judbgrdmchn,

Here's a thought - try Process Guard - there is a free version:

http://www.diamondcs.com.au/processguard/index.php?page=download

It should give you an alert and tell you what's blocking the connection, if it is something on your system, when you try to connect. That will, at least, isolate the problem for you.

I have searched my system information and I apparently do have aol firewall that I didn't know about. So far I have been unable to access it. It's listed as being there, I just can't seem to find it. Not giving up though.

Why don't you install and try a free service like Net Zero to connect for the activation of your programs? If it works through an alternative service you'll know the problem lies with your AOL Service. It doesn't hurt to have an extra free service account icon on your desktop. I don't know where you live but you can search for free ISP service on google for one in your area.

Well judbgrdmchn, some AOL version 9 includes security software with the program.

Are you connecting to GOTD through a proxy server? (Or does AOL use blind proxy servers?)

I have heard of some users having the activation response being mangled or eaten by a "well meaning" proxy service.

If I could explain it, I could fix it. I have two firewalls, Zone Alarm and Windows. I shut them both down...nothing. I don't know of any security program that I have that would stop the activation program from connecting to GAOTD. I use AOL dial-up service. I'm leaning toward AOL not liking the GAOTD servers. This has happened to me before with other software sites.

So how do you explain it judbgrdmchn? As GAOTD servers doesn't know the difference between you and I activating the software. And it works when I activate mine.

I turned off my firewall and it didn't help. I don't have any security program that would stop the activity (other than the firewall), my only proxy is through my ISP (AOL).

judbgrdmchn
Do you know how to check those things or could you use a little help?

Never judbgrdmchn? Oh then it could be a firewall, security program, or a proxy blocking the activation.

I have received this message every time I try to activate a program. I have never been able to use any of the programs that I have downloaded. I continue to try in hopes that I may someday get lucky.

I have seen this from time to time. Usually waiting a few minutes to an hour or so clears it up.

I Just downloaded it, activated it with zero problems.

Might be a server lag or error, try again.

message: activation module failed to connect to gaotd. software activation is not possible at this moment.

I suppose I've been lucky until now, but I've never had this problem before, and downloaded .zip three times, same result each time.