What is the deal with the licensing for Studio 8? I haven’t seen anyone talking about this, and a quick search around doesn’t bring up much, but obviously there is a change from Studio MX 2004. In particular, the whole “Transfer License” thing just seems to have disappeared.
I’ve read the EULA and understand that, but my question is more technical. We still do activation, but is there a limited number of activations we are allowed? If so, what happens if I want to install an app on another machine and take it off an existing one?
Currently I have Flash installed on two pcs. I’m pretty sure I’m within the EULA, as I’m the only one using both machines and wouldn’t be using them at the same time. So what happens if I get rid of one machine and buy a new one. I can uninstall on the old one, but will I be able to install on a 3rd pc? And if I repeat the process with my other machine, will I be able to do yet a 4th install?
Or did the whole activate count / transfer license thing cause so many support headaches that MM just threw it out the window and gave us unlimited installs?
I would like to know this as well, as I quite possibly might purchase a Mac and will need to move one of my licenses over to the new machine once I get rid of the previous machine.
I believe that un-installing automatically de-activates. When my company purchased upgrades, one co-worker had difficulty with the installation process, where only the player failed to install. This was caused by a broken security descriptor in the registry and the only fix, after MUCH research, was to re-install windows. Anyhow, back to the point, when he un-installed Studio 8, it took a very long time on some particular, last presented dialog… he said he believed it was de-activating during that time and because we’re also experiencing a heavy load on our T1 it took a while.
Just another little tid-bit, I re-installed Flash MX 2004 frequently, because I’m constantly tinkering with my hardware. Just before the last upgrade (I got a new Raptor HD), I attempted to Transfer my license so I could upgrade the drive and recieved a notice that I had exceeded my “de-activation” limit.” I couldn’t UNINSTALL 🙂 Anyhow, all it took was a 45 minute phone call and argument with Macromedia’s support personel, and reading the EULA to that person in order to convince them I was a legitimate paying customer and using it in accordance with the EULA. (I almost lost the argument, several times the lady tried to end the call by bluntly stating “I’m sorry sir, you’ve exceed the de-activation quota, there is nothing I can do”) Point is, I don’t think customers have unlimited installs OR uninstalls.
IMHO Macromedia is doing a disservice to the cutsomers who pay their hard earned money to buy their products by taking such a hard-nosed stand on product activation. While I understand that software piracy is a huge concern for them, customers like the previous poster and myself burn valuable time dealing with this issue. Ease up! Microsoft is much easier to deal with regarding activation issues. How many would-be pirates are phoning macromedia regarding activation concerns?
I too am interested in the answer to Kieth’s question.
@ least on windows i can confirm that you have the choice to delete the activation when you uninstall.
Britt: I wouldn’t trust a license formerly installed on a PC to do a second install on a Mac. With MX04 that was impossible. Unless Macromedia changed this – you’ll be tied to the same platform the first install is on.
Maybe someone from MM reads this and could clarify a bit?
J
hm,the solution 1stpixel stated seems really reasonable (well,way more than not beeing able to install though you uninstalled somewhere else before).
I guess Keith or someone else visiting this blog surely has good contacts to mm,would be nice to suggest this to them,would probably save them and tons of legal owners of mm products a ton of support issues nerves 🙂
Hi
thanks for reading this topic! and if you answer it, you are very kool.
Well this is the thing, i have a site all in flash (made with flash studio 8) and i want to publish with AS2 WITH flash player 6 (because not everybody have the last plug in).
Could that make something work bad?
Well, that’s all…
Imran Hashmi
http://www.visionstudio.co.uk
Many software houses are adopting this type of install procedure.
I am not saying I agree or that it is the right way to do businesss…just that it is becomming very common.
ISS – Black Ice Firewall, Retail Edge, MacroMedia…it is spreading across a broad range of environements and industries.
Most Helpdesks and even Tech Support are telling me that it needs to be backed up. OS, application, the whole 9yards. When you present them with new devices and new drivers…they all stutter a bit…and suggest they will have someone call you back.
This Diskless process is a challenge in more ways than one.