Autodesk software install

[ThinkPad560X]

I own a physical copy of 3ds Max 2009 with 2 discs and CD key on back of case. Autodesk moved to Subscription only like Adobe and any other software today. I use this software maybe once or twice out of 6 months. So a total of maybe 4 times I will run the program out of a year if not less, no reason for a sub if never going to use the software unless need to. When you install the software you get options for 32-bit or 64-bit and the extensions. I just install 64b and only 3ds max with no add ons. After install I enter the CD key and owner name. After that I can run program and a window pops up you have 30 days to activate or run program now. So I just run now. When the 30 days runs out you can no longer run the software without activation. Autodesk web activation has been down for years since now they are sub so there is no way to activate. So I just have a dummy drive with win7 and erase the drive and reinstall win7 and 3ds max. But on the next install I get Error: License has been deleted "You must activate your product before you can use it." License status [9.1.4]

So I just installed on a ThinkPad T500 with a different HDD and it installed fine and gave me 30 days. After that same thing when tried to reinstall and got error and reformatted drive. So is Autodesk writing something in my PC bios or the HDD that the software was used on said PC? I bought a 500GB SSD just for a machine to use 3ds max for 30 days before reinstall. I to 3D modeling for fun when got time if and when have time. I know most will say use blender or get a subscription but as I said It is a waste for me to pay say $99 or more for a sub that I will use maybe once or twice out of a year.

And on top of that I bought my legal copy and not a pirated one offline that probably has this activation check disabled for them.

[theterminator93]

My guess is it sends the machine serial number to their activation servers as a part of the 30 day trial unlock.

[RealBlackStuff]

Do a fresh install on a spare drive.
Make a note of the install-date.
Use the 3d program to make sure that it starts the 30-day trial.
When finished, remove that drive and mark it with above install-date and which machine to use in.

Next time you need 3d, set the BIOS-date in that machine to the saved install-date and insert your 3d drive.
Do NOT go online while that drive is in the machine!
Use the 3d program.
When finished, if needed, copy the required 3d data on a USB-stick, then remove that 3d drive.
Rinse and repeat.

That should do you for a few years to come.

[dr_st]

^^^
Easier to just pirate it.

[ThinkPad560X]

My guess is it sends the machine serial number to their activation servers as a part of the 30 day trial unlock.

The machine isn't connected to the internet. Never is and no windows updates on it. Just fresh w7 install.

[ThinkPad560X]

Do a fresh install on a spare drive.
Make a note of the install-date.
Use the 3d program to make sure that it starts the 30-day trial.
When finished, remove that drive and mark it with above install-date and which machine to use in.

Next time you need 3d, set the BIOS-date in that machine to the saved install-date and insert your 3d drive.
Do NOT go online while that drive is in the machine!
Use the 3d program.
When finished, if needed, copy the required 3d data on a USB-stick, then remove that 3d drive.
Rinse and repeat.

That should do you for a few years to come.

The desktop Cmos is dead so when I had to run the software I had to enter the right time and date.

[ThinkPad560X]

I installed on 4 machines. Once the 30 days expired You must activate. I never had the machines online. I bought a WD 500GB just for uninstalling and reinstalling w7 and 3ds. The T500 didn't work the 2nd time I reinstalled. So I took drive out and installed in a DELL Inspiron and reinstalled the win7 and 3ds and same error with license. So it must write something like an invisible partition on the HDD/SDD or something as I narrowed it down to the HDD/SSD by just switching the SSD to another machine that never had 3ds installed on it. But the thing is I formatted the drive

[RealBlackStuff]

You must not let the 30 days pass/expire!
As long as your BIOS date stays within 30 days from install-date, you should be able to use the same drive.

[ThinkPad560X]

I got a message ( You can install it once on a computer, and it will run for 30 days. If you remove and install it again, it won’t run until you purchase a license or enter a serial number. ) My question is does this autodesk software write something to the PCs HDD/SDD on a invisible partition or the memory? Something has to be written somewhere for the reinstall to know the software was installed before. I do know that if you install 3ds max, it writes a key somewhere in the registry. Even if I erase the HDD/SDD and format (Windows install format type) and go to install 3ds max, I get no key error and don't get 30 day trial. The no bios date/time didn't work as it request the bios date and time be set before using / starting the program.