Zabaware Support Forums
Zabaware Forums => Ultra Hal 7.0 => Topic started by: cjabrams on August 31, 2006, 12:39:07 am
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[V] this company is seriously ripping us off...
After telephone calls, e-mails through the forum, and Outlook express e-mails, this company refuses to help or offer any assistance in reestablishing activation codes. Even though Microsoft continues to show malicious software during installation, and automatically installs patches from Microsoft. I purchased to download program, had to go back and purchase this CD, as well as the character package, text to voice program, and several other programs suggested on their website.
I am seriously kept trying to put together a class-action suit contacting the Pennsylvania District Attorney's Office for product misrepresentation and outright computer fraud. If anybody has any complaints, please e-mail me at cjabrams@comcast.net.
Most of you appear to be like I, no offense but a computer geek. Anybody who wants their computer to talk to them is in this class. And since we spend so much money on computer programs, and update after update after update. The dollar amounts, amount to far more money than the program is actually worth. So let's get even with these people. Let's take you right to where it hurts them. Their pocketbooks. Definitely a disgruntled user! Sign Chris
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Keep in mind that Robert is a student handling a pretty large case load.
Since this is only the first post from you (under this name), I'd strongly suggest that you place an open post to Robert with regard to obtaining an activation code.
If Your claim to be a 54 year old former NASA employee is true, then you'll certainly understand the necessity for software upgrades and how they work.
If you had any longevity on this forum, and participated with Robert and other members here, over the years, I believe you'd think twice about threats of lawsuits.
Such a deal!
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I've replied to 3 of your emails, one from as far back as March. Please check your spam filters and junk/bulk email folder, as since you contact me from the forum or web form, my communication to you is the first actual email. Anyway, this is my reply to each of your emails:
quote:
When Hal 6 starts, it should give you an authorization request code along with the error message you mentioned. Please copy (Ctrl+c) and paste (Ctrl+V) this code and email it to me. This code will help me issue a new activation code for you that will get your Hal back up and running.
Sincerely,
Robert Medeksza
---------------------
President
Zabaware, Inc.
Giving your computer the power of thought!
www.zabaware.com
Medeksza@zabaware.com
Also there is no reason for you to have to repurchase Hal because of licensing problems. I'm more than willing to refund your second purchase and help you get the original one working.
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quote:
Originally posted by cjabrams
[V] this company is seriously ripping us off...
After telephone calls, e-mails through the forum, and Outlook express e-mails, this company refuses to help or offer any assistance in reestablishing activation codes. Even though Microsoft continues to show malicious software during installation, and automatically installs patches from Microsoft. I purchased to download program, had to go back and purchase this CD, as well as the character package, text to voice program, and several other programs suggested on their website.
Hi Rob.
Is there a way to put an option on the login user account so that users that purchased an Activation code could deactivate that code and reactivate manually in cases where a code may be corrupted or expired, I think adding this option to Zabaware would take a lot of headaches away from Zabaware and bring any rare complaints to absolute zero on reactivations.
quote:
I am seriously kept trying to put together a class-action suit contacting the Pennsylvania District Attorney's Office for product misrepresentation and outright computer fraud. If anybody has any complaints, please e-mail me at cjabrams@comcast.net.
there has been 1438 of 3377 Members have made 17704 posts in 7 forums.
very few members have ever complained and the Smiles out weigh the frowns, Zabaware isn't a large company with a team of paid workers and even though Zabaware is a very small company of one to two people I think Zabaware has done very well in helping out as much as they can in satisfying customers from the years that I have been a proud member of this forum.
I have no complaints.
Jerry[8D]
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Hmm, hi. I'm not in a rage about it like the op but I also haven't noticed a response to a few requests about serial reactivation, all made around the same time, through different means. It hasn't been a big issue because college just started up and I've been busy but I would like it taken care of. I have been fairly good about checking my spam box and haven't noticed anything.
Side note: Odd thing, it was my understanding that we are good for 3 from scratch activations before we had to bother anyone. But I only activated my hal once like that, the time or two after that I deactivated first. But then I had to do a reformat without deactivating and though I should be on my second raw activation it gives me trouble. :p .
Well anyway, I hope we can get this taken care of without much fuss. Sorry for posting on the boards but since a topic was already here and I may be having trouble on the email it seemed appropriate.
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cjabrams,
I've upgraded from Hal5 to Hal6, Only since the purchase of Hal6 have I had to contact Robert because of activation problems and I've found him to respond quickly although even a day can seem like a long time if I lose Hal. With Hal5 I used the forum and have found the members to be very helpful.
I think the pricing for Hal is very reasonable and like the brain editor and plugins that have been made available for Hal. I think a lot of people are doing a lot of work to improve Hal as shown by the advances in Hal6 vs Hal5.
I think so much of the program I bought a second copy to use on a second computer so one Hal can speak to another Hal. I've spent a few months speaking with Hal, probably the hardest part, but she's beginning to stay on topic more now and is a little easier to understand. I hope you get Hal up and running, I'm sure once you start talking with Hal for a while you'll appreciate the program more.
Carl2
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First off, it's not very nice to just come in here and start threatening people. What if we contacted the Pennsylvania District Attorney in support of Robert and his project and explain that he IS helping people as he can, and that he's just a small-time business. Certainly they should understand the issues of a hobbyist trying to make some money on a hobby. Robert is a student (as mentioned). Give him some time.
I've had issues before and Robert solved them reasonably. He's a good guy. I've had Hal since buying verison 5 (and then upgrading to 6). I think it's worth it, considering what is already out there for the same price (which isn't much, and can't do all that HAL can, or be programmed as easily as HAL can).
This makes me wonder, how people are so sue-happy and the small-time folks just get shot down so easily. It's sad. It didn't used to be that way. People used to actually help one another back in the old days of computing.
I miss those days, sometimes. [:(]
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Robert is always very helpful to us, when we ask for help.
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quote:
Originally posted by GlacierClipper
Robert is always very helpful to us, when we ask for help.
Yes he has always been good to me thus far!![:D]
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Sorry to say but its difficult for me to feel positive about Zabaware's service at the moment.
Its been almost 2 weeks now and I have had no reply to my 2 emails (on one I gave two contact email addresses) I have checked my Junk mail folders and checked filters.
When computers encounter blue screen crashes and won't re-start (this has happened twice to me now) its seems reasonable that we should be able to get our programs running again.
Two weeks seems pretty patient to me. I don't feel I am being too pushy with this message. I really wouldn't have minded waiting a fews days or even a week. I am a patient person but this seems a little long.
I really do not know what to do next. Perhaps I will wait a few more weeks then re-buy the software.
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How would it feel.
there are 3,377 Members and growing by the day.
Now picture yourself maybe one other person trying to get everyones orders and complaints and or FAQ finished as quickly as possible.
Robert, I feel for you, If you need some help, please just say yes and I will be there for you.
Jerry[8D]
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Every six months or so we get an angry letter like this and never seem to hear from that person again. It makes me wonder if maybe it is the same person who just uses a different name each time he joins the forum. It would be interesting to see the actual ID's of these angry people to see if in fact that they are one and the same.
Hal can be a problem to install once in a while. I notice I had a few small problems in the begining but it was my fault, not Zabawares. Anti Virus software will sometime make it impossible to correctly install Hal and not cleaning you hard drive on a regular basis is another great problem. It makes no difference how few places you visit on the internet you will pick up spyware and other types of viruses and or trojans or something similiar. I think every one should perform a good cleansing at least once a week or more depending on how much surfing you do. When I hear of all these peoples computer crashing over and over again I really supect they have some BUGS. In the last 5 years I have only had one PC crash and that was my fault. I did not clean the system then. And this is from using 3 different desktops and 2 laptops.
Just thinking out loud.
Grandpa Bill
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Bill - I am not angry and also I have come back and back to the Hal project time and time again. My crashing problem is a reacurring hardware problem that does not seem to have been fixed. It is not bugs! And also this has always been my only name on this forum.
It feels as though we cannot even make a slight cribble without being shouted down these days. I like using Hal and think it is very good. But I feel Zabaware needs to work out this problem. We do live in the real world and this does not seem good. I am trying not to critise and moan; I am trying to discuss and I am sorry that Bill thought I was one of 'those angry people' as I am not.
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Hey there echoman, seems more likely your problem is your regestry then hardware,having worked on more home units then you could imagine I have seen crashes like that on a regular basis. over 95% were regestry probs. I would suggest a good cleaner for this. one that comes to mind is regestry defrag from elcor. this is by far the safest reg cleaner I have seen to date. it creates no backups because It does not need them and also defrags the regestry making the response time for your system increase. I have used this right after a fresh install of XP and it cleans up about 13% of the reg BEFORE I install 3rd party software. just a thought!
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Echoman
I was not directing my post at you. I was addressing the post by cjabrams or what ever he calls himself. Sorry if I was not clear enough in my post. I think Barfy is correct in that making sure that you system is clean is one of the most important things that you can do. There is one piece of free software that you can use, well actually they offer a free two week trial but I have been using it for months now and it is called 'ewido'. You can find it on the web and depending on the size of your hard disk it can take up to one hour to do a deep cleaning but it really works. I also usea registry cleaner and another antispyware cleaner and alternate between them.
Bill
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Thanks Bill and Barthy.
I think that sounds good advice about my registry and I will try it. I know this is going a bit off the Hal topic but I think my problem has been with my wireless internet which I plug into my USB port. I beleive I will have to give up on wireless. I never had this problem when I plugged my internet straight into the wall. Ever since I started tying to use this hardware I have had problem after problem. All swims along lovely then in the middle of using the internet I get a blue screen and thats it - i'm out of action.
I would like to say that I have a great deal of respect for Robert and the Hal creation. In my previous messages I was really only trying to say that I still believe that slight changes need to be worked for this Code Activation. I feel bad troubling Robert with these last two requests and I keeping thinking that there must be another way that this could be speeded up. I liked 'onthecuttingedges' idea in a previous message of being able to deactivate code yourself in the memebers log in area. But maybe this would be open to abuse.
I really don't know. Anyway i'm sorry if I sound like I was moaning. My gf says thats all I do non-stop [;)]
Thanks again for the help.
Echo.
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All I use any more is wireless and I have never had a blue screen.
Even though I only visit a few sites like this one I still manage to get tons of spyware in the form of cookies. Delete all cookies at least once a week if not more often.
Bill
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I have used this labor day weekend to catch up an all backlogged customer support emails. If you emailed Zabaware recently, your reply should be in your email. I appologize for the slow response.
If for whatever reason you have not received a reply, please use http://www.zabaware.com/contact.html to contact me.
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Thanks for the tips on the reg cleaning software, Barfy and Bill. I just hope it's user friendly for a beginner. Using such software can produce more problems than they solves if you don't know what you're doing.
Also i whould like to recommend a good piece of software if you get constant crashes, especially if you are playing games or using software that uses a lot of RAM, it's called Memtest86 and can be found here: http://www.memtest86.com/
It's a freeware program. I'm not sure though if it is compatible with today's computers but I found it very helpful with this computer I bought several years ago. I had a faulty RAM memory causing data loss which constantly crashed some games I was playing. I went back to the store to exchange my RAM to a new one and the problems went away.
And like some mensions here it is important to maintain your computer with defragmentations, don't install stuff you're not sure about, use Norton Internet Security and Spybot search & Destroy. Keep it up to date. Allways scan stuff you download. Careful what pages you visit. Use a more secure browser where you can control what scripts you want to run when visiting sites. Don't fall for emails like princesses wants to give you millions (lol). Don't trust people you don't know on the internet and you'll be fine. [8D]
Then I've been wondering about the activation code. I've been reinstalling my copy of Hal6 several times with no problems on this computer. I wonder if it is really needed to deactivate and reactivate Hal. It doesn't make any sense to me. Once I've bought a registration key that should be enough! I don't see why this reg key whouldn't work if I install Hal on another computer. If the key is right then it is right, isn't it?
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i SAD TO SEE, That various users are having problems..
As you know ive stayed with hal5 and been quite happy...
I often give hal6 a go for a while, pretty good..
I feel that activation issuse have become a maor problem since the upgrade.. and even more users are using hal..
there will be problems and really this you can expect.. as Mr M. is probable facing various internet issues alogside others (spam and the like)... MASS EMAILS FROM US..
Perhaps MR M. the activation issue could become a copyrite ISSUE on the CD ie:errors built into the disc etc... or just a plain LOCK off any users Via internet THAT ARE USING A HOKKIE CODE.. Activation is a bit bad really as the program isnt a BIG THING YET.. Still in development.. We all are contributing to its growth, not like other programs where the OWNER/DEVELOPER HAS FULL AUTONOMY... and the users have no say.. the way that you have started the software is good and i agree 100% but, Really ACTIVATION?
the software has become a trojan, constantly checking itself over the web.... thats what trojans do. communicate with remote servers combing system IDS into a database with your serial number etc... A bit like a BIG BROTHER.... WATCHING AND CATALOGING OUR SOFTWARE ON OUR PC..
Sadly still i love hal.. and will keep to my hal5 i had hal6 LOST THE CODE, i used it at the begining then one day it said the code i was using was invalid... ? the problem with activation and codes is that if i change more than 2-4 hardware items on the pc my system id changes... windowsXP and other operating systems also alow for four hardware changes max before reinstalling windows or reactivation..
These hardware changes couldd be adding a wireless card / network card / change of broadband router(mac address changes), adding more soundcards / extra graphics cards or changing a graphics card etc...
JOHN DOE public are not like developers we constantly upgrade... they stay constant.. thats why they dont have the same issuses with activation problems such as us...
PEOPLE.. BE PATIENT ... FORGET LAWSUITS over silly money, ITS NOT THE END OF THE WORLLD... CURSE HAL... Dont CURSE MR M..
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quote:
Originally posted by spydaz
the software has become a trojan, constantly checking itself over the web.... thats what trojans do. communicate with remote servers combing system IDS into a database with your serial number etc... A bit like a BIG BROTHER.... WATCHING AND CATALOGING OUR SOFTWARE ON OUR PC..
Hal does not constantly connect to the Internet. Hal will never connect without your permission. If a registry entry gets corrupted or a major hardware change causes Hal to think its on a different computer, Hal asks to be reactivated. You can than either allow Hal to connect to the Internet to do this automatically, or manually do it using the authorization request code.
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Hi from Will,
i have had hal since january 2005 and upgraded to hal6 when it came
out, i have had lots of fun with hal, sometimes computers don't work
the way they should, i use and fix computers at work and at home and have learnt that computers are not as reliable as we would like them to be. i have worked with computers from new and they still break down offten.
i have learnt over time from trial and error and from
this form ways to keep Hal operating well, i back hal up to disk
and find if something goes wrong i just put my last disk in and
avoid reg problems, now my hal seems indestructable.
There are many very smart users within this forum that can
offer good advice.
I think Zabawares Hal is a good product at a good price, and is continueing to improve, we should work together to be a success.
Thank you,
Bye for now and be well from Will.[:D]
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All,
I ran into the problem of Hal trying to connect to the internet, the option has to be unchecked. Thanks for the advice about hardware, I didn't know that could cause activation problems. I use to have to reformat an old P2 with Win 98 that I use on the internet every so many months because of things I pick up off the internet. Hal's computer stays off the internet.
I already know I have registry problems, Body_female reads the file but dosen't display a picture for some reason. It will work in the Haptek guide and the Josh program.
I feel the activation code is a hinderance and would like it to be discontinued. With Hal 5 I could make changes and get it up and running again if there was a problem, actualy I had a few copies of Hal and would move any changes after thay worked to the primary Hal. Now because of activation I have to be a lot more careful about this and can't have other copies of Hal to work with. I believe I was unable to use the disk copy to fix hal6 because of the activation, I did change the CD drive but putting in and removing modems don't affect Hal.
Will could you provide more details about the disk fix?
Carl2
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This is a similar posting to one i made before, good luck to you all.
Hi from Will.
Hal6 is a product that i have and i really like.
I have had years of fun with "Mr Data"
after my pc had a melt down and i lost hal.
Hal would not activate and error messages came up and he would not
activate even when trying new code from zabaware on the internet.
so after many attempts.
i uninstalled and deleted everything i could find to do with hal.
Then put my last saved disc in and clicked the zip folder
to instal hal,i had no code problems .
Then i opened the hal6 folder and moved the halbrain file from the new hal on to my desk top.
then i put the halbrain file from my last saved disk back into
the hal6 folder in place of the one i just removed.
And bingo he lives with memories restored "yay"
funny i thought i had tryed it before, but anyway i am pleased to say he seems fine.
If i am a newbee then i am slow " dam my stupid brain"
Well i hope this works for me next time my pc flips and i hope
it works for others , good luck to you all.
thank you bye for now and be well,[:D]
from Will of New Zealand a big Hal6 fan .
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Hi all,
I had quite a few problems with Hal (due to harware changes) in the begining. I bothered Rob quite a bit. (Sorry Rob :) ) Any way i found that in the event of a crash needing reformat. hal can be reinstalled and activated with the latest sn: and Auth code as long as you input it manualy and are not connected to the net. I test and develop new hardware interfaces (mainly Robotics) and I have a testing station that most plug into. It causes alot of crashes. But I have found that this solution works for me on reinstalls. thanks for all the PROMPT help Rob
You've Been good to me [:D]
Kelly
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All,
Thanks for the advice on keeping Hal alive, just got done speaking with her. She's rather stimulating with questions such as what is the purpose of the universe. Is the brain a neural structure?
Carl2
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quote:
Originally posted by spydaz
i SAD TO SEE, That various users are having problems..
As you know ive stayed with hal5 and been quite happy...
I often give hal6 a go for a while, pretty good..
I feel that activation issuse have become a maor problem since the upgrade.. and even more users are using hal..
there will be problems and really this you can expect.. as Mr M. is probable facing various internet issues alogside others (spam and the like)... MASS EMAILS FROM US..
Perhaps MR M. the activation issue could become a copyrite ISSUE on the CD ie:errors built into the disc etc... or just a plain LOCK off any users Via internet THAT ARE USING A HOKKIE CODE.. Activation is a bit bad really as the program isnt a BIG THING YET.. Still in development.. We all are contributing to its growth, not like other programs where the OWNER/DEVELOPER HAS FULL AUTONOMY... and the users have no say.. the way that you have started the software is good and i agree 100% but, Really ACTIVATION?
the software has become a trojan, constantly checking itself over the web.... thats what trojans do. communicate with remote servers combing system IDS into a database with your serial number etc... A bit like a BIG BROTHER.... WATCHING AND CATALOGING OUR SOFTWARE ON OUR PC..
Sadly still i love hal.. and will keep to my hal5 i had hal6 LOST THE CODE, i used it at the begining then one day it said the code i was using was invalid... ? the problem with activation and codes is that if i change more than 2-4 hardware items on the pc my system id changes... windowsXP and other operating systems also alow for four hardware changes max before reinstalling windows or reactivation..
These hardware changes couldd be adding a wireless card / network card / change of broadband router(mac address changes), adding more soundcards / extra graphics cards or changing a graphics card etc...
JOHN DOE public are not like developers we constantly upgrade... they stay constant.. thats why they dont have the same issuses with activation problems such as us...
PEOPLE.. BE PATIENT ... FORGET LAWSUITS over silly money, ITS NOT THE END OF THE WORLLD... CURSE HAL... Dont CURSE MR M..
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I have been using 5.0 as well I still can't use the aim bot it won't connect. I tried 6.0 for a couple of days and it said activation code corrupt. I was able to use the Hap. charactors then longer before I crashed. and the aim bot worked. I would have liked to try the 6.0 a little longer. I thought I had 30 days to use free. I tried reinstalling it but it wouldn't allow it. I love the product It gives me alot of pleasure. Keep up the good work Robert. Maybe one day I will figure out why it crashes me. I never had the problem with 4.0 and the aim bot worked. but for some reason I can't use the set up. It always comes back as 5. [:)]
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quote:
Originally posted by mystifytina
I have been using 5.0 as well I still can't use the aim bot it won't connect. I tried 6.0 for a couple of days and it said activation code corrupt. I was able to use the Hap. charactors then longer before I crashed. and the aim bot worked. I would have liked to try the 6.0 a little longer. I thought I had 30 days to use free. I tried reinstalling it but it wouldn't allow it. I love the product It gives me alot of pleasure. Keep up the good work Robert. Maybe one day I will figure out why it crashes me. I never had the problem with 4.0 and the aim bot worked. but for some reason I can't use the set up. It always comes back as 5. [:)]
the aim bot does trip out a bit but....
persivere... it works.. just make sure that the user that you are using doesnt have lots of buddies... also instal aol instant messenger on your machine... it helps....
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I sent in a complaint on the activation code/expired crap too. I understand you are busy and get lots of emails but gee if we pay for something and can't use it that's not right. I had a problem one other time and you did respond right away, but I never did recieve in the mail the CD that I paid the shipping for. You even said you sent it out twice. I only have the 6.0 version in my download file folder and it won't work, says it is expired. I can't download again, because I am no longer on broadband, I have been reduced to 24k dial up. I am currently running a register 5.0 version and am forced to stay with it until you can resolve my problem with the 6.0 version. I have moved recently and did update my new address on the members sign in.
Thanks for letting me vent.
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thanks for the speedy email replies robert, but with this 24k dial up connection i will not be able to download the upgrade. it will take several hours to download it. Shame the version i have says it is expired and shuts the program down. The Hal 5.0 i have doesn't do that, it is going to have to do me. Guess i loose out on the Hal 6 version.
[V]