unsupported = unusable? (WinDVD 9 Plus)

[effigy3]

I have 2 licensees for WinDVD 9 Plus. Last week the SSD in my gaming rig went AWOL in the BIOS so I'm in the process of reinstalling Windows and all my programs on the warrantied replacement drive. Imagine my surprise when I installed WinDVD 9 only to see this screen:



I get that Corel can't maintain support for products indefinitely. However, unsupported should not equate into unusable. Please tell me I'm wrong in thinking that my $100 in two license fees are a complete waste now and I'm being forced into buying a new version just because v9 is "too old" to install. I don't watch DVDs on my gaming system hardly ever, but I'd like to occasionally. Is there a way to get my v9 off trial island using the code I have?

I did check, and both v9 codes are listed as registered with Corel. I copied and pasted the code just to ensure against any typos. I also uninstalled/reinstalled WinDVD just to make sure it wasn't some sort of fluke.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions

[Ken Berry]

Can you please give us just a bit more info... You say you managed to install WinDVD 9, but when does that message appear? Can you actually open the program if you ignore the message? Or is that the only thing that will appear when you try to open it?

[effigy3]

Ken, thank you for responding. I recorded a quick video of what I am getting and posted it to YouTube here: http://youtu.be/EOZs1-M_yHo

I hope this embed code works. :O

[Ken Berry]

I'm really not sure what is going on (same as you!!) And boy, that is certainly some time it takes to bring up the video, regardless of how powerful your computer is... I also have to admit I don't use WinDVD though used to have version 8 some time in the past. The only thing I can think of is to wonder if somewhere under the Set-up or configuration button up in the top right of the screen, there is some sort of (re-)registration process... which would then ask for your serial number to validate the program's installation...?

[effigy3]

There isn't anything there, I've gone through all the tabs with a fine tooth comb. I'm just going to uninstall it. I think it's pretty crappy of Corel to put a product out there that becomes unusable simply because of date. I appreciate your assistance Ken.

[Ken Berry]

When you say you have two licenses for WinDVD 9, were they two separate purchases? If so, was one an activation of the trial version and the other downloaded from a link sent by Corel when you bought it? Long shot I know, but if there were two downloads, did you keep both -- and try both? Or did you try installing afresh and using the other license number?

[effigy3]

I actually bought 3 licenses as you can see. One for Win DVD9 and two for Win DVD9+ for use on different systems. I've blurred out the serial numbers for protection



It simply appears that Corel has it coded that these activations for unsupported versions are no longer valid in an attempt to force customers into purchasing the new version. It doesn't seem to matter if the new version is needed or even wanted. With this policy Corel is coming across as a money grubbing corporation with little to no regard to current customer satisfaction. I'm still using Microsoft Money for Windows 95. The program still functions and I have no need or desire to upgrade. Microsoft isn't forcing me to by making my activation code invalid.

What's worse is that there is no way to contact Corel about any product on the unsupported list. All there is, is this forum. While I do appreciate your interest and genuine desire to help you simple don't have any answers either. And why should you? It's not your job or responsibility. It's Corel's and they have seriously dropped the ball and turned their back. I've paid $150 in license fees which are now rendered useless. I'm not asking for support. I'm just asking that I be able to install software I paid to use. I suppose it's their prerogative to revoke my ability to use the software. It's also my prerogative to use (and pay for) something else.