Difference between revisions of "MSDNAA/FAQ"

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{{MSDNAA}}
 
{{MSDNAA}}
<b>Q: Who is eligible for this program?</b><br />
+
===<font color="red">Logging in to DreamSpark</font>===
A: The MSDNAA license stipulates that only students taking courses in the ECE Department (with an ECE prefix) may download MSDNAA software. Students who are electrical or computer engineering majors but are not currently enrolled in at least one ECE class are not eligible to download MSDNAA software. This includes students who are currently participating in Co-op and students who do not take summer courses. The students may, however, continue to use previously downloaded software.
+
<b>Q: What is my ELMS login username and password?</b><br />
 +
A: For students, your ELMS userid is your Unity email address (unityid@ncsu.edu). However, since ELMS is independent of NC State University, the password they provide will be different. Your initial password will be sent to your Unity email address by ELMS when your account is created.
  
 +
<b>Q: I forgot my password, how do I get a new one?</b><br />
 +
A: If you have forgotten your password you can have it emailed to you through the ELMS system using the link on the [https://msdn.e-academy.com/ncsu_ece/index.cfm?loc=login/login Login page].
  
<b>Q: I can't get in or the download does not start, What's wrong?</b><br />
+
<b>Q: I am a new/returning student, when will I receive access to DreamSpark?</b><br />
A: Probably nothing. If you can't get in or the download does not start, please be patient and try again later. They are experiencing very high usage levels. Please be sure to use Internet Explorer when attempting to download anything from the ELMS system -- other browsers often have problems.  
+
A: All DreamSpark-eligible accounts are enabled at the beginning of each new semester, and disabled at the end of final exams. You can review the dates for future semesters at [[Software/MSDNAA/Eligibility| eligibility requirements]]. Please also be aware that when the system is disabled, administrators cannot issue additional downloads or product keys.
  
 +
<b>Q: I'm having trouble logging in. What should I do?</b><br />
 +
A: First, review the [[Software/MSDNAA/Eligibility| eligibility requirements]] to confirm you are eligible and that the system is enabled. Next, be certain you are using the correct login id, being your Unity email address (unityid@ncsu.edu). Finally, try requesting your password from the [https://msdn.e-academy.com/ncsu_ece/index.cfm?loc=login/login Login page]. If you are still having problems, go to the DreamSpark site and click on "Contact Us" fill out the form to send us a help request.  Please be sure to describe the types of login problems you are encountering. Someone will contact you for more information if necessary.<br />
  
<b>Q: I can't find the Windows Component update disk required to install Visual Studio .Net?</b><br />
+
===<font color="red">Eligibility</font>===
A: On the E-Academy site the windows component update disk is the Visual Studio .Net Disk 5<br />
+
<b>Q: Who is eligible for this program?</b><br />
 +
A: The DreamSpark license stipulates that only students taking courses in the ECE Department (with an ECE prefix) may download DreamSpark software. Students who are electrical or computer engineering majors but are not currently enrolled in at least one ECE class are not eligible to download DreamSpark software. This includes students who are currently participating in Co-op and students who do not take summer courses. The students may, however, continue to use previously downloaded software.
  
 +
<b>Q: How long will my ELMS account be active?</b><br />
 +
A: Your ELMS account will be active as long as you are an eligible participant of the DreamSpark license, meaning as long as you are a current student enrolled in an ECE class. For more details, see [[Software/MSDNAA/Eligibility| eligibility requirements]].<br />
  
<b>Q: The software says that its "Out of Stock". What does this mean?</b><br />
+
===<font color="red">Software Availability</font>===
A: If a product is out of stock it means that we are currently waiting for keys from Microsoft in order to be able to distribute them to the students or staff who orders the product. Once E-Academy has received these keys (please don't ask us as we have no idea how long this takes), you'll be able to download the software.  
+
<b>Q: What software is available under this program?</b><br />
 +
A: A full list of software available under our DreamSpark subscription cannot be provided here.  To view the list of softwares, you should log into the site.<br />
  
 +
<b>Q: When will new softwares be available?</b><br />
 +
A: New software versions are generally available at the same time they are available for retail.  However, software availability is controlled by Microsoft, and so we have no information on what products will be available or when.<br />
  
<b>Q: Where is the cd-key / product serial number?</b><br />
+
<b>Q: Do DreamSpark products provide the same functionality as those available through the retail market? </b><br />
A: The cd-key / product serial number is included in the Purchase Confirmation email you receive and the packing slip web page that displays after you begin the download.
+
A: Yes, a product purchased through the DreamSpark program offers the same functionality as a product purchased through the retail market.
  
 +
===<font color="red">Licenses and Software Usage</font>===
 +
<b>Q: What happens if the my department decides to cancel their DreamSpark membership?</b><br />
 +
A: MSDN subscription licenses are perpetual. As such, if a department decides not to renew, the user can continue to utilize the software that was received as a benefit of their earlier membership, but only as long as your usage conforms to the [http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/academic/bb250609.aspx| academic usage agreement].<br />
  
<b>Q: I downloaded the software and all I got was a large .img or .iso file. Help?<br /></b>
+
<b>Q: Upon graduation, are your rights to any downloaded programs from this ELMS web site revoked? Or are they yours to keep?</b><br />
A: These files are disc images that include the information necessary to make a disc bootable, in addition to the files for the software. If you have a .img file, you should rename it to .iso. You can use CD burning software to burn the image to a disc (Look for the option to &quot;Burn Image&quot;). If you need CD burning software, you might try [http://www.deepburner.com/?r=products&pr=deepburner DeepBurner]. NOTE: WolfTech does not support or warrant this product in any way - use at your own risk.
+
A: Yes, access to the site is revoked during any semester in which the student is not enrolled in an ECE class. Any software downloaded is yours to keep, but only as long as your usage conforms to the [http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/academic/bb250609.aspx| academic usage agreement].<br />
  
 +
<b>Q: Is the software permanently unlocked by the license (or "key")?</b><br />
 +
A: Product activation keys are single-use. Once a product key has been used to activate the downloaded software, the same key cannot be used again. If you must re-install a piece of software due to system crash or failure, or you have a new machine, you must use the form available from the "Contact Us" link to request an additional activation key.
  
<b>Q: I am having trouble burning my CD?</b><br />
+
<b>Q: Can I install my software on two computers at once?</b><br />
A: Due to the countless hardware and software variables involved, we can only provide general guidance about burning CD's. Some helpful information and tips on CD burning are:
+
A: Yes, as long as you are the owner of both computers and both are being used for educational purposes. Friends, family and colleagues not currently enrolled in a course are not allowed to access or use the software available from this Web site. If you have been assigned an ECE computer, different licenses cover the software -- email us at ecehelp@ncsu.edu to request software installations on ECE computers.  
<ul><li>Try burning at a slower speed. </li>
 
<li>When burning a CD, try changing to mode 2. </li>
 
<li>When burning a CD, It may be necessary to try changing the block size. A program such as CDmage (for information see http://cdmage.cjb.net/) may help. NOTE: WolfTech does not support or warrant this product in any way - use at your own risk. </li>
 
<li>Images from the MSDNAA CDs may contain folder trees nested greater than eight levels or filenames greater than 100 characters (not ISO 9660 compatible). </li>
 
<li>An .img file can be safely renamed to a .iso file. </li>
 
<li>You may burn an ISO image to disc using a program called DeepBurner (for information see [http://www.deepburner.com/?r=products&pr=deepburner http://www.deepburner.com/]). NOTE: WolfTech does not support or warrant this product in any way - use at your own risk. </li>
 
<li>One good site on CD's and CD-ROM's is at http://www.cdrfaq.org/faq.html</li></ul>
 
  
 +
<b>Q: I have a new computer now, how can I re-install my software?</b><br />
 +
A: You must use the form available from the "Contact Us" link to request an additional activation key.
  
<b>Q: What is my ELMS login id/username?</b><br />
+
===<font color="red">Downloading and Installing</font>===
A: For students, your ELMS userid is your Unity email address (unityid@ncsu.edu).  However, since ELMS is independent of NC State University, the password they provide will be different. Passwords are sent to your Unity email address by ELMS when your account is created.
+
<!-- <b>Q: What is the Windows Component update disk required to install Visual Studio .Net?</b><br />
 +
A: On the E-Academy site the windows component update disk is the Visual Studio .Net Disk 5<br /> -->
  
 +
<b>Q: Where is the product serial number?</b><br />
 +
A:  The product serial number will be available on the order confirmation page.
  
<b>Q: What is my password? I forgot my password, how do I get a new one?</b><br />
+
Alternatively, you can find the serial key for all of your purchases by following the directions below:
A: WolfTech has no way of knowing your password since this is a completely independent system (your ELMS password is not associated with any other account passwords). Your initial password will be emailed to your Unity email address when your account is created. If you have forgotten your password you can have it emailed to you through the ELMS system using the link on the [https://msdn.e-academy.com/ncsu_ece/index.cfm?loc=login/login Login page].
 
  
 +
:* Log-in to the site.
 +
:* Click on "Your Account" button found at the top of the page.
 +
:* Find the software in your Order History and click the "View Details" link.
 +
:* You should be able to see all of the software details information including the serial key number (If one is required).
  
<b>Q: I'm having trouble logging in. What should I do?</b><br />
+
<b>Q: If my download times out or I get disconnected, how do I continue my software download and installation?</b><br />
A: First, review the <a href="eligibility.php">eligibility requirements</a>. Next, be certain you are using the correct login id, being your Unity email address (unityid@ncsu.edu). Finally, try requesting your password from the [https://msdn.e-academy.com/ncsu_ece/index.cfm?loc=login/login Login page]. If you are still having problems, go to the ELMS site and on the Support page, please click on "Request Customer Support" to the left and supply more information about the types of login problems you are encountering. Someone will contact you for more information if necessary.<br />
+
A: The Secure Download Manager provides functionality for pause and resume of downloads, so disconnects are not an issue.
  
 +
<b>Q: I downloaded the software and all I got was a large .img or .iso file. Help?<br /></b>
 +
A: These files are disc images that include the information necessary to make a disc bootable, in addition to the files for the software. More information is provided by Microsoft [ftp://ftp.e-academy.com/pub/docs/Working_with_Image_Files.pdf here].
  
<b>Q: How long will my ELMS account be active?</b><br />
+
If you need CD burning software, you might try [http://www.ntfs.com/iso_burner_free.htm Active@ ISOBurner] or [http://www.deepburner.com/?r=products&pr=deepburner DeepBurner].<br>
A: Your ELMS account will be active as long as you are an eligible participant of the MSDNAA license, meaning as long as you are a current student enrolled in an ECE class. For more details, see [[Software/MSDNAA/Eligibility| eligibility]] requirements</a>.<br />
+
NOTE: WolfTech does not support or warrant these products in any way - use at your own risk.
  
 +
<b>Q: I am having trouble burning my CD/DVD image, what can I do?</b><br />
 +
A: Due to the countless hardware and software variables involved, we can only provide general guidance about burning image files. Some helpful information and tips on CD/DVD burning are:
  
<b>Q: Upon graduation, are your rights to any downloaded programs from this ELMS web site revoked? Or are they yours to keep?</b><br />
+
:*Try burning at a slower speed.
A: Yes, access to the site is revoked during any semester in which the student is not enrolled in an ECE class. Any software downloaded is yours to keep, but only as long as your usage conforms to the academic usage agreement (http://www.msdnaa.net/programusage.aspx).<br />
+
:*Make sure you are using the proper type of media for your cd/dvd image.
 +
:*An .img file can be safely renamed to a .iso file.
 +
:*Make sure you have read/write permissions to the file you are trying to burn
 +
:*One good site on CD's and CD-ROM's is at http://www.cdrfaq.org/faq.html
  
 +
===<font color="red">Troubleshooting</font>===
 +
<b>Q: I can't get in to the DreamSpark site or the download does not start, What's wrong?</b><br />
 +
A: If you experience issues with access or downloading, first, please be patient and try again later. The site may be experiencing very high usage levels. Also, please be sure to use Internet Explorer when attempting to download anything from the ELMS system -- other browsers often have problems.
  
<b>Q: What happens if the my department decides to cancel their MSDNAA membership?</b><br />
+
<b>Q: Why can't I access the site or start a download from my Macintosh system?</b><br />
A: MSDN subscription licenses are perpetual. As such, if a department decides not to renew, the user can continue to utilize the software that was received as a benefit of their earlier membership, but only as long as your usage conforms to the academic usage agreement (http://www.msdnaa.net/programusage.aspx).<br />
+
A: The DreamSpark site is not compatible with Apple OS X. You must use a Windows system to download the software.
  
 +
<b>Q: Can you please check the configuration of <insert Product>?</b><br />
 +
A: Please be aware that ''the ECE Department does not host the files you download from DreamSpark.''  Problems downloading are commonly caused by issues with your network connection, filewall, or permissions in the location you are downloading the file.
  
<b>Q: What software is available under this program?</b><br />
+
<b>Q: My download is inaccessible or corrupt, my CD/DVD does not work, I lost my download or media, what should I do?</b><br />
A: Not all of the material in the MSDNAA program is available from this site. Microsoft's official list of all software in the program is at http://www.msdnaa.net/products/descriptions.aspx. If you need something from the list that is not on our ELMS site, please send email to [mailto:ecehelp@ncsu.edu?Subject=MSDNAA%20Question ecehelp@ncsu.edu]. <br />
+
A: In most of these cases, you should attempt to re-download the image. You may also try temporarily disabling your antivirus/antimalware software or removing and re-installing the Secure Download Manager.
 
 
 
 
<b>Q: Is the software permanently unlocked by the license (or "key")?</b><br />
 
A: No - the key allows you to install the software once. After that, if you need to re-install the software, you will need to use the "Request Re-Install" option from the Support section of the site. This is how their system helps to reduce software piracy.
 
 
 
 
 
<b>Q: Can I install my software on two computers at once?</b><br />
 
A: No, you are limited to one installation only. If you have more than one computer i.e. home computer and laptop or work computer, you will need to choose on which one you'd like the use the software. Keep in mind as well that friends, family and colleagues who are not enrolled in a course in a department that subscribes to the MSDNAA Program are not allowed to access or use the software available from this web site.
 
 
 
 
 
<b>Q: I have a new computer now, how can I re-install my software?</b><br />
 
A: You must contact [mailto:ecehelp@ncsu.edu?Subject=MSDNAA%20Question ecehelp@ncsu.edu] request a new activation code.
 
 
 
 
 
<b>Q: If my download times out or I get disconnected, how do I continue my software download and installation?</b><br />
 
A: If you were in the middle of downloading the software itself, there will be a shortcut icon saved on your desktop that will allow you to resume your download. Double-click on the icon to begin again. If you don't see the shortcut icon on your computer desktop, you can use the "Request Re-Install" function in the Support section.  
 
 
 
  
<b>Q: Do MSDNAA products provide the same functionality as those available through the retail market? </b><br />
+
Additionally, make sure you are downloading the image to a file location where you have read/write/modify access, and consider running a chkdsk on your system to fix any file system errors.  For issues with burning CD/DVDs, see the section above.
A: Yes, a product purchased through the MSDNAA program offers the same functionality as a product purchased through the retail market.
 

Latest revision as of 13:31, 28 August 2012

Logging in to DreamSpark

Q: What is my ELMS login username and password?
A: For students, your ELMS userid is your Unity email address (unityid@ncsu.edu). However, since ELMS is independent of NC State University, the password they provide will be different. Your initial password will be sent to your Unity email address by ELMS when your account is created.

Q: I forgot my password, how do I get a new one?
A: If you have forgotten your password you can have it emailed to you through the ELMS system using the link on the Login page.

Q: I am a new/returning student, when will I receive access to DreamSpark?
A: All DreamSpark-eligible accounts are enabled at the beginning of each new semester, and disabled at the end of final exams. You can review the dates for future semesters at eligibility requirements. Please also be aware that when the system is disabled, administrators cannot issue additional downloads or product keys.

Q: I'm having trouble logging in. What should I do?
A: First, review the eligibility requirements to confirm you are eligible and that the system is enabled. Next, be certain you are using the correct login id, being your Unity email address (unityid@ncsu.edu). Finally, try requesting your password from the Login page. If you are still having problems, go to the DreamSpark site and click on "Contact Us" fill out the form to send us a help request. Please be sure to describe the types of login problems you are encountering. Someone will contact you for more information if necessary.

Eligibility

Q: Who is eligible for this program?
A: The DreamSpark license stipulates that only students taking courses in the ECE Department (with an ECE prefix) may download DreamSpark software. Students who are electrical or computer engineering majors but are not currently enrolled in at least one ECE class are not eligible to download DreamSpark software. This includes students who are currently participating in Co-op and students who do not take summer courses. The students may, however, continue to use previously downloaded software.

Q: How long will my ELMS account be active?
A: Your ELMS account will be active as long as you are an eligible participant of the DreamSpark license, meaning as long as you are a current student enrolled in an ECE class. For more details, see eligibility requirements.

Software Availability

Q: What software is available under this program?
A: A full list of software available under our DreamSpark subscription cannot be provided here. To view the list of softwares, you should log into the site.

Q: When will new softwares be available?
A: New software versions are generally available at the same time they are available for retail. However, software availability is controlled by Microsoft, and so we have no information on what products will be available or when.

Q: Do DreamSpark products provide the same functionality as those available through the retail market?
A: Yes, a product purchased through the DreamSpark program offers the same functionality as a product purchased through the retail market.

Licenses and Software Usage

Q: What happens if the my department decides to cancel their DreamSpark membership?
A: MSDN subscription licenses are perpetual. As such, if a department decides not to renew, the user can continue to utilize the software that was received as a benefit of their earlier membership, but only as long as your usage conforms to the academic usage agreement.

Q: Upon graduation, are your rights to any downloaded programs from this ELMS web site revoked? Or are they yours to keep?
A: Yes, access to the site is revoked during any semester in which the student is not enrolled in an ECE class. Any software downloaded is yours to keep, but only as long as your usage conforms to the academic usage agreement.

Q: Is the software permanently unlocked by the license (or "key")?
A: Product activation keys are single-use. Once a product key has been used to activate the downloaded software, the same key cannot be used again. If you must re-install a piece of software due to system crash or failure, or you have a new machine, you must use the form available from the "Contact Us" link to request an additional activation key.

Q: Can I install my software on two computers at once?
A: Yes, as long as you are the owner of both computers and both are being used for educational purposes. Friends, family and colleagues not currently enrolled in a course are not allowed to access or use the software available from this Web site. If you have been assigned an ECE computer, different licenses cover the software -- email us at ecehelp@ncsu.edu to request software installations on ECE computers.

Q: I have a new computer now, how can I re-install my software?
A: You must use the form available from the "Contact Us" link to request an additional activation key.

Downloading and Installing

Q: Where is the product serial number?
A: The product serial number will be available on the order confirmation page.

Alternatively, you can find the serial key for all of your purchases by following the directions below:

  • Log-in to the site.
  • Click on "Your Account" button found at the top of the page.
  • Find the software in your Order History and click the "View Details" link.
  • You should be able to see all of the software details information including the serial key number (If one is required).

Q: If my download times out or I get disconnected, how do I continue my software download and installation?
A: The Secure Download Manager provides functionality for pause and resume of downloads, so disconnects are not an issue.

Q: I downloaded the software and all I got was a large .img or .iso file. Help?
A: These files are disc images that include the information necessary to make a disc bootable, in addition to the files for the software. More information is provided by Microsoft here.

If you need CD burning software, you might try Active@ ISOBurner or DeepBurner.
NOTE: WolfTech does not support or warrant these products in any way - use at your own risk.

Q: I am having trouble burning my CD/DVD image, what can I do?
A: Due to the countless hardware and software variables involved, we can only provide general guidance about burning image files. Some helpful information and tips on CD/DVD burning are:

  • Try burning at a slower speed.
  • Make sure you are using the proper type of media for your cd/dvd image.
  • An .img file can be safely renamed to a .iso file.
  • Make sure you have read/write permissions to the file you are trying to burn
  • One good site on CD's and CD-ROM's is at http://www.cdrfaq.org/faq.html

Troubleshooting

Q: I can't get in to the DreamSpark site or the download does not start, What's wrong?
A: If you experience issues with access or downloading, first, please be patient and try again later. The site may be experiencing very high usage levels. Also, please be sure to use Internet Explorer when attempting to download anything from the ELMS system -- other browsers often have problems.

Q: Why can't I access the site or start a download from my Macintosh system?
A: The DreamSpark site is not compatible with Apple OS X. You must use a Windows system to download the software.

Q: Can you please check the configuration of <insert Product>?
A: Please be aware that the ECE Department does not host the files you download from DreamSpark. Problems downloading are commonly caused by issues with your network connection, filewall, or permissions in the location you are downloading the file.

Q: My download is inaccessible or corrupt, my CD/DVD does not work, I lost my download or media, what should I do?
A: In most of these cases, you should attempt to re-download the image. You may also try temporarily disabling your antivirus/antimalware software or removing and re-installing the Secure Download Manager.

Additionally, make sure you are downloading the image to a file location where you have read/write/modify access, and consider running a chkdsk on your system to fix any file system errors. For issues with burning CD/DVDs, see the section above.