Thanks for posting here -- we don't seem to have received a note to the support alias that we can find, so we're happy you posted here as well.
First, a word of clarification. In our lingo, registration is entering your serial number, which you've done. (Thanks for your purchase!)
Activation is different -- it's the process of ensuring that the same serial number is not used on more than 3 PC's, per our license agreement. (Unlike some other software, BigOven allows you to install the program on up to 3 PC's that you own and use, say, around the house, using a single serial number. Some of our competitors are more restrictive, requiring you to buy a new license for each computer you run the program on.) Before we had this activation process, unfortunately, we experienced a lot (I mean, thousands) of postings on the Internet in various hacker/cracker communities with valid BigOven serial numbers. It's not so much the lost revenue opportunity that concerns us, it's that since BigOven comes with integrated access to a 24x7 server farm with recipes, videos, etc., that our service and support gets diluted across a bunch of illegally free, unauthorized copies. So, about two years ago, we started moving toward an Activation model, which Microsoft, Intuit, and many other companies use. (Surprisingly, we also notice that a surprisingly high number of people who take advantage of the 30-day full money-back guarantee later try to activate a refunded serial number... Again, we're not at all suggesting that you or anyone on this board does that, simply letting you in on a little information behind the scenes to help you understand why we felt compelled to go this route.)
Here's how activation works. When there is a significant change in your PC, like a new network card, major upgrade to the operating system, or a complete hard drive wipe and reinstall, the Activation process will trigger.
Most of the time, it's as simple as clicking the "Activate Instantly" button, if your PC is connected to the Internet.
If this process fails, it either fails because the serial number isn't exactly the one that was issued, or the software has been activated on more than 3 PC's (or the software thinks this activation has been done on more than 3 PC's), or, very rarely, the eSellerate activation server may be down for maintenance (but it usually is back up within the hour).
We almost always are able to help you with this situation, if you've say upgraded a PC. We simply want it to be a speed bump in the road for those (not you!) who illegally post serial numbers on the net. Again, if BigOven were a standalone product that had no Internet connection and required no product support, we'd do away with this type of activation. We know it imposes a burden on legitimate users like you (as well as us), and we wish we didn't have to do it.
If you send us another email to support@bigoven.com with your registered email address, we'll be happy to see why the activation might be failing, and get you going again. Thanks!