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Here’s an Apple Fact for You – Don’t register your Apple software!
First, I have been a Final Cut user since version 1.0.
Over the years, I’ve paid for every single upgrade. Yes, I bought Motion and DVD Studio Pro separately, and when there was an opportunity to upgrade to the Studio, I did it. But if you add thngs up, That version of software from version 1 to 5.1 has cost me about $5,000 since 1999.
We have 4 editi suites and 4 complete licenses, but we had a hard drive go this week, and we needed to install from about version 3 and up. Guess what, I have misplaced my serial number from DVD Studio Pro 3.
So I called Apple, and asked if they could give my my number. After all, I’ve religously registered everything over the years. I was told Apple registration is for MARKETING PURPOSES ONLY – and they can’t give me anything unless I have a proof of purchase.
OK, I’m not saying this isn’t my mistake, I screwed up and lost some software I bought a few years ago. But in the last 12 months alone, we have purchased 5 G5’s A mac Mini, an Intel based iMac and a Macbook Pro. 3 additional copies of FCP Studio, and a couple of new iPods. So I guess, I’ve spent about $25K in the last year or so.
Apple’s executive customer service team’s response was, sorry there is no one here who can help you. There is nothing we can do.
The arrogance, and the total lack of customer care amazes me. this may be the straw that makes me want to move back to wintel and move back to Adobe. Did you know both Adobe and Microsoft will provide you with this assistance at the drop of a hat?
DBK
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12 Replies
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Dude, take a deep breath and calm down… That’s crazy talk. Ouch.
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Why are you installing all the way up. You can just install 5 directly and all you need is your old FCP serial number.
-mattyc -
He isn’t installing all the way up, he is just installing the main app. The issue is that he upgraded using DVD Studio Pro and it is asking him for that serial number and that is what he doesn’t have.
What Chris said…calm down. Nom myoho mrege kyo.
Now, as for switching for the tech support that others offer, will Adobe provide you with the serial number over the phone? Apple would if you had your proof of purchase, as you stated. You should have this somewhere if you used it as a deduction for tax purposes (like I do).
I see your side, but I also see theirs. They need to make sure you are you and you bought it legitimately, and this proof of purchase is what they need.
Shane
Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net -
I know it’s my mistake, I just am pi$$ed about the total lack of assistance that Apple produces.
I am trying to install 5.1, and I am using the serial number from my original software. It’s just that this install asks for 3 previous serial numbers. FCP, DVDSP and Motion.
We can install without this, but it means using one of our other Studio copies serial number, which means disconnecting that computer from our in house network.
In short, there is no one you can speak to that can resolve the problem at Apple. NO ONE IS RESPONSIBLE. It amazed me the registration is for marketing only.
So add Apple’s lack of upgrades this year to the suite – less RT than most wintel editing situations, trouble running Photoshop on the new machines (Whichis why we have G5’s and not MacPros) and I’m getting tired of saying the emperors new clothes look great.
I know, I’m posting my frustrations on a forum where we’re all mac heads, and I am currently still in that camp, but fair is fair – Apple’s got to start being helpful.
DBK
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If you don’t have proof of purchase, and you don’t have your serial number, then this will be a problem with any software provider.
You feel that registration implies that Apple will maintain a database for serial numbers and purchase dates, but Apple feels that this is your responsibility to maintain this information.
If this difference of opinion makes you want to discontinue your business with Apple, then you should do that.
If there are also other issues with Apple that bother you, then this may weight your decision one way or the other.
Too high a level of anxiety may be unhealty, though. You should weigh the expense of an additional license against the stress on your body. You may find that there is a solution which, though not making you completely happy, resolves the issue and allows you to get back to your creative work.
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I could offer you some words of wisdome to make you feel better, but instead I have a solution.
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[Darren Kelly] “trouble running Photoshop on the new machines”
To be fair this is not Apple’s problem, this sits in the hands of your almighty Adobe.
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We keep a software/hardware notebook which lists every computer, drive, monitor, mouse, software, etc. that we buy. All of the original receipts are copied, serial numbers religiously recorded. Why would we do something so insane? Because we burned our own asses a long time ago during a computer meltdown using Discreet Edit on a custom box. It cost us big bucks to bring it back to life. The book sits in the company safe.
Anyone reading this thread needs to put a set of records together today or tomorrow at the latest. We learned the hard way.
Steve Wargo
Tempe, ArizonaIt’s a dry heat!
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“In short, there is no one you can speak to that can resolve the problem at Apple. NO ONE IS RESPONSIBLE.”
Sorry to say this, bro, but I have two words for you: “Personal Responsibility”. You’re blaming Apple for something that is your fault.
Two, your post makes no sense. You said you’ve spent $5000 in software since FCP 1.0 1999, but are considering going “back” to wintel and adobe. First, $5000 is pretty darn cheap for what you get. Are you really a wintel-ite?
Three, you’ve spent $25K and you’re crying over a license YOU lost? Dude, just buy another one!
Four, if you’re really a “mac head” as you say, you’d know that Adobe won’t produce CS3 till Q2 2007.
Five, “Did you know both Adobe and Microsoft will provide you with this assistance at the drop of a hat?” Did you know that your whole post is just a little suspicious?
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[John Calhoun] “Dude, just buy another one!”
Hasn’t the whole “dude” thing reached its expiry date yet? Or is Seann William Scott still in style? Just wondering…
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