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Participant
July 24, 2003
Question

eBook Activation Limit

  • July 24, 2003
  • 31 replies
  • 5705 views
The eBook activation system in Adobe Reader 6 was designed to enable users to move content among multiple computers using either a .NET Passport or Adobe ID. Currently this system allows the activation of one PC or Macintosh and one Palm PDA. This limit was based on the requirements of some publishers to limit content to one computer. Adobe intends to increase the number of activations over time and is working with publishers to enable users to easily view content on multiple computers.



In the mean time there is a method to access eBooks on multiple machines using Adobe Reader 6. eBook retailers are permitted to download eBooks up to 4 times for each user. This would allow you to download an eBook on up to 4 computers even though each has a different activation account. We recommend that you contact the provider of your eBooks to determine if they provide this capability. We understand that for eBooks to be successful they must be as easy to use as physical books and provide additional benefits such as lower cost and an enhanced reading experience.

Louise Soeder
Acrobat Product Support Manager
    This topic has been closed for replies.

    31 replies

    Participant
    December 15, 2003
    I too am in a vicious circle and find myself unable to activate my A. Reader. Effectively blocking me from reading a new ebook.

    Could the Acrobat Product Support Manager give some clarity to the lack of a resolution to this problem?

    I have always liked Adobe software, but find myself surprised that this situation hasne't seemed to be resolved. I cannot download an owned ebook and now will not buy one until I can actually read it.

    Perhaps some pressure to the companies selling the ebooks, from customers complaining about Adobe software may provoke thought for them to use another software vendor. Adobe are creating a bad reputation for ebooks by this stupid situation.

    How now do I read an ebook I have paid for that will only work on Acrobat Reader 6????????
    Participant
    December 15, 2003
    I never figured ot how to get my Reader activated and never was able to read my e-book. I will NEVER buy another e-book. I have and will continue to tell everyone I know not to buy e-books as well. - Al -
    Participant
    December 14, 2003
    It seems like we're all having problems activating. I keep going around in circles. I create a profile, the site tells me that my profile has been created but when I hit the activate button it just takes me back to the create profile screen.

    I've just bought an e-book and would really appreciate being able to read it now. If TPTB at Adobe could find it in their hearts to rectify this matter I think there are a lot of people who would be very grateful.
    Participant
    December 14, 2003
    That's nice - but what if the DRM page won't activate me? I've tried changing browsers and that doesn't work. Also - why won't Reader 6.0 allow highlighting and comments in my ebooks???

    Thank you,
    Kristi
    Participant
    December 14, 2003
    It just goes to show how interested Adobe Amazon etc are!
    The thing is the've already got your Cash!
    There must be some action we can take against this rip Off!
    Participant
    November 5, 2003
    I just bought an e-Book from Amazon. I have Adobe Acrobat 5.0 which I purchased loaded on my machine. Unfortunately I need Acrobat Reader 6.0. I downloaded Reader 6.0. I can not activate the product. i have tried re-loading, fixing, removing the program and downloading it again. Nothing works. I can not read my e-Book.

    When I press the activate button on the ARACTIVATE web page, files download to my machine. Then I get a message that states 'processing'. At this point the program either hangs or I get a message stating the the DRM Activator is not responding.

    Someone please help!
    Participant
    October 6, 2003
    Salam, Hello in Arabic, got the same problem and concern, wiped my HD, then surprise....., at any rate, 4 me it takes 9 - 16 daysto recievew hard copies by DHL to my Saudi Arabia address, ebooks sometimes are the best solution. Sharaf
    Participating Frequently
    October 6, 2003
    The "First right of sale" issue has been raging for some time. Before you ditch the Adobe eBook Reader included in Adobe Reader 6 and Acrobat 6, understand that distribution is governed by the eBook publisher, NOT Adobe. If an eBook publisher chooses to enable "Super Distribution", then you can email your eBook to whomever you choose. I think your fight is with the publishers, not Adobe. As to the activation issue, if you have reformatted your hard drive or purchased a new computer, you can call 800-272-3623 to get your activation reset. Currently, activation is limited to one P/C and one PDA. If you would like this to be increased, I would suggest you go to the Product Feature Request Form and fill out a Feature Request. That is truly the BEST way to initiate changes in Adobe products.
    Participant
    September 11, 2003
    Randolph,

    Can I suggest you re-post the above under this topic (click on the coloured text) James D Morris "eBook Activation Limit" 9/10/03 7:40pm - this appears definitely to be monitored by someone who can do the resetting - I don't know whether this topic is or not but it would not hurt to be on the safe side.

    HTH
    Participant
    September 11, 2003
    well, i sure am in the majority here.

    all the above complaints are identical to mine - bought 5 ebooks as i am in latin america and there are no books in my native tongue to read available.

    swapped out a clunky laptop for a desktop rocket and now have no access to ebooks i've actually paid money for (a rarity these days, no?)

    if my old activation can be deleted, rescinded, etc, and i can re apply, i will be happy to do so.

    my previous activation was under 'bicycology at hotmail.com' and i don't remember the laptop's id - it wasn't mine and it was a bunch of letters and numbers.

    i have transferred the files, so all i need is a fresh start.

    thanks much.

    Randolph Croft.

    and, no, i can't call you as i don't have the ability to speak (throat surgery.)

    thanks.