Hello Mindblower, Yes, in two cases, some years ago, with AOMEI Backupper and EaseUS Todo Backup and Recovery. When I changed my primary PC, I first uninstalled each program and made copies of the original installers. In each new installation, the programs refused to accept my license key, so I contacted the customer service departments of each company. AOMEI’s rep at first said I could not use it on a different computer. When I pressed the issue (such as asking to be connected to the representative’s supervisor), he kept me on hold for quite a while (probably to review my telemetry records), and finally said they would make a one-time exception and allow it. With EaseUS, they flat-out refused to honor my license, despite my threats to never use their software again. Apparently, they’re a big enough company to afford to lose me as a customer. So this was a few years ago, and I can’t speak to what each company’s current policies might be, but I would certainly check first before doing business with either outfit. This leads to a couple of points I would like to make: Don’t be passive when dealing with customer service reps; keep it friendly but firm, and be willing to ask that you be connected to somebody with more authority. Second, check the company policies before you buy.
These experiences have only kindled my love of freeware, or small developers’ software (such as PrivaZer, which I support when I can.).
I’m happy to hear that Digarty has treated you well; I’ll make a point of checking out their programs.
Which leads to my last point: “Word of Mouth” is the biggest power we, as users, have, and small and smart developers know that. Let’s use it when we can. With regards, tonsis

Hello tonsis. Did you contact the company and ask if they could reset the license key? I contacted Digiarty Software several times as I replaced my outdated computers and came through. They make video converters. Mindblower!

I dislike when software is dishonest. I remember years ago downloading AV software which would claim to be free but when it found stuff you would find it would need you to pay to remove. Some of the bad ones would even infect your device first.

I also wish companies would stop with their different tiers like a car wash. AVs are bad at doing this e.g. basic, pro, pro extra, ultra etc.

“Shrinkflation”, I like it!

Good point Steve. For home users I agree. It’s one of the reasons I always go for portable versions whenever possible.

Totally agree. I hate subscriptions. I have one and that is to Norton Security because I don’t fully trust Microsoft’s built-in solution like I don’t trust most things Microsoft. I follow a security channel that tests the built in Windows Security and it consistently fails to catch some of the real nasties whereas I have yet to ever be let down by Norton. I am a cautious “WebSurfer” but have still been caught out by drive-by attacks on otherwise legit websites and saved by Norton. I buy Norton 5 packs in bulk when they are available cheaply for several machines and I currently have about 5 years worth of protection on the shelf !

In fact in typing this I realised I did tell a lie – on this main machine I also have a subscription version of Macrium for my main PC where I keep all my vital info backed up. ALso every so often I also re-subscribe to the Professional version of Privazer which can be installed on an unlimited number of machines. It generously allows you to lapse your professional registration – the only difference being that you then have to download the notified updates manually rather than automatically once your subscription runs out. But you aren’t forced to re-subscribe to get and install the updates hence my loyalty to the company and this software really cleans up your PC safely. On the other machinese I do still run the free version of Macrium that is downloadable from various sites and still does the job for those machines and hasn’t been broken by Windows as yet.

I am sure anti-competition is a thing out there in software land – but then so are a wide variety of other products we buy – a lot of our food is all produced under one company keeping different names for individual products as well as things such as car parts and you name it – all made in the same Chinese factory probably. Our Corporate Overlords will have their subsidiaries !

Off topic – I am sure you remember the “Mars Bar”s as a kid. You could give someone concussion if you hit them in the head with one. Now they are about the same size and weight as a former Milky Way. That’s shrinkflation for you too. Perhaps software subscriptions will drop to six rather than twelve months soon in the chase for the almighty dollar !

Cheers
Reg