cant get the audio come out right anyone got any ideas

i just installed it, it's a very good program for me. thank you.

pro: create album in mins,fast convert speed. very pro and active temple. pic quality still good and album size not too big.

con: limited video output format! will see all the hidden folder on the side bar automatically. menu fancy but not friendly.

over all, 80/100.

for everybody who lost there GOTD's after a crash,i always put 1 copy on my pc and 1 on my usb harddisk,this way you will never lose 'm.

Thanks #53 I was having problems with registration as well. Didn't realise you had to right-click 'activate' as well and 'run as administrator'

Wanted to see th difference myself between the Wondershare Photostory Platinum and this version. This version has more templates and effects.

Good to make wedding album. Just made one for a friends. She got a big surprise.

Really a great software to make awesome photo album.
I love it!

I downloaded this as soon as GOTD posted it, but didn't have time to test it until later. I knew that people would be posting ignorant comments about how the Platinum version is better. On my XP system, I didn't have any problems installing this alongside the Platinum version. This one has code fixes and 7 MB more stuff than the Platinum version.

If you're having activation, etc., problems, post what OS version you're using. I haven't had activation problems on XP.

It's not GOTD's job to test software. They only check it for malware. Microsoft has never and will never produce a stable version of Windows. If you bothered to track the registry and file changes that software installations do, you would find that the vast majority of small programs and virtually all large programs damage system and third-party files and registry entries, with the damage ranging from mild to massive (the so-called registry cleaners/fixers never fix this damage). This is true of all vendors, including Microsoft. This lack of protection is a direct result of a total lack of design and fundamental software engineering principles in Windows (the same goes for the Windows UI, which has never even met decades-old minimum UI requirements). This is why "OS rot" occurs, not due to Windows (or better, Microsoft) updates, which you should always apply. Uninstalling programs does not undo whatever damage they did. If System Restore works, it can undo some damage.

it is 10:33 EST and tried to download the program and it tells me the time to installed has expired - although the GOTD page says I still have 4 hors plus, what gives?
I wish I could have gotten it.
oh well, better get here early next time . . .

To #7 -
The difference between this product and “Photo Story Platinum”is that with Photo Story Platinum you can export video files and burn DVD easily.

Tried it the first time around. The animations are way too shaky and awful compared to Microsoft Photo Story 3. I'd rate this one 4 out of 10.

Microsoft has free software, Microsoft Photo Story 3, that does something similar.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/photostory/default.mspx

(hm... did I make this same comment a few weeks ago?)

Kia Ora from New Zealand,

I'd just like to thank GOTD and all of the software companies involved for promoting their software in this way, frequently I purchase site licensed software that I try out from this website, or, alternatively, I save myself and my school money from not purchasing software, either way, it's a win/win situation. Invariably, not all of the software products promoted on GOTD suit my needs or purposes, but there will always be someone out there who needs it, and you can't please all of the people all of the time as everyone's needs and tastes differ. I really love Wondershare software, particularly their multimedia/presentation software, the interface is simple to use and quality slideshows/videos can be produced quickly and easily, qualities which are vital for teachers, such as myself, and children in a busy school! And yes, I have purchased site licensed products as a result of the GOTD offers. So again, thanks GOTD and all the companies who support this great initiative, I'm sure the benefits of this site being here, FAR outweigh any disadvantages.

Thank you 53! I had missed your earlier post before I posted last begging for help. I had activated 1st & etc. Everytime was told it was successful only to be asked again for Email & Registration.

However ... I am a dumb-butt ... I should have know to right click (in Vista) ... The "Run As Administrator" worked although I AM an admin on my own machine!!!

Thanks!!!

#39: The Slashdot effect at 3am EDT? Note the time of my posting and expriencing image loading problems from this company's website.

There is no reason to believe there was heavy traffic when I tried it - and others have the same experience at various times.

I'm not buying your excuse, not downloading the software and have no intention of being an Alpha tester for this tossaway software.

I LIKE WONDERSHARE and GOTD.
I downloaded the plantium version a while back. The wedding CD's I have made are awesome. I thought .. I have the better version why get this one? Well I did ..I cant control my "got to have it finger" and hit the download key. I am happy that I did. Although this version doesnt create the DVD's I am able to add the decorations and etc to the platium version and increase the use of it! Wondershare might consider offering upgraded templates, decorations and Etc. for the programs they sell, once they do that I will be first in line to buy it!!

As to all that are having an issue with GOTD .. Go somewhere else!!! I read these comments and 90% of the issues are YOU HAVE TO "READ".. the directions!!! If you want to fight about your PC size and capabilites .. or your expertise with computers .. Do that in a chat room! You do not impress me at all! Just reading your comments tell me what your issue is and you dont need my opinnion on that .. just re-read them!
I dont use EVERYTHING GOTD offers, but I have the insight enough to know others might want what I dont!!!
Geeeeez if you act like this in the comment page I am sure glad I dont know you in the real world .. I might have to put you in a corner for "time out"

It is nice software. But I like Photo DVD Maker better. It can help you create photo album on DVD disc playable on TV, website, mobile devices such as Apple iPod, Sony PSP, cellular phone. With few clicks, Photo DVD Maker creates a professional-looking photo slide show with background music, Pan&Zoom and transition effects.

I thought last year I would have loved something like this. I now know how to make presentations using my Microsoft Office's Powerpoint. I can make moving video photo albums change the backgrounds (even add my own graphics collection), sizes, even add music clips to them and all in a easy to follow format with templates and the microsoft tutorials. Why would I need another program bogging down my computer?

Hi Rick and all who experienced crashes,
are you running XP with the Automatic Windows Update ON ?
The last update of my XP service pack2 was 18 months ago,
I had no more problems from that time!!
This is my idea:
if your XP system crashes probably you will not going to repair it but you will buy a Vista... think about it.
XP forever with the Automatic Windows Update OFF !!
Frankel

I stand corrected for comment #30. My bad.

Installed it to compare to platinum, now my platinum version doesn't work at all. Any ideas?

Oh, and by "It's getting old" in my above post, I don't mean my Windows installation, I mean having fun giving Windows grief due to the loose nut in front of the keyboard.

Ryle (#44) -

(# 17) “I’ve never had a “Crash”” - Must not use a computer alot or you got your first one last month congrats to you.

I've never had my computer "crash" either; It just means we take good care of our computers (or at least I do; for all I know you're right about him not using his computer often, but I'm on mine a wee bit too much).

Jennifer (#46) - Please read my post (#39) above, it contains the answer to your problems, I promise. Just close WPS, run the activate program, then you won't be asked for an e-mail nor a registration code. Actually, I did forget a detail: If you are running Vista, make sure you right-click on the activate program and select "Run as Administrator".

Downside Up (#47) - On the subject of the website, try again. The web page will probably work fine now that the majority of GotD users have tried to open it. It was only slow for me earlier, it did open, and right now it's working fine. The reason I emphasise this is because of what is known as the "Slashdot effect" - when a lot of people visit a website at the same time, it can easily bring down web servers or at least clog their connections - and that's exactly what happened here. It's obviously a small company, so they probably can't afford multiple servers and load balancing.

On the subject of "slamming" Rick - actually, he's trying to pull rank on something he's obviously not got knowledge on. He says he's a security expert - fine. But in what? And even then, it says nothing about his computing skills and how well he keeps his operating system stable. People often piss on Windows with the claim "It's unstable!" - Yeah, that's why I haven't had to reinstall Windows in about five years now, and why I've not had a bluescreen for about two years. Seriously... it's getting old.

As for BladedThoth's review, well, that's what he does for repeats. I'm surprised this is the first time you've noticed it - the other programs he did that to weren't of interest to you, I guess.

I love it. this program is great. I was actually going to dish out the money for th program.

Doesn't work. I downloaded the Platinum version a while back. It would crash or stop midway through when I tried putting the pictures onto DVD. I tried 5 or 6 times with the same results. I would recommend this software - if it actually worked.

In my habit, I tested this on a couple of different computers. In the past, Wondershare has always run well on my suped up rig, but sometimes had minor compatibility problems the short rig. Photo Story does not seem to have any of the issues on the short rig I had noticed before.

However... Wondershare still has not addressed major issues with multiple monitor rigs. The main screen and dialoges all come up centered on the right hand edge of the primary monitor instead of being centered in the monitor. They are still programming using desktop center instead of monitor center.

The interface takes a few seconds to get used to. It is easy to get confused at first. Once I looked the interface over, it became obvious what things did.

When one is adding a photo folder directly to an Album, you get no opportunity to browse to it, you just have to know where it is. This is not as big of a problem when starting a new project, as it defaults to one's My Pictures directory. Once there, the feature to change settings, and thus directories, is prominently displayed. As well, there is a directory/file tree on the left.

For those who want to access thier own music, it is simple enough to browse to where they are located. Switch the tab at the left to from Photo to Music and browse the file tree. No preview funtion at this stage, though. I wish there was a simple way to add naration. One would have to determine what photos were going to be used, and where, dd all effects, intro/outro, decorate and time the project under publish.

Adding motion templates was simple. I wish there were a few more available, or an editor to create one's own. For most people, it is probably better that there are few to select from as most people get carries away and the wipes and special effects become overwhelming to the viewer. Still no real preview. The preview available only shows the effect, but not within the storyline.

Decent, easy to use editing options. But, where is the option to change display times or how long an effect takes?


Nice intro/outro edit. Many beginners will not know how to create a proper intro/outro and this simplifies it. There is the added hidden benefit that once one executes a couple of these one gets a better feel for how the intro/outro should look. Unfortunately, there is only small opportunity to put this new knowledge to use, so people will outgrow this program too fast.

One can decorate the photos, much like a scrapbook. I find that these distract from my photos, but some people like this. I tested it and it works great. I am choseing to use only one, just for the test.

On to publishing. Finally, a preview. Ok, one can skip from each stage to publish and preview any changes. A little complicated, but functional. I am choseing to create a Screensaver.

One small note on the translation. It should be Create Executable, not Executive. (this mistake is made wherever one has the option to make an executable, such as s screensaver installer). Nothing else really jumps out about the translation. I never really worry about that stuff, though.

It is cool that there is a selection to Keep Aspect (ration). But, more people are moving towards widescreen monitors, as well as widescreen TV, so more aspect formats should be added. (Pretending to be a beginner) I know 1080i is what I want, but what is the ratio?

Create and install screensaver was fast ans simple. It takes one to the Desktop properties dialog, right to screensaver. Nice.

The screensaver fails to know that it is on a multiple monitor setup. It is cut by the monitor divide. Looks real stupid. Not only is it useless for me, but I would never distribute the screensaver because of this major flaw. This problem of Wondershare programs not knowing about multiple monitor setups REALLY needs to be addressed. I am very surprised that Bladed Thoth (or anyone else, where are you Swan?) did not catch this.

Dang. Everything else works so great. This problem with not recognizing multiple monitor setups is a major flaw and makes the screensaver publisher nearly useless on modern systems.

I produced a screensaver with a couple dozen photos in it in the time it took to write this review.

For free, I'm not complaining (just uninstalling). But, with the problems with image and dialog placement on multiple monitors, the price should be $5 not nearly $40.

If you do not have multiple monitors (and do not plan on sharing the prodiced screensaver with anyone with such a setup), and did not get the Platinum version of Photo Story, this is a very nice editor. However, if you are serious about your photos, and plan on seriously sharing screensavers, this is a problem.

I tried publishing in the other formats, and did not see the same problem, due to their dependence on other programs for display. Again, Wondershare should seriously address that they are not programming correctly. A good programmer (particularly working with images) knows about multiple monitors. So should Wondershare.

This is a major problem with Windershare products, and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. It is simple enough to fix. Every graphics card manufacturer will share the info on proper multiple monitor protocols with them for free. Wondershare, get on the ball. I googled it, and the information was easily found as I wrote this review. Fix it, guys!!!

With this major flaw, I can not recommend Wondershare Photo Story. If this flaw does not bother you, this is a fine program otherwise.

Downloaded, unzipped and activated fine (I'm using XP Home SP2)

Installed right up the very end of finishing and then failed - Had to open task manager to end it.

I downloaded it again and it installed perfectly this time, although I took the precaution of turning off Spybot-SD Resident, incase it was unable to write some necessary changes to disk. To anyoen who has problems, you might find your own security software causing some programs to not install correctly. You might want to temporarily disable them and try again. Many people having problems installing programs on here it seems each day. I wonder how many might be due to security software preventsing some change from being written?

I too lost the previous Platinum version when I had to restore my computer from a back up, so am delighted to get this version of it, even if it is not quite as good (THANK YOU #10 for the link to the comaprison table!). #26, the main difference is that MS Photo Story can only save in their own format, this will save in many different formats.

Finally - And perhaps most importantly, this program has a wonderful little feature that seems to have been ignored on here. You can take a picture(s) and make them into a screensaver for your friends. It is an exe file they can just double click on install it, so is as easy as possible for them to install!

Wonderful for free of course, but personally I do not feel it is worth $40 if I had to buy it. I should have said $30 tops as there are so many similar products on the market already.

An amendment to my comment #32.

Their tech support DID reply to my message... on their web site! They had e-mailed me a link for follow up, and the answer (though not a solution) was there.

They seem willing to investigate the problem. I'll keep on trying.

I won't be downloading this software either. The web page doesn't open for me too.

Frankly, I find the comments today a bit dodgy. Too many people reporting problems and the slamming of Rick is totally uncalled for. Also the "positive" postes actually put me off. They sound too much like pop up advertisements. Looks like the developpers are trying to "sell" their program, rather than paying attention to the proplems. And Bladed Thoth's review today is a downright disappointment. It's the first time EVER that I've seen software upgrade to lesser functionality. Just more bloat and a name change. No change log. It's too suspicious for me to even try it.

Mine is asking me for an Email & Registration code. I see nothing in the readme file telling me what to enter. Please somebody pass that on to me. I don't want to miss registering this one. It may be useful to me. I am sorry if I have missed reading a direction or something ... someone please help me.

I this this is good software myself. If I were looking to do more work on my photos I probably would use other things...but I so far am finding that everything is running smoothly,simple to understand.I like the idea that just with the right click on my pictures I can change the view and well see what I didn't realize was in my picture before.So,it's not distorting anything.I was wondering about the Registration myself until I saw everything was pre-filled. I think the regular price is a bit much for what you get.

GOTD's stuff they put on here so far has been pretty good.I have had one or two programs crash on me.Due to compatibility issues,not enough memory,freeze up or I just plain did not know what I was doing to begin with... whatever the reason I just write those off as not something for me...but might work for somebody else. When I download from any site I play around with the program a bit then if I can't find a answer on my own then I know there's always other alternatives.

Oh and I almost forgot.I noticed there is a music option for the slides but only piano is the only one that can be used. Does anybody have any ideas as to how I can get other music or do I have to get it from the site?

(# 17) "I’ve never had a “Crash”" - Must not use a computer alot or you got your first one last month congrats to you.

"but if I ever do all of my data is already backed up on another hard drive which I rotate with the current on monthly." - a little much for back up, just use an img builder to make backups on a regular time set

"I also back up to disk and store in a fire proof safe." - Way to much trouble to keep it back'd up... if your going to go that far pay the $5 a month it cost to get it stored remotely so you can also prevent theft

"Then open your wallet and buy real protection." - What would he need condoms for its software?

"I installed this program without a hitch." - Glad your computer is the perfect computer that can run every software title and all the hardware in the world with no effort or issues.

Have a nice day goverment style back-up look'n face

#33

"#1 I am a licensed, certified, Diploma touting security professional" - No one cares what you do... nice try tho

"#2 I use a “paid for” anti-viral…anti-intrusion software for protection and “no” it is not my protection software causing the problem…nor do I think this is an avenue for viral intrusion" - Don't think anyone would care even if you did... of GOTD gave out some bad software that did infect its users they would'nt be around long

"#3 I use a licensed version of 2003 Operating system software" - Grats to you for buy'n it but you should'nt have to mention what you got cause no one cares

"#4 While I like this site…I am concerned because of what seems to be a number of other people experiencing the SAME problem" So a number of people don't know how to read the instructions, good for them

"now while I am not “knocking” this site as a “problem” site I would like to know if others are experiencing the SAME problems" - all you have to do is read there post... im sure they will tell you, they will mention it even if you don't wanna know about it

"I wish the best to GOTD and have been very happy with some of the offerings here…but it still has not been a smooth ride and I think maybe GOTD needs to research the offerings a little more before posting them" - If its free then DL what you want and don't what you don't want but don't waste GOTD's time by complain'n about FREE stuff...


Im done for now sorry everyone you can go back to your business and ill return to mine :)

Download OK, install OK, activete OK. But I still prefer AVS Video Editor, it's much more powerful and easier to use than this one, additional, this is a basic version, not platinum version.
http://www.top5soft.com/video/avs-video-editor.html

I have been using Wondershare Photostory Platinum for a while and it is a very nice software. I experienced no bugs and no troubles. Those who missed the Platinum version, download this and create great personal screensavers and .swf files! Great effort GOTD! Keep going!!!

Mukundan

Ok, so the company links won't load at all for me. That doesn't give me much trust in the product quality if they can't keep their own website running.

Paul (#31) - If only it were that simple.

Rick (#33) - Security in what domain? Keep claiming... It really has no effect. The point is that just because it's happening to you, doesn't mean it's happening to others. Also, security has nothing on stability, and that's also important ;>

Kevin (#37) - Agreed. No problems here either.

For those wondering, this has been previously offered as the Platinum version:
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/wondershare-photo-story-platinum/

PT Barnum (#3) - Slashdot effect. You can't realistically expect them to cope with that many visitors at once... it has nothing to do with them being able to 'handle' their images.

Moizelle (#4) - You don't need to. Grab the feed, and only visit when the titles sound like you'd want them.

bruce (#6), Jennifer (#14), bushidojoe (#20) - The "register" button still shows up if the program is correctly activated, but if you click on it you'll see that the details are already filled in. If you are still having trouble...
REMEMBER, YOU RUN ACTIVATE.EXE BEFORE RUNNING SETUP.EXE. It works, period.
If you are still having trouble, FULLY CLOSE THE PROGRAM (look for any systray icons and remnant processes; you may even have to reboot in some cases) and re-run activate.exe. If that doesn't help, uninstall the program and TRY AGAIN, this time running ACTIVATE.EXE FIRST.
If you do NOT see an ACTIVATE.EXE in THIS package (some of them don't have it, but this one does), TURN OFF WIZARD MODE IN WINZIP.
With all that said... I have had NO problems activating this program. TRY AGAIN, FOR YOUR OWN SAKES.

Rick (#17), sad as this is (because I don't like him, to be honest), I'm going to have to agree with Phil (#28): It's just you. I've not had severe problems with GotD-offered programs and games, ever. Heck, I've hardly ever had minor (activation, crashes (I mean application crashes here, 'crash' is not the term you were looking for), glitches, etc.) issues with GotD offerings. If you use AVG, ditch it (It is (or was) a known sub-par anti-virus.) and at least get a copy of Avast (which is also free even though you have to go through free registration).

Beware of this software. Go to their website. As #3 said, their own website isn't working right. It took forever to load and then it came up without the photos. How can you trust them to develop well-working software?

I tried the software, its nice, useful, easy to use, professioanl, and individuals need!!!

I disagree with most of the comments, its a good software.
Thank you GAOD

Hello all! Today's 15-Minute Review is up! Check it out!

http://www.bladedthoth.com/reviews/15mrs/wondershare-photo-story-v2-5-5-quick/

#25...Take it elsewhere. Nothing productive to say = say nothing.

The team has done a good job, as best that they can, of offering diversity. If they have partnered with Wondershare and are able to offer us their products to try for evaluation purposes, then great for us. Run down to Best Buy, et al, and see if they'll give you the same deal. Do you always like everything on the menu at restaurants? I doubt it. You pick what you like and leave the rest. Do you tell the waiter...why do carry this or that, because I think they suck? I doubt it.

Please don't waste the time of others and the space required for your worthless rants. Thanks and have a better day.

Hey #27...

before you start spouting off about how I may not have "paid for" software...

#1 I am a licensed, certified, Diploma touting security professional

#2 I use a "paid for" anti-viral...anti-intrusion software for protection and "no" it is not my protection software causing the problem...nor do I think this is an avenue for viral intrusion

#3 I use a licensed version of 2003 Operating system software

#4 While I like this site...I am concerned because of what seems to be a number of other people experiencing the SAME problem

now while I am not "knocking" this site as a "problem" site I would like to know if others are experiencing the SAME problems

I wish the best to GOTD and have been very happy with some of the offerings here...but it still has not been a smooth ride and I think maybe GOTD needs to research the offerings a little more before posting them

I'd keep a distance from these Wondershare guys.

Last June I downloaded their PPT2DVD from GAOTD, installed, activated, and left it on my hard drive. I almost never use PowerPoint myself, but only the (deceased) much, much better Astound.

Recently, a client asked me whether it would be possible to convert their PowerPoint presentations into DVD. So I decided to give it a try. I wouldn't mind if the presentation came out with watermarks, ads, demo warnings, whatever. If I could show the client it works okay, I'd buy the full program and use it for this purpose. (The client would hire me to translate the presentations before converting - I'm a translator.)

Well, the client gave me a few PPTs to try, but a couple of months after installation and GAOTD activation the program wouldn't work. Demo expired.

So I uninstalled the program I had from GAOTD, downloaded a demo straight from Wondershare's web site, installed, and tried to run it. I got a message that my demo period had expired!

Hence I wrote their tech support about it, and guess what?
I got no reply!

The bottom line is that they want $ 100 in advance for me to check whether their software does what they say. If it doesn't, it's my problem!

Thanks again giveaway team!
I have used all the wondershare programs you have offered and have no issues at all. They are not the most high tech or feature rich as some higher priced wares but they work.
As far as the whiners above are concerned, this software does work, and if your PC ""CRASHES"" you might want to thank Bill Gates for creating the most rip off OS ever propagated on a mass of people, every crash I have ever had can be traced back to another glorious Microsoft screwup.
Now if we can get these folks to write software for Linux or OS-X we could all rest in tall grass tonight! lol

Rick(#17): If you're a regular here you should know that the programs you get from GOTD are only yours free for as long as you can keep them on your computer. You'll lose them as a result of a crash or re-format. This isn't a defect in the files from GOTD.
The whole idea is to encourage people to BUY the developers' software. It's given for free for a day so you can try it out and hopefully buy the next version and tell others about it so they'll buy it.
If it's lost, it's lost, whatever the reason. This is, after all, a business and not a freeware site.

Thanks Messie for your suggestions but I tried those and they didn't resolve the 'class not registered' problem I'm having with this program. I get the error message everytime I try to create a new album now. I believe I will be removing this program from my computer again. This is too bad since I was looking for a program like this.

# 17 It's just you. You're more than likely not doing anything to keep your system clean, and using cheap anti-virus programs. You get what you pay for. I've never had a "Crash", but if I ever do all of my data is already backed up on another hard drive which I rotate with the current on monthly. I also back up to disk and store in a fire proof safe. So before you blame GAOTD, take a few minutes each day to defrag and clean out your junk. Then open your wallet and buy real protection. I installed this program without a hitch. There are a couple of differences between it and the platinum version.

I have not had much luck with Wondershare. After purchasing their buggy Powerpoint to Flash convertor I found that sound timing was off and transitions did not copy well. While the software appeared to allow the tweaking of many settings, none of this work. I gave up after spending numerous hours attempting to communicate with them. These guys would have lead paint on their toys if they exported more than software.

How is this different from Photo Story 3 from MS?

Super!!! More shitty software from GOTD!!! ALRIGHT!!!!