I periodically reinstall windows and all my software to keep my computer running optimally, and I noticed that the BCN activation code doesn't let me do this (I get a message saying something like "denied - if your device has been rebuilt or reset, please contact administration for renewal").

I understand that you need to have measures to prevent someone from using a single activation code on multiple machines, but isn't it possible to get a machine number from the host computer during install? If so, then perhaps you could limit its use to that machine?

I realize that as long as you are actively providing support, you can manually reset the codes. However, I'd like to keep using the software even if you were to move on to other things.

I've already lost the use of some other shareware that I purchased due to similar security features. I guess I could quit using my clean-wipe-reinstall method of maintenance, but I generally get good performance gains from doing that once a year or so (not to mention buying a new system every 2-3 years). Also, it is by far the easiest way to deal with a virus infestation, which was the reason for my latest reinstall, since I keep backed up all the time and can do a full reinstall in just a few hours. That's a lot easier and far more reliable than the uncertain process of trying to remove the virus.