Autodesk offers a full-featured 30-day trial of the current 3ds Max version. Finish your urgent project within 30 days, or use a virtual machine to "reset" the trial (though that violates the terms of use).
is a separate code used to identify a specific product version. For 3ds Max 2014, the key is: Common Activation Tips 3ds Max 2014 Serial Number
Even with a transferred serial number, you will need Autodesk's help to activate it offline. Without their server, you must use their deprecated "Offline Activation" method with a request code. This is hit-or-miss. Autodesk offers a full-featured 30-day trial of the