[@Paul]
OK, just for fun I reinstalled version 8 from and archived exe, activated using the old code and it worked! So I started all over with 9, but instead of installing directly from the ‘hub’ link, I asked for the ‘backup’ to be installed, and executed from there. After uninstalling the 9 already installed it installed correctly and accepted the Activation key, and is now busy trying to update a PhotoDirector 5 project file it has found. So, fingers crossed / knock on wood,PD 9 seems to be functioning this time arond.
Oof!
Sorry for the disturbance! Have a nice day!