jdmays

Join Date 07/2004

numerous problems with object desktop

I've had numerous problems with object desktop. First of all when you go to the website then go to "products", it doesn't tell you that you're buying a download-only version of the product. (It does on the front page but not on the product page.) But that's not a real big deal.

The problem comes when you want to use the program on a machine without broadband access. Good luck moving the program to another machine! Since you must use "stardock central" you can't actually just download and install the programs yourself. When you try to "archive" the programs you'll find that they won't un-archive correctly on your other computer.
Good luck trying to uninstall the program.
You'll end up with an error message and it won't uninstall. (at least that's been my experience on two xp machines.)
Also, not all of the programs would install correctly. Theme Manager would get to 97% then Stardock central would cease to respond.
I tried emailing tech support. They told me to just use the archive feature to move the program. Hah! They must still be laughing over that useless piece of advice.
I resent having to give personal information in order to use a program that I've purchased. I resent having to install yet more software to use the program.
This is a promising piece of software, but I think that wanting to get the customer "locked in" has gotten in the way of the user experience.
That's okay though. It's only a matter of time before a company that respects it's customers will come out with a similar product that will catch on really big. Over at Stardock - they'll be scratching their heads trying to figure out why.
PS: Stardock, I'd like to be a happy customer but you haven't exactly gone out of your way to make that happen.
-jdm

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I'm sorry,...
Did I read that you want to transfer the program onto another computer? you do reallize that one OD subscription is for ONE computer, right?

I didn't catch what operating system you're running when trying to use OD nor did I see what other programs are running in the background while trying to install or use OD. You do know these things make a difference in how OD will run.
no one makes any secret of the fact that some OS's don't like changes and some (very few, but some) programs aren't compatible with OD.

Stardock is both highly respected by it's customers and highly respects it's customers.
I get the feeling you're one of those "whiners" I mentioned in another thread. Strange.. , whiners are never happy, and nothing is ever "enough" for them.
Wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. Do please in the future, consider your words more tactfully, as those words are the key to you getting help or getting you verbally blasted by the community here.

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paxx

Join Date 03/2001

You can get Object Desktop 2004 on a CD for the same price as the Network edition (download). You should have bought that instead. Maybe you should email sales@stardock.com and explain your problem and mention that you'd like to purchase the CD version instead.

The only problem with your computer without internet access is that your programs will be difficult to update. New updates are available all the time for the different programs. You have no Internet at all, or only a modem connexion on the other computer? If you have a slow connexion, the good thing about Stardock Central is that when a newer version of a product is available, it only downloads the needed updates not the whole program all over again.

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paxx

Join Date 03/2001

wulfn1: actually, Stardock works a little different than other software companies in regard to licences. They consider 1 user = 1 licence, and not 1 computer = 1 licence. Object Desktop CAN be installed on two computers but can't be USED by two people at the same time. If you personnally have 2 computers, you can install OD on both of them, as long as you don't use both computers at once (quite a task!).

That, in my opinion, is another example that Stardock DOES INDEED respect their customers.

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you do reallize that one OD subscription is for ONE computer, right?

Actually, that is not true. I use my ODNT subscription on all of my computers..

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paxx

Join Date 03/2001

Cut and paste from the sales FAQ:

Q: I have a laptop and a desktop. Can I install the software on multiple machines?

A: Yes, to a point. Only 1 copy of the product can be used at once per license. But if you want to have it on both home and work or install it on the road that is not only allowed but recommended. As long as only one copy is actively in use (someone sitting at the computer) at any one time, you are covered.

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That's okay though. It's only a matter of time before a company that respects it's customers will come out with a similar product that will catch on really big. Over at Stardock - they'll be scratching their heads trying to figure out why.

Umm...yeah, I'm sure that's going to happen any minute now. What, something from TGT Soft?

Sorry you're having problems, hope you get fixed up.

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exactly.. I have it on my home PC, laptop and work PC. For the most part I use these machines at completely different times.

I don't remember having seen any threads on this board about problems such as these. Have you tried to get help here before, or have you just come here to try and stir the fires and get a response because you're an unhappy camper? You won't find much support for your cause here though because most people are perfectly happy with the products and services we've paid for from SD. Perhaps try asking for some help here and see how it works out before you go on a tirade, you might just be surprised by the help you can get.
[Message Edited]

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I have a laptop and a desktop. Can I install the software on multiple machines?

yes but you can only have the software loaded and function on one system at a time

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CerebroJD

Join Date 01/2003

No...it can be installed on up to 6 computers, but it cant be USED on more than one at a time.

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