I bought object desktop on oct 1 2003 now I can use anything????

from WinCustomize Forums
I bought the object desktop on oct 1 2003 for about 50$. It said plainly on the website that you would get to "download" theese programs and any of their updates for a year. I assumed that meant I could download and keep theese programs, (after all I am buying them right?) but I soon learned to my displeasure that there was a complicated, annoying, and cumbersome download installer type program that I had to go through. I immidiatley thought oh great I cant just download the #@!%$ program and keep it on my hard drive or a cd and be done with it. I think that was very misleading. Anyways I am looking at this stardock central and all the updates for the programs are definatley under my one year limmit wich just expired this month. Like another guy said on this forum the updates hardly lived up to what was expected. Any way I cant eved download or get my hands on the programs I bought and like I said the updates are few and far between and are all under my one year date. So I am thinking you can take your central updater and all the complications and you can keep all those so called updates anyway and how about giving me the programs I paid for adn I will be done with it!!! where is the link to my program That I could never just dwonlaod in the first place.

Basically I had horrible dial up all my life until a few days ago I got dsl. After reinstalling my PC and having to install stardock central again etc. I just gave up I couldnt spend hours just to look at wincustomize it was so slow. So now that I have dsl I cant use my programs.

sorry to sound so upset but I am not rich and I know your products are excellent and you all worked hard on them but why all the complications etc. its so frustrating!
3,432 views 21 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
LINK  Hello, I am sorry you are having so much trouble with downloads. Try contacting the sales department and explaining your situation. They are really nice people (one of the reasons I always felt so comfortable here). Since you are an old-timer here already, you probably know about cross-referencing your account (I'm not sure it would really help in your instance anyway but it's in the *edit your account* page). And on Stardock Central, there is an option to see pre-released (beta and alpha) programs that are very stable. If you checked that box you would have had the latest versions available (in case you ever get OD again).
 
Edited for a typo...

[Message Edited]
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I bought my Object Desktop before having my cable connection and I never had a problem updating any of my programs. They did what they said they would do. The thing is, you have to do your part as well and update your stuff. I'm not rich either, so I made sure I received all my updates, and there have been many updates, not few and far between.

And I don't know how anyone can say the updates did not live up to expectations...I was never given any expectations, only the assurance that everything would be updated, and they have lived up to those expectations. And theres nothing cumbersome about the SDC where your programs are updated. Every time I open mine up it lets me know when new updates are ready to be rolled out...all you have to do is click install and there you go...even with dialup. I only recently got cable which updates everything in a flash, but even with dialup my updates went pretty quick. They just don't do them by themselves.
ObjectDock - Access shortcuts and frequently used applications from an animated dock.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I forgot to mention that if you cross-reference your account you will have access to dedicated servers and WC loads a lot faster.

Updates do come a lot faster if you check the *view pre-release versions*, that is something that is easy to forget. Not all people have that option checked and updates must seem a lot slower to them. The products are really very stable, though. Even in alpha and beta.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well, mine's up next month too, and they'll certainly be debiting my credit card again.

My expectations were definitely exceeded.



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Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Here too, I've been happy with ODNT since I got rid of Windows ME ~shuuuddder~



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Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Contact [email protected] and see if they can help you.  The subscription allows you access to the network, if you let it lapse, then you don't have access.  However, Stardock is not responsible for software that was not downloaded or backed up.  The website specifically states "what you download is yours forever."  It does not say that you will be able to download after your subscription expires. Most of the time, though, support will give you a backup location for the released versions on the day that your subscription expired that you can install with Stardock Central.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hello

This is me Joe again. It certainly is not clear if not unclear misleading to say I have to download and backup my stuuf or I loose it forever. My original problem was that stardock cental program. My original question and problem still stands. my problem was I couldnt get my "hands" on the original programs I bought. Surely and reasonalble person would agree that compared to buying any other product online this and the stardock central is borderline crazy. My point is that is't all complicated I assume so that you can get regular updades yet whn you look at the updates there basically are none. some havent been updated for years. now people are saying cross refrence my account??? what is that just more complications and steps to me.

The websiter cleary ly stated I would get my porgrams and any updates in the next year.

It didnt say that you have to get a B.S. upadter program. that I assume I would have to instal leverytime I reinstall my computer just to get the programs installed back in. If my subscription is expired installing the central is rediculous cant I just get a simple exe. file for each program or is this an unreasonable request? do they exist? because it was misleading on there part to tell me I was buying theese programs and it to me seems liek I am jumping through hoops to get my programs.

as far as I'm concerned I never got my programs and all but 2 of them were updated well before my subscription ended. But my point is kjeep your updates in leiu for ease of use and being able to actually have my programs in my hand.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I don't know why you came here to flame the site instead of going to the sales department and resolving the issue privately. Whenever this happens, it always sounds fishy to me.

First you say the programs are terrible, then they are not all they were made out to be, then you say they are excellent programs. Any wise individual would have realized that their subscription, that they allegedly brought, was about to expire. Any wise individual, would have created a back-up.

I think you need to discuss your issue with sales and stop flaming this site. This site is not sales, it is skins. Let sales prove that you actually brought the program, and resolve the issue with them. Coming here, trying to bully someone into giving you something for free, is not going to work. >
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Man...I personally have no idea why you think or thought it was so hard to update your stuff with StarDockCentral...they couldn't have made it any easier. Open SDC...your alerted that new updates are available...press install...done...updated...no problems! And further, SDC is by no means a BS updater program.

And KarmaGirl just gave you the opportunity to maybe update all your stuff even though your subscription expired...so whats the problem?

And as far as backing up your stuff or losing it...I think its safe to say that will happen with anything else on your PC...if you don't back it up you may lose it...common sense...ok...maybe not so common.

And I've bought many programs online...and Stardock products have been way above all the others...hands down...better support...friendly community...extremely helpful people...when you ask a civil question...and I cannot for the life of me think of one thing to complain about...I got what I paid for and then some. I can honestly say it was the best money I ever spent online. No BS. Stardock & WinCustomize ROCK!
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
LINK Hi Joe. This is a link to crosreferenc your account. The reason it exists is because Wincustomize is not a software or support site, but a skinning site that gives Stardock customers some benifits such as use of dedicated servers and unlimited downloads. I understand how frustrating your situation must be and truely the best way to handle this is to use the [email protected] link that KarmaGirl gave you. We all have our own experiences and none of us can really understand your situation in depth. That is why it is best to contact Stardock rather than use the forum.

 

I think that it is best we remember that not all people are as familiar to the Wincustomize forums as some of us regulars are.  I'm sure that flaming was not joe's intent.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Personally, I think this is just some warez subscription, hence the Oct. 1 date. If it is not, don't get angry at me. You chose to present your issue publicly, where no resolution is even possible.

I can see KarmaGirl giving you the links to the programs, once your authenticity was proven, and everyone else would be downloading them too. The problem is that K.G. wasn't born yesterday.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Joe, if you felt this way, why didn't you buy Object Desktop in its CD form?

When you purchased Object Desktop you were presented with 2 options: Object Desktop (download only) or Object Desktop on CD.

https://www.stardock.com/order.asp

If you purchased the CD, you would have the CD.  I can't see how you can reasonably blame us for expecting you to download the programs if you chose the download only option.

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hello this is joe for the last time. Sorry its not my intention to flame this site whatever that means. I did but it so no problem there I gave my info to sales and they gave me a link to the downloads. But when I asked for the cursor xp the said I could buy it for 10$. So I had to reply with my purchase order number hopefully they wil lget bac to me with a better response than the last on which was but it again, lol. Anyway I never said the programs were bad so the guy up a few posts read wrong.

My concern is that I used the SD Central and logged on put in my serial number etc. and its set up to make it look like I have to subscribe again to get the programs because it says pay more money for another year. after going to the website to try to download the programs all the links send you to a download of sd central.

I am getting this taken care of but its misleading they should say you are buying sd central with a subscription of a year and then you get the programs along with it.

try to follow my logic here, If I bought the programs and go on my way after a year why do I have to install sd central again eachtime I reinstall my pc. So that I can see them say buy it now all over the program and trick somepeople into thinking they need to pay again. I would like to part ways with sd central but it will always be there laughing at me !!!!!!!!!!!! that was not explained before I bought the programs!! What if I just wanted to buy one simple program you mean I have to install sd central everytime I reinstall my pc hahahahahahahaha BS for sure
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just one more comment message #12 that is my whole point you mean if I got a cd would they would have just game me a cursorxp.exe installer windowsblinds.exe installer etc.? or would they give me a copy of sd central on a cd and I would be in the same situation.

my whole dissapointment is that I never got an installer for each program just a backup zip file of each program that I have to use the sd central to install back in.

when you look over the site before you pay there is a downloads section with each program there and a supposed link to each. But when you click on them it just send you to the same link for sd central that is misleading to someone that is thinking of buying it.



Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have the CD. It installs the latest version of ObjectDesktop proggies as of the time it was created. I always try to get a CD version of my software, but if the only available version is thru a download, then I protect my purchase by downloading it and archiving it, in case I have to reinstall it or the product becomes discontinued. BTW, if you read the eula, you never bought the software, you only licensed the use of it
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You simply aren't paying attention to what is mentioned here. You should have saved those backed up files that SDC created of the programs you used from Stardock. Then once you reinstalled the PC, you could install SDC and put the backed up programs back on your PC and used SDC to reinstall them with NO extra purchase needed.
It is clearly stated when buying Object Desktop that it is a SUBSCRIPTION. When it runs out you don't have access to newer programs or even programs that haven't been updated. It is your responsibility to download what you wish to use.

You can't blame a software company for your irresponsibility to backing up programs. Stardocks system is slightly different from other publishers, but you gotta do your part and read up on what you are getting into. The info is there. This is the first time I've seen this type of complaint, although most would probably not use the public forum to discuss it either.



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Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top

CursorXP isn't part of Object Desktop btw.

But contact support, they usually have a way to help people who didn't make backups.

But as a point of reference, iTunes doesn't let you redownload your music. You get to download it ONCE. You lose it, it's gone.

Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top

One extra point to note.....Frogboy is the CEO of Stardock, and Karmagirl is likely to be the person at the other end of the communication/s to [email protected] ...so the information you are being given is accurate and beneficial.

Anything 'downloaded' by SDC can be saved to the harddrive or burned to CD, etc for backup, and you will have the 'physical' program/s you purchased.

'IF' you checked the option in SDC to show all alpha and beta versions/updates you'd find quite a lot of updates within one year, certainly justifying the subscription service....

Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
OK, better late than never, as to adding to this thread, I always believe in beating dead horses I am very new to this site (about 48 hours ago I purchased object desktop and 24 hours ago I subscribed to wincustomize). I remember seeing in several locations mention of backing up the software. Giving Joe the benefit of the doubt, not everyone reads documentation, but being very new to the world of skinning, I printed out the manual, and am actually in the process of reading the thing. I would say I am pretty advanced when it comes to using software/computers (I used to teach the stuff at a junior college), but I must say the sheer volume of programs included with Object Desktop can be a bit intimidating.

While playing around with the options on Stardock Central the selection to archive is fairly obvious, and the ability to archive absolutely everything at once is quite convenient.

As for this not being a sales area, I understand that, but since it seems apparent that the nice sales folks ocassionally pop in here, I have one comment to make. The only reason you got my money, was due to the small bit of windowblinds that was included when I purchased an NVDIA graphics card, otherwise I would never of heard of this site. That was just intriguing enough for me to check out the site. I think it's terrific that you offer free versions of most of the software, but the relatively small fee to get registered versions of the whole lot with all the extra features is pretty good.

OK, I am done rambling, please don't flame me for saying all this in the wrong forum, I just felt like responding, I promise to be a good boy from now on



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Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
relatively small fee to get registered versions of the whole lot with all the extra features is pretty good.


This remark is right on the money
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Maturegeek, your whole comment was right on the money..?..hmm...