Thank you Jeff

Your comments are interesting. I did indeed originally purchase this software and I am still using it on the same PC. I use it about once a year to vonvert DV files to DVD disc for TV viewing. It is the first time I have been asked for an activation code. I still have my original serial no. activation codes but they are no help. Although I am not familiar with the difference between mpeg 2 and 4 your explanation makes sense, although it does not explain why I am now being asked for this code for MPEG when just trying to burn to DVD..

I'll keep looking but thank you for your comments

regards

Gary

Interestingly when I try it states "In order to use the MPEG 2 function , a one time activation is required" and then gives options for online and offline activation, which do not work

Product originally registered 21/12/13 - I wont be buying an upgrade because the computer is too old

@Gary-Bowler

Hi Gary.

If you can edit your footage in MEP 2013 and just export it as a file then maybe you could use one of the free DVD burner programs you can find on the net to complete your project.

Ray.

Thanks, good suggestion, Ill try that

When I first bought the Plus version of some early MEP version, it seemed that the MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 encoders were part of the deal. I remember having to click to activate/register them on line. But I didn't have to pay for them.

They worked for me through MEP 2016. And then, some time later, I opened MEP 2016 and they didn't work anymore.

I don't recall there being a time limit on their license. Maybe some database changed at Magix?

@pmikep

Sometimes it's not time limits but component changes that causes such problems. The program, or different parts of it, may no longer think it's on the same machine and therefore not registered to work if the specs have changed from say adding ram and a new graphics card or the main hard drive has been replaced.

I don't go back with versions of MEP that far but the current program does indeed come with both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 encoders although there is a further MPEG-4 alternative encoder that is extra if you want it. Personally speaking, the one that comes with MEP seems good enough. I have transferred my Copy of MEP onto a new machine without such problems (although I have other problems with MEP) but it is currently covered on the upgrade renewal scheme. I think that is the problem. If you look through MEPs T&Cs you will effectively find that a lot of it is more or less rented to you with only the core part of the program being the bit that you effectively 'own'. Personally I'm not a fan of this approach but it does allow Magix to offer the program much cheaper than it would otherwise be, assuming you go for the often offered 'price reduction offers' as opposed to paying full price. At which point the core program still makes financial sense although if you want to use the extras supplied look very carefully at the terms and conditions of the program at the time of sale.

Ray.

Been using MEP for over 10 years.

I remember that CD/DVD encoding always asked for activation once on 1st encoding; and also when there's been some updates where the whole program needs to reactivates again along with this MPEG4 encoder.

As there is only have 1 activation code in the box that the DVD installer came ( I just looked), both program and MPEG4 encoder uses the same activation code ( at least for my case).

@Gary-Bowler

. . . . In order to use the MPEG 2 function , a one time activation is required" and then gives options for online and offline activation . . . . I wont be buying an upgrade because the computer is too old . . . .

Depending on how old your computer is it may not be able to communicate with the registration servers.

Assuming:

1. this is not a re-install of 2013 - do you get any error messages when trying to activate on-line and did you try activating off-line on another computer?
    
2. it is a re-install did the program activate OK on-line?

John EB