Yes, considering the amount of traffic on this forum regarding installation and licensing, PTC software seems to be a nightmare...
You should at least be able to get to the installation source and install the application. If not, there's an "Install Mathcad Express" button on this page https://www.mathcad.com/en/try-and-buy/mathcad-express-free-download/install that should get you going.
Once installed you can first find out if 'it works'. No need to apply for a license first. Just run the program, ingore or skip any attempts to apply for a license. It should run and get you in Prime Express mode. You can check that by typing
mean(1=
If that results in an error, it's working and showing you one of the limitations of express mode: the 'mean' function is considered a premium function. You may be able 'to live with' this limited functionality, or use some extra functionality provided here: https://community.ptc.com/t5/Mathcad/Prime-Express-A-joke/m-p/604216#M185378 .
On the other hand you may need the full functionality of Prime and want to try that out. If you want to start the 30 day trial period, open the main menu (click the circled M in the top left corner), select 'options', and on the options pop-up select the 'license' tab. There you will find a 'get license' button. Click it, and it should lead you through getting a trial license.
Once licensed you can type again on a mathcad sheet
mean(1=
And it should show the result: 1.
Note that the trial license is a one-time thing, and it should last 30 real days, after which the functionality falls back to express mode. You cannot extend it, nor repeat it on the same PC/ with the same user name.
If you really do need the full Prime functionality, and have money to spare, you can buy a license subscription (yes, a yearly recurring fee is the only option) and license your already installed Prime with it.
Success!
Luc
