Games doesn't work after formatting

from GalCiv2 Forums
A few days ago I changed my Motherboard and my Hard Disk, and naturally reinstalled windows from scratch, yada-yada.
Anyway, I just tried to install and play Galactic Civilizations II and while I was able to install everything and even update the game through Stardock Central the game doesn't work.
WHen trying to play I get the following message:
"The Product appears to be validated but the serial numer or the machine SID don't match"

I did enter the game's serial number, then I tried the "lookup serial" option in Stardock Central, which sent me, strangly enough a different serial then the one I have in the original Email. Both produce the same result.

What did I do wrong, and how do I fix it?
5,842 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
try reinstalling SDC? although you probably did that.

even though I'd like to help, I have no idea what the problem could be or how to fix it
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Simply go into the directory where you installed GC2 at (normally C:\Program Files\Stardock\Totalgaming\GalCiv2) and delete the sig.bin file that's there. Then when you run GC2 again, you'll get a prompt for your serial and email address so it can rebuild a new sig.bin file (that file tells the game that it's been activated and is keyed to your system/OS).
Start11 - Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 10/11.
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Holly cow that worked! Thanks!!!