Zabaware Support Forums
Zabaware Forums => Ultra Hal 7.0 => Topic started by: Clavdio on February 29, 2004, 04:26:19 pm
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I bought the Ultra Hal Assistant in late january but the program just won't install. In fact it doesn't even get pass the password since the "continue"-button can't be pressed no matter what I write as password. I have tried to install it on several machines with systems ranging from Win98 to XP but always with the same problem. Zabaware ignores all my pleas for help and frankly I am getting very tired of being polite. I feel like I have been set up and cheated. If the box wont open I suppose I should find someone to open it for me I mean after all I have paid for it.
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Clavdio,
Patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with Zabaware. Just keep your cool and keep sending them emails or post here.
You are not alone...
http://www.zabaware.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1214
Support could be better, but I cut Zabaware a little slack because I know how difficult it is to run a small business. They are not Microsoft. Bad example; Microsoft is a pain to deal with too. And I trust Zabaware more than Microsoft.
Maybe the forum members can help out. Clearly post a description of the problem. Include a short description of your computer. For example: Dell, 1.8GHz, 512MB RAM, Win XP, ATI 9500 Pro graphics card.
Good luck and stay cool,
=vonsmith=
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Clavdio,
I'm sure that you are not the first one that this has happened to, but Vonsmith also has a very good point. Maybe you have posted this problem before in the past, but based on what you just posted now I really couldn't begin to try to help you for lack of information. However, I do remember seeing some install fixes posted right here at the Zabaware site just outside of this forum. Here is the Zabaware link for Troubleshooting:
http://www.zabaware.com/assistant/trouble.html
This may not be the help that you need but it is a start for now because it does include some other methods of running the install process. However, if you purchased Hal as an online downloaded file and not as a CD-ROM then this really is a very serious issue that Zabaware should address appropriately! In general, file downloads can get corrupted during the download process and I do remember seeing postings in the past of Zabaware Support helping out others with setting up a re-download or sending out a CD-ROM instead. If this is the case then keep sending emails, and if it was me that this happened to I would post a new topic addressed to Zabaware Support everday at this forum until they get the message! Put "Zabaware Support" in the topic name! That might get some more positive results!
Good Luck!
Rich_A
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quote:
Originally posted by Clavdio
I bought the Ultra Hal Assistant in late january but the program just won't install. In fact it doesn't even get pass the password since the "continue"-button can't be pressed no matter what I write as password. I have tried to install it on several machines with systems ranging from Win98 to XP but always with the same problem. Zabaware ignores all my pleas for help and frankly I am getting very tired of being polite. I feel like I have been set up and cheated. If the box wont open I suppose I should find someone to open it for me I mean after all I have paid for it.
Many people have problems installing Hal. Here are a few of the things that can interfere with installation. You may have some programs that run in your startup menu, if so temporarily delete them from that meny. Sometimes anit virus programs will prevent Hal from being installed. About the password, the password is case sentive, that means if the passwrod was sent to you in upper case it will only accept upercase and will ignore anything else. These are the most common things that interfere with Hal's instatallion. Try them both and see what happens.
Bill
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Ah it felt good to hear some human voices and thank you for your help. When it comes to installing my downloaded version of Hal I think I have been too unspecific:
Computer 1: Intel P4 2,4Ghz, 1Gb DDR RAM HDD 2x120Gb SATA
Epox 4PCA3+ Motherboard, Delta Audiophile2496 Soundcard
Geforce 5600 256MbRam Graphicscard. WinXP with all latest servicepacks.
COmputer 2: Intel Celereon PIII 333Mhz 512Mb Ram 20Gb HDD
Soundcard Onboard Graphiccard Onboard
Win 98 RevB
And this is the problem (please note that I haven't gotten as far as actually installing) The first thing that happens when you click on the file is that it asks for a password.Whatever I write in there does'nt matter. The button "OK" wont light up. You cannot press it. This is my problem and it doesn't matter what computer I try to install it on.
Anyway Thanks alot
Magnus
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Claudio
The password is the REGISTRATION CODE given to you by ZABAWARE in their confirmation of purchase email. You need this code to unlock the program.
I had a similar problem when I first tried to install Ultra Hal Assistant 5.
Hope this help.
Patricia
quote:
Originally posted by Clavdio
Ah it felt good to hear some human voices and thank you for your help. When it comes to installing my downloaded version of Hal I think I have been too unspecific:
Computer 1: Intel P4 2,4Ghz, 1Gb DDR RAM HDD 2x120Gb SATA
Epox 4PCA3+ Motherboard, Delta Audiophile2496 Soundcard
Geforce 5600 256MbRam Graphicscard. WinXP with all latest servicepacks.
COmputer 2: Intel Celereon PIII 333Mhz 512Mb Ram 20Gb HDD
Soundcard Onboard Graphiccard Onboard
Win 98 RevB
And this is the problem (please note that I haven't gotten as far as actually installing) The first thing that happens when you click on the file is that it asks for a password.Whatever I write in there does'nt matter. The button "OK" wont light up. You cannot press it. This is my problem and it doesn't matter what computer I try to install it on.
Anyway Thanks alot
Magnus
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This thread is the oldest trick in the book.
" who to I complain to, my code dont work "
translates as.....
" I got a copy of ultra Hal off one of the download networks, but didn't relise that it needs an activation code. I know, I'll complain that my (non-existant) code doesn't work, and get them to post, or reply with a new one ... "
Hmmmmmm [:D] yes, you were oviously there at my birth YESTERDAY!
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93
I do not like being called neither a liar nor a thief. This is what I got from Zabaware when I bought the damn thing. It is in Swedish but I figure you will be able to find my registrationcode in there anyways. I do not need it anymore since the bastard who runs this scamoperation has ducked out of existence. I am to busy blacklisting Zabaware. If anyone has a working copy and have any use of my registrationcode I will happily pass it on.
93/98
Clavdio
V#228;NLIGEN TITTA EFTER F#246;LJANDE P#229; DIN KREDITKORTSFAKTURA "DR *ULTRA HAL ASSISTAN"
--------------------------------------------------
Best#228;llningsdetaljer
--------------------------------------------------
Ultra Hal Assistant (10335-1)
E-post f#246;r support: info@zabaware.com
Produkten kan laddas ner fr#229;n:
Hier klicken <http://wgt.digitalriver.com/wgt/9ae15daa864bfb4c/0610363826af648086fc2d3fe71ef40936660649f9ca83b3a5954bef180e1af4/rn_v10335/Hal5Reg.exe>
Ditt licensnamn #228;r: Magnus Bäcklund
Din licenskod #228;r: ZBUH50198
--------------------------------------------------
Betalningsinformation
--------------------------------------------------
Best#228;llningens ID-nummer: 1074958125-15046-795
Slutsumma: 40.89 EUR
KOM IH#229;G ATT P#229; DIN FAKTURA KOMMER INK#246;PET ATT KOMMA FR#229;N "DR *ULTRA HAL ASSISTAN"
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Hi Clavdio.
Look in the folder you downloaded your Hal installation to and look in that folder for a Registration text document, I believe that might have the unlock code for your installation of Hal. Copy and paste the registration code into the box then proceed to install and enjoy.
Jerry.
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when my CD ZABAWARE(ThankS) came I DID NOT EVEN HAVE TO ENTER A CODE.
THE SOFTWARE COMES FULL UNLOCKED....
MAYBE YOU SHOULD WAIT FOR THE CD.....
WHEN THE LINK CAME IT THE EMAIL AND I DOWNLOADED IT, AGAIN NO CODE WAS necasary....
ARE YOU SURE YOU GOT THE RIGHT THING MATE?????
PAY DOWN THE CASH & WAIT FOR THE CD
THATS THE solution...
A THOUGHT FROM XSPYDAZ
PS.
BY THE WAY ( THE FULL WORKING VERSION 5)
SIMPLY DA BEST
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at least some of you people got your product.i ordered and paid for a cd-rom to be shippied to about three months ago and still have not gotten it yet. i e-mailed the webmaster about it and haven`t heard from him either.
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I ordered and paid for my CD a little over a month ago.
I certainly hope I'm not going to have to wait for three
months to get it. No answer to the e-mail I sent either.
I did not threaten, but I did remind them of Federal law
that pertains to mail orders. That is, shipment must be made
within 30 days or the customer has to be promptly notified that
there is a delay and told when shipment will be made. So it is
obvious Zabaware is in violation of mail order law if some people
are waiting over 3 months with no word from them.
Kathryn [:)]
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quote:
Originally posted by Kathryn
I ordered and paid for my CD a little over a month ago.
I certainly hope I'm not going to have to wait for three
months to get it. No answer to the e-mail I sent either.
I did not threaten, but I did remind them of Federal law
that pertains to mail orders. That is, shipment must be made
within 30 days or the customer has to be promptly notified that
there is a delay and told when shipment will be made. So it is
obvious Zabaware is in violation of mail order law if some people
are waiting over 3 months with no word from them.
Kathryn [:)]
Hi Kathryn
The law as quoted is only partially correct. If you paid by credit card, did you check to see if you have actually been billed or if you paid by check has it returned to indicating that has been cashed? Then there is the possibility that the whole thing was lost in the mail. Mr. M. will be back shortly and I am sure that he will get everything fixed for all the orders, after all, we are his bread and butter. Everyone here by now knows that he is taking his finals and will be back and make evryone happy again.
Bill
P.S.
I am old enough to be his grandpa, but I admire is creativeness in designing this program and putting it on the web, so I have lots of patience.
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Hi Bill819,
Maybe I did quote the law wrong. I've been out of the
business world for a very long time. I am patient. I only
reminded him of that so he would be aware of it as I have
read some angry comments regarding his business practices.
I admire him for what he has done too - and for what he is
doing now, taking more than one major in college, etc. And
FYI I am probably old enough to be his great grandmother!!!!!
Regards,
Kathryn[:)]
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Clavdio,
Did you ever find the registration code you needed? They call me
The Psychic Finder of Lost Things - and I found it for
you in the Swedish stuff you posted. If you still need it
just post a reply and I'll e-mail it to you. Each code is
unique to each copy so no one else can use it.
Kathryn[:)]
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Clavdio-
I've seen many chatterbot programs, this UltraHal is pretty outdated and expensive for the full version. It does seem to have good advanced features for programming it etc... to do advanced stuff, but have you checked out the Verbots at http://www.verbots.com/ ???
It is a really good chatterbot program and it seems pretty stable (you can easily open programs and webpages, etc..), try the free version and if you want to pay for the standard version it's only $10!
-AleCat
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Clavdio-
Have you checked out any other chatterbot-type programs?
This Ultrahal seems pretty powerful, but it seems a little out-dated and expensive. It also doesn't sound like UltraHal is being supported anymore.
You should check out the Verbot at: http://www.verbots.com it's one of the better chatterbot programs out there, download the free version and if you like it the standard version is only $10!
-AleCat
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Alecat,
Verbot is a SCRIPTED chatbot. It has no real provision for
learning nor retaining what was previously said. It only
replies with "canned" responses. It does not "learn" from a text
file nor can it compete with even half of the things Hal can do.
While these types of verbots can be scripted to appear clever
in their responses, they really do not come close. The old adage,
"You get what you pay for" you will find, really is true.
Lastly, read through some of the previous postings and you will
find out that Zabaware is still being supported though perhaps
not as regular as some would like. Robert has a rather full plate
but he will get to you.
Good luck,
- Art -
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If you go onto Overnet (www.overnet.com) you can download the FULL version with the code to make it work.
and before anyone jumps on me , I PAID for mine. I only saw this after I had my CD.
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Interesting.
I've been downloading bots like crazy this month. I'm one of those people that gets on a kick for some subject matter - this month is all about bots.
I came across Hal - which I find interesting - but I couldn't justify the price. Then following the threads about other bots all I could find was commercial based or web based bots. The only other one I came across was the virbot. And while I was a little worried about the price being so cheap (you usually do get what you pay for) - it turns out that I paid for great support by the developers. I had a problem at first due to running windows 98 (don't laugh) and they email me back right away and helped me solve the problem.
So I decided any company that responds that fast might be worth my 10 bucks - so I went ahead and bought the full version.
To make a long store short - they recently added some learning capabilities to the latest version - seems like they update the software about every two weeks and usually it includes features based on input of the forum.
It may not work exactly like hal - but so far their customer support and updates are making me feel like I got a whole lot for 10 bucks and a new hobby.
I'm thinking about buying the full version of hal too - but I'm not sure where the future lies in throwing out double the money?
-={Jay}=-
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I too have been looking into Verbot ( www.verbot.com ) and it seems that the administrators of the forum really pay attention to the clients. I have been very impressed with the level of service that they offer; it seems that not a week goes by that they have not implemented a feature based on a request in the forum, and they are always helpful. With features like merging knowledge bases, a new learning feature, and csv file import support, it is definately a really cool program, scripted or not. Seeing as I am geared towards home-automation and security, it is more sensible for me to work with an application that I have easy and complete control over. For example, if you say something and you receive a response that you do not like, you can correct it, and it will remember it.
So, guys, check out www.verbot.com and look for the community forums. I'm sure they could use a few more good brains over there. Judging from the amount of effort you put into Hal, you would be a valuable asset to them I'm sure. Try helping a site that actually gives a #$%& about thier customers/potential customers!
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Heh Heh Heh [:D]
You GUYS! I love all Yall... I must Admit Customer service Maybe GOOD BUT, HAL is only RESTRICTED by IMAGINATION.....
HAL CAN DO ANYTHING but YOU HAVE TO BUILD THE SCRIPT.
THE HAL ENGINE is THE best "Thats why VERBOT copied it" :
THE VERBOT version IS a more RESTRICTED PROG.
HAL is more UNIVERSALLY PLUG AND PLAY with existing TECHnology & UPCOMMING TECH........
All programs have some form of price :: HAL is QUITE cheap :: Although $10 seems to be Unbeatable....
THE FREE VERSION is CLOSE to the FULL VERSION so dont worry UNLESS you grow attatched as I DID...
THIS AI to me SEEMS to be the one... ANY VERSION
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quote:
Originally posted by spydaz
THE HAL ENGINE is THE best "Thats why VERBOT copied it" :
Well I've been using the Verbot since early 1998 (shortly after Sylvie first came out), and apparently the first julia chatterbot which Sylvie was based on was developed in 1994. The earliest web archive I've seen for Hal is dated December 1998 ( http://web.archive.org/web/19981212034301/http://www.zabaware.com/ ), so saying that Verbot "copied" Hal is pretty ridiculous. Also they work completely different, Hal's brain is a hodge-podge of data that I can't even begin to figure out, where the verbot's brain is a pretty straight-forward collection of rules, inputs and outputs.
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Hello AleCat,
Thank you for posting!
I especially appreciate learning about http://web.archive.org and their archive of old websites! It is useful and excellent!
Like you, I've been following A.I. on the web for many years. There are lots of free, paid, open, or proprietary chatterbots out there, of every kind and nature. The Simon Laven page is full of them, and there are hundreds more.
When I evaluate competitive chatterbots, I use Ultra Hal as the benchmark. Then I check whether "Brand X" has these eight features:
1. Does it have turn-key local-PC installation with zero adware/spyware/nagware?
2. Are a variety of animated characters included with installation?
3. Is speech synthesis included with installation?
4. Is there a large database included?
5. Can the database can be deleted or edited by the user?
6. Does it have real-time learning ability during conversations?
7. Does it do correct pronoun reversals of "you" to "I" or "me"?
8. Do the characters "stay in character" during conversations (rather than relying on the old excuse "I am a computer" whenever they get stuck)?
The above list eliminates most contenders.
Zabaware has co-sponsored the Chatterbot Challenge in the past and promoted it on this site. They are evidently not afraid of competition. Any competitor who enhances general awareness has the potential to "lift the market category" for everybody!
Specific feature-by-feature comparisons, with effort towards objectivity, are informative for Ultra Hal developers.
It would be useful to do an objective feature-by-feature comparison per the list I have posted above. (I hope that our other forum members will add evaluation criteria to the list, but I suggest the above eight questions as the starting point.)
Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Don
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One point I would like to add to your list of evaluation criteria is:
Does the program understand the fundamental meaning of each remark?
Or put more simply;
Can the chatbot STAY ON TOPIC?
This is one "feature" that chatbot programmers really need to concentrate on. I would say that Alice (by Richard Wallace) is the best at responding with RRR (Reasonably Relevant Responses), but is "hard-coded" with responses to specific patterned remarks which diminishes the possibility of variety. Hal, on the other hand, can respond with a plethora of responses, although mostly nonsensical and off-topic, they can be RRR while maintaining variety. I almost never get the same response to the same input with Hal, unless the remark I make triggers a specific function (greetings, time question, etc.).
If variety is the spice of life, what are you flavoring?
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Don:
I like your list of metrics to compare chat-bot programs on, here are a couple more I would add to the list:
9) Is it easy to modify the bot's knowledge and get support for updating the brain, or for the program itself?
10) Is there a way to swap out or combine brains for different situations/applications?
Also none of these items address the abilities of what the bot can do for you as a personal assistant, such as remember dates/appointments and then remind you, run programs for you, etc...
HALImprover-
quote:
Originally posted by HALImprover
Does the program understand the fundamental meaning of each remark?
No AI really understands the "fundamental meaning of each remark", and none will until it is really as smart as a human - a true Artificial General Intelligence. When that time comes, you have more things to worry about than how it chats with you. Maybe what you mean is: "Does the bot do a good job of giving the illusion of understanding the meaning of each remark."
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In my opinion Hal is the best that there is, but if you want to see more bots look at the following link:
http://www.angelfire.com/trek/amanda/botlist.htm
Now go out and have fun, but you will be back.
Bill
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well for a start, I'll say something here.Yes, We can call it competitive chatterbots as such and you can have your nice little guidelines to attempt to compare to if you wish BUT I'll stand by the fact that Verbot is a superior chatbot to alot that I have seen of late and shows extreme promise! May I add also that the staff and their service at verbot are absolutely professional, polite, courteous and extremely prompt in their updating and correspondence to their customers!. I shall elaborate further, the wonderful professional way they treat their customers is so impressive! They are a fantastic people persons company and really care about their product and really do assist and answer the people promptly, efficiently and genuinely. At least when you contact them they have the decency and courtesy to contact you back which is alot more than I can say for Ultrahal and Robert Medeszka, who I'm still waiting to receive a reply from by the way, after months of emailing!!!!. Believe me, compare all you like but Verbot will go far and I sincerely recommend it to all those who seek quality AI intelligence software and excellent customer service! Afterall, Quality service says it all! I also give Verbot my top vote!!! It's not just about making a quick buck and ignoring your customers and their needs afterall, its about quality products and quality service and being satisfied with that product! I rest my case!
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Verbot rules. You suck.
Go and masterbate to your ultra hal.