videogames10

Join Date 03/2008

Can't Update GalCivII Gold Edition (retail copy)

While installing the Gold Edition, I was given the "option" to enter the registration code that is located on the back of the CD case. It was pointed out that doing so would allow me to update the game, so I entered the code and completed the installation. I clicked on the desktop icon to start the game and then clicked on the update option, which took me to a Stardock screen. I was then prompted again to enter the registration code, which I did; however, it came back with a message stating that the e-mail address I had entered did not match what I had entered previously with Stardock. Well, it didn't ask me to enter an e-mail address; it asked me to enter the registration code. "Ok", I said; I'll enter my e-mail address this time (snicker). I then get a message stating that I did not enter a valid registration code or something along those lines. We have a catch-22 situation here, people!!!. I give up (lol).

I'm guessing that the updater is assuming that I have the downloaded version rather than the retail CD version. What to do? What to do? The game is updated to version 1.5 out of the box, so if that's the last update, then it's a moot point. However, if there are further updates I would appreciate some help. Thanks.

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

The optional entry at install time is actually more related to the metaverse (games are keyed to the serial the game has stored from your entry then). As to the issue with the actual registration, please contact [email protected] about it. There are indeed further updates (DA is up to 1.8), so you'll want to get them.

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Thanks for the quick response, Kryo. I'll cantact suppport then.

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Well, I just bought GalCiv II Gold Edition from Circuit City a few days ago, and I've never had so much trouble updating a game in my life. I tried Stardock support and they responded with a possible solution (manual update), which did not work as outlined. I then sent another email to Stardock support offering to send my game's serial number so that they might register the game from their end. Well, I get my email rejected (twice) as spam. Well why did my first email go through then? I was quite polite in my first email, so why was my address added to their spam filter?There's no way to contact them now unless I set up a new email address. I shouldn't have to do that.

I'm sorry, but as much as I'd like to, I can't buy another game from Stardock, simply in anticipation of more problems. I'll just play the GalCiv II Gold Edition as is (v1.5) and then move on. Thank God I didn't purchase Sins of a Solar Empire, which I had planned on doing this week.

Anyway, if Stardock would use some form of copy protection with their games, which I have absolutely no problem with, I'd have the game updated and running right now, because obtaining a patch would be so simple. Just makes me wonder what I'll be missing with the latest patch. Obviously I'll never know.

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Installing Stardock Central to use for downloads usually fixes most problems.You either don't play video games very much or you are a ringer. The problems you are describing are the common ones found when pirating the game instead of buying it. If this was the case, a standard 'crackable' protection system would make things a lot easier for you. The give away was that your e-mail did not match your serial number. This is the case if you got a pirated copy that has already been registered. If you are a pirate, do like a number of people on this forum have done. Play the pirated game as it is and fall in love with it. Then save up your quarters and buy a real copy of the game by direct download from Stardock.

Having said all of that, it is also possible that you got a game that someone opened, copied to their hard drive, and registered and then took back to the store for a refund. If this is the case, call the Stardock support line and talk them through the process. The people there have worked me and everyone else I have heard comment on this forum through our various troubles and seem to be genuine nice people to boot.

Scincerely,

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Scintor, trust me, I have never pirated software. I have a stack of store receipts a mile high for every video game I've purchased over the past several years, so if anybody wants proof, I've got it. In fact, I have the store receipt for GalCiv II Gold Edition, and I'm willing to send the darn thing to Stardock if I can get this game updated. I just don't understand why I'm going through such a hastle for something that should be so simple. I checked the seals on both ends of the box and they have not been tampered with (i.e. my PC is the first for which this particular copy of the game was installed).

Now I've been reading some posts about certain copies of the game being shipped with bad/bogus serial numbers, but I have the Gold Edition, not the Collectors Edition.

I tried registering the game again via the Stardock webpage instead of the game launch menu this time and I got a different set-up window. This time my email address was automatically entered in it's field, but when I entered the serial number, it came back stating that the serial number was invalid. I double checked the number with a fine toothed comb and it was entered exactly as it was shown on the back of the CD case. What more can I do? Prior to this the Stardock support person gave me a possible solution, and told me to send him the error message if it did not work. I tried it and it didn't work, so I then tried to inform him via email, which is when I discovered I'd been tossed into the spam filter.

Does Stardock have a toll-free telephone number?

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

I tried it and it didn't work, so I then tried to inform him via email, which is when I discovered I'd been tossed into the spam filter.

It's unlikely that your email was specifically placed in the filter, but that the content of your message was identified as 'spammy' by the automated system. Post your ticket ID from the original ticket, and I'll have support pull it up and get you some help one way or another.

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Thanks for your help, Kyro. Keep in mind that if they need the serial number and/or the store receipt, I will give it to them.

Here is the email:

Subject: [#NAR-896906]: Can't Update GalCivII Gold Edition

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Hey! Sorry for the trouble. I sent your ticket a reply on the matter with some alternative methods of activation. The second email listed there is only for the use of this purpose and it should never be shared. I'll take care of you just as soon as I can. If you happen to get it in before the end of the work day today I will help out right away. If not try cutting down the file size of the attachments you might be putting in there and send the reply to support. I will try to find it this weekend.

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Thanks for the response, Seabass. I was going to erase the email in my last post, but I guess there is no edit option here unless I'm missing something. You or Kyro probably have the cabability, so if you want to edit that out, please feel free.

As for the email I was trying to send you (the one that got spam filtered), it had no foul language. It contained your previous email response along with my reply, which I'll post below:

Thanks for the response, however, the manual update is not working as outlined in the knowledgebase link you provided. The error message states that Stardock Central has been unable to contact it's server and simply gives me a "retry" or a "cancel" option. As far as the activation string is concerned, I'm not quite following you there, so I don't know where I would find it.

Anyway, I again tried to register the game, but this time using the option located under the Stardock Central webpage Tools tab at the top of the window. This option gave me an entry field for both my email address and the registration code (my email address was automatically entered). This time the error message stated: "The Serial Number you have entered is invalid. Please ensure the information you have entered matches exactly from your order email. Use the Lookup Serial Number button to re-send your account information to the email address you ordered under". I double checked the registration code and everything I entered was correct. I even tried using both upper and lower case letters with and without the dashes. Note: There's another number in smaller font in the lower right corner of the same sticker with the registration code, but I have no idea what that is for.

The only other thing I can do is to e-mail you the registration code from the back of the CD case. That, along with my e-mail address, and perhaps you can somehow activate/register the game. Thanks.

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I think I responded to your email already. If not just PM me the info you have listed there. I can decode the number for you and try to find out what is going wrong for you then. Or if it is just a glitch manually assign it for you.

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Seabass, I just now sent you an email with the error message I was getting, but the message did not display a numerical error code of any kind. I included the game's registration code along with some other number that is printed on the sticker on the back of the CD case. I also included the email address that I used to register with Stardock Central.

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Where did you send it to? I don't have it in either the support queue or the other email I listed to you to contact. If you want PM it to me. We will try to get this sorted as quickly as we can.

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Having the same problem when I try to register the game. I've sent an email to support, but if you get a response first it'd be a big help to hear it.

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I had everything completely cleared out of the activation queue when I left today. If you still havn't got an email let me know and I will go hunting for it.

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Thought I'd post here since I'm having a similar issue. I just purchased a retail copy of GalCiv2 Gold Edition. Stardock Central shows the option to update Dark Avatar, but when I click on update it refers me to the purchase page of the GalCiv2 website!

Do I need to enter the serial number that came with my copy on both Dread Lords and Dark Avatar launchers in order to update both games?

Also, by updating Dread Lords, my start menu now has TWO shortcuts to GalCiv2 - one for the Gold Edition, and one for Dread Lords. What gives?

( And though I'm guessing this has been discussed to death before - why oh why can't GalCiv2 be updated WITHOUT Stardock Central, like Sins of a Solar Empire?? )

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

You need to register the game. Just enter your GC2 Gold cd key as both Dread Lords and Dark Avatar in the register products window in SDC and you should be able to update.

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You need to register the game. Just enter your GC2 Gold cd key as both Dread Lords and Dark Avatar in the register products window in SDC and you should be able to update.

Thanks for that, kryo. Very quick reply!

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Hey i thought i would chime in because my problem is similar and like "videogames10" my emails to support are being deleted by the spam filter. My issue is as follows:

I've recently reinstalled windows and im having trouble reactiving my copies of Galactic Civilizations II, Dread Lords and Twilight of the Arnor. All of the game files are still on my hardrive, and running them prompts me to reinstall. Due to my slow connection, re-downloading them is not really an option.

I tried to find answers in your knowlege base, which suggested that i delete my sig.bin files and run the games to reactivate them. Doing this worked for Twilight of the Arnor, but GalCiv2 and Dread Lords both produce the error message "An error was detected in the serial number you entered. Please check the serial number and try again. Serial numbers are 35 characters in length etc etc." I have checked my serial number for these games over and over and over, it is the right number of characters, i have even tried directly copy-pasting it from the email you sent me with my serial numbers.

The other issue at hand is that even Twilight of the Arnor, which allows me to run the game from the .exe after doing this, still shows up as unactivated in Stardock Central, prompts me to reinstall and wont allow me to update.

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

Sounds like the reinstall nuked the registry entries, which is at least part of your problem (SDC not recognizing the installed state, since they really *aren't* installed, the files are just there). Support can probably help you get the registry stuff re-added manually, though reinstalling would be the simplest and cleanest way, even if it's painfully slow.

If you can't email support, you can submit a ticket directly through this page. Just click next, then fill out the form and submit it (no need to log in or register there).

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