install on the online computer.
my question: is the computer I intend to register the ulead (etc) software on required to be online for the product to become fully installed?
I have been burned by online requirements before and this is a sale IF I don't have to be online to register non internet related software. For comware I can see a need, for non commware it is stupid, ridiculous and an unwanted imposition since I would have to take my work station to an internet access point in the city - vista os will not work with my hughes dw4000 sat system. Work machine is Vista+ only.
got the picture?
inform me.
bottom line - I buy, I install, I brand with emailed code - I AM DONE!
Or else no sale.
I really like the software, but if this requirement (that I pack up my entire computer system and take it to the city for 'activation' of one program) is mandatory I will shop elsewhere.
I am sorry to bother the forum with this, but Corel's contempt for non registered POTENTIAL customers (refusing any and all communications) is forcing me to find a workaround.
Please help with answers asap.

[Ron P.]

Welcome to the forums,

A real important question here... what program are you asking about? I can guess it to be PhotoImpact, since you posted in this forum, however I'm not aware of the requirement to activate full/upgrade versions. Any of the TBYB (trial) versions do require activation. The recent programs such as Paintshop Photo Pro and VIdeostudio do require an activation code, in addition to a serial number.

From the Corel Knowledge Base concerning Installation and Activation..Install and Activate

Answer ID 762130 - Product installation and activation instructions for your Product

This document outlines how to download, install and activate the download (ESD) version of your product.

PLEASE NOTE: This article is only for customers who have purchased the download (ESD) version and not the disc version. You will receive an order confirmation email when you complete your order. Included in this email is the download link(s) and serial number you will need to enter when installing the product.

Downloading and installing your product (Download version):

1.
Click on the download link from your order confirmation email. When prompted, choose to Save the file to your computer. Please note the name of the folder where the file is being saved. This will begin the download process.
2.
When the download is complete, choose to Run the file if prompted. If not prompted, go to the folder where you saved the file, and double-click on the icon that is created. This will begin the installation process.
3.
Follow the steps on your screen to install the program.
4.
When prompted, indicate that you have a serial number and enter your Serial number in the space provided. You can copy the Serial number using Windows clipboard (CTRL-C) from your order confirmation email and paste (CTRL-V) it directly into the Serial number box. Click Next.
5.
Follow the rest of the steps to complete the installation.
6.
At the end of the installation, you may be prompted to restart your computer.

NOTE: During installation, if you do not enter the serial number you received after purchase, you can enter it later, but the product will initially run in trial mode and will affect how you can later activate the product.



Activating the product:

1.
Launch or close your product.
2.
From the Thank you for purchasing screen, click the Activate now button.
3.
If there is no active Internet connection, you will be prompted to either connect or phone Corel to activate.
4.
From the activation successful screen, choose to keep a record of the product activation information by choosing to Save to file or Print now options. This activation information can be helpful should you need to reinstall the product.
5.
Click Finish and the product should launch and no longer prompt for activation.



If you receive an error message when you choose to Connect and activate online, choose the "Phone Corel" option and contact Technical Support

Location                     Contact Number                             Hours of Operation

US & Canada                 1-877-662-6735                               0900 to 1900 EST

UK                          0800 376 9271                                0900 to 1700 GMT & CET