NIS Renewal / Upgrade Options

Hi

 

I have NIS2011 installed on my main HP desktop system (Win7), a Dell laptop (Vista) and a Dell netbook (Win7), and the subscription runs out in a couple of weeks. I'm trying to decide whether to upgrade to NIS2012, or stick with NIS2011. Once I've bought the cheapest 3-user CD I can find (of either version), I also need to decide the simplest way to install/renew. I've come up with following options:

 

1.

Purchase NIS2011 CD. 
Renew using new 2011 key, ie don't upgrade to 2012.

 

I'm quite happy with NIS2011, and a bit reluctant to upgrade to 2012, given some of issues encountered by others. Can't see that 2012 gives me much extra.


2.

Purchase NIS2012 CD. 
Install 2012 on top of 2011. 
Renew using new 2012 key.

 

The simple upgrade route, but an install 'on top' doesn't always work ok?

 

3.

Purchase NIS2012 CD. 
Uninstall 2011 and then install 2012. 
Renew using new 2012 key.

 

More foolproof upgrade route, but more of a faff, especially on three machines.

 

4.

Purchase NIS2012 CD.
Switch on 'Automatic download of new version' option in current 2011 Settings.  
NIS2012 will be downloaded & installed by LiveUpdate.  
Renew using new 2012 key.

 

I've never had this option switched on, but it seems like a very easy way of getting 2012 installed.

 

 

I guess we all have our favourite ways of doing upgrades. Excessive cost of doing it thru the 'renew' button and/or the Norton website makes this way a non-starter, but any thoughts on the above options would be welcome.

 

Ian.

H ianmoz:

 

What I would suggest is a modification of your Number 2. :smileyhappy:

 

One computer at a time...

Install 2012 on top of 2011 right now via Support -> New Version Check.

Check all functionality before moving to the next computer.

 

Later on, purchase a new 3-User NIS2012 Subscription CD Key online - use when the current subscription expires.

If you don't wish to migrate to NIS 2012 just yet, just buy a new Key and stay with 2011. No worries.

 

Another way is to buy the boxed 2011 (might be cheaper) or 2012 product and use the Product Key from there.

 

Does this help answer your question?

 

Cheers!

 

Atomic_Blast :)

Hi Atomic_Blast

 

Thanks for your very quick response! That is very helpful, and has given me some more info, because ...

 

The New Version Check option took me to the Norton website where the renewal price is shown as £24.99. This compares very favourably with the price of a CD from various sources, and certainly much less than the £39.99 price quoted in the Upgrade/Renewal section of the website. This makes me think I'll take this route to renew the subscription and stay with 2011 for the time being.

 

I assume when I renew via this route, the remaining days (28) on my subs will be carried forward, or will I lose them?  If so, I guess I could wait until a couple days before expiry before renewing.

 

One further point. When I renew on one machine via this route, I obviously pay once for the 3-user renewal. Will I get a new key to input to renew on the other machines, or will they just get their 'days remaining' updated from the account automatically?

 

Ian.

 

 

 

 

Hi ianmoz:

 

Don't use the new key until the other subscription is about to run out. The unused days do not carry forward.

The new key will need to be entered on all remaining machines, i.e. 3 User single license key = 3 Systems.

 

Does this help?

 

Atomic_Blast :)

Hi Atomic_Blast

 

Thanks again. I'll wait until nearer the expiry date before I do anything.

 

From what you say, it seems that when I renew on one system I get a new key, even tho I'm only renewing 2011, not upgrading to 2012. I then use this new key to renew on the other 2 systems, rather than going via the website renewal page. Correct?

 

Ian.

Hi ianmoz:

 

Correct! If you have a 3 User Key.:smileylol:

 

Hope this solves your issue!

 

Regards,

 

Atomic_Blast :)

Hi Atomic_Blast

 

Yes that's great. Thanks again for your help. Much happier now I know how it works! :smileyhappy:

 

Best Regards,

 

Ian.

Ian,

 

Bear in mind that the price you spotted on Norton that was so good may not be around if you delay. AND you said that was for Renewal so if you grab it now it will add the 366 days to your present subscrciption and I don't think it will force you to upgrade to 2012 immediately.

 

Renewal is just that.

 

If you want to upgrade then we have several ways for you to do that so far as getting the files are concerned; the one thing best NOT to do is to use the files on a CD since they are not upgraded whereas downloaded files are very nearly perfectly uptodate -- usually just need today's definitions added.

 

If you find that special price has disappeared I suggest getting onto Norton OnLine Customer Support via the CHAT route as below and asking them to apply it for you saying you were just checking here to see if that was the correct way for you to go -- and you can ask them, if you want to, about staying on 2011 for the moment but getting that price.

 

To contact customer support Click on this link and work on from there. You may have to scroll down a little to see the CHAT button.

Feedback from users tells us that CHAT is by far the best at resolving problems.

I see you are in the UK and that link should take you to the UK Chat service but if not try from your usual UK Norton webpage and make sure you use CHAT and don't come back here to the forums, or get Nathan the robot by mistake.
Please let us know how you get on ....