Topic: Activation issue rant

[Keith™]

So, I've had to re-install Windows and I cannot get A2k7 to register. I saved the registration information from previously and I made sure I entered all the information exactly the same, but when I try to activate, I get a 204 error. I tried getting an activation key from Autodesk and the request code is 8 characters less than the registration form will accept. I am getting the dreaded 204 error …

I know I should upgrade, but I can't justify the expense and not to mention its a subscription ... and I only design 4 or 5 houses a year.

It just pisses me off.

Carry on with your regularly scheduled programming.

[Mark]

https://www.bricsys.com/en-intl/bricscad/  perhaps!

[mjfarrell]

Pain in da....


However, it might be that you would need to write ZEROS to your entire HD

And then reinstall everything...

[dgorsman]

Odds are, the Windows re-install invalidated the previous activation code.  Something that old, I wouldn't bother with auto/online activation and go straight to the reseller for help getting manual codes.

[Gergeobusges]

The topic you set up is very interesting. I have studied and read more continuously.

[kdub_nz]

George. Do you actually have anything constructive to add to the conversation ??

[MP]

Maybe he’s just curious.

[kdub_nz]

Yes, perhaps I should be more poetic.

[Keith™]

A couple of calls and I find out that Autodesk has stopped issuing activations for software older than AutoCAD 2014.

Seriously?

I have a PERPETUAL LICENSE!!! That means FOREVER. Autodesk apparently believes they can arbitrarily deny a user access to licensed software they obtained lawfully.

I am trying to do this legitimately, but they are trying my patience!

[MP]

Sorry Keith, Autodesk seems bent on alienating their customers while BricsCAD seems bent on earning customer and developer loyalty. Cue Kenny Rogers.

[ronjonp]

Sorry Keith, Autodesk seems bent on alienating their customers while BricsCAD seems bent on earning customer and developer loyalty. Cue Kenny Rogers.

I tried to get a developer license a couple of times and was denied because I'm not going to sell the software ( internal use ). Thought that was kinda strange since they would get 6 more customers if we took their route.

Totally agree about Adesk.

[dgorsman]

"Perpetual" shouldn't be considered literally, it doesn't mean "forever-forever".  At some point they do have to cut things off.  Otherwise they end up wasting time with people trying to install AutoCAD 2019 on 32-bit Win XP or some such.  Or they have to include so much spaghetti code in the program to support all those possibilities.

Might also consider they are using a third-party licensing tool.  There may be restrictions on their end we just aren't seeing.

[cadtag]

"Perpetual" is literal.  Adesk is legally obligated to provide authentication codes until the heat death of the universe.  That doesn't mean that they have to provide support for Acad 2005 under whatever OS platform is available in 2525, but they do have to provide the correct authorization codes for any legal purchaser who did not upgrade.  That's true until Adesk folds it tent and creeps quietly into the night of bankruptcy.

Adobe got around that by releasing universal codes for their last non-rental version, 

[rkmcswain]

"Perpetual" is literal.  Adesk is legally obligated to provide authentication codes until the heat death of the universe.  That doesn't mean that they have to provide support for Acad 2005 under whatever OS platform is available in 2525, but they do have to provide the correct authorization codes for any legal purchaser who did not upgrade.  That's true until Adesk folds it tent and creeps quietly into the night of bankruptcy.

THIS ^^^^^

@Keith - who told you that Autodesk has "stopped issuing activations"?
That is wrong.

[Keith™]

"Perpetual" is literal.  Adesk is legally obligated to provide authentication codes until the heat death of the universe.  That doesn't mean that they have to provide support for Acad 2005 under whatever OS platform is available in 2525, but they do have to provide the correct authorization codes for any legal purchaser who did not upgrade.  That's true until Adesk folds it tent and creeps quietly into the night of bankruptcy.

THIS ^^^^^

@Keith - who told you that Autodesk has "stopped issuing activations"?
That is wrong.

I don't recall now, its been a while. It was through the Autodesk website.

In order to get back to work, I restored an old drive and was able to use the software … until this weekend. Windows pushed out an update and AutoCAD no longer works … again!!

I've obtained an email address for their technical support and I sent a request. So far no response, but I didn't expect an answer right away.

Regardless, I only have 5 days before AutoCAD stops working completely and I am right in the middle of 3 projects and I was informed I will be receiving two more in the next week.

[mjfarrell]

"Perpetual" is literal.  Adesk is legally obligated to provide authentication codes until the heat death of the universe.  That doesn't mean that they have to provide support for Acad 2005 under whatever OS platform is available in 2525, but they do have to provide the correct authorization codes for any legal purchaser who did not upgrade.  That's true until Adesk folds it tent and creeps quietly into the night of bankruptcy.

THIS ^^^^^

@Keith - who told you that Autodesk has "stopped issuing activations"?
That is wrong.

I don't recall now, its been a while. It was through the Autodesk website.

In order to get back to work, I restored an old drive and was able to use the software … until this weekend. Windows pushed out an update and AutoCAD no longer works … again!!

I've obtained an email address for their technical support and I sent a request. So far no response, but I didn't expect an answer right away.

Regardless, I only have 5 days before AutoCAD stops working completely and I am right in the middle of 3 projects and I was informed I will be receiving two more in the next week.

hmm, new hard drive and temp installs of everything??

[Keith™]

I can't believe it! I heard back from Autodesk and this time they provided an activation code that worked. Some dear soul named Juliette L. Don't know who that is, but she just made me a happy camper ..

[rkmcswain]

If you can find out the last name, we can all spam send her THANK YOU notes.


first.last@autodesk.com

[rkmcswain]

I tried to get a developer license a couple of times and was denied because I'm not going to sell the software ( internal use ). Thought that was kinda strange since they would get 6 more customers if we took their route.

Interesting. Could you not do what you needed to do in 30 days with a trial?

[Keith™]

I tried to get a developer license a couple of times and was denied because I'm not going to sell the software ( internal use ). Thought that was kinda strange since they would get 6 more customers if we took their route.

Interesting. Could you not do what you needed to do in 30 days with a trial?

I know that I’ve been developing one package for about 2 years. Some things just take time.

[cadtag]

I just got this in the mail from a VAR.... (bolding mine)

"Beginning August 31, 2019, Autodesk will end support for versions 2010 and earlier and ask that you upgrade to a supported version. You may continue to use your product if it is already installed, however Autodesk will no longer provide support, including re-activation, for these versions. "

That seems like a lawsuit just waiting to happen, 

[ChrisCarlson]

I just got this in the mail from a VAR.... (bolding mine)

"Beginning August 31, 2019, Autodesk will end support for versions 2010 and earlier and ask that you upgrade to a supported version. You may continue to use your product if it is already installed, however Autodesk will no longer provide support, including re-activation, for these versions. "

That seems like a lawsuit just waiting to happen,

Yeouch! I understand the lack of support. They should just disable the activation server and return TRUE for those older versions.

[Keith™]

Yeah, and now they have deactivated it yet again.

I must have access to the software that I legitimately have a perpetual license to operate.

Screw it, I'm going nuclear .. it's their fault. and I'll be happy to see them in court should it come to that.

[rkmcswain]

They should just disable the activation server and return TRUE for those older versions.

But that does not align with their goal of having all customers on rental, for steady, predictable income.

[Keith™]

 I received an email from Autodesk today. Basically telling me that they could not open a case for me.

[Lonnie]

I hope I sent something to your e-mail if not e-mail me and I can help.

[Keith™]

Me: I've been using this software on the same Windows 10 PC for four years without issue until last December.
Rep: I see where we have activated it three times in the last year.
Me: Yes, every so often it just reports that it isn't activated.
Rep: That is a problem with using it on Windows 10. We don't support Windows 10 with that version.
Me: I don't want support, I want to use it.
Rep: Yes, you have a license to use it and are free to use it. We don't provide activation codes because it is not supported.
Me: But I can't use it without an activation code.
Rep: Microsoft has broken the licensing and we don't support that. We no longer issue activation codes on unsupported, end-of-life software.
Me: How can I get it to work?
Rep: Please check the Autodesk website to find a reseller in your area.

Um .. no

and they wonder why people check the nearest hack/crack/warez website for the latest version … because why? They will simply take your money and then claim too bad too sad.

I say don't sell something you aren't prepared to allow users to actually use for the duration of the time you have said they can use it.

and to think once upon a time I would defend your stupid ass for some of the things you have done.

Now where is that hack/crack/warez website <smdh>

[It's Alive!]

 

[It's Alive!]

If Microsoft did something to break the licensing, it seems like a legitimate reason. A crappy deal.
In any case, there are alternative products out there

[Keith™]

If Microsoft did something to break the licensing, it seems like a legitimate reason. A crappy deal.
In any case, there are alternative products out there

That’s the excuse eh... reason.

[rkmcswain]

Good grief, what a load of crap.


I still can't believe that they are using that excuse of "our activation code generators are built on aging technology.... blah blah..."


Also....
In some places they claim that they are "introducing a new Product Support Lifecycle"


In other places, they claim that they "will start enforcing its technical support lifecycle policy"




So which is it? An existing rule that is has not been enforced? Or a new policy?

[Keith™]

So I had no cad work for a while, just doing my own small projects and BAM

I get 4 projects dropped on me Friday.

And of course, AutoCAD says its not licensed.
And Autodesk says too bad too sad, give us a couple of grand and you can use the latest version for a couple of months.

How about no.

I'm beyond angry.

I'm pissed.

I don't want them to support the software, I just want them to quit telling my legitimately licensed software that it is not licensed.

They are causing this.

I've toned down my anger significantly out of respect for Mark and his house, but I will get my satisfaction, one way or another. They OWE me that much.

[rkmcswain]

They don't care Keith. They especially don't care about your one, single license of AutoCAD.

https://twitter.com/upFronteZine/status/930590879412310017

[ronjonp]

I don't like that a user gets signed out of their account then cannot use the software. I'm the admin but don't have control of my users? ( I hope someone can steer me in the right direction on this ) We've been paying into Autodesk subscription for 20+ years and I've seen an increase of $400 annually to $1500. 

[Keith™]

They don't care Keith. They especially don't care about your one, single license of AutoCAD.

https://twitter.com/upFronteZine/status/930590879412310017

With an attitude like that, they won't get me to purchase an upgrade to their product, that's for certain.

[rkmcswain]

I don't like that a user gets signed out of their account then cannot use the software. I'm the admin but don't have control of my users?

Can you elaborate on that?
What do you mean by "user gets signed out"? The user him/her self signs out? This is nothing new, Adobe, Microsoft and others operate the same way.

You do have control over your users via your account page. You can grant or deny application usage on a per-user basis.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding you.

Cheers.

[ronjonp]

I don't like that a user gets signed out of their account then cannot use the software. I'm the admin but don't have control of my users?

Can you elaborate on that?
What do you mean by "user gets signed out"? The user him/her self signs out? This is nothing new, Adobe, Microsoft and others operate the same way.

You do have control over your users via your account page. You can grant or deny application usage on a per-user basis.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding you.

Cheers.

Sometimes the accounts sign out on their own .. it's happened to me a couple of times. I have control what users can access but no control of the account they create to access AutoCAD. To parallel. I also manage our Office 365 and Google accounts .. there I have full user account control so when a user forgets their password, I go reset it and all is well again.

[rkmcswain]

@ronjonp - If your organization ponies up some more $$$ - you can get SSO support, then you will have control over the accounts again since they will be tied to the domain accounts.

[ronjonp]

@ronjonp - If your organization ponies up some more $$$ - you can get SSO support, then you will have control over the accounts again since they will be tied to the domain accounts.

Thanks for the tip

I just looked it up and they are selling a premium vs standard plan to manage users. We give them thousands of dollars a year and now they want more money to give me features that should already be included? 

Just contacted my reseller and you have to have 50 licenses minimum @ $300 a seat for premium.

[rkmcswain]

To the best of my knowledge, Bentley has given us SSO for our hundreds of licenses, at no cost.
If there is a cost, it's being rolled into something else.

If you have 300 seats, that $90K per year to get this from Autodesk!