Can't get retricting discount coupons to a category to work

I have been intermittently trying to get an answer to this question for the last two years or so and still haven't found a clear answer in the forums. :no:

Version: 1.3.8 (if 1.3.9 will solve this issue, I will upgrade this very second)

I cannot restrict discount coupons to a specific category.
I changed the Master Category ID of all applicable products to the category I want the coupon to apply to but they are by necessity still linked to other categories.

Restriction settings I have on the coupon:

Category Restrictions:
Top - deny
Category x - allow

Product Restrictions:
none

When I place a product that should have the coupon code applied in my cart and try to redeem the coupon, I get the following message:
"This coupon code is not valid for any product currently in your cart."

I cannot add these products one by one in the restrictions. There are over 100 products in the category.

Help please!

Most likely the problem is the version that you are using as there are numerous bugs in it ...

There is also built into Zen Cart v1.3.9h, on restrictions, the ability to either do it by Category, or add all the Products from a Category just by selecting the Add All Category Products or do them 1 by 1 ...