Virtual Architect Home & Landscape Platinum Suite

Received software, ran installer (took HOURS and used 12 GIGABYTES of HD space), then tried to run program. An "Activation Window" popped up to enter the serial number. Entered the 26 character alphanumeric serial number very carefully, got response of "Invalid Serial Number". Tried several more times, same result. My wife tried as well: "Invalid Serial Number". Obviously we checked the S/N on the screen vs the one on the DVD sleeve very carefully, it was correct. So I can't even run the program.There is NO phone number or email address ANYWHERE on the package for contacting them. They don't want you to. There IS a website address, so I went there. I sent an email to their Customer Service department which WAS listed on their website, and got a reply that I would have to contact Technical Support, not Customer Service, for a problem as difficult as being given a defective serial number. Since they charge $9.95 per call to Technical Support (see their website, amazing...) I instead sent an email to the Tech Support address that Customer Service provided. No reply AT ALL. Waited 6 days, still no reply. Resent the email to Technical Support, waited another day, again NO REPLY AT ALL.With stellar support like that, plus the fact that they can't even provide a functional serial number, BACK IT GOES. Good riddance to that horrible product. If you like being given the runaround hoping to be able to use a piece of software that seems to be getting lukewarm reviews AT BEST, OK. Otherwise AVOID THIS PRODUCT AT ALL COST. Unless you enjoy wasting your time.

Gave it 3 stars because the software is a quality product, it wasn't what I was looking for. I was looking for a way to design a new kitchen. This tool gave you 3 kitchen templates, but did not give you the option to change the size of the room or add doors or windows. So it wasn't what I needed. I will try the landscaping portion at some point. For $15, it was worth the risk.

I enjoy building, remodeling, and decorating on my HGTV program. I would recommend this to anyone. I have owned two other programs, both by different sources, and I fing HGTV to be my favorite.

Will not install with my Windows7 Premium 64-bit program. Got several relatively prompt email replies with suggestion that never worked. Program would download, but not install. Windows Installer would run for days, then the install window would disappear or tell me I needed at least Service Pack 1. I'm running SP 1 and SP2 and made sure they were updated. Tried to install this program 8 times...nothing. Virtually no tech support. The link they sent me to their website in an email was not there. Sounds like a company no one should deal with...IMO.

Will not work properly..nothing like their tutorials..freezes after a fee minutes.

For gardeners and landscapers, this software offers no retaining wall information. Alot of plants but leaves out a vital design landscaping tool for designing and installing retaining walls. Have to buy the upgrade to include them.

Took two tries loading it on my computer. Works good, takes practice.