1. I've done a full slow HDD Format since i installed 3ds max
2. I use Norton firewall, It asks me if I want to allow software to access the internet, and by checking the preferences, 3ds max has no priveledge to access.


My theory- though most likely wrong, is that windows setup detected windows on the hard drive, therefore it skipped a part of the format that contains somekind of key in the registry. The CD key theory is wrong, because the trial cd key is all zeros, so theres no association to any registration infomation. The more I think about it though,I wonder if the windows setup formatting utility would actually be designed to prevent multiple use of software? Im almost tempted to wipe with a floppy or something.