[dang]

Hi,

My computer recently exploded. I called Bobcad V19 to reinstall on my new system, but they don't just not support my older version anymore, they won't, can't generate the code to authorize my reinstall. So, does anyone here have those codes?

Though it was explained to me, I still fail to understand why a simple activation code, no matter how old, is beyond the manufacturer's capability to produce. It's basically either brave the darkest parts of the internets to get an activation code, or buy Bobcad's new version. I'm unwilling to perform either of these tasks ever again. It's a manufacturer's problem policy that's totally worthy of ridicule.

[BurrMan]

It's a manufacturer's problem policy that's totally worthy of ridicule.

Hardly. Ending a products lifecycle is not really something far fetched.. It happens in ALL SORTS of industries.... I think they have until V21 supported, which is pretty far back...

How far back do the other CAM softwares support?

It's basically either brave the darkest parts of the internets to get an activation code, or buy Bobcad's new version.

Oh, you mean go to a HACKED version? Not really advisable....On so many levels....
Buy the new version? Yup, that's what most standup guys do... You don't even have to buy the "NEWEST" version. BobCad lets its users sell and transfer licensing. (For a small fee)....Pretty good!

[dang]

Hardly. Ending a products lifecycle is not really something far fetched

Correct, though disallowing users' ability to re-authorize and continue using their own software is wrong. An instructive quote from my phone call with BobCad is "We can't".

As for their generous offer to transfer my license to another problematic, can't do software package, I doubt that'll ever take place. There are a wealth of options available to consumers. Think I'll start there.

[jrmach]

I understand your frustrations and have no answer,,,
I just wanna say "Nobody, MAKES YOU STEAL software." It will be a CHOICE of YOURS.
Certainly your better than that ?
Hopefully there is a better resolution.
Best Wishes

[dang]

I'm not stealing anything. What I meant was that outside of being "allowed" by BobCad to continue using my own software, that I'd have to download a pirate's keygen of some sort, which is super dangerous.

2 years ago, I had a similar issue w/ another software vendor. I had to install some old specialty software, and it just wouldn't load. I call the help line, they not only allowed me to continue using my own property, they actually helped me trick my PC into loading it. In that instance, these other vendors delivered on backward compatibility AND tech support. I don't expect that from BobCad. I did expect that they'd want my software to function. Now I know not to expect so much. Buyer beware

[BurrMan]

As for their generous offer to transfer my license to another problematic, can't do software package, I doubt that'll ever take place. There are a wealth of options available to consumers. Think I'll start there.

Aha..... So, the REAL issue is, I want to say these things for no real reason at all... I am not interested in this software. Just thought I'de mention that support for V19 doesn't exist (BobCads website states this too)

Buyer beware

Hey, good one. Buyer beware. 20 years from now, your software may no longer be supported and you will need to get something along the lines of say "At least within the last 10 years"........

Another one of those "Helpful warnings" about how ripped off you get.... lol

[jrmach]

Long,Long Live V23 and High Speed Pocketing,,,,On a different note,...DONGLES....

[The Engine Guy]

As for their generous offer to transfer my license to another problematic, can't do software package, I doubt that'll ever take place.

What version have BC offered ? ? If it is V21 then that would be fine for you as it is the last version that used the same platform as V19 and is way better All your old V19 programs should still open in V21

What is stopping you taking up their offer ? ? Seems a bit daft to me

To jrmach

I agree, dongles forever

[magicniner]

Hey, good one. Buyer beware. 20 years from now

Unless, for instance, you're using Adobe CS2, in which case when Adobe retired their support and authorisation system for the package they made available to registered users a download of a version not requiring activation, that's not Product Support, it's Customer Service.
Retiring support for a package doesn't necessarily mean denying license holders access to the product for which they have a licence, although as we see here it can,

- Nick

[mmoe]

Unless, for instance, you're using Adobe CS2, in which case when Adobe retired their support and authorisation system for the package they made available to registered users a download of a version not requiring activation, that's not Product Support, it's Customer Service.
Retiring support for a package doesn't necessarily mean denying license holders access to the product for which they have a licence, although as we see here it can,

- Nick

You are making some assumptions about what Bobcad offered to do and we really don't know what the conversation was. I read it as they offered a newer version that they can authorize, but he turned them down. Here's what he said earlier:

As for their generous offer to transfer my license to another problematic, can't do software package, I doubt that'll ever take place. There are a wealth of options available to consumers. Think I'll start there.

I know from conversations with Bobcad that they only have my records going back to V21, but really are they supposed to keep records forever? That would somewhat fall in line with perhaps they just don't have the activation system setup for software older than that. Obviously, Adobe has the same issue, so why would it be strange for others to as well.

Also, I believe CS2 is several years newer than Bobcad V19, so you probably have to go back to prior to CS1 to even make a comparison. If Adobe isn't supporting CS2, what do you think they are doing with Photoshop 7 users who have lost their activation code? I'm pretty sure they would suggest that perhaps it's time to update. V21 is more of a comparison to CS2, and I'm almost positive that Bobcad would be able to help with that.

[BurrMan]

Yeah, checking release dates on your comparison would be a good place to start if you want to lash out at the "customer service" angle...

Interesting you use "ADOBE"... A large "buy everything up" company that has screwed many people out of their "licensing"... I lost a $1000.00 license to "adobe buying out the company" that was developing the software.... My option was to buy the new license at $3000.00....

If you would like to do a proper comparison, maybe do some research on how far back you can purchase "Mastercam" for instance.... Then come back and speak to customer service experiences...