I had an disappointing experience with Corel today. CorelDRAW/Photo Paint started displaying an "Illegal Software" message offering me amnesty and such.
Since I don't steal software and was offended at the implication, I contacted Corel by chat.
They asked for my serial number, which I gave them, but accidentally gave my X7 number from which I had upgraded. The rep then went on to tell me how my serial number was not for the version I was using. I was offended at the implication.
Now, bearing in mind that I bought X7 and the upgrade to 2017 from Corel, and should be in their system, I dug into my records to find my copy of the receipt to prove my innocence. That didn't sit well with me, either.
So, then, the customer service guy tells me to do this:
<quote>Delete Corel message folder to correct the issue.
1. Press Windows key + R.2. Type %appdata% and hit enter.3. Go to Corel folder4. Delete the "Messages" folder </quote>
That worked. The accusational message box no longer appeared. So I asked, why didn't the service guy suggest that first instead of making me jump through all those other hoops to prove my innocence and what the ^ happened in the first place to provoke the software-theft-accusation dialog box.
None of this was cool or professional from Corel. None of it.
Anyway, rant aside, there's the fix if you get accused of stealing your software by Corel.
Sean
I also received the "illegal software" "permanently disabled" message. I've bought every version up to X5 when I retired. I don't need all the latest features. X5 serves me just fine. I spent 3 hours on the phone and in chat with India today. I can't find a U.S. or Canada phone number to call.
At first, I thought this was a virus/hoax/scam. Sadly, as the day wore on, I realized it really was Corel. I have my documentation, box and disk with serial number. I registered it when I bought it. They had my serial number from when I registered it. Why wasn't it illegal then? What makes it illegal? All I got from India was, "I have to buy 2017". Why not 2018 or 2019? They offered a special price of $249. The upgrade is $179.But will it upgrade from X5? No one knows. As far as removing the message, they put it there. They can remove it. I'm extremely disappointed. I'll hold my tongue until Monday and try to reach someone at Corel. Corel, is anyone listening?
While being held hostage and with a deadline fast approaching, I caved in to their upgrade. I took a screenshot of every page of contact with them. This will be my last upgrade. I'll not recommend them to anyone.