I had a computer crash Friday 1/3/09. My registry was corrupt and could not be recovered. My 8 recovery disks (Windows XP operating system) were unable to get my computer working again. The person working on my computer resorted to using his XP operating disk to get my business computer running. (I had pending customer orders). All my programs were gone. I did have my software CDs for all of my programs. However, when I attempted to reinstall the CD program from Novelty Central for my photo transfer business, it would not work. A block appears onscreen and you have to input your activation key info (this info was maintained from purchase). The screen box did not allow me to access my program because the string number shown was different than the string number I had at purchase. I was referred to Novelty Central by the distributor that I purchased the software from with the remark that they were very protective about giving out key activation information. (Apparently people steal their software) I explained to the woman who answered the phone that my computer had crashed and I was currently attempting to reinstall the program on my computer to complete some orders and that I might even be forced into purchasing a new computer if we couldn't get this one working. She insisted that I was attempting to install the software on "multiple computers" because the onscreen box I was seeing had a completely different string number than the one that I was assigned at purchase. I kept telling her that it was the same computer, but she was extremely insistent that I was not installing the software on the original computer. She further advised that she couldn't authorize another activation key and cut me off in sending me to "Randy's" voicemail. I left a message on Randy's phone in the morning on 1/6/09. Later, when I didn't hear back from him, I sent him a very lengthy email with all of my purchase info and the distributor's name included. He didn't respond to that phone call or email, so I sent another email the afternoon of 1/7/09. I have never had anyone respond to my business concerns from Novelty Central/CTP Imaging. This software cost me $400 and now it doesn't work. And because Novelty Central thinks that everyone "tries to steal" their software - I am unable to utilize the program that I paid for and require for my business needs. I am a home based business with no employees and I do all of the design work myself with this software. I have one dedicated sublimation printer - There is absolutely no reason for me to want or need to install this on more than one computer. But I should be able to install it on ONE computer, which I currently cannot do. I explained all of this to CTP Imaging and still no response. I know that I am not the only one out here that has experienced a computer crash or purchased a new computer (because I have found a complaint at "Complaints Board" by another customer who finally just gave up trying to secure the activation info). Being home based, I don't have the money to purchase another program from Novelty Central and I don't think I should have too - I haven't done anything wrong. Novelty Central/CTP Imaging has no "disclaimer" on their website or via their distributors websites, that people in my predicament, will be unable to activate this software when a computer crash is experienced or with new computer purchases. My understanding is that this software could only be installed on one computer, so if you uninstall it one computer, you should technically still be able to reinstall on the new computer. Since my computer was blown I didn't have the opportunity to uninstall it. All I want from them is the activation information that I should have been able to request and receive without filing a complaint.
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