Quick deactivation question...

[Ovenmit]

Time for the annual re-install...

 

Problem is thus:

When I deactivated (via protect.exe) last time when I re-installed before the patch I got an additional code that I had to put in after my activation code

 

Eg: On activation I would have to put the 2 codes in like this: Serial Number - Deactivation Code.

 

But this time when I deactivate I don't get the deactivation key?!? It just says succesfully deactivated. Is this normal? I can just re-install?

 

Im on 1.01a

Edited September 2, 2009 by Ovenmit

[159th_Viper]

Time for the annual re-install...

 

Problem is thus:

When I deactivated (via protect.exe) last time when I re-installed before the patch I got an additional code that I had to put in after my activation code

 

Eg: On activation I would have to put the 2 codes in like this: Serial Number - Deactivation Code.

 

But this time when I deactivate I don't get the deactivation key?!? It just says succesfully deactivated. Is this normal? I can just re-install?

 

Im on 1.01a

 

Yes. Confirmed that due to a Starforce Update you no longer get a deactivation/reactivation key.

 

 

Question though: If you are installing on the same PC, why deactivate? Could just uninstall/reinstall without the bother, unless your Hardware config has changed substantially, that is.

[Raydowe]

Hi Viper

 

i'm planning reinstalling windows... HDD will be formated of course... so i need not deactivated DCS?

 

i used 2 activations. one of my laptom and second on my desktop in home.. . i'm at home only weekends and desktop PC is more powerfull like laptom, but i want to fly in my business trip on the week..

 

:((( i dont like this anti-pirat protection. Im not a pirat.. Why should I "pay" for the theft of someone else

 

i change my hardware many time.. 8 activations and 10 deactivations is really small for me

[159th_Viper]

Hi Viper

 

i'm planning reinstalling windows... HDD will be formated of course... so i need not deactivated DCS?

 

 

Aye M8

 

In this instance you would need to deactivate (OS reinstall). See the following post dealing with the matter:

 

Q: What form of copy protection does the product utilize?

 

A: The currently available English download and boxed releases of DCS: Black Shark both utilize StarForce ProActive copy protection technology. The products require online activation, which is done automatically if internet connection is available. Black Shark can also be activated via eMail or the StarForce website.

 

If StarForce detects changes to your computer hardware/software as described below, an activation will be required. The English versions include 8 (eight) activations and 10 (ten) deactivations. It's important to note that deactivations are utilized to save your activations when altering your PC hardware/software. Before conducting a PC upgrade/OS re-install, you can deactivate the product and when complete, reactivate without a loss of activations.

http://www.star-force.com/support/users/deactivate/

 

An activation will be required if the hardware/software changes exceed 12 points as rated below:

 

CPU ID: 13

Windows PID: 3

Computer Name: 3

Hard drive volume serial number: 3

MAC address: 6

RAM amount: 6

 

If you just uninstall Black Shark and then reinstall it again on the same PC without reinstalling your operating system or changing hardware, you do not need to use a deactivation.

 

Also note that both the English download and boxed DVD versions use StarForce ProActive which doesn’t install drivers or other system modules. The DVD version does not rely on DVD check, and there is no way to launch it via disk check.

 

For further details on the copy protection system, please see the StarForce FAQ:

http://www.star-force.com/support/users/group2.php

 

In addition, a step-by-step (de)activation guide is available below and will also be included in the product documentation:

http://www.star-force.com/support/users/group4.php#6

 

StarForce provides an option for manual online activation. For those using the Russian version of the release, a quick guide for manual activation can be found here:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?...8&postcount=14

 

We are evaluating the possibility of providing an additional version of the western release, utilizing Steam technologies.

 

In case of StarForce problems, first of all try to update StarForce.

 

Owners of the Russian version in case of StarForce problems (excluding activation problems) should contact directly 1C: Multimedia support service (mmedia.hotline{at}1c.ru) with a copy to (support{at}digitalcombatsimulator.com). 1C should forward your request to StarForce support service. It's necessary to include Black Shark registration number in the message body. You can find it in the registration form included in the box.

If neither 1C support nor StarForce answers, please let us know.

It doesn't apply to the owners of the Russian downloadable version. You should contact us directly.

 

The question is then: If your Hardware/Software remains substantially the same prior to and after the Format/Reinstall of OS, why the need for the deactivation? Nothing has changed, has it?

 

Never mind the above - Thinking out loud.

 

@ Nips: Having regard to your OP, if a reinstall of OS is indeed what you are referring to (not evident from your post), then yeah, you would accordingly need to deactivate. Apologies for any miscommunication - without intent :)

[Tez]

If you change/update drivers, reinstall operation system or upgrade hardware - it's better to deactivate Black Shark first.

 

Yes, the latest StarForce doesn't use deactivation code any more. Now you can reactivate without it. That's it, the same procedure, just even more simpler.

[Raydowe]

Hi Viper

 

thx you for quick reply :thumbup:

[159th_Viper]

NP :)

[Ovenmit]

Sorry wasn't clear... Im "upgrading" to windows 7 to "test" for work (and Blackshark ;) )

 

Thats why Im deactivating.

 

Thanks for the answers, about to re-install BS now...

[Ramstein]

Update:

I sent an email asking for a new code..

===============

I am back to where i was yesterday, still had a computer problem and it refuses to let me play it demands new activation code..

 

the one they sent me only worked one time..

:cry:

 

how do I get new codes?

 

haven't changed any hardware.. I just had to re-instal my operating system and this activation stuff is just running me around in circles.. why will it won''t give me some new activations?? I keep giving it al the info the computer for needs,, I don't have de-activation codes as I never de-activated anything.

 

as far as the patch goes, I am confused, does this mean we can't get a new code unless we use an upatches BS version?

 

This whole activation code thing is a huge freaking headache

 

I thought I had a couple activations let, I was told I have a couple left, yet I can't play...

Edited September 2, 2009 by Ramstein

[Ramstein]

well, I had to switch to my win7 boot to fly BS, the WinXP has no ativations that work... I tried everything... and can't get any activations,, if this Win7 Beta goes bad I am screwed..

 

I fought with the activation screen for one hour today trying to get my BS on WinXP working again, it just sent me around in circles, no matter what it asked and I put in, it refused to work and told me I have no activations left..

 

note: I have had the same exact computer (except for a 2nd video card) since I purchased the BS download 12/2008.

 

note: I do have BS installed on a computer that runs as a server with Servman on that computer (family computer downstairs).

 

Guess I can try updating Star Farce.. I just read that in the above post..

update: the Star-Force update does no apply as it appears my version is totally up to date. (it actually tells me it cannot find Star-Force on my computer. Even though I have BS install and the protect.exe brings up a Star-Force window.

 

I just emailed Star-Force asking for help. I hope someone will finally send me whatever I need, a new serial/new activation, I don't know but one week of this trying to get things working has been less then fun. Same computer, same hardware.

Edited September 5, 2009 by Ramstein

[Ramstein]

still need my Black Shark activation problem fixed... Star Force told me they can't help, that leaves you guys. Apparently the BS servers reject my serial number...

 

I have e-mailed everyone 100x!

please..

thanx..

:helpsmilie::helpsmilie::helpsmilie:

[dragony]

You're entering invalid serial number. Double-check what you're entering and contact SF support, nobody else will be able to help you.

[Guest raistlinmolina]

I think that all this shit of the activations/deactivations is suffered precisely by thos of us who have bought the product.

I'm pretty sure that no matter how complicated the protection is it will be surpased earlier than later. Maybe those players can't play online but the game is worth playing alone.

 

I don't like at all this protection, it made me think twice before buying the simulator.

[159th_Viper]

I think that all this shit of the activations/deactivations is suffered precisely by thos of us who have bought the product.

I'm pretty sure that no matter how complicated the protection is it will be surpased earlier than later. Maybe those players can't play online but the game is worth playing alone.

 

I don't like at all this protection, it made me think twice before buying the simulator.

 

 

And yet here you are..............:pilotfly:

[Ramstein]

my problems are resolved...

 

I guess it is my fault ..

 

along the way of having to re-install BS several times since late last year, my activation were used up, and myabe I was supposer to deactivate, even though I was under the impression since it was the same computer I didn't need to..

 

I am still confused about that..

 

This last go around I spent 2 weeks day and night trying everything I could,, and I kept records of thwe activations and hardware codes..

 

I used an activation for my WinXP computer,, that I use for al my stuff and flight sims..

 

(I added another hard drive I tried the Win7 Beta and put one install of BS to try it with Win7), It is on the same computer as WinXP, but seperate boot.. so, the hard drive Win7 and WinXP are on different hard drives and not on at the same time and don't see each other..).

 

I have a copy on a second computer (family computer with WinXP) that I installed BS servamn on to use as a Black Shark server.. I don't play on that, just use it as a server with Servman..

 

That should have used 3 activation.. (I thought..??)

 

But when my main computer with WinXP had problems with a video card, then had problems with a boot problem and also had to rre-install WinXP 2x..) that seemed to have took al the rest of my activations.

 

I don't know how how my activations and serial numbers were used up,, even though I have only played on one computer, unless you count the Server. Then that would only count as 2 computers.

 

How it burned up all the activations I can't figure it out..

 

I will buy the Black Shark DVD (when I have more cash..) because you just put the DVD in when you need to,, ( I had LockOn:FC..) and never had a problem with Star-Force on DVD..). I found the download version to be too difficult, unless you have a computer that you never need to work on.. (lucky bastages who do..).

 

Thanx, Black Shark producers, and support.. I still think it's one of the best flight sims ever..

 

:thumbup:

[159th_Viper]

 

I will buy the Black Shark DVD (when I have more cash..) because you just put the DVD in when you need to,, ( I had LockOn:FC..) and never had a problem with Star-Force on DVD..). I found the download version to be too difficult, unless you have a computer that you never need to work on.. (lucky bastages who do..).

 

Thanx, Black Shark producers, and support.. I still think it's one of the best flight sims ever..

 

:thumbup:

 

DVD Activation is exactly the same as with the Download version........and there is no weekly DVD-Check ;)

[Ramstein]

DVD Activation is exactly the same as with the Download version........and there is no weekly DVD-Check ;)

 

 

With the Lock:On DVD If you play more than once per week, Star Force does not require the DVD to be in the Hard Drive. If you let more than one week go by without playing LockOn:FC, it requires you to place the DVD in the drive to do a check..

 

It never once gave me any hassle.. it did not count beans..(activations, it dod not look at hardware changes..) It only checked to see that you have the legit DVD..

 

That's al I am saying through my experince..

 

I am not arguing about anything ,, it that's the way it comes across.. nor did I point this at anyone..

 

I just compared my experince with Star-Force via download/DVD.

 

:joystick:

[TKMR]

I think that all this shit of the activations/deactivations is suffered precisely by thos of us who have bought the product.

I'm pretty sure that no matter how complicated the protection is it will be surpased earlier than later. Maybe those players can't play online but the game is worth playing alone.

 

It already has...

 

ED, I love you guys. This game is sexy. So was Lock On, and I understand the wish to protect your product, but the cracking teams have such advanced techniques they usually crack the game BEFORE it is released (I don't believe it was the case here since this wasn't a huge release). It really bothers me all of the effort, and money that is spent on copy protection when it doesn't even do anything anymore.

 

IMO, and many will disagree with me on this (hopefully not flame me though), the best copy protection is relying on people that actually care about your company to do the right thing and buy the products.

 

I'll be honest here, there are some of my games that I don't play online, that I decided to crack because I got so sick of the "the correct DVD is not in the drive." Yeah... it's illegal... yeah it's wrong, but IMO it's wrong to punish people that purchase the game.

 

 

Apologies for rant.

[Riemann]

Hi,

i've recently bought a new computer with Window 7, Intel I5 installed in and so on.

I then uninstalled DCS BS from my little laptop, in order to re-install it again on my new desktop, but received no de-activation code. As i installed BS the number of activations were one less.

Shall i consider my previous activation defitively lost due to the hardware upgrade?

How can i get my activation back?