A couple of days ago I told you that Corel Altered Their Upgrade Policy. This has caused some confusion with the release of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6 and some of that confusion has been made worse by Corel giving out incorrect information.
If you own legitimate copies of CorelDRAW X4 or X5, you are eligible for upgrade pricing for the life of CorelDRAW X6. This does not apply to OEM or Academic versions and has never applied to those versions.
Those of you who own any previous version of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite are eligible for upgrade pricing during a grace period that ends on June 18, 2012. Again, this doesn’t apply to OEM or Academic versions. After the June 18, 2012 deadline, users of the older versions would be required to purchase a copy of CorelDRAW X6 at full price. This gives users of these older versions one more very good reason to upgrade now instead of waiting.
This has been most frustrating. I upgraded to version 6X and received a confirmation from Corel with a serial #. However, there was a message on the email which I have published here:
To install this version, you need to have a valid serial number for CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite X4 or X5. For the first 90 days following the launch of CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite X6, we are offering a special upgrade promotion for all users that are currently working with an older version of CorelDRAW®, CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite, Corel® PHOTO-PAINT™, Corel DESIGNER®, Micrografx Designer, Micrografx Graphics Suite, Micrografx / Corel® Picture Publisher®, or Corel® Painter™. Please use the 90 Day Special Upgrade Promotion procedure located at http://www.corel.com/installcenter to obtain a valid upgrade key. This offer is only valid for submissions received before midnight on June 18, 2012.
Following the instructions I went to the installcenter but can nothing that tells me how to get a valid upgrade key. It did allow me to register the software. Is this also my upgrade key? In the drop down box or on the visuals nothing was said about Graphics Suite 11, but according to Corel it is eligible. Please advise.
We have passed your note on to Corel so they can clarify. As we understand it, users of ALL version previous to CorelDRAW X4 will be given a CorelDRAW X4 serial number (that is probably done at the installcenter URL) that allows the upgrade to work for them.
We can’t say this any more clearly. YOU ARE ELIGIBLE for upgrade pricing until June 18, 2012.
Thanks, Foster. Yes, they have corrected. Those of us with an earlier version and needing an upgrade key should look at the visuals. The first one is now Graphics 6X. Underneath the picture is the menu item UPGRADE Key that should be clicked on. It will then bring up the “Ask A Question” form and the following should be answered:
Subject: Enter “90 Day Special Upgrade Promotion”
Description: Enter the serial number of the version you are upgrading from
OS: Select your operating system
Product Delivery: Select the method you received your new X6 Upgrade version
Serial Number: Enter the serial number of your new X6 Upgrade version. (If you downloaded the program the serial number will be on the confirmation email. If you get the boxed version the serial # will be provided but I don’t know where. It is usually on the box.)
After doing all this I was told that my case has been created and an agent will review ASAP. A case number was provided and for status I would need to go to my account.
You will need to register the new product and if you haven’t already done so a link has been provided on the case created page.
I hope that this will help all those that need to get an upgrade key. I haven’t heard from Corel yet with my key. I hope it will be soon.
I’m appreciative of the fact that Corel is allowing the upgrade from much older versions, but I must say it has been frustrating and Graphics Unleashed has been instrumental isn communicating with Corel and getting responses. Once again, many Thanks, Foster.
Glad things are getting sorted out. We do our best to inform users and bring issues to Corel’s attention when needed.
I received my upgrade key this morning and successfully installed Corel Graphics Suite X6. A nice bonus was Website Creator X6 which was offered at the end of the install. I am happily learning the program and thanks so much for your help. The aggravation and frustration was worth it. It is a fantastic program and I’m glad I had the opportunity to upgrade. Thanks be to Corel for grandfathering us oldies in.
Awesome! Glad to hear it was all worth it. The new policy is a bit confusing and we want to make sure all users get the opportunity to upgrade at the discounted prices before the grace period ends.
So what’s the deal with the upgrade price that’s still offered on the Corel website and through other retailers? Is this a different price than the special upgrade promo price. The website has a $179.00 upgrade price for X4 or X5 owners with this information:
To purchase this product, you must own a previous licensed version of CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite X4 or X5, or CorelDRAW® Premium Suite X5. Please note that upgrade eligibility excludes Academic, Home and Student, OEM and Not for Resale (NFR) versions.
Did Corel get cold feet about making owner pay full price after June 18? It’s sure a weasely way of doing business if they leveraged owners and then said “nevermind!”
BJ, how is the policy they have now any different from what is described? If you own CorelDRAW X4 or X5, you are eligible for upgrade pricing. Prior to June 18, 2012, owners of ALL previous versions were eligible for upgrade pricing.
Any ideas on how to go about doing a re-install of boxed GS 16? I have it registered w/Corel after the first install. I have to do a coomplete re-install afer a disk change. Still have the old install on a disk. Don’t have the SN they gave me to do the initial install of GS16 UG…. last ver I have SN to is 13.
You are certainly responsible for keeping record of the serial number they provided to you. If you did register it, I would think the serial number would be stored at your online account. Beyond that, you’ll want to contact Corel’s Customer Service.