Comments on: Photoshop Upgrade Nightmare

By: Flasshe

Flasshe — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 16:52:14 +0000

Wow Jo, you get all the wonderful toys. I look forward to checking out your new computer next week.

I hear you on the frustation. I’m afraid that in this era of Trusted Computing, software installations and upgrades are just going to get harder and harder. I went through a similar issue with Quicken when I got the new PC last year – talking to CSRs and typing in unlock codes. Linking the CPU with the software is just the start. I asked the Adobe guy what I needed to do if I had to reinstall the Photoshop upgrade because of a PC problem or if I get a new PC and need to transfer everything over to it – he said I had to call back and give them the original case number. It’s just going to get worse and worse. Although you’ve got it a little easier in the Apple world, for now. Well, maybe not, since you’re on Intel now…

By: Jo

Jo — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 13:08:10 +0000

Hey bro! Photoshop CS is VERY cool and I don’t even have a clue about all it will do. But I bought a Photoshop WOW! CS book and now that I will have some free time I plan to work through it. It would be fun to do that together. And just for your info, it seems to me that EVERY time there’s an upgrade there’s a bug. I just ran into the same thing with Quark. I bought a new iMac (the coolest machine I’ve ever seen – everything is in the monitor – the whole computer – including a web cam – but that’s another story – you’ll see it on Easter). When I booted it up for the first time the screen popped up that said “Do you have an old Mac you’d like to transfer files from?” When I answered, “well, yes!” it replied, “just attach a firewire cable and let’s go!” An hour and a half later all my files, folders, settings, e-mails, and applications were transferred, up and running on the new computer. Blew me away. Except for Quark. So when I reinstalled it and attempted to launch I got the error message that I had activated that version one too many times and my luck had run out! I went through the same thought process – “I’m going to have to buy a whole new version of Quark????”. But really it just meant calling customer support, which is finally an 800 number, and finally you don’t have to pay extra for support, and then spend a long time on the line with a fellow who doesn’t speak very good English, reading off endless series of numbers, and waiting on hold while he obtained another very long series of numbers. I’ve finally learned also to never let them off the line before I make sure the numbers really work! I HATE SOFTWARE UPGRADES!! And the only downside of my new iMac is that it has an Intel processor so for the time being my current software runs slower because it has to be translated. This will be cured later in the year when Adobe and Quark come out with their upgrades to solve the problem (for a price, of course!!). So I’m not looking forward to that. See you soon! Love, Jo

By: InfK

InfK — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 05:09:11 +0000

Hey, I had a similar problem well over 10 years ago with Adobe! I think, or maybe it was Aldus? Anyhow, it had… well something to do with an upgrade coupon that didn’t have an expiration date. I think it was a free upgrade to a version which had by then become obsolete? They didn’t want to fulfill it but after making clear that I wasn’t going to just give up and put the phone down, they finally caved and sent me the software.

The secret to dealing with almost any bureaucracy is simply to make it easier for them to say “yes” than “no”. It’s very rare you’ll find someone who cares about you, but they all care about how smoothly their day goes… if you have the facts on your side, then all you need is a healthy reserve of patience and free time to win every battle.