Protection on UK DVD version

[thephringe]

Hi all,

 

I have the English download version of DCS but due to the installaion / activation restrictions I am also thinking about getting the DVD version. (I have had a bunch of pc problems and have had to reinstall the OS and also change computer a few times since I bought BS and on each occasion have not deactivated :doh:)

 

What copy protection will the DVD version use? I honestly don't have a problem with having the DVD in the drive to play as long as I am not tied to a specific number of installs as I reinstall the OS on an alarmingly regular basis (keeps everything clean and tidy) but I know that 90% of the time I will forget to deactivate.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Andy

[EvilBivol-1]

Please see the FAQ:

Q: What protection scheme will be used in DVD box version of Black Shark?

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=630435&postcount=54

[Distiler]

At the same time, and according to quick start manual page 26, if you don't want to use activations or you don't have any way (internet, phone, etc.) to activate, you can use periodic dvd checks (weekly). What I don't really know if this applies just to russian dvd or also to western dvd's, or it's just old and invalid info that got into the manual.

[Staybullex]

I just got the DVD version (UK) and its got the activation/deactivation thing!

[Coolhnd1]

At the same time, and according to quick start manual page 26, if you don't want to use activations or you don't have any way (internet, phone, etc.) to activate, you can use periodic dvd checks (weekly). What I don't really know if this applies just to russian dvd or also to western dvd's, or it's just old and invalid info that got into the manual.

 

That was what DCS originally intended until some pirates got a hold of the game and started offering it on warez sites. Then they decided they had to go the activation scheme. It's unfortunate but it seems it's the way it is these days.

[thephringe]

Thanks for the replies all... Looks like I'm stuck with online activations! Ah, well - I'll just have to be extra careful when reinstalling.

 

Andy

[Guest]

Thanks for the replies all... Looks like I'm stuck with online activations! Ah, well - I'll just have to be extra careful when reinstalling.

 

You don't necessarily have to use a reactivation when reinstalling. Just make sure you back up the registry key to a file and put it somewhere safe. As long as you don't make too many changes to the PC, you should be able to reinstall as often as you like without using up either an activation or deactivation. Just make sure to import the key you backed up before starting Black Shark.

 

In most cases this should allow you to reinstall the game fine even if you reinstall/change the OS.

[GGTharos]

Another option is to image a fresh install after you get all the apps on it etc.

 

You can use ghost or symantec's backup exec - wtf do you do that you keep reinstalling? O.o

[EtherealN]

I've wondered the same thing, GGTharos. Myself I tend to be inside the computer and tinker a bit quite often, but that only rarely forces a reinstall. It'll possibly cause a new activation if I forget to deactivate due to the Hardware being different, but constant reinstallations seems just excessive to me.

 

It's like Windows 95 and (shiver) ME* all over again. THOSE you actually had to reinstall to keep clean. :P Nowadays you just need to run the firewall and don't install crap.

 

*I actually found my old Windows ME disc the other day. Thinking about offering up on eBay as a tool of satanic worship. :P

[thephringe]

Windows ME.. <shudder> :)

 

The whole reinstall thing is just a habit I suppose.. Always seems to run much smoother after a wipe. It's not like I do it every 2 weeks or anything!

 

So back to the question in hand, I remember LockOn had that registry save app. I'll back up the registry entry for BS and at least then I have that as a backup in case I forget.

 

Andy

[Yskonyn]

Windows 95 and (shiver) ME*

 

Watch your mouth (or rather your fingers), boy! You're on sacred virtual aviation ground and we do not tolerate swearing!

[DonZorro]

Activation?

 

Thank you Gods! Fantastic packaging, gaming, ALL! I can not find the words ... :thumbup:

 

Little question:

 

The DVD version says that the back is 7 activation. What to do if I run out of 7 activation??? :helpsmilie:

[EtherealN]

You e-mail ED and ask nicely, I suppose. I've seen people state that they had run out of activations and were given a refill by ED.

[DanKurt]

You don't necessarily have to use a reactivation when reinstalling. Just make sure you back up the registry key to a file and put it somewhere safe. As long as you don't make too many changes to the PC, you should be able to reinstall as often as you like without using up either an activation or deactivation. Just make sure to import the key you backed up before starting Black Shark.

 

In most cases this should allow you to reinstall the game fine even if you reinstall/change the OS.

 

HMMM Wombat how do I go about this key back up in the registry, as I also tend to reinstall and upgrade quite often and this would come in very handy:thumbup:

[Guest]

HMMM Wombat how do I go about this key back up in the registry, as I also tend to reinstall and upgrade quite often and this would come in very handy:thumbup:

 

No problem. Just do this:

 

1) Open regedit.exe from the Start->Run box.

2) Select HKEY_Current_User\Software\Eagle Dynamics\Black Shark

3) Go to File, Export. Give the file any name and hit Save.

4) Back up that file someplace safe.

5) When you reinstall, make sure to double-click that file first, which will ask you whether to add it into the registry. Click yes.

 

In order to increase the chances of this trick working when reinstalling your operating system, I recommend making sure you keep your computer name the same on both installations. Good luck!

[DanKurt]

Your a Gentleman, Thank You.