# Why register software? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 14, 2004, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-register-software/229232 "2004-02-14T18:47:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2004, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-register-software/229232/1 "2004-02-14T18:47:50Z")
When you buy and install a new CD with software, the company prompts you to register your purchase. Why should I bother? What’s in it for me? What are the disadvantages? FTR, I do not want to be sent advertising about any of their other products. ---
**Author:** ![kellner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c2a13f/32.png) [@kellner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kellner)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2004, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-register-software/229232/2 "2004-02-14T19:01:27Z")
The software companies want to keep track of the users of their programs for marketing reasons (both knowing the demographics of their customers and having contacts for advertisements). Some types of registrations can also prevent piracy. If you sent your full name and address away with your serial number you are less likely to share it with all your friends. As a private person you don’t have too many benefits from registering, unless it is technically required (e.g. online multiplayer games). Companies may choose to give support only to registered users. This is a big issue especially for business users. ---
**Author:** ![foxymoron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d26b3c/32.png) [@foxymoron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foxymoron)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2004, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-register-software/229232/3 "2004-02-14T20:20:13Z")
Also, some games require a cd-rom and a registration key. The cd-rom has to be inserted to play and the registration key has to be stored in a file. I have re-installed my computer in the past and, when I went to play my game, only had the cd-rom. The case or sticker with the registration code was lost to a drawer or trash bag somewhere. Couldn’t install without a key. If I had registered the game on-line, they would have told me what the key was. Instead, I was expected to buy the game again. But I guess that falls under registering to get support. ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2004, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-register-software/229232/4 "2004-02-14T21:50:20Z")
In my case, the game is Civilization III Conquests from Atari, and it plays without needing registration. So I don’t see any point in my registering it. In fact, its registration prompt allows the choice “Never remind me about this again.” So I can safely ignore it. However, it does include the Civilization “Play the World” online multiplayer mode, which I haven’t tried yet. You’re saying I will need to register to make that work? ---
**Author:** ![Moo\_the\_Magic\_Cow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ebca7d/32.png) [@Moo\_the\_Magic\_Cow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moo_the_Magic_Cow)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2004, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-register-software/229232/5 "2004-02-17T00:37:16Z")
It all depends on the game. Some do, some don’t. If you do, it’ll tell you when you try the multiplayer mode. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2004, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-register-software/229232/6 "2004-02-17T00:58:26Z")
Another advantage of registering your software IMO is getting notified about bug fixes and patches. ---
**Author:** ![Hail\_Ants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/dc4da7/32.png) [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2004, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-register-software/229232/7 "2004-02-17T02:18:13Z")
If we’re just talking about **registration** i.e. not any kind of activation or unlocking or anything **required** , just where, the first time it runs, the software immediately opens a name, address etc. box and asks you to fill it out & register online, then this is nothing more than a marketing tool for the software company. Not that there’s really anything wrong with that. However if you include your email address expect to get email ‘offers’ from them. ---
**Author:** ![spingears](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@spingears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spingears)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2004, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-register-software/229232/8 "2004-02-17T03:20:35Z")
> [@foxymoron](#): > > Also, some games require a cd-rom and a registration key. The cd-rom has to be inserted to play and the registration key has to be stored in a file. I have re-installed my computer in the past and, when I went to play my game, only had the cd-rom. The case or sticker with the registration code was lost to a drawer or trash bag somewhere. > > Couldn’t install without a key. > > If I had registered the game on-line, they would have told me what the key was. Instead, I was expected to buy the game again. > > But I guess that falls under registering to get support. Key Loss proof you discs with a fine line felt tipped marking pen. The Install Code writtern ON THE CD isnsures that it will be available at time of need. Also write the number on the envelope or jewel box the CD came in. Paper sleeves work best for me as they take less space and can be filed simply by the name on top edge of envelope.