Kondoril
Member
After dl the files and opening the zip file..
When you click the exe. file it asks if you allow to run the file but no installation happens..
You get the GAOTD notifications as if it was successfully activated and it opens the web page but nothing was installed..
I had to go to the manufacturers' sites and dl the file from there
please check what is the problem
ChrisS
Administrator
I assume you're typing about Leawo DVD Copy?
dl the files and opening the zip file
If you did the above, then I'd first try logging off then logging back on to see if it shows up (or just reboot).
Next, I'd try reinstalling with elevated privileges (right-click setup.exe and select "run as administrator")
Kondoril
Member
Sorry but all of this is irrelevant..
of course I extracted the files..
but, there is a problem with the gcd file... and I'm not the only one with this problem.
it started yesterday with the PDF to Text
it won't install either.. tried few times..
and
I downloaded the file from the manufacturer.. normal installation file (exe.. not gcd) and it worked fine. I used the reg key from GAOTD
This is a new problem woth GAOTD files cause I'v nevr had any problem like this before
mikiem2
Moderator
If it helps at all...
Sorry but all of this is irrelevant..
of course I extracted the files..
I don't see that in your original post, & yes, it is somewhat common for folks to try running the GOTD setup.exe after *opening* the .zip file as if it was a folder using Windows Explorer. I assume that's why Chris started there, trying to help, since that's really all any of the people in the forum can do.
You may or may not be correct, Kondoril, when you say it's a problem at the GOTD end -- none of us has any way of knowing. None of us have any way to change anything. All we can do is try to help if you want to see if there's something that you can do at your end to get the GOTD offers to work for you.
Personally I didn't try the PDF app yesterday, but the game worked just fine, as did the GOTD & the game today, so obviously if there's a problem it's not universal. If you want to tell us what version of Windows are you using, & what brand/model of security software, that might be a good start. :)
Kondoril
Member
Thanks...
The only change in my PC was updtae of AVG...
I disabled it but still - the software was not installed..
It is not running at all.. just GOTD activation and notification..
and.. since it is not mu personal problem and other complaine about the same thing.. I think that GOTD should pay attention and fix it
ChrisS
Administrator
it is not my personal problem
However, in spite of your cryptic comments, your problem does resemble a bug with Kaspersky where the only known workaround is to boot in Safe Mode with Networking, install the GOTD program, and then reboot normally. It's not sufficient to disable the anti-virus.
It may be that whatever is causing the Kaspersky bug has migrated to AVG. So, give the workaround a try with today's giveaway and see what happens.
mikiem2
Moderator
and proceed with downloading the file from the original manufacturer
Sometimes that works -- sometimes not. The GOTD may be the same software recompiled to accept the GOTD key, & in that case the key won't work with the trial you can download. There are also times when the GOTD is newer than the trial, or the trial may be crippled, or the trial may contain ad &/or bloat ware, or there might not be a trial version available. It's also more rare than not for the company making & selling the software to offer a means to get the key directly from their site.
If/when going the trial route works, cool, but just words of warning in hopes it will help you avoid future frustration. ;)
greatdane
Member
Same problem appeared about when I tried PDF to Text couple weeks ago. I run gotd file and do the admin approval. The registration code shows up but no install. I go to manufacturer site and download. It installs perfectly. I use gotd code in manufacturers software and works fine
Today 9/2/15 using acpsoftpdfconverters download, says invalid. I check the code on their website and says code key is valid until 31-12-2099 but with manufacturer downloaded program say invalid when entered. Only update was AVG. Always worked fine in past and manufacturer program installs fine from their download package.
ChrisS
Administrator
Inserting the GOTD license into the manufacturer's download seldom works because it defeats "the day" part of the giveaway. It sounds like AVG is preventing the installation because it sees the wrapper as a threat. You might check the AVG logs.
The normal sequence for resolving the issue is (1) set an exclusion in your anti-virus for the GCD file; (2) temporarily disable the anti-virus and install the program; (3) boot in "safe mode with networking", install the program, reboot normally.
BillYards
Member
The last 3 GOTD offerings failed to install. Despite having admin rights and having taken ownership, setup ran until the point where I had confirmed language as English and was then told activation had taken place then it died. Nothing was installed despite trying umpteen times but always with the same result. No screen error messages are generated. Task manager showed apps weren't live.
This only happens with GOTD. Setups for all other developers/ souces install without any problem. What is going on here?
I have Vista Home Premium. Nothing out of the ordinary has transpired (laptopwise)recently and no defrags or new data cleaners run. Only use Wise 365 Pro, CCleaner and Cleanmgr. Have used them for umpteen years without any problems whatsoever. AVG gives clean bill of health with not even malware reported. Disabled AVG but that didn't make any difference.
ChrisS
Administrator
This only happens with GOTD. Setups for all other developers/ sources install without any problem. What is going on here?
In spite of the Vegas nature of the wrapper, I'd first check Event Viewer for any errors that correspond to the attempted installation. If nothing shows up, I'd boot in "safe mode with networking" and give the installation another try. Simply disabling AVG may not be enough for your system.
The AVG page also shows new definitions and link scanner. Maybe updating those would help.
Re "... it really means it *should* have activated (and it's right most of the time). "
I suppose you mean the screen you see after the wrapper has finished. The wording is misleading in the majority of the cases. Because the giveaway still needs to be installed. And in over 90% the giveaways you will have to enter a licence code to "register" or "activate" after installing.
Only if we have a clean setup.exe and a wrapped activate.exe (with an activate.gcd), the software is activated/registered when the wrapper has finished. But that is seldom the case.
I use Avast! (the free version) as anti-virus. Its shields can be shut down for ten minutes to let the wrapper do its work undisturbed.
mikiem2
Moderator
"Using AVG disable for 10 minutes worked. Never had a problem until this last AVG update. The log shows no blocking, but by disabling for a short period did the job. TY "
A recent article(s) I pointed to in another thread illustrates a bit how the process works... A security researcher or research team discovers a new exploit in the wild, or reacts to a new reported vulnerability. They'll then determine some sort of markers to watch out for, incorporate that in their product if they work for a security software firm, and report it so that other researchers can also benefit & do the same.
That story I refer to focused on whistle-blower claims that Kaspersky had submitted files that were actually very slightly altered legitimate files -- they alleged that Kaspersky "seeded" the repository so that other brands would include it, & then look bad when their security software broke legitimate software.
I'm not saying that those whistle-blowers were correct or not, but rather pointing out how their system works. Someone somewhere reports something, & in the interest of time -- because every minute of delay means more systems compromised -- security software companies include it in their update. It's only after the fact that they may take a closer look, e.g. after complaints that it broke something.
"I have Vista Home Premium... "
Nuff said. We're still running a copy on my wife's PC, along with win7 where she spends 99.9999 % of her time. And it's a nightmare soon to depart, regardless her old Real Arcade games that couldn't be transferred. Why? So few people use Vista that it's considered a waste of time by most every software developer -- they worry about the vast majority of their market, their customers running XP & 7, 8.1, & now 10. Security software -- utilities -- Fagetaboutit. It just ain't gonna happen.
I'm NOT saying that there's anything inherently bad about Vista otherwise. It's just practically speaking unsupported by everyone everywhere, including Microsoft. When Microsoft or whatever company screws up with an update & it breaks something, they might get millions of reports from win7 users, & whatever problem Will Get Fixed. If an update breaks something in Vista, 1) who will notice, 2) how many who do notice report it [bearing in mind most still running Vista are not proactive re: Windows], & 3) how many developers or companies bother to respond to such a tiny percentage of their customers or users? I'll go out on a limb here & even suggest most developers don't even have a Vista system that they can use to check for compatibility -- they probably just rely on whatever SDK etc. that they use, figuring that if the compiled code is supposed to work in Vista, it will.
You can try whatever Bill, but in my own sad experience, almost the only software that works 100% as it should in Vista, was written in the Vista era & not ever updated [or not for the last several years]. Personally I wouldn't even take it for granted that when you disabled AVG's protection, it was in fact completely disabled. The free version of AVG has & continues to work fine with the GOTD offers in my XP Mode VM, but XP was & is so much more common than Vista, so who knows?
BillYards
Member
@Chris - Yeah, you were right it was AVG! I tried loads of times disabling it and trying to install but with no success until at the "umpteenth" time it suddenly surprised me and installed! Glad to find a way round it as I was not looking forward to being deprived of GOTD, my first visit every day!
@Mickie - thank you for your informative post. I think your deductions are probably spot on. Strange it may seem,though, I have never had to re-install Vista and the only problem I've had has been with permissions which, infuriatingly, are sometimes alright one day then block you the next. Also all software I've tried has always run under Vista except for some old DOS stuff which I couldn't get to run under CMD but did using DOSBox. On the other hand, when my sister had it on her laptop I kept having to deal with one disaster after another. Eventually she couldn't cope with its vagaries and switched to Windows 7. The reason I had a laptop with Vista was that I currently have a number of laptops each with a different Windows system on it (no ME) starting with MS DOS (on the twin floppy clamshell Convertible - IBM's first portable computer!) Have not moved up from Windows 7 as 8 got such bad reviews and I had, I still am, seriously considering moving to Linux. I have a spare XP Pro laptop just begging me to make the switch but I have reservations given there are so many different distros available and I can't decide which one would be best for me and I don't want to make life difficult for myself by goofing things up. At the end of the day, I'll probably opt to switch to Windows 10 since it will be free!
mikiem2
Moderator
I tried loads of times disabling it and trying to install but with no success until at the "umpteenth" time it suddenly surprised me and installed!
And that's EXACTLY the sort of problem that had me teed off earlier in the week. Set out to do maybe an hour's work in Vista, & 6 hours later I was finished.
I'll use your experience with AVG as example. I turn it off when I monitor an install in my XP Mode VM, because it slows down the process of taking before & after snapshots. In Vista the other day the stuff I was doing & the apps I was using work fine everywhere else, but it felt like pulling hen's teeth, because I had to try & retry & retry most every step umpteen times before it worked. I turn off AVG in that VM many dozens of times some weeks, with nary a problem, but it sounds to me like it just wouldn't turn off for you -- same sort of thing.
I have a spare XP Pro laptop just begging me to make the switch but I have reservations given there are so many different distros available and I can't decide which one would be best for me and I don't want to make life difficult for myself by goofing things up.
Chris is much better re: *nix than I, but FWIW & in case it helps at all... If the laptop is old enough you *might* find a sort of niche distro, put together with the goal of working with older hardware that just isn't supported much nowadays. You might also try taking the LiveCD/DVD approach, where you boot to that, see how it works for you, & if you like it, move to a fairly painless installation on the laptop's hard drive.
As far as goofing up goes, as long as you can put things back, the only thing you risk is your time. If you can do a full disk image backup, & most importantly restore it, you can put whatever you want on the hard drive, & if you don't like it, easily put everything back exactly as it was. It's like a Master Undo. Again however, age can sometimes matter.
XP was current over a fair range of hardware over a number of years. I *think* if the laptop's from the early days of XP, there's a chance that not every current backup app will work to boot the device, so you *might* have to create bootable discs/USB sticks for more than one backup app to see if it works. You should test that sort of thing anyway before relying on a backup -- I'm just saying *maybe* be prepared to try more than one backup program.
At the end of the day, I'll probably opt to switch to Windows 10 since it will be free!
In some ways 10 might be a good choice for a Windows OS, But, Win10 likes multiple CPU cores, & it needs a CPU with an instruction set or feature that's relatively recent. If you're talking about your XP laptop & you pass those 2 hurtles, you'll probably want to wipe the disk before you install fresh -- no upgrade from XP. If it's not 64 bit [& I think it probably isn't], you'll also want to wait for at least the next Insider ISO release -- I had a very difficult time getting the last ISO to install the 32 bit version of 10 fresh. [I *think* that's because 10 32 bit has gotten a Lot less testing.]
ZONER Tues Sept 8/2015 Having major issues trying to install this. Using a Win 7 home pro 64bit. I haven't downloaded in ages but wanted to get this program. Have tried downloading 4 times now using either Google or IE bowser and with two diff email addresses. I can extract files but when I try to run setup (with or without "run as admin") I get "The setup files are corrupted. Please obtain a new copy of the program". However something called a Software Informer installed. I clicked the Zoner download/install button on that program which took me back to my extracted file folder. When I signed into that (with a new account) the GOTD page opened saying I had activated Zoner but there is no sign of the Zoner program other than in the download folder. Nothing in Program Files! I've even tried temporarily stopping my security during extract and install but no such luck! I've never had these kind of issues before. I've tried to reopen Software Informer but even it won't open! I used to get a lot of software/games from GOTD and never had issues with installation but after today, I am not impressed!
ChrisS
Administrator
It's probably your security software flagging the wrapper as a threat and quarantining some files. When setup.exe finishes unpacking the archive it checks the manifest and determines that the quarantined files are missing, which makes the archive "corrupt".
This is a known issue with Kaspersky and some PCs and it appears that some AVG users have recently contracted the problem.
If you're running Kaspersky the only known workaround is to download the program (the copy you have already is fine), reboot in "safe mode with networking", install the program, and then reboot normally.
If you're not running Kaspersky then try disabling the anti-virus or setting an exclusion for the file/directory. If that fails, reboot in "safe mode with networking" to install the program.
Not running Kaspersky, I use CheckPoint/ZoneAlarm. I tried disabling it as well as my Ad Blocker (Google ext) during a fresh download, extract and install but same issue as before - though I still get the GOTD page that says activated. I can't use safe mode as I loose my custom fonts/settings which makes it next to impossible for me to see as I am legally blind. No one here to help with working through a safe mode.
And yes, despite being legally blind I take a LOT of photos! :-) This software would have been a nice addition but guess I will have to pass on it and hope something else comes along that will install or I eventually figure out how to do some better workarounds for my sight.
Thanks for the suggestions though! It is appreciated
ChrisS
Administrator
If you're going to continue to use GOTD then you'll probably have to switch to another antivirus (Avast! doesn't seem to have any problems, nor does the standard Windows product) because it's doubtful that CheckPoint/ZoneAlarm will be able/willing to fix the issue.
A VM with a different anti-virus running will also work.
The issue first arose with the introduction of Windows 8.1 and Kaspersky says it is not a problem in Windows 10. So, perhaps, an upgrade to Windows 10 is another alternative.
FYI - If you don't have a good photo editing program then: Adobe has made CS2 Creative Suite FREE - includes Photoshop & Premier
Thanks ChrisS. I have been using Zone Alarm for 9 years as it comes free with my internet service but will take a look at avast in the coming days.
I considered upgrading to Win 10 but I had to do a system restore this spring and 7 is now working wonderfully. I don't want to risk going to 10 at this point and frankly don't have the energy to deal with learning a new version. I've heard too much grumbling from other visually impaired pals about the upgrades and accessibility. I don't use a voice system but I have to use some very custom settings for ease of access. Will wait to buy a 10 when the 7 dies! LOL!
For photo editing I've been using Picasa which I like but it is a bit limited at times. I also still use my Microsoft Office Picture Manager (from Office 2010) from time to time. Will definitely be looking into the Photoshop offer! Had an old version of Photoshop on my first PC - a hand-me-down XP several years ago and liked it but could never afford to buy my own copy when I bought my Vista or my 7.
Thanks again for all the info and suggestions! Much appreciated!
greatdane
Member
The strange thing and scary is having to disable antivirus to install program. I never had this happen before. The GOTD unpacked and installed perfectly WITH virus protection in place. Isn't there a way like all other programs I install to NOT have to disable virus protection. It makes me seem vulnerable to a back door bad thing while ALL other programs install just fine WITH virus protection running in background.
ChrisS
Administrator
Isn't there a way like all other programs I install to NOT have to disable virus protection
GOTD adopted the Thermida wrapper a few years ago because too many people were "cracking" the installation routine and changing the "Giveaway of The Day" to a "Giveaway on any day" by enabling re-installation.
The current problem started with Kaspersky and the change from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1. It has since migrated to Windows 7 and AVG (and now apparently ZoneAlarm) probably through Windows updates. It seems to impact a small number of PCs and probably involves some hardware/software component. GOTD has no way to fix the problem as they don't collect user data and if they dropped the wrapper the software publishers would drop them.
It makes me seem vulnerable to a back door bad thing while ALL other programs install just fine WITH virus protection running in background.
Re "... if they dropped the wrapper the software publishers would drop them.."
Ashampoo has never used the Giveawayoftheday wrapper. They use their own. That can only be removed if you have a key.
A large number of software publishers provide a giveaway that is the same as their own trial. The trial can be activated with the giveaway key. So ...
Re "... the users who wouldn't abide by the licensing restriction "Of The Day"."
For me and many others the licence restrictions are unclear. Technically I can only install on the day itself. But is it illegal if I make a portable in a virtual machine without an antivirus and run it a few days later on a real machine? Or if I install it in SandboxIE and reuse that sandbox on a different computer? I have asked questions about this of the giveawayoftheday-page, but the moderator of the day has always blocked my question.
If I conclude a giveaway is really useful to me AND the price is acceptable, I will buy a personal licence.
ChrisS
Administrator
But is it illegal if I make a portable in a virtual machine
It's no different than installing it on your 15 home computers or copying the download file, taking it to the Activity Center, and installing the program on 100 PCs. The program must be installed individually on each computer on the specified day. Note, however, that you might need 15 (or 100) different email addresses for programs that need individual keys from the publisher. (There was an exception to this some time back when the publisher restricted the number of installations to an IP address. I don't recall the program offhand but it seemed to be self-defeating.)
mikiem2
Moderator
...consider first installing in a VM or sandbox. Verify that everything is OK before installing on your system.
In case it helps anyone, once installed in a VM you have the ability to submit whatever files to virustotal.com, &/or run both portable & installed anti-virus software. FWIW depending on the VM I run the free version of AVG, Microsoft Security Essentials, or Windows Defender.
But is it illegal if I make a portable in a virtual machine without an antivirus and run it a few days later on a real machine?
I'd question the part about "make a portable"... **IF** you mean alter a program itself in any way, &/or reverse engineer a part of it, &/or circumvent its DRM measures, then it might be argued that that was/is illegal use. If OTOH you use something along the lines of Cameyo, which basically records & then duplicates a program's installation in a way that's ideally temporary, you're not doing any of that. You *should* however follow, or at least bear in mind the publisher's intent, e.g. don't distribute a copy of a program you packaged with Camayo or similar.
Otherwise as Chris already posted, the license terms apply to one or more PCs, & a VM is considered a PC. The only time it's not AFAIK is when it comes to Windows itself -- Microsoft sometimes has separate language in its licensing dealing specifically with VMs. To put it another way, most software does not check & therefore cannot tell it is running in a VM, for those just concerned with if &/or how it works. [Note: There are exceptions -- some software & some of the maybe more advanced mal-ware will look to see if it's running in a VM, & turn off.]
As far as installing to a VM 1st, that's what I've been doing for years with most all software, but if you intend to transfer that installation to another copy of Windows, it can get involved, depending on the software you want to transfer. It would be easier to use one or two VMs -- I say 2 because you could run the GOTD, & if you like it run it again in the 2nd, *keeper* VM, & if you didn't like it, restore that initial VM to it's Before state. Either way when/if you want to run that app, run it in the VM.
TO transfer an app from one copy of Windows to another you often need to know what files & registry entries it adds. It could be simple like most GOTD games, where you just copy the program's folder. It could also mean copying several folders & merging a .reg file(s) with hundreds or thousands of registry entries. Sometimes you can install a trial to get many files &/or registry entries into place, then copy just the changes between the trial & the GOTD.
Personally I do it to help avoid sometimes costly errors &/or excessive behaviors because some coder was lazy, inept, arrogant, or in some cases [e.g. the Microsoft C/C++ runtimes] following directions.
Re "To transfer an app from one copy of Windows to another you often need to know what files & registry entries it adds."
I sometimes use a freeware program to make an msi of an install proces, followed by the activation/registration to re-install the software on a later date on the same VM. That msi contains the result of "... several folders & merging a .reg file(s) with hundreds or thousands of registry entries." But mostly I make a Cameyo portable.
But if I understand both ChrisS and mikiem2 correctly, you are of the opinion that the Cameyo is legal (a single install, many runs on perhaps different PC's).
But what about the msi? Is running a msi, made during the installation of the giveaway, an install on its own? Or can it be compared to what Cameyo does on the first run: generate a folder in VOS, a subfolder of %AppData%?
ChrisS
Administrator
I sometimes use a freeware program to make an msi of an install process, followed by the activation/registration to re-install the software on a later date on the same VM.
There are two points you need to remember:you have to install AND activate/register the product according to instructions given in the readme.txt file attached to every GOTD package.
it should be done while the giveaway offer for the software is still on (within 24 hours).Still we do not provide you with the lifetime license in terms of the fact that our package can be used to install the program on giveaway date only. It means that you will not be able to re-install the program after PC crash or install the program on another PC after the giveaway day is over.
Use in a VM is OK. Later re-installation or copying the installation from one computer to another at a later date is NOT OK.
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