I didn't save my download file I bought...

[George]

This is a copy taken from the POLICIES page of MTU website.

"NOTE: If your Download Link is expired in your Store Account, then you must purchase the product upgrade. When you purchase the software for Internet delivery it is your responsibility to download and save the file in a safe place, or write it to a CDROM. You can download the file up to 99 times. As of February 16, 2006 MTU download links are available for one (1) year, but this will be shortened to 30 days or less. Make sure you download the file as soon as you purchase to prevent having to purchase an upgrade to get a new download link."

It is not unusual for companies to make policy changes. We are seeing it in the news every day, including changes in vested retirement plans. MTU has been preaching to deaf ears for years to make a back up if the product installation file, and tne corresponding installation code. It was clearly stated in the original download link.

When this advice is not heeded it is not an unusual practice to pay for a new registration key. This is commonplace in the software industry. Try telling Microsoft you lost your registration key for WindowsXP and want another one at no cost, and see what they tell you.

Heretofore MTU has not followed this practice, but it appears from the above that they have simply changed their policy, and posted it for all to read, with a declaration of future plans.

To use your automobile example, call your dealer and tell them you lost your ignition keys to your two year old car and want new ones at no cost. He'd probably tell you you should have had a back up made and kept it in a safe place, and then charge you for a new key and a service charge to come to the auto to make a new key.

That's an apples to apples comparison to what's happining here.

George