I recently had to reload my copy of Easy Media Creator 7 on my computer. When trying to load the software, I received an error message that stated, 'The activation server reports that the distribution of the CD Key has been disabled'. At that point it kicks me out of the install an won't let me run the software. I contacted Roxio and they gave me the following answer-

The serial number is for Easy Media Creator 7 and is valid on our system, however, it is an outdated “legacy” product for that we cannot provide support anymore. However, you might still be able to find help in our Knowledgebase, and Discussion Groups. Please read also Roxio and Sonic applications not supported by Roxio Technical Support.

They also offered to put me in touch with their sales team so I can buy a newer version. I don't want to buy a new version, I just want to run the version that I already paid for. Anyone else had this problem? Any solutions? I'm running Windows XP.

Go here and log in with your e-mail and password and check the key

http://www.roxio.com/REGISTRATION/login.as...nu&lang=enu

Make sure you don't confuse 0 with O, B with 8 and so on

[font="Franklin Gothic Medium"][/font]I have had the exact same problem, although I didn't even get the courtesy of that response. I got an email from another company that gave me a new email address for Roxio, then nothing. I know the CD key is right because I copied and pasted it from a support email from digital river when I first purchased the product. I think they are preventing us from using our own product which is fraud or theft or something ...

Apparently, the product in question for download users was tied to "Activation" server which no longer exists. Hence the core reason of the failure to activate the key in the first place. That being said, the product has already reached end of life and you might want to consider upgrade options.

So all our previous assurances to customers that "Roxio products do not have a sunset timer" were in effect wrong ?

So what's the latest word on this? I'm getting the message that my key has been deactivated yet it's showing as registered in http://www.roxio.com/registration/myaccount/

I've had to wipe my machine since I last used the program and didn't uninstall it first so hopefully it's just an install count that needs to be reset.

I've already gotten one message from support that the version isn't supported and if Roxio replies that I've got to upgrade to get 7 working I'm going to immediately jump to some other software company.

I've already paid for this software and expect to be able to use it.

Try this http://kb.roxio.com/search.aspx?URL=/conte...S=set-locale=en

My key doesn't have any o's or zeros and no other letters or numbers that could be confused.

I've copied and pasted the key directly my Roxio registration site.

The message isn't that the key is *wrong*, it's that it's been deactivated.

Ditto

If that's going to be the official reply from Roxio, my upgrade's going to be to a different company. No company that treats customers like this will ever get my money again.

We are just users like you and don't work for Roxio. Unfortunately, there isn't resolution to this issue.

I don't blame you, at all! I am glad that my backup machine has EMC 7.5 installed, and have the main drive "ghosted".

I wonder if folks who have Platinum 5, or the most useless version, Easy CD and DVD Creator 6, can still install their software.

My 5 and 6 are fine, but they're not "download" versions.

Nobody answered the question I asked in post #5.

There are no replies from anyone who works for Roxio in this thread...

Can't draw conclusions base on wild &%$-d guesses

Good luck on getting support for any software that is 5 versions old

I noticed that.

Laugh all you want helpful person. I'm not looking for support, I just want to be able to use the software I paid for. The only reason it's not working now is because Roxio took down the activation server or somehow locked out my key. I don't *need* the newer versions. They don't have features I want and for burning CD/DVDs 7 has been working just fine.

My 5 is a disc also, so have no idea on that one. Was it even offered as a download?

My 6 is the download version. It used the 'VBox' authentication for downloading. I grabbed a copy of the downloaded install files for future installs. Those worked the last time I installed it a few months ago. Haven't tried using the VBox downloader in quite a while, so not sure if that is still usable. I'd be surprised if it works still.

Well I am laughing – it has been reported so today is the Very First Time Roxio has even heard about it. Maybe something will come of it, maybe not.

Even if it doesn’t, you got your moneys worth out of it.

Edit: I made another inquiry this morning (9/30/09) hoping to hear something today. Last install I did on EMC 7.5 was in Aug.

This is the closest I could get. However, besides ESD ver of ECDC6, EMC7 (Roxio branded), don't think there were any products that were tied to this specific activation system which I believe was taken down few years ago.

The EMC v7 ESD was the only one that I recall having the "suite activation" in it. It was a pain at times too, as you could only activate it x number of times. So if you had to reinstall it more than a couple times, like from a system crash, you had to contact support to get the activation count reset. It was dropped as I recall starting with EMC v8 ESD. Probably because it caused more support headaches & expense than the security it was intended for.

The ECDC v6 ESD was delivered using VBox, a download manager type system. As long as one kept the file that it downloaded for setup, it can still be installed and used without any other activation. Of course the VBox downloader no longer works as it can't find the server.

Actually, now that I remember, the product affected were - ECDC6, EMC7, EDVDCopy.

I am also (or was) using Creator 7. Computer froze when burng a CD. Had to power down. After restart, Creator no longer thought it was registered. Have attempted to reinstall but get as far as registering it.
"Activation server reports that the distribution of the CD key has been disabled".
It is the key I used to install this about 5 years ago. Live Chat is of no use.
All I want is to be able to once again use the software I paid for and was happy using.
I do have a copy of 2009 Ultimate but find it takes more steps to create the CD and label than with 7. Plus the label it generates is not the same format.
Is there any magic override to allow the software to once again work?

Afraid not - to date there has been no resolution on that issue (no registration servers)

I also have the same problem with being unable to reload my BOUGHT AND PAID FOR software. It doesnt matter the version or if support is needed as its not support thats required in most cases but the ability to utilize something that was paid for. I have emailed roxio in reguards to this and have not received a reply. Due to the current economic conditions some of us cant just go out and spend an extra 100 bucks to upgrade something that should have still worked!
It may be time for a class action suit and I'm sure someone knows a bloodsucking attorney who will latch on to this and they would be more than welcome to contact me.

Good rant. I can't think of any logical reason why there is no server available, to accept the CD key. A person should be able to use the software that they purchased, if it is compatible with the OS they are using.

Thanks Firenhancer for the workaround it works! You can be SURE this is the last Roxio product I buy, The answers from tech support are hilareous. Like talking to a martian. The offer still stands about the attorney.

Enhance your calm, Citizen If you're still using software from five years ago, it must be fairly high quality and you aren't spending very much per annum on it anyway. Besides, Firenhancer has provided the solution for this problem.

I'm not sure that attorneys aren't "right up there" with Wall Street bankers in getting the world into the mess it's currently in.

So let me understand this, If you have something you paid for that is 10 years old (or whatever number some egghead decides) still works with your equiptment and you try to use it but are told that you can't because the company that made it decides its better for them if you buy a new one, THATS OK!!!
I'm sorry thats just plain Wrong. the point is we have software that is still usable and relevant and most importantly paid for and the COMPANY is deciding our use. That way of thinking is just to Orwellian for my taste (read 1984 by george orwell).
I agree that Attorneys are not the answer for everything but sometimes they are what stand between us and (the powerless) and them ( the powerful) Read that any way you like. This is my exchange with what they ( the company) calls tech support: ( READ THE LAST LINE)

First post- I have listed my problem here as there is no heading for creator 7. I had a crash and when I reinstalled the program It indicated the activation server refused the key, This is the same key I have always used with no problem in the past and is the one registered here. How do I solve this problem? Thanks
Roxio response- The product you are inquiring about is a "legacy" application and is no longer supported by Technical Support. To keep our software prices competitive, Roxio Customer Care agents only support the latest release and one version previous - however Knowledgebase and Discussion Group support will still be available. If you wish to continue receiving Technical Support with a Roxio agent, please upgrade to the most recent version of your product.
Second post- I'm well aware that support is no longer provided for this version, My problem is that Your server that validates my PURCHASED software on re-install is NON-Functioning and prevents me from using a piece of software that I purchased. That is not right! You as a company cannot hold up the customer by forcing us to upgrade at additional cost when the OWNED software does what I need doing. Again I dont want support I just want to be able to use WHAT IS MINE. This based on the number of problems found on the net could be the basis for a class action suit. please provide me with what is mine.
Roxio response-I understand that you still want to install the Creator 2010. We apologize for the inconvenience. However, if still have your order number when you purchase the product we can actually pull up the information that you need specifically the CD key of your product for you to still use the software. You can also check your CD key by just Clicking on the link listed below.
Third post- All I can say is you do not lend a great deal to my confidence in your products or customer care, MY PROBLEM IS NOT ABOUT VER 10- READ MY POSTS!!! I WILL BE LOOKING FOR AN ATTORNEY
Roxio response- We apologize for any inconvenience you have encountered and we appreciate your time in sending us your concern, Please try to ogin to http://findmyorder.com to check for the CD key of the product you have, this is the last option we can give you since this product is already out dated. we hope for your understanding on this.
Fourth post- This is the last time I will respond to one of your incompetant agents, My problem is'nt with not having the cd key, I DO YOU IDIOTS, Its with that number being rejected by a non existant server which validates the install! Read the forums, it's full of people with the same problem. THE PROBLEM IS ON ROXIO'S END WITH THE REMOVAL OF THE ACTIVATION SERVER.
Roxio response- hank you for contacting Roxio Customer Care, I believe a clean install will fix this issue.
Please follow the instructions at the knowlegebase article below. please ensure you have means to reinstall the software before following these steps http://kb.roxio.com/content/kb/Creator/000086CR If the information provided does not resolve your issue simply update your webticket with a detailed explanation with the steps you have tried and any error messages you receive.
Fifth post- this was on a new blank hard drive due to a hard drive crash ( see first post) So by all accounts it was a CLEAN INSTALL. Read post # 1 (activation server refused the key)

Roxio response- We understand that you want to access your Creator 7. As much as we want to help you resolve this issue, it is a legacy product and we do not have an access to activate it. We do not support that anymore because we cannot access to that product.

What was Firenhancer's workaround which you said works?

I bet that is on a need to know basis OR if he told you, he'd have to .....

Im checking with firenhancer and if ok with him/her will post it.

No secret. Passed on a link to copy of EMC7 installer (retail)

No problems, thanks Firenhancer.

Coreya, I don't work for Roxio - I live on the other side of the world - but you'll know that telephone support staff move around a lot and a company can't afford to train new staff about products that are old and out of support. The cost would be prohibitive. That would explain why current staff didn't understand your problem.

Web activation of software probably wasn't a good idea with hindsight, so they don't do that any more. It costs money to keep the servers running, and at some stage in a recession someone has to choose between pulling the plug and shedding employees. It's not a case of 'Big Brother', it's life. Sometimes when people are being realistic, life sucks.

So you've made your point, and you've been helped by firenhancer. Speaking as another user, 'Can we move on now?'

Best regards,
Brendon

Can you help the rest of us with the same problem by sharing the link? Tech support just passed me to a broken link to download the "no-activation-version-needed" version, then just (electronically) shrugged their shoulders and suggested that link was the only one they had, when I pointed out that the link provided was a dead-end.

I'm a software developer myself and still periodically get emails on a program I wrote 15 years ago for a company that no longer exists, so I understand their desire to keep things current, but I still find this whole approach unconscionable. The fact is not that they can't keep the activation server running: the server is still there and producing the message that the distribution of the key has been disabled. If they wanted to eliminate the service, a more useful approach would have been to stubbed-out the server to respond successfully to any key sent with a static activation authorization. That would of course require a commitment to customers of the older versions... (deep sigh)

So, all that aside, can you share the link again? Please? Pretty please?

It appears that Firenhancer has a fix. No doubt he wrote the code to satisfy the querry. This is exactly what Roxio should do for us, Give us a patch that we enter our cd key in and execute. done

This really is no way to do business and it is grounds for a class action suite. I was never happy with the toast product with my G4 Powerbook but that could have been the superdrive and apple in 2003, ended up shelfing it and I have been happy with the Creator 7 mostly for the Drag and Drop App. Now I am left with an OEM version of Creator 6 which came with my TDK burner which does not have many of the features of 7.

Net net, between the two apps Im out around $150 for burning a few CDs. My bad

If anyone from Roxio just happens to view this post, from a previouse owner of a software and hardware manufacturing company, In my opinion what your doing may be good business, but it is nothing short of theft and shows a total disregard for your customers. Im sure you will be very successfull.

My apologies if that sounded like a rant, wasnt meant to be.

Now let me see if I got this right

You want a 'patch' that will enter a CD registration key for you without having to type it in?
You are complaining that PC software doesn't work on a Mac?
You are out money because you got a FREE (cut down OEM) version of a suite?
You didn't complain to support from the OEM - who are the ones resonsible for supporting their versions?
You are also looking for continued support on a program which is a full SIX versions behind the current one?

Now I'm not a lawyer, but I somehow have a feeling that threatening legal action on those grounds is more akin to a Monty Python sketch than anything else

Your a funny guru

I wish to put down some clarity on table here so as to not confuse or have other users start assuming things.

Firstly, am not a programmer nor associated with Roxio in any form or fashion or have written any patch for this issue referred to. I'm just a fellow user like most of you.

With that said, like any other software firm, Roxio also follows what is called as SDLC and SSLC process. While the products are supported, Roxio like any other company makes all the best efforts to support owners of the product for the value. While the product reaches a phase out process, static contents for eg KBs, Tutorials, patches etc are still made available for users who don't believe if they are ready for upgrading to a newer product.

CDkey Activation is one such issue that required maintaining activation servers which comes with a cost. While such products were supported, Roxio has made best efforts to support every user with related issues. Unfortunately the product has surpassed its SSLC and while the static material is still available for support, the physical servers for activation has gone offline. The products affected were only ESD in nature. What this means is that the PHY versions did not carry any such activation wrapper. And thus, the workaround is to use retail installer along with the owned CDkey for ESD version of the product.

I hope this clarifies the cause and provides ratification from business point of view.