When does the crash happen. At first you say when opening a character. Does the start up screen appear for poser. If so it should show you your name and your serial number. It does on mine(I'm on a mac, but I bet it's no different on windows) Might want to write it down. I've lost my serial number to other metacreations software before. One time the one they provided didn't work. You should have no problem get a replacement-if you can proove you bought it. registering your software helps. If I was you I would just call Metacreations ASAP.