First - there really aren't any generally distributed cutting software out there that is free of charge, so yes, you need to buy a license in order to stop getting slashes through your cut design.
Second - it's cutter, not a printer.
Third - there is no conspiracy among the software companies to force people to constantly upgrade (because Adobe doesn't make cutting software. LOL). Most of us find the software that is most effective for us, and we stick with that ... until the computer or cutter breaks, then it's time to reevaluate the setup, to see how you'd want to move forward. A lot of us also do not do computer updates, or firmware updates unless absolutely necessary, because if it ain't broke, there's nothing to fix, so don't disturb the setup.
If you bought your license, then your issue is with the software company, and I encourage you to contact them directly and explain to them that you are an existing customer, with a license number, and that issues that are occurring.
What have you tried so far? We get you have an issue, but no doubt you have tried something to try and fix it. It helps the forum members to know what your setup is (computer, operating system, cutter make and model, how you're connecting to the cutter), and what you have tried so far.