Macromedia activation sucks!
I just built a new computer, so I've spent the past couple of evenings installing hardware, drivers and software. Not a lot of fun.

Well, when it came time to install Macromedia Studio MX on my new machine (don't worry, I uninstalled it from the old machine), I was prevented from activating it because I had apparently exceeded some limit on installs of that serial number.


The ridiculouly tedious telephone activation screen

So, I was forced to do the automated telephone activation procedure which may just be the worse experience I've ever had on the telephone (seriously).

As you can see from the screenshot above, I was asked to enter 14 sets of numbers. After each set, the monotone automated voice would slowly read back the numbers. I then had to confirm my entry. I did this for all 14 sets of numbers. Then guess what? I was told that the automated phone system was experiencing technical difficulties.

I was re-routed to a customer service rep, but, oh wait, all representatives are currently assisting other customers. Nice! So, I sat on hold listening to really, really loud Muzak for about 5 minutes before I finally gave up.

Cursing Macromedia, I decided to go ahead and install Photoshop CS... Do I even need to tell you what happened? You guessed it, product activation. However, unlike Macromedia's system, I had to enter only 2 sets of numbers. Plus, the Adobe system gave me the option of hearing my entries repeated or skipping that step. I skipped that step and was activated in about 2 minutes. In fact, I used Photoshop to make the screenshot above.

I still have to call Macromedia back within 30 days or Dreamweaver MX will be rendered useless.