Donna, there is no SOP.
Every day, the procedure may vary slightly. (activate then set up, or set up and then activate, or just set up with autoactivate)
The contents of the zip file may vary. (setup.exe and README.txt or setup.exe, README.txt and ACTIVATE.exe)
It is imperative that you open the README file EACH time, and follow the directions to the letter.
Each download has to include a setup.exe, BUT, sometimes it can be misleading in that you'll do the unzip and get a window that says EXTRACT files before running setup. It seems redundant, but you gotta do it and click on the next window's ACTIVATE and SETUP files. You can tell the difference because the extracted files will have colorful icons for ACTIVATE (and maybe for SETUP, I can't recall).
BTW- Your post lacked some critical info that would help narrow down your problem. There is an on-going effort to standardize the Download/Install/HELP with Problems cycle. Towards that end, here's a rough draft of -
GAOTD INSTALLATION FAQ (patent pending)
Q: Do we really only have 24 hours to download this software?
Yes, Virginia, there is a 24-hour time limit.
Please Note: You MUST download AND install within that period or you will miss out on the offer. Period. Tough noogies and hasta la viesta. 24-hours is carved in stone because of heavily lawyered-up agreements with the generous vendors supplying the freebies.
Just to repeat... there is:
>>> no "do over" if you wait until 5 minutes before midnight to start the download with a dial up computer connection;
>>> no way to save and install later;
>>> no way to reinstall if your computer crashes and you have to reformat the hard drive;
>>> no blaming GAOTD if their server goes down, the electricity fails, or terrorists hijack the pumping station;
>>> no crossing over the International Dateline and asking for immunity;
>>> no way any regular member is going to send you the secret code because then we will have to shoot them and sell their computers on the black market.
Q: I downloaded but something's gone horribly wrong.
The instructions for downloading and installing are simple, BUT THEY MAY VARY. You really gotta READ the README and follow it step by step.
Sometimes, the zip file will only contain a README.txt and a SETUP.exe.
Sometimes there will be a totally separate ACTIVATE.exe.
Sometimes you have to ACTIVATE before running SETUP.
Sometimes you SETUP and then ACTIVATE.
Sometimes activation is automatic (it checks with GAOTD to make sure you're within that pesky 24-hour time frame); but sometimes you have to physically copy and paste a secret registration name and code.
When you unzip the download, you may see a window stating that it has to extract all the files before proceeding. EXTRACT them! If you don't, something is likely to go horribly wrong.
If you're new to computers, keep the README file open. Not only does that make it simple to follow the 2 or 3 step process in the right order, but having that text file open gives you a handy place to copy and paste the registration info for safe keeping.
During the activation process, sometimes the little activation window pops up UNDER another window. Always look for these things by clicking the Toolbar, clicking SHOW DESKTOP and then reopening one window at a time. Trust that GAOTD doesn't intentionally try to be irritating. Play hide and seek with a smile, if only to keep your blood pressure under control.
Q: I still have a problem. What do I do?
A crack team of unpaid volunteer moderators plus a rapidly mutating roster (rag tag gang) of uncertified/quasi-qualified/eager members stand at the ready to welcome you and answer questions or help with problems. However, they need you to be as specific as possible, starting with your SUBJECT LINE. "HELP" doesn't cut it. Neither does "Couldn't install it!!!"
The helper drones and dronettes aren't mindreaders. They need to know:
1 - The name of the problematic software.
2 - Your OS (operating system) Did you check the vendor's home page for minimum requirements, and if the appl works with your OS?
3 - The EXACT wording of any error message.
4 - As detailed a description of the steps you took during the install process.
Before asking for assistance, you might want to try clearing your temporary cache, and uninstalling the new program if it's running but not working right. (Don't delete the original zipped download that you wisely saved in a special folder created especially for GAOTD downloads)
Then try rebooting, and reinstalling, always following the README file step by step. If nothing else, by taking notes and copying the exact error message, you may be able to demonstrate a replicable problem that can be solved by the aforementioned team or by the software vendor, thus saving many others heartache and frustration.
