MS Reader - No activations - no support

Anhunedd · 04-14-2009, 12:58 PM

OK, after some ideas on what to do now...

Every 2 months or so, on trying to open up a secure LIT file, my MS Reader pops up with the error:

"The digital security software that protects this eBook has been updated. You must re-activate in order to open this title. Please go to www.microsoft.com/reader/update for additional information."

This usually works, but now it is telling me I have used up all my quota of 6 activations. Which, given I've only ever been using one PC, is wrong.

I am able to ask for another activation to be added. But that form doesn't work - it is unable to connect to the server to do so. And even then, the form clearly says that I can only ask for one additional activation every 180 days - and as MS Reader decides it needs updating every 2 months or so on my PC, that is going to go wrong next time.

I've tried the MS Support page, and MS Reader isn't listed in the drop down box. There's a direct link on a thread a bit further down on this forum, but that just jumps to the general support page where I have to select the product - which doesn't exist according to MS.

Now I realise I am trapped in DRM hell here, but has anyone else had this problem and got it sorted?

DRM - all it ever does is make the proper paying customer's life hell.

Idoine · 04-14-2009, 01:19 PM

I vaguely remember a page that permits to disable some PC's for activation...
I'll search and come back !

ilovejedd · 04-14-2009, 01:20 PM

That doesn't sound normal. My copy of Reader isn't bugging me to update. In fact, as far as I know, Microsoft hasn't updated the software for a few years now. Heck, I've even forgotten the log-in credentials I used to activate it so I remove DRM from every purchase and keep DRM-free back-up copies in case the PC where I installed MS Reader dies or something.

Assuming you still have access to your ebooks, what I would do is use ConvertLIT to remove DRM from the ebooks (don't explode to oebps, just remove DRM). Then, uninstall Microsoft Reader completely from your computer. Don't know if it leaves any traces but maybe you should do a search or something to remove all traces of the program. Then just download the latest copy from Microsoft's website, do a clean install on your PC and activate.

Idoine · 04-14-2009, 01:32 PM

Argh ! They changed their site !
And I don't think I have saved the page !
Now you could try this with an explanation of your issue...
Then, as soon as your account is unlocked, I would do as ilovejedd said, un-DRM your files with ConvertLIT !

columbus · 04-14-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovejedd;

That doesn't sound normal. My copy of Reader isn't bugging me to update. In fact, as far as I know, Microsoft hasn't updated the software for a few years now. Heck, I've even forgotten the log-in credentials I used to activate it so I remove DRM from every purchase and keep DRM-free back-up copies in case the PC where I installed MS Reader dies or something.

Assuming you still have access to your ebooks, what I would do is use ConvertLIT to remove DRM from the ebooks (don't explode to oebps, just remove DRM).

Yes, I do the same - have not had the update issue - But- the last .LIT file I de DRMed & converted with calibre crashed & rebooted my sony 505. It would not go past the first few pages without a bit of fiddling - remember the Sony Rootkit saga! - have they shot themselves in the foot again! this time with the help of uncle Bill!!

JSWolf · 04-14-2009, 02:31 PM

My activated copy of MS Reader one day just suddenly stopped being able to handle DRM infected LIT files. But since I had already gotten the key to use with ConvertLIT, all I do is strip the DRM right after download and I'm all set. I have no idea why it stopped working. But, since I can strip off the DRM, it's no bother.

04-14-2009, 12:58 PM	#1
Anhunedd Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Sony PRS-505	MS Reader - No activations - no support OK, after some ideas on what to do now... Every 2 months or so, on trying to open up a secure LIT file, my MS Reader pops up with the error: "The digital security software that protects this eBook has been updated. You must re-activate in order to open this title. Please go to www.microsoft.com/reader/update for additional information." This usually works, but now it is telling me I have used up all my quota of 6 activations. Which, given I've only ever been using one PC, is wrong. I am able to ask for another activation to be added. But that form doesn't work - it is unable to connect to the server to do so. And even then, the form clearly says that I can only ask for one additional activation every 180 days - and as MS Reader decides it needs updating every 2 months or so on my PC, that is going to go wrong next time. I've tried the MS Support page, and MS Reader isn't listed in the drop down box. There's a direct link on a thread a bit further down on this forum, but that just jumps to the general support page where I have to select the product - which doesn't exist according to MS. Now I realise I am trapped in DRM hell here, but has anyone else had this problem and got it sorted? DRM - all it ever does is make the proper paying customer's life hell.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Does any ebook reader support Japanese?	banjobama	Which one should I buy?	18	10-19-2018 07:48 PM
Digital Editions -- Too Many Activations	Serena	ePub	66	09-12-2018 04:16 AM
Support for Kogan e-reader	bluesbeat	Calibre	7	08-21-2010 09:29 AM
does sony reader support arabic?	watch	Which one should I buy?	7	11-24-2008 11:50 PM
Reader Support	dwbryant2000	Bookeen	14	12-20-2007 02:35 AM

04-14-2009, 01:19 PM	#2
Idoine Which book will be next ? Posts: 661 Karma: 2172 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: France Device: Cybook Gen3 1.5, Sony PRS 600 RC, Samsung Omnia...	I vaguely remember a page that permits to disable some PC's for activation... I'll search and come back !

04-14-2009, 01:20 PM	#3
ilovejedd hopeless n00b Posts: 5,111 Karma: 19597086 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: in the middle of nowhere Device: PW4, PW3, Libra H2O, iPad 10.5, iPad 11, iPad 12.9	That doesn't sound normal. My copy of Reader isn't bugging me to update. In fact, as far as I know, Microsoft hasn't updated the software for a few years now. Heck, I've even forgotten the log-in credentials I used to activate it so I remove DRM from every purchase and keep DRM-free back-up copies in case the PC where I installed MS Reader dies or something. Assuming you still have access to your ebooks, what I would do is use ConvertLIT to remove DRM from the ebooks (don't explode to oebps, just remove DRM). Then, uninstall Microsoft Reader completely from your computer. Don't know if it leaves any traces but maybe you should do a search or something to remove all traces of the program. Then just download the latest copy from Microsoft's website, do a clean install on your PC and activate.

04-14-2009, 01:32 PM	#4
Idoine Which book will be next ? Posts: 661 Karma: 2172 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: France Device: Cybook Gen3 1.5, Sony PRS 600 RC, Samsung Omnia...	Argh ! They changed their site ! And I don't think I have saved the page ! Now you could try this with an explanation of your issue... Then, as soon as your account is unlocked, I would do as ilovejedd said, un-DRM your files with ConvertLIT !

04-14-2009, 02:31 PM	#6
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 73,957 Karma: 128903250 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	My activated copy of MS Reader one day just suddenly stopped being able to handle DRM infected LIT files. But since I had already gotten the key to use with ConvertLIT, all I do is strip the DRM right after download and I'm all set. I have no idea why it stopped working. But, since I can strip off the DRM, it's no bother.

Advert

Advert