BuBBy: thanks for the post. So use save and don't use open when downloading? OK.

When downloading, still use "save" (and save it in a folder you can find later - suggest a dedicated "downloads" folder like C:\Downloads ) - but then once it is downloaded - open and extract the contents of the downloaded file.

Face...wow! Very informative...thanks. I didn't use open when I downloaded, I used save. Then I went back later to open and it was too late. Again, I see more errors of my ways! (smile)

Well, so much for those instructions. I just checked out today's software - at 30 minutes in, the Mirror link for "Media Resizer" is not working and the game, "Sonoro TV", has a weird installation process. Open the "Readme" to get the password you need and then work your way through the wizard on that one.

Sorry, I think I'm going to bed.

P.S. I had to stay and see this through:

The main link on "Media Resizer" worked - so no problem there. Although a nag screen does come up asking for money, if you close that and look at the upper right corner and click the "?" you will see a note that it is registered.

On the game - on a quick look, I didn't find a help button - but it never asked for money and I did get the "What next?" screen, so that one should be OK, too. If anyone finds out different - please leave a note. Thanks.

misscj

Just to make sure you have all the information you need - Each program has to be "Installed" and "Activated" before the giveaway period has expired. Sometimes the program activates as part of the installation process and sometimes you have to perform the activation yourself. Also to be considered - some programs suggest you run activate first and some recommend the other way around (run install first). Always read the "Readme". This should ensure success:

1. Once you get to the Download page -
- Clicking on the main link will open a green "Wikifortio" page - at the bottom clicking on "Download" will open the "File Download Box"
- Clicking on a mirror link will open the "File Download" box
2. When the File Download box appears, click on "Open"
3. This will usually open either a "Zip" program you have installed or a box with icons
4. With the icons - usually clicking on "Activate" first is easiest
5. This should bring up messages concerning the activation process - Follow these out until you get a message stating "Successfully activated" or something similar and a window stating: "The Program activated - What next?" Close these.
The other possibility is a message stating that the program could not be activated at this time - Try again later (Keep trying until you get through. Sometimes waiting 5-10 minutes helps). If, after several attempts, you still cannot get through - check the comments and forums to determine if others are having the same problem. If not - start a thread giving details (What you did, what message you are getting, what OS you are using, etc.). Someone will help.
6. Then click on "Install". This will usually bring up a Wizard that you can work through.
7. After the Wizard closes, look for a small box with Registration instructions, which sometimes appears (frequently it is behind another box - you might have to move things aside in the center of your screen) - follow all instructions exactly, using "copy" and "paste" to fill in any words or numbers required. Be careful not to leave or insert any blank spaces at the beginning or end of words or numbers.
8. To be sure you have completed all steps successfully: Open the software or start the game and click on "Help", then at the bottom of the list, click on "About". This should have a message stating that it is "Registered to _______________ " (usually Giveawayoftheday - in some form) or "This program is registered" - something about registration.
9. If you get a message that the program is a "30 Day Trial" or asking you to pay any money - you probably aren't finished. Look to see if it is registered (If it is, you should be OK - close it and open it again and the screen should be gone.) and if not - try going through the Registration part again. If that doesn't work, turn the program off (including icons in the system tray, if applicable) and try activating again.

You should get the "What next?" window and registration confirmation every time. If not, investigate and ask questions. Remember - after the 24 hour period has expired, it probably can't be fixed.

I know this sounds complicated, but after a few days it will be a snap. There are a few companies that use other methods, so if weird things start happening check the comments and forums for help. And have fun!

Yeah, probably the best policy.

Later...

Thanks for the reply. My error. I will IMMEDIATELY install next time.

Hello, misscj. I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but it does clearly state the constraints. For example, on todays GAOTD, it says "EASEUS Partition Manager is available as a Giveaway of the day! You have 17 hours 11 minutes to download and install it."

You'll notice the last 5 words there, yes?? During the process of installation, the program is always activated, one way or the other.

Sorry to hear of your misunderstanding!

I am disappointed in how this Giveaway Of The Day is set up. I download a game that looks interesting within the time frame then, later, play it when I get time. BUT I found the last times when I did that, I get get message "activation period expired". You don't mention anywhere that you have to activiate within the 24 hours too. I was under the assumption that it was just to be download it within the 24 hours. I lost a couple of nice games I downloaded that way.

CJ