I went through all the motions, gave them my info, got a key, and it won't activate.

I had a 2013 version on my system which I was pleased to update. The installation process involved extra steps but everything worked out fine following the instructions posted here. Generally speaking I've found this to be a good program.

To the Developer,

What happens after the 12 months license expires? Will we be able to access encrypted files?

Sounds very interesting, but after reading statement 5 I think I'll give it a bye. Just too many hoops for my liking to jump through to get a registered one year copy. I'll stick with what I have as it doesn't say that its superior compression is actually compatable with the progs it is superior to, not much good if you need your zips or Rars to work in your clients preferred compression software.

Activation process is WAY too complicated. Never received second email.

I tried an older version of this software a while ago, and ended up going back to 7Zip, stuck with that ever since. Does everything I need, and no licence/registration numbers involved. Also have PeaZip as a backup, but prefer the 7zip.

Last time I have won free licence - the same is offered now as well (3 best improvement ideas will be rewarded with a lifetime license of PowerArchiver 2018 Professional. Use Idea Informer widget to submit your feedback) - but I have not been contacted and no registration number was sent to me. Have no idea how does it work.

Described as "The most powerful file management - compression and encryption utility."

And yet this the standard version cannot live up to that claim as there is a pro version too.

I have this from 2016 but quite frankly I have never needed to use it because I have yet to find something that the free Peazip has not been able to handle.

Not that Powerarchiver may have some additional useful tools in the box but it's one to check out carefully before purchase as you might find that you pay for something that has features that you may never use.

winner "most convoluted authentication process I've seen to date", and I've developed one or two in my time.. :)

TWO codes are sent, first activates the second step. After registering in two sites. Only the second code (8 groups of random characters, not the short 3 groups) can be entered to the software, only on the offline registration tab..

I still have the 2015' and 2016' edition and they are awesome, despiste the conexware update showing updates and without a clue how to stop that.
The last giveaways of PowerArchiver 2018 came without the .PA encryption function, reason why I can´t use it, because all my backups are with these option.
1 year is a very good time to evaluate the software but, if you apply all the resources, perhaps you will need to buy a licence when a recovery is necessary, after that. Reason why the 2015' and 2016' still the best versions.

This has turned out to be a real pain. Having carefully followed the instructions I received all the codes and when I entered the offline activation code got the message that the program would restart to enable activation, which it did, but once restarted gave the message that Powerarchiver was unregistered and asking for codes to be entered. I entered all the codes already received and entered them again and exactly the same thing happened. Can't be bothered with this registration of software should be quick easy and without pain. Uninstalled while looking for a cure for my headache.

Tried to get the code to unlock this and got a 404 page, saying the page does not exist! Please advise. Thanks.

I have had a PowerArchiver lifetime license with power tools for many years. This is a seriously good program that works consistently without error.

Probably, the most powerful "compressed file" handling tool existing. For the biggest part of the users, the required functionality can be found in free alternatives, though.

Works perfectly. Thank you!

An unnecessarily complicated registration process that involves several emails, complete with different pieces of information in each one. The activation details that you're finally looking for in the final email is marked
*** Offline Registration ***

It took me a few attempts to activate the software due to this important part being buried in the text of the email, beneath the blurb trying to sell you more stuff, and ignoring the previous licence key email and password email.

Wade through all that and you'll finally get it registered though. Whether it's worth it I've yet to discover compared to my current freeware archiver 7Zip.

Used a long time ago, when it was freeware, then stopped when it asked for $$$
Got it again when it was offered free few months ago. Stil very convenient, many usefull (as unpack a bunch of zips each in a different folder, or create an autodecompact exe from a pack of files).
Nice.

Entering the serial number provided and my valid email address it was sent to but getting an error saying "We couldn't retrieve your licence information. Please check your email and activation code"........I have entered everything correctly, there is no question about it. What do I do now?

"PowerArchiver 2018 Standard - The most powerful file management - compression and encryption utility."

So why do they also have a Professional and Toolbox edition?