Just wanted to post a warning to other users, that programs like Partition Magic, which alter hard disk formats, will invalidate your license key.I found out the hard way, but PMDG were rapid in their response and I am up and running once again! Thanks Robert.Graeme

Hi Graeme,Very interesting. I often use PM to increase my FS partition size, or some other partition size that could cause the FS partition to be moved (I never use C: for FS).Did you simply alter the partition size or move it, or did you change the boot sector file(s), maybe by enabling a multi-boot setup, etc,?PMDG, do you have a comment on how Partition Magic can cause issues with your security system? Most FS users are also computer "hacks", it would be nice to know just what we can and can not do to our computers anymore.Thanks,Bruce.PS. I second the good and immediate support from PMDG.

Bruce,I was resizing the existing partitions on my 120Gb hard disk. I have it divided into 3 partitions (C:, D:, E:). The "E:" drive is my Flight sim stuff, and I was running out of space, so I decided to enlarge it and reduce the others. I don't think it is clear from the readme notes that type of action this would invalidate the PMDG key.So - be warned...Regards,Graeme

Seems to me this new way software developers are going with these license keys (while preventing piracy) trips up the legit user more often than the hackers. While it is entirely within PMDG's right to use whatever protection they deem fit, I can't help but recall that old saying, "If guns were outlawed, only outlaws would have guns".

Thanx for the info. I may go ahead for a refund. I use a freakin lot PM, as well as Ghost to alter my HDD and system and realy work with my PC as I am a pro PC Admin. Just 'cause I have not done any resizing with PM lately I have not experienced this "feature" of PMDG software myself yet. But resizing doesnt make Windows XP pro to cry for a code by Microsoft Support for unlocking it again like other actions do. So I guess moving the entire partition of FS2k2 by Ghost will trigger this lovely protection software as well. That means that I will having a lot of e-mails back and forth with PMDG when I have to maintenance my PC again and more often - so in order to enjoy my FS2kX hobby?That is just a little bit out of what I would call enjoyment with a hobby! I can understand when I have to do such protection stuff when buying a realy expensive software like "3D Studio Max" which costs about

Edited for spelling!I too use PM a lot. Your HD has a Volume serial number that changes when you perform a

Can someone from PMDG comment on this? I find it ridiculuous that every time someone uses Partition Magic to shift/resize partitions that they have to write to PMDG to ask if they can continue to use the software they legitimately purchased. It sure sounds like their hardware change detector is a bit too sensitive.I use Partition Magic from time to make adjustments, and it just doesn't feel right that I would have to remember to transfer my license (shutting down my PMDG aircraft until PMDG can get back to me). Yes, they say they will get back quickly, but what if something is going on at the time, the company goes under, etc.Lee Hetherington (KBED)

Hmm... I am actually considering to request a refund.... I do not like this HW protection system thing, and when I have to think twice before upgrading my HW I think it has gone way too far.. I thought that this protection was ment to be a pain in the as* for the pirates, and not the paying customers.....

Lee,I agree that is my biggest concern too. What if next year PMDG cease to exist. How will anyone be able to reinstall/operate this program if the developers are no longer around?I hope PMDG reconsider their copy protection system.Graeme

Gentlemen-we are listening to your concerns! Give me a few days more, and I will have some way to alleviate your problems. I need to test a few things before I can speak out more freely about it though.Cheers,

Lefteris,Thats great! Thanks :-)

You have most likely heard the term "vote with your pocket(check) book". I'm not considering a refund, but will be thinking hard about whether I purchase further products that have this protection scheme. I'll wait and see what tranpires over time. For PMDG, the future products and other NG variants that will be charged for, might be a good indication for them as to how the customer base feels- maybe even the FS2004 upgrade for this package also.I do really like this bird, it flies exceptionally well and has a very immersive feel about it. What I don't know is if I'm willing to tolerate one product dictating what I can or can't do to my own system. I understand that I can un-register then re-register, my own fears are that since I tweak things so often and change things around that I will forget to go through this process.Up until this PM issue that Graeme posted, I was fine with the security protection. I'll just have to see if I can live with this additional level of security.PMDG- what might be nice, as many of your customers are "tweakers", is knowing just what we can and can not change before the security system is invoked. Once again, a graet job on the aircraft, guys.Bruce.

Hi Lefteris,That's all we need. It's really great that you do listen to us, Lefteris (and other PMDG guys). I don't think there is one of us that would disagree that you have to do something to protect your work, it's more the inconveniences to the customer base that is the issue.Thanks again, and as I've said before- a great product. Bruce.

Yes, that sounds ok. A developer and salesman have ever to compare how much profit loos will come up by pirates and how much will get lost of customers whom tell others how unuseable the protection system is, 'cause it makes too much trouble for the ones whom doesnt do illegal stuff and so other will keep off buying the software.I dont know.. hope you get my point.

Any update on this issue?I would like to install but I know that I will soon be upgrading and changing my OS from 98SE to XPDom