I guess you haven't been around Forums since that has been discussed extensively, and not just once.

You are entitled to your version of the licensed software you subscribed to until your subscription expired. Stardock can't keep hundreds of installers on its servers. That's just impossible, and so is devoting manpower and endless hours to such a task as verifying purchases, etc. It's a small company.

So, it was up to you to download the most up-to-date version of your software installer and back it up.

It sounds to me like you never backed up your system because if you had, you'd at least have some version of the software available to you.

Sorry you're choosing to leave Stardock...hope you'll change your mind.

Please post your support ticket number.

Thanks for the link, Hank. 

having something stated in the knowledgebase doesn't mean that it is clear to the user. If that were the case all of us would be super proficient at everything windows related due to how large their knowledgebase article database is. For something this important I'd expect an email just before the subscription ends reminding us that we should back up our files. In fact, not just one email but a few, which would also go hand in hand with your trying to remind the client to renew their sub.

ian_stagib ...it's unfortunate that you have encountered what actually is a commonly occuring issue, particularly with online purchases.

Any and all such purchases NEED the purchaser to NOT rely on the vendor maintaining/retaining copies of a customer's purchases.  The correct process is that once you have made a purchase you download AND RETAIN copies of the product AND its relevant activations/serials, particularly if such purchase is via a 'subscription' basis which it is intended [at some time] not to continue.

The responsibility is yours, just as it is mine - with my purchases.

The definition of what an Object Desktop Subscription entails is well stated, on the link above [product description], on the Stardock Official Forums, and, if subscribing to Stardock's Newsletter /email notifications  you'd likely be reminded of, and conversant with exactly that.

Your options are one of two.

Resubscribe AND access your software versions/updates,

or,

Approach Stardock via sales@stardock.com and request special consideration in your particular case.

I certainly have had similar situations with third party products over the years.  Sometimes account expiry/renewal deadlines are simply missed. It happens....

A bizarre way of looking at a subscription.

You did not buy the software. You do not 'own' the software.

You bought a subscription to the software, good for updates one year. Check your receipt and check the Stardock website.

You are entitled to use the version updated to the day your subscription ends. You are entitled to use that version forever.

That's why it's important to save the installer.

Every piece of software on my computer is that way as well, except Adobe PhotoshopCC 2014.

For that, I pay a fee for use monthly.

I lost my last two months of Sports Illustrated, and my subscription has expired. Can you believe the twits won't resend the last two issues?

I'll never order their magazine subscription again.   Greedy asswipes.  

Just a reminder regarding THE 'support' forums.

https://forums.wincustomize.com/328594/page/1/#2546098

There are many [some say TOO many] forum titles/subjects/sections on Stardock's sites....cross-linked and otherwise......however ONE particular one....THIS one here [look up....see the title] is for those poor lost souls [just like you and me at one time] who find themselves 'stuck' and in need of help.

This isn't [and SHOULDN'T] be an opportunity for anyone to entertain themselves at others' expense.

If you cannot provide actual assistance - simply move on.

I do, [and I possibly know more than many...but if I cannot help I leave it to someone who CAN].

Remember...everytime someone's dramas/problems/issues becomes the target/source of facile entertainment it's simply another reminder that we as a Community really CAN do better.

@redneckdude and @uvah, so very helpful you are. @redneckdude, how's this... i have subscriptions to magazines too, they're in zinio... they're expired and oh wait I can't still get them any time I want, I just don't get new magazines. Shame, guess you're all in the dark there.

Regardless of what others have as their opinions on what subscription software should and shouldn't do, there is clearly a lack of worldwide understanding of this and I would think that if stardock cared about taking more of my money then they could care to take it seriously when I say it's only fair to make it abundantly clear how their company works so that we don't get it confused with anyone else.

The fact that I haven't gotten any official response or any attempt to help me after I feel I've made a pretty clear and honest case about this also goes to show what I could expect from stardock if I even entertained the idea of renewing my sub. Thus my stance remains the same and I will warn everyone I come across to not buy their products anymore.

1. There is an official Stardock policy: Not an "opinion".

2. That you didn't know it doesn't mean anything except you ASSUMED, but did not check.

3. There is no "clearly a lack of worldwide understanding". It is you who don't know/understand. I'd leave the rest of humanity out of it. It is also you who refuse to acknowledge that you caused your own situation by not following the policy more than adequately explained here in Forums in the past. You also refuse to understand the difference between 'owning' software and having a 'subscription' to update and use the software. 

Stardock is not responsible for that. While I regret your upset, you should (to prevent further future 'misunderstandings') ask questions before purchasing a subscription. Threatening to badmouth Stardock for your not bothering to check things before purchase really is silly.

ian_stagib, to be fair you HAVE had official response from Stardock [mine] with regards to how a subscription service functions, AND you have had recommendations as to an APPROPRIATE course of action to possibly resolve your issue in this particular instance.

None of this condones your intention to 'warn everyone to not buy [Stardock's] their products anymore' as that is simply a knee-jerk reaction to your own personal failing to ensure your product access was continuing beyond a subscription expiry date.

That is simply unfair, inflamatory and unjustified.

I subsequently [earlier] suggested you contact Stardock sales/support [again] directly for possible assistance...however there has been no indication of your so doing.

I cannot condone the use of Stardock's forums for the UNREASONABLE and unjustified vilification of Stardock in this instance.

If you still feel suitably aggrieved I suggest you contact legal@stardock.com to engage in formal argument.