actually it won't register or open, it says 'giveaway period expired' (something like that) and that means it's gone for good? I presumed that you could keep the software indefinitely if you registered it. Or, is there another way to get it back? Thankyou for any replies.
had to reformat, software won't open
(17 posts) (9 voices)-
Yes, um, rather confused here, on our side of the wall, surfidiot. Wjich giveaway are you talking about??? If it was yesterday's, then, unfortunately, there is no return.
See, we don't read minds, even if Lee is Admin. :) Hee, hee.
-WebmasterPosted 16 years ago # -
AxCut
MemberThe idea behind GiveAway of the Day is to give commercial software for free during a period of 24 hours. Commercial software costs money, it is not freeware, shareware or trial pay so it makes no sense that the developers will give their hard work away for free to everybody who visits the GAOTD site and downloads the daily GiveAway.
Think about it, you are getting software for free that normally would cost money then folks who bought, is buying or will buy the mentioned software would not be very happy right? For example, if you pay $40 for something and come to find out it is free, wouldn't you feel cheated?
Besides, the file you download from GAOTD always contains a readme.txt that tells you how to install the GiveAway. If you read the readme.txt files carefully, you will find the following disclaimer:
You have to install it before the Giveaway offer for the software is over.
Notice that it says 'install', not 'download' which implies that you can only install the software the day it is offered.
You can also find the same disclaimer in the GAOTD web page written in bold type.
I hope this explanation makes sense to you, Mr. Surfer.
AxCut
Posted 16 years ago # -
I think you guys are missing the point of the question. According to the title of the thread, Surfidiot had to reformat and now the software from GOTD won't work.
Surfidiot, if that is the case then no, there is no way to reinstall\reactivate the software. To much of the needed information is wiped out. All you can do is hope that it is reoffered one day so you can download it again. Sorry. :(
Posted 16 years ago # -
surfidiot
MemberHoss got my message, reformat and lose the software, that really really sucks. I registered the software, it was working fine (WinUtilities) and I was thrilled to get this. And because my computer had been acting up and doing strange things the only way to solve it was to reformat. There should be something put in place so people can keep the software permanently if they are quick enough to download in the given period. I guess I'm not going to get too thrilled anymore with this site knowing I'll lose it if I ever have to reformat again and I know I will sooner or later.
Posted 16 years ago # -
One of the other options of course (which is one of the reasons for the giveaway project) is to purchase the software. The developers let us try the software in the hopes that we will buy it in the future or at least check out their company when we are in need of other software.
You could also search for freeware alteratives but I don't know if you would be able to match the capabilities of WinUtilities.
Posted 16 years ago # -
RosnSC
Membersurfidiot, this won't help you get back the software you've lost in your reformat, but will help you in the future. Do as I did and get yourself an external hard drive, and download/install the software offerings onto that, instead of your main hard drive. When/if you have to reformat in the future, turn off the external drive, so it doesn't accidentally get reformatted, also. If you do it that way, after reformatting, you will still have your downloads, and can freely use them, provided of course, that you have turned your external drive back on. :D
Sue
Posted 16 years ago # -
surfidiot
MemberI came close to doing that, I downloaded it and saved it to my documents, then transferred it to a flash drive, where I keep all of them. So had I downloaded it to the flash without transferring, it would have worked?
Ok, Hoss, last I heard he was going down some highway...hehe
Posted 16 years ago # -
RosnSC
MemberYes. I always download directly either to my external hard drive, or to my flash drive. When doing the installation, I make sure all files stay on the drive I downloaded to. When I am ready to use the software, I only have to make sure the external or flash are turned on/plugged in, and away I can go. :D
Sue
Posted 16 years ago # -
ds5929
MemberSue,
I'm confused. Transferring the install files to an external drive is simple enough,but that's not the problem I've encountered after a reformat. Like all too many pc's, mine did'nt have an OS disk, but rather a self-made "restore" disk,which included all the trialware/junkware with which most pc makers litter their machines. My problem is that reformatting and reinstalling the OS from either the restore disk or from the recovery (D) partition of the internal hard drive also wipes the registry which removes the registration files needed to reinstall GOTD software. In some-but far from all- cases, I could track down and copy the needed registry entries and store them with the install file. This does'nt always work,as some entries are so well buried and renamed that regedit can't locate them. I"m guessing that reinstalling from a cloned image (eg Norton Ghost,Acronis TrueImage,ect) would take care of that, but- depending on how recent an image you restored from- would also reinstall the stuff that made the reformat/reinstall necessary in the first place. Hellllllllllllllp !!Posted 16 years ago # -
RosnSC
Memberds5929, I'm not talking about transferring the files although if you do a complete transfer it should still transfer everything so that you wouldn't lose it in a reformat. I am talking about downloading/installing it to the external source, in the first place, completely bypassing your C:/ drive. I do that all the time now, and don't lose anything, including at all in a reformat. Like I mentioned above, when I have to do a reformat, I unplug my flash drive and turn off the external drive, so they don't get caught in the 'cross fire'. When I've done the reformats, which I've had to do twice this year, when I want to use the software previously downloaded/installed on one of the externals, I just plug in/turn on the appropriate one, and hunt down the software I want to use, saving a shortcut to the desktop, and go on to use it. :)
Sue
Posted 16 years ago # -
OOOPS - here we are again, lost my best Giveaway and can't get it back...
The forums are full with such cries for Hellllllllllp.
No, even you will not get it back from us.
There are two ways to get your favourite tool / game back :
Firstly: Support the developer (he makes his living with writing proggies) and buy a licence.
Secondly: Wait some month until GOTD will rerun this software.
and - of course:
Thirdly: Look for a FREEware alternative on the comments site of the corresponding issue date, in our forums or at the Freeware library of GOTD :Freeware Library
not to forget :
Games Discussion
Have fun and come back!notblocklox
Posted 16 years ago #
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