Mastercook 11.0

I purchased MasterCook 11 from Amazon and tried to install it on my Vista 32-bit system with the latest updates and video driver. I have all the requirements on my computer and I have followed all directions to install it, disabling anti-virus, etc.
After installation when double-clicking the icon on the desktop, nothing happens and after about 30 seconds I get a small pop-up window that says: "MasterCook Application has stopped working... Windows is checking for a solution to the problem..." and after about 3 seconds this window changes to a window that says: "MasterCook Application has stopped working... A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available." The only option is to click the "Close program" button and the pop-up disappears.
I have read all of the technical support info and uninstalled and reinstalled the software many times. I have tried to run MasterCook 11 as Administrator, and even tried compatibility modes. I have even had my son (who is an A+ certified Microsoft technician) to try it, and we could not get the program to start.
On the ValueSoft website at [...], I asked the technical support for help as I would like to use this software. I filled all the required information on the ValueSoft technical support site, and I just get the run around. Each time I keep getting an email from a different "ValueSoft Online Store Customer Service" person and the email is always identical, saying:
<< Thank you for contacting the ValueSoft Online Store. We understand that you are having a technical problem on your product. Please contact technical support for further assistance regarding this issue. Web: [...]
I am not contacting the store. I am on the technical support site.
Since Sierra-On-Line sold MasterCook to ValueSoft, the service is definitely not the same.
I cannot return MasterCook 11 for a refund because the software package was opened in order to "try" to install it. The only use I can get out of this purchase is to use the CD as a coaster (it's useless if it does not work).
If you are considering purchasing this software, I suggest that you avoid it. Customer service should be there to help when problems arise. There is no such service for this product.
Buyer Beware.

Mastercook 11.0

I wish I had seen the review for Mastercook 11 before I downloaded the digital copy. It will not work on my Vista computer. There is no problem installing the program on my laptop which runs Windows XP, but it is useless on my desktop running Windows Vista. I report the problem to the tech support link at Valusoft site and the email response informed me that the customer service doesn't handle this problem and I would have to search for a solution at the tech support site. Circle anyone?

After reading the reviews, I was apprehensive about ordering this software, since my operating system is Vista and others have reported installation issues. However, I had used a much earlier version of MasterCook and loved it, so I decided to risk my $19.99 and order.

I had no problems with the installation. I have administrator privileges on my computer and was prompted to deactivate my anti-virus software and close all running programs. The only message I got was to install QuickTime so that I could view some of the video content. So it looks as though the company has fixed any issues with installation.

The best feature for me in MasterCook is the ability to create my own cookbooks. Recipe entry is very fast, as MasterCook recognizes quantities and ingredients. I love having detailed nutritional information since I am a member of WeightWatchers and need to calculate WW points. I also have a blog where I post recipes, and I can easily copy and paste recipe information to my blog.

The software comes with a variety of cookbooks and cooking tips, and it is very easy to search for a particular recipe or ingredient.

Overall, I think this is an amazing product for the price.

I ordered from Amazon and my order came in only three days with regular shipping. This is worthy of comment since I live in the country and often our mail service is a bit sketchy.