I HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM!!!

Firstly, what region are you from? That'll help us figure out where it's going to be. Europeans have it on the back of the manual somewhere, don't know about America.

Secondly where did you buy it from?

American editions have it on the cd case when purchased from Walmart

I bought it at Best Buy in Saginaw, MI. where I live. And to let you know I am an avid gamer and very much used to using CD keys I didn't really look for it when I first opened the package cause I figured I would fish it out once it was requested. But it reffered to the jewel case and nothing was there on the case or cellophane it was wrapped in. Then I figured that like most packaging it would be in or most probably on the back of the manual.But it wasn't there either.Then to make sure I checked inside the box. But there is nothing with a reasonable number on it. AArrggghh.

Have you tried returning it? They may or not trade it in for another copy.

also find out if it was a previously returned copy.
from what i understand, the serial is for the computer to allow updates, not the game and is not transferable (sp?)

Try the labels on the actual CD's themselves. If I recall correctly, my CD-key was on the second CD, but it might have been the first. It was printed right on it.

But I wrote it down elsewhere in case something happens to the CD and I would have to download it. That would be a very bad moment to realize my key is on the CD I lost. And I would feel like an idiot.

So copy it down somewhere. You'll wish you had once you need it.

The cellophane was intact but I suppose that could be duplicated.Problem is it won't let me play the game without one and I don't want to make one up.

It won't let you play? I was too lazy to enter mine when I first got the game and it let me play. I entered it a week later.

By the way sorry about the double post but after posting the first time I didn't see it come up anywhere. Looks like the only choice I have is try to exchange it at Best Buy. But I don't know if the key is just a Registration key or CD key,Cause if it's a CD key I'll have to go thru the uninstall and reinstall all over again and I HATE doing that.

Nope,it won't let me play.When I hit the play button it goes to a Stardock Product Activation window where I am supposed to input my E-mail which I can, then the Registration code but I don't have one.

This sucks I just bought and installed a game I can't even play because I cannot activate it. I hope this can get fixed.

Zaekyr you need to contact [email protected] with full details on where and when you purchased the game. They will more than likely require some sort of 'proof of purchase' so it would be good to have this if they ask for it. The guys at support are really helpfull and should have you running in no time.

DG

I have recently done that and I'm waiting for a response but this is a very frustrating thing. It's obvious that it is an error of the packagers i.e. someone in the process forgot to put the sticker on the case. But that just seems like the stupidest of mistakes and my usual kind of luck. I also have the feeling that stardock support will tell me to try to return it to the retailer for exchange and that shouldn't be a problem cause they are good here.(not many crafty software pirates in my area). My only problem is the hassle,...........Go back to the store-get replacement-come back and uninstall the game, then reinstall with new CD's.What a pain in the ass.

Thanks guys for your replies and input though it's nice to see community support.

Another option if you're feeling really adventurous would be to drive over to Stardock and get a new one - we're located about an hour south of you in Plymouth MI.  Probably the only game you've bought that was made in Michigan (other than maybe Descent

The softwareactivation comes with the latest update, you could deinstall it (not delete) and then reinstall it without patching it. You should get a 1.0x-release and this release doesn't have any activation.
Shure you'll have some bugsm but at least you can play until the problem is solved.

Another option if you're feeling really adventurous would be to drive over to Stardock and get a new one - we're located about an hour south of you in Plymouth MI.

Plus I bet if you got there at a good time you could get a peak at some cool new stuff the folks are working on... if you asked nicely.

Well, I know I would ask nicely, heck I may even peform unnatural... er uhm. Lets just keep it at asking nicely.

W/R
Suralle

That sounds like an offer to me. I'd love to travel down there if I could get a look at your studio and see the nuts and bolts of development. Though it is actually more like a two hour drive.I used to drive semi-truck for a living so I kinda know where your at. I drove for a trucking company based in Plymouth called Superior Motor Freight (SMF) and sometimes picked loads up from there as well.I just had no idea Stardock was located in Plymouth. Right on Beck rd. too.
If it is just a matter of getting my discs replaced though I will stick with the trip to Best Buy since it is only three miles away. It would be kinda expensive otherwise.

I also bought mine at a Best Buy. My number is located on a sticker on the back of the jewel case.

Problem solved. Returned it at Best Buy.Benn playing it ever since .It's alot like Civ 4 in the sense that you always want to play "one more turn". Awesome

Ahhhhh.......a happy ending.......

Makes you feel warm and fuzzy downstairs

Another option if you're feeling really adventurous would be to drive over to Stardock and get a new one - we're located about an hour south of you in Plymouth MI. Probably the only game you've bought that was made in Michigan (other than maybe Descent ).

seriously guys !
did you ever saw one company offer that option to someone besides STARDOCK ?
even though some of us may not be happy with the updates released & features, ai, bugs left or whatever ...
I never saw someone so kind & open with its customers

and that's really cool