Hi, I have a Rosetta stone Spanish (Latin America) set 1,2,3,4,5 that I just found out is useless without a proper activation key. It was a gift from someone who bought it for me overseas and even though it was brand new, genuine (I thought and so did they) with a user guide, etc. The product code doesn’t work! I called Rosetta Stone and was helped by a nice fellow with an Indian accent. I had entered the product bar code number rather than the activation code, which was on the back side of the registration card under a peel off tape.

Some General Comments pt1

Why Is My Rosetta Stone Activation Code Invalid Location

Why Is My Rosetta Stone Activation Code Invalid Email

Now, I need to make some comments on these rants that I've just posted, which also apply to many of the other negative reviews of Rosetta Stone.
First of all, if you don't like the program, don't just 'throw it in the trash.' If the money is important to you, contact Rosetta Stone for a refund. They do have a guarantee. Hold them to it. There have been many reports of customer service being poor, but if you complain long enough and say the right things (like threatening to report them to the Better Business Bureau if they don't comply with their own return policy), they will give in and 'allow' you to return the product.
It seems that several people have had trouble installing it (or re-installing it after a computer crash etc), but have had trouble with customer service (seems to be a recurring problem). Lots of companies have software installation issues, not just Rosetta Stone. Be persistent. Don't give up too quickly. Ultimately, if you have to, hold them to their guarantee and return it.
If the microphone doesn't work, you can still use the program. You have several options. You can use all the other features that don't require speaking. You can speak aloud and rely on your own judgement as to how you sound (this is what I do when I use RS - I've found the speaking recognition to be quirky and unreliable). You can call Rosetta Stone and try to have them send you another microphone. You can go to Best Buy and purchase any computer microphone. Considering what you pay for the program, a $10 replacement microphone is a relatively cheap solution.
If you just don't like Rosetta Stone, you can return it (I think it's a 6 month guarantee) but I wouldn't give up on it so quickly. I have never seen a complete package for learning a foreign language that does absolutely everything on its own. Even my favorite language software (Tell Me More Performance) or my favorite audio course (Pimsleur Comprehensive) have their limitations and absolutely require additional materials to learn from. I always recommend to people to learn from several sources.