KB: About ZoomText 9 Product Activation
KB#: 130
Last updated: March 01 2006
The information in this article applies to:
- Single-user and District License versions of ZoomText 9.0
ZoomText 9.0 contains product activation technology designed to eliminate unauthorized use of ZoomText, without imposing a burden on legitimate users. Product activation is a simple, straightforward and anonymous process that takes just a few seconds to complete when performed over the Internet.
After you install ZoomText you have up to 30 days to activate the software. Until you do, ZoomText will run as a trial. You can activate immediately or anytime during the 30-day trial period. All features are available during the trial period, so you have full use of the software. When the trial period expires you must activate ZoomText to continue using it.
Preparing to Activate ZoomText
To activate ZoomText 9.0 you will need your ZoomText 9.0 serial number, provided with your purchased copy. If you have purchased an upgrade version of ZoomText 9.0 you will also need the serial number from your previous version of ZoomText (version 8.1 or earlier), unless your previous version is already installed on your system. These serial numbers can be found within your ZoomText product packages, as described below.
- Where to find your ZoomText serial number
- On the ZoomText CD sleeve
- On the product registration card
- On the top of the ZoomText product box
- On the back of the ZoomText User's Guide
Note: If you purchased your ZoomText 9.0 product from Ai Squared's online store, your product serial number will be included in your purchase confirmation email.
The Activation Process
During the 30-day trial period, each time you start ZoomText the Activation Wizard appears. The wizard presents the following options for you to choose from:
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Option 1: I have a serial number and want to activate ZoomText
Choose this option if you have already purchased or been provided with a ZoomText product and you're ready to activate the software. The wizard will guide you through the activation process.
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Option 2: I want to purchase ZoomText
Choose this option if you are ready to purchase a ZoomText product. The wizard will display information on how to purchase ZoomText.
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Option 3: I want to try ZoomText
Choose this option if you want to run ZoomText in trial mode. Trial mode allows you to use ZoomText for up to 30 days. When the 30-day trial period expires, you must activate ZoomText to continue using it.
The ZoomText Activation Wizard - Welcome dialog
When you choose to activate ZoomText you are prompted to enter your product serial number. Once you have entered your serial number, the manner in which activation is completed depends on whether or not you have an Internet connection.
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If you are connected to the Internet your serial number and system code are automatically passed to the Ai Squared activation server for validation. An activation code is then passed back to your computer, activating your ZoomText license. This process takes just a few seconds to complete.
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If you are not connected to the Internet the wizard displays your serial number and system code, along with instructions on how to manually obtain an activation code. An activation code can be obtained from Ai Squared's activation website (using another computer that is connected to the Internet), or by contacting Ai Squared's Product Support department.
Telephone activation support is available Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern Time.
In North America, call toll-free (866) 331-1233
Outside North America, call (802) 362-5393
Activating a Magnifier/Reader installation with a Magnifier serial number
If you have installed the ZoomText Magnifier/Reader software and then activate ZoomText using a Magnifier serial number, the software will convert to a ZoomText Magnifier product - i.e. all screen reading features will be disabled. To regain the use of the screen reading features, you must purchase a Magnifier/Reader serial number and reactivate ZoomText.
Activating ZoomText on more than one computer
With single-user versions of ZoomText, you can install and activate ZoomText on up to three computers (in accordance with the ZoomText Software License Agreement). Multiple activations are provided to accommodate individuals that use more than one computer, such as a home computer, a work computer and a laptop computer. While ZoomText may be installed on up to three computers, use of the collective installations is restricted to one user at any given time.
Note: Multi-user standalone versions of ZoomText provide one activation per licensed user.
Transferring Your ZoomText Software License
Should you want to move your ZoomText software to a new computer, or need to reformat the hard drive on your current computer, it is important that you first transfer your software license back to the ZoomText activation server. This preserves your license so that it may be used to activate your new installation of ZoomText.
To transfer your ZoomText software license, from the ZoomText menu bar, select H elp 
Transfer Software L icense... This action will launch the ZoomText Activation Wizard and guide you through the transfer process. This process will deactivate ZoomText on your current computer so that it can be reactivated on the new computer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Product Activation
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What is product activation?
Product activation is an anti-piracy technology designed to verify that ZoomText has been legitimately licensed. -
How does product activation work?
The activation process verifies that the serial number is legitimate and has not been activated on more computers than allowed by the ZoomText Software License Agreement. -
What happens if I don' t activate my product?
If you don' t activate your product by the 30th day (after installation), ZoomText will stop working until you activate it. -
What if my product activation fails?
Product activation will only fail under exceptional circumstances. In most cases, you can reactivate ZoomText as quickly and easily as the original activation. If your attempt to reactivate fails, contact Ai Squared Product Support for help. -
What if I need to reformat or upgrade my computer?
If you need to reformat your hard drive or upgrade your Windows operating system, you should first transfer your ZoomText software license back to the ZoomText activation server. See "Transferring Your ZoomText Software License" in the preceding section.
Note: You do not need to transfer your ZoomText license when installing Windows service packs and hot fixes.
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What if I want to move my ZoomText software to another computer?
Should you want to move your ZoomText software to a new computer, it is important that you first transfer your software license back to the ZoomText activation server. This preserves your software license so that it may be used to activate your new installation of ZoomText. See "Transferring Your ZoomText Software License" in the preceding section.
