Community
Yes, I have created an account. It is the same account that I have used to sign into this forum and post here.
SOLVED: (The Short Version)
- Don't log in. Just click "Exit Trial." I know that makes no sense, but trust me.
- Accept the terms of use
- Click "Try" (this window actually makes perfect sense and renders that first confusing pop up totally redundant)
- Enjoy what's left of your free trial!
The Long Version
I tried using the live chat feature, where the customer support agents are always very friendly and helpful and it's usually the fastest way to get our answers.
While I was chatting with them I was trying to run the trial again and I found the solution on my own. The agent didn't know what was wrong (because it was technically working as designed, it's just poorly designed) but they did explain what that first pop up screen is supposed to be for.
Basically, it's just a problem of bad UI messaging in these popup windows that happen when you try to start Maya on a trial. The first popup says "Please sign in to register your trial," or you can "Exit Trail." This is completely backwards: To exit the trial and convert it to a full license you need to "sign in to register your trial," and to continue with your trial you need to "Exit Trial." 
The purpose of this login window, where I was getting stuck, is for people who have purchased a full license to sign in and register, which actually means: convert their trial installation into a full license. It isn't clearly explained, and when your login doesn't work the message that says your ID or password is not recognized is misleading. What it SHOULD say is something like "there is no full license available for this account."
The other confusing thing is that in order to progress and open the trial version of Maya you have to actually click the button that says "Exit Trial" - very confusing - and then accept the user agreement (you only have to do this once) THEN Maya will give you a screen that has buttons for "buy," "activate," and "try" with a counter showing how many days are remaining in your trial period. Unfortuntately, if you were stuck for a while like I was you won't have 30 days left anymore because it starts counting from the day you installed it, even if you've never been able to open and run it.
I think that if you really need more time to evaluate the software, though, that you can call Autodesk and request an extension. I've heard anecdotally that this is pretty common and easy to do.
Can't find what you're looking for? Ask the community or share your knowledge.
Post to forums
