Activate.exe cannot connect

from GalCiv2 Forums
After downloading 1.1b, then installing over a functioning version of 1.0X, (the prior patch), when then clicking on "Play Game" it asks for an email and serial number, which I provide, but it replies Activate.exe cannot communicate to the server, do I wish to activate via email?

I then followed the email instructions, and received no reply. I'm still checking for a reply as I write this, nothing. Yet my account creation verification email was instantly sent. Hence I can post this.

I have added all GC2 .exe's to the Windows SP2 firewall exemption list, including activate.exe. No worky. Then shut off the firewall completely, then rebooted, yet activate.exe doesn't make any outbound connection.

What is the problem with ACTIVATE.EXE?
Also, must the activiation email have to be read by a human? Must I wait for human approval every time this occurs?

I was in favor of no CD protection, as it made things simpler at first blush. But your methodology for updating via activation has, in this instance, failed and turned off a customer. I can't use GC2 until this is resolved. Please advise. :/
5,103 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I'm in the same situation. I've downloaded at least the first part of the game through SDC which then hangs for hours trying to activate. I checked the knowledge base for a work around and found the one for the email option. I've done that twice now (once about 12 hours ago and a second time about an hour ago) with absolutely no response whatsoever...not even an automatic 'we got it, now go away' response. It's getting very frustrating. Any suggestions?
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
this thread may give clues https://forums.galciv2.com/?ForumID=274&AID=105705
Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I received a reply to my activation email, the reply was "be sure to enter your email into the activation dialog box". Unhelpful, since there are only two fields to enter data, email and code. That's like saying, "Be sure to enter the code". The assumption being the end user made a mistake.

I then received a reply to that email when I asserted I'm doing it correctly. the reply was - my already known activation key! ACTIVATE.EXE is not making a connection, this is the problem, not the key. The key worked when I installed the game fresh, and when I installed the 1.0x patch.

The instructions on using a 2nd computer to get your information is bogus. I do not need my serial number, I know it already, the game knows it, I do not need it emailed back to me.

The ACTIVATE.EXE refuses to connect on a fully functional, internet enabled, firewall managed (and disabled as required) system.

1.1b broke my installation in a most frustrating way, I now understand perfectly why people rant against products and give them bad reviews on popular websites. Fix this please.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Well, you should try to get the patch through SDC. That may work. And you can revert to the 1.0X version if you don't enable prerelease
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I think they're going to release a standalone exe for the patch on Monday once the IT people get back in (slackers, taking the weekend off! ) so might be an idea to wait until then.

It's a beta after all so there's bound to be a few issues...