Activation Issues - Normal Process Won't Work

My frustration is overflowing at this point. Sure, it's a great idea to give us a game that we don't need the discs to play and that we can play on multiple systems, but this activation crap is ridiculous. On to my problem...

My installation computer is not online. So, I choose the e-mail method. I follow the instructions, but here's the kicker, I cannot send the e-mail from the e-mail address I used to register. See, my e-mail is forwarded somewhere currently as I am out to sea on a Navy vessel and I can't login to that account to send this activation request. What's worse is that it can take up to 16 hours to get responded to? How long do I have to wait after buying the game I so badly wanted just to play it?

Okay, the real question... what can I do? I've tried sending the activation request using two different e-mails now. Will they be sending me some file that I have to copy into the directory? I want to play my game. It shouldn't be this hard. Please help, if you can.
6,184 views 4 replies
Reply #1 Top

: Activation is actually a very painless process given normal circumstances. You are not restricted to writing in from the email address used to register, you just need to be sure to use that email address when activating.

The activation response is automatic, but given the restriction of zip files to Military email addresses, you probably did not receive the attached zip file containing your license. All failed activations (legit and otherwise) are manually processed and in your case you would have received assistance relatively quickly.

I've processed your activation request and sent you your license file along with the instructions. If you have additional questions, please feel free to respond to my personal email address.

  

-Mike
[Stardock Support]

Reply #2 Top

: I just noticed that you've used your gmail address to activate when your Stardock.net account is under your Navy email address.

No worries, I've merged these two -- use your gmail address for anything here in the future.

As a precautionary measure and for your reference, I've had the server send you all your account information under this email address. In case you're ever interested, this can be done if you enter your email address at https://www.stardock.com/support

-Mike
[Stardock Support]

Reply #3 Top
Mike... WOW! I'm thoroughly impressed with the customer service you've shown me in these two responses. I did get the file and am happily up and running. I appreciate the merger of the e-mail addresses because I did want the gmail address to the one on record anyway, I only switched it because I was confused. Again, thank you for solving my problem quickly and so professionally.

While I've got you on the hook, one quick question. I upgraded to v1.2 before I activated. Will I need to re-update now or should the update work just fine?
Reply #4 Top

: You shouldn't have a problem at all. Activation and updating can take place in any order. Activation is actually not required for the retail build (the version on the CDs), only for versions 1.1 and newer. If a game of v1.1 and newer is run, it will look for that sig.bin. Since you have it in your GalCiv2 directory, you will not be prompted to activate. If this is deleted or corrupted, that's when the activation dialog will come up again.

You could update if you'd like (there is a 1.3 Beta available*), though remember that at this point, you should not have to worry about activation again   

*Beta updates are available through Stardock Central available here: https://www.stardock.com/sdnet_login.asp

Just log in with your nickname and password and you should be able to download Stardock Central. Once you have this up and running, you need only log in with your email address (gmail) and password, then any GalCiv2 updates will be available to you through the 'Games' section on the left. When new updates become available, Beta or otherwise, Stardock Central will notify you and prompt you to update. The process is streamlined, so this will make acquiring updates much easier.

Glad I could help!   

-Mike
[Stardock Support]