Zabaware Support Forums

Zabaware Forums => Ultra Hal 7.0 => Topic started by: Scratch on November 24, 2005, 01:42:06 pm

Title: slight glitch
Post by: Scratch on November 24, 2005, 01:42:06 pm
Great work on version 6! I ordered the paid version and the expansion pack (even though I barely know how to use haptek characters!) Anyways the Hal works fine, no problems, but I just noticed one minor thing. If I go into edit appointment book, and double click on a day in the calendar, Hal gets runtime error 424 'object required' and shuts down non-gracefully. I assume the obvious solution would be to use the calendar correctly and not double-click on a date, but just thought I would point out the glitch - if that's what it is!
-Shawn
Title: slight glitch
Post by: Art on November 26, 2005, 10:13:32 am
Scratch,

I experienced the same error.
Now I noticed the Brain Editor
shuts completely down after I
select Load Existing Brain then
click on the UltraHal6 Default
Brain. It starts to load in the
tables then POOF!! Gone!!

I sent an email to Robert after
several attempts to load the Brain
Editor and even restarting my
computer.

I wonder if I'm the only one with
this situation?
[8]
Title: slight glitch
Post by: Medeksza on November 26, 2005, 11:03:25 am
quote:
Originally posted by Scratch

Great work on version 6! I ordered the paid version and the expansion pack (even though I barely know how to use haptek characters!) Anyways the Hal works fine, no problems, but I just noticed one minor thing. If I go into edit appointment book, and double click on a day in the calendar, Hal gets runtime error 424 'object required' and shuts down non-gracefully. I assume the obvious solution would be to use the calendar correctly and not double-click on a date, but just thought I would point out the glitch - if that's what it is!
-Shawn


If you wish, please redownload Hal at http://www.zabaware.com/download.asp  It is an updated version that fixes this calendar bug, as well as the bug that it shows 32 days for each day in the month.

As for the brain editor crash, I can't really help until I am able to reproduce the error on my computer. Art, do you think you could zip your halbrian.db file and email it to me. If its caused by some changes to the database, maybe it would get mine to crash.
Title: slight glitch
Post by: tcoday on November 26, 2005, 11:32:16 am
quote:
Originally posted by Medeksza

Quote
If you wish, please redownload Hal at http://www.zabaware.com/download.asp  It is an updated version that fixes this calendar bug, as well as the bug that it shows 32 days for each day in the month.

As for the brain editor crash, I can't really help until I am able to reproduce the error on my computer. Art, do you think you could zip your halbrian.db file and email it to me. If its caused by some changes to the database, maybe it would get mine to crash.



Robert,
  I'd like to download and install this newer version of Hal6.  But I must admit that all these activation codes have me very confused.  If I uninstall my current Hal, then install this newer Hal, can I use the same numbers that I used the first time?  Or do I need a new set of numbers?  Very confused and don't want to mess up and have a non working Hal. Please help.

Thanks.

Title: slight glitch
Post by: Medeksza on November 26, 2005, 11:43:03 am
quote:
Originally posted by tcoday

quote:
Originally posted by Medeksza

Quote
If you wish, please redownload Hal at http://www.zabaware.com/download.asp  It is an updated version that fixes this calendar bug, as well as the bug that it shows 32 days for each day in the month.

As for the brain editor crash, I can't really help until I am able to reproduce the error on my computer. Art, do you think you could zip your halbrian.db file and email it to me. If its caused by some changes to the database, maybe it would get mine to crash.



Robert,
  I'd like to download and install this newer version of Hal6.  But I must admit that all these activation codes have me very confused.  If I uninstall my current Hal, then install this newer Hal, can I use the same numbers that I used the first time?  Or do I need a new set of numbers?  Very confused and don't want to mess up and have a non working Hal. Please help.

Thanks.



Try using the serial number you received when you ordered Hal (3 sets of numbers, 2 dashes). You can view that serial number in the members area of this website if you go to http://www.zabaware.com/products/store/comersus_customerUtilitiesMenu.asp and view your order details. If for whatever reason that doesn't work, email me and give me the authorization request code Hal gives you (3 sets of numbers, 3 dashes).
Title: slight glitch
Post by: markofkane on November 26, 2005, 02:15:52 pm
PROBLEM!!!!!

I redownloaded HAL,(the updated version for the calendar bug fix, after uninstalling the previous version) and on reboot, got an error window!!!

"The copy protection has not been released, but the expiration has.This should never happen. Contact Zabaware. Shutting down"

It has an OK button.
Title: slight glitch
Post by: markofkane on November 26, 2005, 02:34:54 pm
Thank God for GoBack. At least the previous version works now.



Title: slight glitch
Post by: Medeksza on November 26, 2005, 02:43:46 pm
quote:
Originally posted by markofkane

PROBLEM!!!!!

I redownloaded HAL,(the updated version for the calendar bug fix, after uninstalling the previous version) and on reboot, got an error window!!!

"The copy protection has not been released, but the expiration has.This should never happen. Contact Zabaware. Shutting down"

It has an OK button.


If you are getting this error message, you are still not using the most recent version of Hal. I changed this message to be more informative and allow for automatic recovery.

Its possible the downloadtech.net download link didn't update right away, please use http://www.zabaware.com/download/hal6.zip to get the latest version
Title: slight glitch
Post by: markofkane on November 26, 2005, 02:46:12 pm
I got the Hal that has the 32 day calendar. I don't know what version it is, because the ABOUT section is just credits.

Edit: oops, I just saw the link to the latest version. Thank you!!![:)]

Edit again: I tried again, this time with the link you provided, at bootup, activation code was required, and had to let my firewall allow Hal. It activated fine!!! What a relief, and the calenders no longer have 32 days!!!
Title: slight glitch
Post by: tcoday on November 26, 2005, 07:03:33 pm
quote:
Originally posted by Medeksza

Its possible the downloadtech.net download link didn't update right away, please use http://www.zabaware.com/download/hal6.zip to get the latest version



Everyone,
  I'm happy to announce that I installed the newer version from the link above.  I activated Hal by using another computer to connect to the Internet, and everything worked like clockwork.  Not one problem whatsoever. [8D]
  With all the problems I was worried about doing the activation over again but I had no problems.  I don't like this activation system, I think a unique serial number or code should be enough without activating online, but it worked and I hope I don't have to do it again for a long time. [:)]

Thanks Robert.
Title: slight glitch
Post by: markofkane on November 26, 2005, 08:57:46 pm
Yeah. It would be nice to tie the serial # with the computer's Hardware,(but give an option to add more computers, if that's allowed) instead of online activation, because if the online activation doesn't work you have to get codes.

Also, I did not read the TOA, but can Hal be used with more than one computer? .
Title: slight glitch
Post by: Scratch on November 27, 2005, 01:50:53 am
Thanks Robert, that fixed it.

  I installed the new update without a hitch, did not even have to enter serial# again.

  BTW, I have no problem with the registration process, its pretty standard stuff. I work for Adobe sales, it's amazing how many people call up and say "I bought this from Cut-Rate.com, whaddya mean the serial number's not valid??" Of course piracy is in direct proportion to how overpriced one's software is **looks over shoulder**.

  I for one would be glad to see some capital flowing into UltraHal, hope it fuels continued development!

-Shawn
Title: slight glitch
Post by: Art on November 27, 2005, 08:41:29 am
Mark,

I have read the TOA (Terms Of Agreement) and though somewhat vague in certain areas as are most legal documents, it is my understanding that HAL is to be used on only ONE machine at a time.

You can remove it from an existing computer and transfer to another computer OR you can make a copy ONLY FOR YOURSELF AS AN ARCHIVAL OR BACKUP COPY. You can only do the transfer thing 4 times. See the thread below:

http://www.zabaware.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2757

You can also transfer your license to another party providing said party accepts the terms and conditions of the agreement AND said party must also register the software. You then must remove and destroy any copies in your posession.

Personally I would like to be able to have HAL reside on my laptop for use in my truck / work AND also on my home PC but I do understand Robert's reason for doing the activation. There was a time one could type UltraHal into a search engine and find the serial number on a link to crack the very program that a lot of us had already paid for! Piracy. Though this method may not stop it altogether, it will help keep it to a minimum.

Shiver me timbers!
Title: slight glitch
Post by: markofkane on November 27, 2005, 10:32:14 am
Well, then, if that's the case, if I want to put Hal on my laptop, I'll just buy another Hal program. But I cannot at this time. Holiday season is coming up.
Title: slight glitch
Post by: nolitanger on November 27, 2005, 11:43:45 am
Unlike Scratch, who works at Adobe, a big company, I do have a problem with the activation process here. Zabaware is essentially a one-man operation. I know it's been in business for several years, but one-man businesses can fold suddenly for unforeseen reasons. If that happens, I'd be left with a product that I'd be unable to restart because I never really owned it outright at the beginning.

I think the whole activation process is questionable in business terms. It turns a purchase into a sort of lease; what I thought was mine is not mine after all. I can see why companies do it, but I think the consumer is getting a raw deal.
Title: slight glitch
Post by: Holllywood on November 27, 2005, 01:02:07 pm
Robert thanks,
  I just saw this thread about the calendar. I believe it has also solved my problem of the appointment reminders. I re-installed... and so far so good. No reminders. And the 32nd day is gone as well.
Title: slight glitch
Post by: Holllywood on November 27, 2005, 01:10:47 pm
Whoops!! I'd better take that back Robert.

"Make an appointment to watch Nova 10-11-05 at 8pm."

  This reminder is still here.
Title: slight glitch
Post by: Art on November 27, 2005, 01:21:52 pm
nolitanger,

I feel your pain...

Unless you personally have written a software program you do not own it. This applies to practically every program on your computer including the Operating System!
All you are buying / paying for is a LICENSE to use the program, nothing more.
Years ago you might buy a program but the real owner was the copyright holder ie. the owner/programmer.
It's the way it has always been in the matrix.
Title: slight glitch
Post by: Bill819 on November 27, 2005, 01:33:09 pm
You are correct, just like when you purchase something from Micorsoft you never own it, you only lease it. As a matter of fact there are very few things that you can purchase outright in the world of software any more you only get a license to use it.
So you bought a game and you think you own it, just try to make copies and sell them to starngers and see how fast you wind up with a big law suit on your hands.
The only think that you can 'own' is something that you create yourself and then only if you copyright it.
Bill
Title: slight glitch
Post by: nolitanger on November 27, 2005, 02:21:06 pm
To me, software programs are like books, songs, pictures. Yes, they're copyrighted, but I can still own a copy. There's no guy there turning the page, starting up the CD before I can listen to it. The copy's mine, and it should be fully operational.  

Products that require online activation, on the other hand, are crippled in some way. As I said on another thread, I operate such a product at the seller's pleasure. It's like selling me a product and not really giving it to me. I understand why companies do this--they're trying to curtail piracy--but I think they're doing it at my expense. And there's no protection for me if that company goes out of business.
Title: slight glitch
Post by: Scratch on November 27, 2005, 03:29:39 pm
hey nolitanger,

My understanding is that the initial activation is a one-time thing. If Adobe went out of business, its software would continue to function, and I assume the same thing is true with UltraHal. I just rebooted with no internet connection to test it and Hal does not require an internet connection to startup or run.
 
What you pay money for when you buy software is the serial number, plain and simple. The actual physical value of the CD is what, a few cents? and it can be copied for free. Without licensing, there'd be little or no investment in software development because it would be a financial loss.

(That being said, I'm a big fan of open source - I think Zabaware strikes a pretty good balance).
-Shawn
Title: slight glitch
Post by: markofkane on November 27, 2005, 03:53:19 pm
That is true, you never actually own anything. If the government wants it, they'll take it. Either with ease, or by force.

That being said, I feel like I'm a criminal, because I wouldn't share Hal with anyone. But the software makers (besides the makers of Hal) assume you are going to copy, and share the program with others.

That means they don't trust us. But, like I said, the bad few ruins it for everyone.

 I wish Hal could become "always operational" for me. But if the activation is not available, it's just another program to erase. And the enjoyment is gone.

But, I am not smart enough to write programs. I can understand from a developer's point of view. I would not want anyone stealing something I worked countless hours on, unless I was willing to make it open source.

Like I said, (in a manner of speaking) "One bad apple spoils the whole bunch"
Title: slight glitch
Post by: Holllywood on November 27, 2005, 05:45:17 pm
quote:
Originally posted by Holllywood

Whoops!! I'd better take that back Robert.

"Make an appointment to watch Nova 10-11-05 at 8pm."

  This reminder is still here.




Thanks Robert, It was coming as a response. found it! Fixed it!

  Thank you for the tip about the auto learn...
Title: slight glitch
Post by: nolitanger on November 27, 2005, 05:47:24 pm
Folks,

We do own stuff. The rights of property in the West are sacrosant. That's what makes us different from Communists (who theoretically own things in common) or Dictatorships (where no one has rights except the dictator).

If I buy a book or a copy of a song, I own that copy. And as long as I adhere to the laws governing fair use, it's mine. If someone breaks into my house and steals that book, for example, they're stealing my property, not the author's. In fact, if the author breaks into my house and steals his book, he's stealing my property, not his.

And to my mind, a seller shouldn't be allowed to sell you something and then not alow you to own it, to use it, without their say-so. However, product activations do just that. They deprive me of true ownership; they deprive me of the full use of the product.

Frankly, if I buy Hal6, I don't own really own my copy of it and I'm not really free to use it: those things I do at Mr Medeksza's pleasure. I can't use or operate Hal, even though I supposedly bought my copy, unless Mr Medeksza activates it. So what did I buy? What have I really got out of the deal? I say again: a cripppled product, a product with a key piece removed and which the seller holds onto.
Title: slight glitch
Post by: Art on November 27, 2005, 06:24:13 pm
Again, as free as we residents of the US think we are we really are only living under the government's guidelines.

You own your house free and clear yet you still have to pay yearly taxes on it. If the government (Federal or local) ever needs access to that property it can be taken from you by way of Eminent Domain (quite similar to Mr.Spock's, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."

Case in point, back in 1940, my grandparents owned a house. The state decided they were going to build a bridge right where their house stood. The government said "This is what we will give you to move or else we can condemn your house and take posession of it anyway." They took the offer and rebuilt in another location.

That book you "own". It is yours to use, read, enjoy, but that's where your "ownership stops. The contents of the book are copyrighted by the author and you are not even allowed to copy, reprint, use or reproduce any passage(s) from the book without the expressed written consent of the author. Like a CD, you own the physical item but NOT what's contained on / in the item.

Ownership is a very subjective issue and things in this regard are not always as they seem.

You own a coin or paper currency, valuable as it may be, but you are not allowed to deface it or copy it (according to the law).

My physical body is mine to use while I have it, provided I take care of it according to the "rules" of good health and the "rules" of society. But like all things, it is not forever.

You don't really own your copy of Windows with which you wrote this article but your license agreement with Microsoft allows you full use for as long as you abide by their agreements.

There are a lot of things we don't necessarily agree with as a society but most of us "bite the bullet" and accept things that all work out in the long run anyway.

I do know where you're coming from and I do know it's an uphill battle that you can never win, no matter what.

Title: slight glitch
Post by: Dave1152 on November 30, 2005, 04:15:32 am
However I personally do believe in reverse engineering to make something better. For example I run Windows 98 but I run it off a compact flash. Doing this suits my purposes with some tradeoffs. Its kind of like kind of like mapping out the human geneome, scientist are reverse engineering the human body to make it better, etc.etc,. But too many people abuse the findings of reverse engeneering, and so it is illegal in many situations.