Why does the serial number need to be so long?
I don't understand why the serial code has to be 64 characters long (excluding the hyphens). It's such a pain, and much longer than the Windows product keys, for example. Here is some math:
There are 36 possibilities for each character. So the number of possible codes is 36^64. But let's assume that Acronis wants 3 characters for a product code (which gives you 46,000 possible products), and they need 5 characters devoted to prevent random guessing (which gives only one valid code sequence in every 60 million code sequences. Seems reasonable).
So that would leave "only" 56 characters contributing to a valid code. That is 36^56, which is roughly 1.4 x 10^87. Which is about the number of atoms in 100 of our universes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observable_universe#Matter_content
I've worked with marketing people before, and seen optimistic sales forecasts. But not even the most enthusiastic marketer has projected sales to be equal to the number of atoms in the universe, much less 100 universes.
Yes, copy and paste make this concern a non-issue.
All I have sitting in front of me is a disk in an envelope with 71 characters on it. There is nothing to copy and paste, unless I scan it and use OCR. So it is not a "non issue" for people who did not get the program electronically.
Serial number generators can be rendered moot as long as whatever validates the serial numbers requires a tangible gap between attempts. One second ought to be enough.
The information that Colin speculates that the serial number might carry can only explain a few characters perhaps. So we're still talking a ridiculously long serial number, more than twice as long as any other I've seen.
Granted, this is not a life-or-death problem, but still...it would be nice if Acronis could make it so that you're not cursing the product even before you've taken the disk out of the sleeve.
Yes, a long sn is annoying. Acronis is using a system longer than many with far far more valuable IP to protect. Should they bring it more in-line with the industry -- yes... yes... yes...
But entering a SN to protect IP is not asking for the moon... A shorter one would not impact things that much... it's backup sw after all, not 'the lion king'... The IP is not worth that much...
Serial number generators can be rendered moot as long as whatever validates the serial numbers requires a tangible gap between attempts. One second ought to be enough.
Validator for 64-character serial indeed validates it for a while, even on reasonably fast computers. Apparently validator for 25-character serials validated them fast enough (obviously, keygens use reversed validating algorithm from the software and do not type the numbers into the form). Anyway, the activation rendered keygens useless for TI 2012.
I, too, received a copy of TIH on a CD, free with the purchase of Winndows 7 Professional. The back of the CD sleeve says,
"Important: Your license is 71 characters long. When inputting your license, please include the Hyphens between each key block."
"You can also register online to receive an electronic key which can be copied and pasted into the software. To register online, go to www.acronis.com/my/box and fill Out the required information fields. Enter the first two 8-digit blocks from your license label in the serial code field. You will immediately be emailed the complete 64-digit code (plus the seven dashes)."
And, no, I didn't type all that text; I scanned and OCR'ed the back of the CD sleeve. After I send this, I'm about to try these instructions. (I haven't needed this copy since I own two others.)
... OK, I just tried it. If I hadn't had an account at Acronis it would have made me "register," but as promised, after I entered the first two eight chacter blocks, the whole 64 digit serial number appeared, ready for copying, and I also receieved an e-mail containing same.
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Jim
I agree that it is terribly tedious, but I especially do not like doubling it and that's what you get when you purchase an upgrade. Have to enter the new number and then the old one.
I recommend Acronis simplify the key entry policy for upgrade versions.
Clarence
The length of the serial number isn't so much of a problem if it is either cut and pasted out of the email or serial number.txt file.
All I have sitting in front of me is a disk in an envelope with 71 characters on it. There is nothing to copy and paste, unless I scan it and use OCR. So it is not a "non issue" for people who did not get the program electronically.
Serial number generators can be rendered moot as long as whatever validates the serial numbers requires a tangible gap between attempts. One second ought to be enough.
The information that Colin speculates that the serial number might carry can only explain a few characters perhaps. So we're still talking a ridiculously long serial number, more than twice as long as any other I've seen.
Granted, this is not a life-or-death problem, but still...it would be nice if Acronis could make it so that you're not cursing the product even before you've taken the disk out of the sleeve.
appreciate, save me a lot of time.