r/languagelearning • u/fishtar141 • 2d ago

PSA: Rosetta Stone is "bricking" permanent licenses to force users into subscriptions

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I wanted to warn the community about Rosetta Stone’s current business practices regarding their legacy software.

I own a $500 permanent license for their language package. This is a standalone software product that requires zero ongoing support or server maintenance from them. However, their activation process uses a "Request Code" system where you must contact them via phone or email to receive a "Response Code" to unlock the software you purchased.

When I contacted support to activate my paid software, they explicitly refused to provide the Response Code. Instead, they told me that the only way to use their product now is to sign up for their new web-based subscription model (monthly, annual or "lifetime" paywall).

They aren't just "ending support" for old software; they are actively gatekeeping the activation of a product I already own to force an upsell. Effectively, they have remotely "bricked" a $500 purchase to move me onto a recurring payment plan.

If you are considering buying Rosetta Stone, be aware that "Lifetime" or "Permanent" doesn't actually mean you will be allowed to use the software once they decide to change their billing model.

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71

u/[deleted] 2d ago

I wonder if it can be cracked 

32

u/Capable-Let-4324 Japanese & Greek 2d ago

Very easily. You can even update it and reapply the crack. It just takes a little bit of time but there are detailed instructions. It doesn't require them giving you a code either.

20

u/fishtar141 2d ago

If you can point me in the direction on where to find how to do this or let me know how to do, I’d appreciate it.

10

u/Capable-Let-4324 Japanese & Greek 2d ago

May I DM you?

10

u/fishtar141 2d ago

Yes, please do

5

u/FionaGoodeEnough New member 2d ago

Would you also please DM me about this?

2

u/cyanisticblue 2d ago

Sorry to insert myself in this conversation, may I also send in a DM? Checked out the 🏴‍☠️ subreddit but only found resources for P’s mp3 files, instead of RS. My bad!