Activation rant.

from GalCiv2 Forums
I just want to say that for a game that supposedly has no copy protection I have *never* have had a game give me such hassle.
yesterday I wanted to download the patches in an internet cafe, and the activation for the bonus pack . in order to do this download I had to register /etc. ok, fine.
hee it didnt work at all, had to go search in the forums until I found that the GC2- serial number I got doesn´t work at all and you need to email someone and they email you back the *right* serial number.
oookk...
However I then went home and installed the game + patches. only to find a Stardock ACTIVATION screen on startup.

now when downloading this stuff NOTHING told me I would need to `activate` now I got from the activation program a reallly long list of alphanumeric characters I have to email again. I was *THIS* close to deltreeing and returning this game ***I still havent seen****. after slowly counting to 10 I burnt the data the "game" gives on a cd
6,863 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

They never said there was no copy protection, just not the persistantly-active copy protection of most games.

But you are right - this system of copy protection is bad for those who don't have an internet connection. Unfortunately each method of copy protection has it's flaws, and this is this one.

I *think* that if you download the patches from this site on the download tab instead of through stardock (and if you purchased the cd rather than downloaded the game), then you won't have to keep emailing the key. However I did download the game so I can't say for sure... anyone else know?
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
I had the same problems but luckily was able to transfer the required code to a computer and e-mail this off. While a pain in the *&* the answer was quick. I received the activation e-mail within the day and have been told that this is computer specific so the only time I will need to reactivate the game is if I transfer the game to another machine. Although I have not patched the version on my home PC I take it that there will be no need for further activation.
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Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
I had the same problems but luckily was able to transfer the required code to a computer and e-mail this off. While a pain in the *&* the answer was quick. I received the activation e-mail within the day and have been told that this is computer specific so the only time I will need to reactivate the game is if I transfer the game to another machine. Although I have not patched the version on my home PC I take it that there will be no need for further activation.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Hi RedShade....

I was in your shoes earlier this week!!!!

The good news is that I am once again a happy camper. Let me tell you what I know:

-- Agreed, the documentation/explantations etc... for activation etc.. are probably somewhere on some website (Stardock??) but a poor job on explaining this stuff !!!!

-- In the EULA that you "agree to" when installing the software, it DOES mention in the "fine print" that you will have to activate via the internet.

-- The activation process IS automated, and you get a timely response IF your information is all correct in the email. (My first activation attempt took over a day and required human intervention because I had sent wrong info. My second activation attempt took about 5 minutes to get back the file I needed to activate the game)

-- My biggest fear was that I would have to go through this process EVERY upgrade!!! According to the activation reply I got, "you WILL NOT need to activate this game again, as long as you continue to use it on the same computer...." (or something like that)

So in summary.....just grit your teeth and persevere for another day while you get your activation reply. The game is definitely worth the hassle, and according to Stardock, once activated doesn't need it again!!!

good luck!
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I had the same problems but luckily was able to transfer the required code to a computer and e-mail this off. While a pain in the *&* the answer was quick. I received the activation e-mail within the day and have been told that this is computer specific so the only time I will need to reactivate the game is if I transfer the game to another machine. Although I have not patched the version on my home PC I take it that there will be no need for further activation.


Hm, I didn't run into any activation stuff at all - seems if you use SDC that is all taken care of automatically - which, I have to say I find very VERY upsetting.

I really liked the idea of "No Copy Protection" but now...
IMO Product actication is the worst aberration of Copy protection and I strongly reconsider making any more recommendations for this game.

I have to say I find it rather strange if the stardock people tell me in different posts/journals that I don't need the serial to install the game at all (ok., minus the updates) and I can install it on every machine I've got and then I have to read that I may have to "reactivate" it when I move to another computer...

Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Just use Stardock Central. You won't have any issues. It takes care of both downloading and installing for you. I don't see what the problem is.
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
well, I just received an email with the activation code file. hopefully this will solve the issue. Now I am still unhappy about having to go through this just to use a *** patch. but I would NOT be unhappy if the download page had stated specifically: Warning: this is extra and to use it you will need to activate. until you do you will not be able to start the game. Stardocks main failure here is not providing enough info.
I just hope the s/n I used
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
well, I just received an email with the activation code file. hopefully this will solve the issue. Now I am still unhappy about having to go through this just to use a *** patch. but I would NOT be unhappy if the download page had stated specifically: Warning: this is extra and to use it you will need to activate. until you do you will not be able to start the game. Stardocks main failure here is not providing enough info.
I just hope the s/n I used
Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Yeah, this "no copy protection" bit is definitely a misnomer. No cd-check is what they should say.

In a lot of ways, this is more restrictive than just needing a cd, because you are completely at Stardock's whim. Need a patch? Well, you can only get it through Stardock, so better hope they are up and running.