Invalid Serial Numbers Problem, and bad tech support

from GalCiv2 Forums
Ok, i'm really hacked off with Stardock tech support.

I recently purchased a shrink wrapped brand new version of Gal Civ 2 from www.play.com. when I attempted to register the game it kept telling me I couldn't, so I contacted stardock tech support for them to tell me that the serial number I have was already registered under another email address. (something I certainly didn't do!) As a result I can't get the game updated and the version 1 of the game doesn't run on my system (i need the patch!)

It looks like the gal civ serial number system has either been cracked (very likely) or they are sending out duplicate serial numbers with the retail boxes.

Basically i'm now getting ignored by Stardock tech support. Very unproffesional behaviour! I can prove i've purchased a brand new copy and I can prove that I have that copy here. This is their licensing screw up and shouldn't be my problem.

So just a word of warning. It looks like the licensing/serial number system has been compromised and that you can't trust Stardock tech to give a damn.

I've been playing games for over 20 years and never been treated so poorly by a tech support department. I hope they get their act together in the future. Its a shame when a promising developer drops the ball on something that should be rather simple to implement.

Thanks for listening.

10,053 views 27 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
It sounds more like the game was purchased by another person, who registered with that serial number, then returned it to play.com, who then re-shrinkwrapped it and sold it to you as new.

But I do hope that Stardock will straighten it out with you.
Or, that you can return it to play.com for a truly 'new' copy.

Stardock has shown itself to be a company that does care.
It is more likely the fault of play.com.
Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I've emailed you a new serial. It's too early in the weekend to play conspiracy theory online.

Kris
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thanks for helping him Nakor. And for showing that you
guys at Stardock are fantastic, and DO care for your
customers.
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I have that same exact problem whenever i enter my Serial Number it says invalid serial etc. etc.

I have tried this number again and again. **********************

Next time please use dashes and stuff in between because these things are huge and confusing to enter. Plus, THEY DON"T WORK!!!
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Please somebody help me. I love this game but i am frustrated that it won't work. I have tried to register it for month's now! It never works!
Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
My box didn't come shrink wrapped, it just had a little clear plastic sticker on the top.

Note that I got mine directly from SD.
Reply #13 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Kris did indeed send me a replacement serial. Thank you!

I know I posted that on a Saturday too, but my tech emails have been going backwards and forwards all week with no sensible reply, I just kept getting automated email returns.

Only once I posted here (and made it public!) did I get a response

So thanks again to the individual who owned the problem and sent me a new serial. Very much appreciated.




Reply #14 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Same story. It Rejects my serial number if I install patch 1.4. Sent emails to tech support Friday and got no reply Monday.
Reply #15 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
n00bonian, what address did you send the support request from?  It will help us sort through the support box in looking for your ticket.
Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top
I've had a similar problem. Last week it started telling me my serial number was invalid, and thats after playing the game for 8 months. What makes it even better is it seems my account has been cleared. According to stardocks records I don't have anything registered to my account even though I bought object desktop, objectdock plus and cursorxp last week. I'm sure you can guess how happy I am. I also emailed support on friday, but with a 16 hour time difference its been slow going.
Reply #17 from GalCiv2 Forums Top


techsupport email.
Reply #18 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I got a reply to do a manual install. I tried it and sent results of error back Wed, as instructed. What do I do now?
Reply #19 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Please be patient. If they were unable to get to your message Thursday/Friday, it will have to wait until Monday since they are only there on weekdays.
Reply #20 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I've had the same problem with the collector's edition where neither serial seems to register. Mine was from a Wal-mart with the sticker seals uncomprimised, so it's not an issue of it happening from a single retailer.

I'm not going to bother with the support docket though as I can play version 1 out of the box without the numbers. Just rather annoying to find all this out after downloading the 1.4 update.
Reply #23 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I am also getting the same thing after buying from an EB and trying to install my new game.

Sent in the tech email already though.
Reply #24 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
OK - I have emailed tech support twice, and their response does not address the problem. I have a jewel case with a 28 digit serial number on it. I am entering that number on the activation popup. I get an error box telling me that there is an error with my serial number. Support keeps respnding by telling me not to enter the collector's edition serial number, which I have not done. This is crazy.

I see that a number of people are having a similar problem.
Reply #25 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The collectors edition begins with GC2-. If that's your serial, then you're entering the wrong one.