Asking for activation then error

[Kula66]

I purchased BS shortly after release (I think I ended up with the Russian version). About a month ago I had to rebuild my laptop due to a full disk encryption error and now it is asking me to activate BS and will not let me 'play'. I've tried putting in the original activation key, but to no avail. I have only ever played it on this laptop.

 

I also have LockOn installed and this has been working fine.

 

Your help would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

James

[Boberro]

Check this, carefully if you passed points: SF Procedure.

 

Maybe this will help you, if no please contact ED IIRC in FAQ.

[Kula66]

Cheers Boberro,

However, the site isn't helping much, all I get is:

 

Attention!

• Invalid Hardware Code. Make sure the Serial Number used is valid for the product you are trying to activate, generate a new Hardware Code and try again.

 

I guess my hardware code has changed when I had to restore my computer from a backup. I'll drop them an email.

[Tez]

I don't know what can cause Invalid Hardware Code message. The only thing I can suggest is incorrect clock settings.

 

If hardware code doesn't change from activation to activation and still invalid - consider contacting support{at}star-force.com

[Kula66]

Thanks Alexander,

The clock is accurate ... I'll check to see if it changes.

 

Given that it has only ever been on this laptop and I haven't changed the disk or amount of RAM etc. don't I get a number of activations or similar? Where have they all gone?

 

Regards,

James

Edited September 21, 2009 by Kula66

[Tez]

You can check your S/N yourself on StarForce activation web site ("Serial Number parameters" link):

http://proactive.star-force.com/2.0/activate.php

 

Everything is fine with your S/N.

 

I would suggest contacting StarForce directly if your hardware code is stuck in the invalid state.

[Kula66]

I've tried that site before and it is not very helpful. It just tells me something is wrong.

 

How do I contact StarForce directly? I can't see a contact email on their site.

 

I bought DCS:BS from ED, not from StarForce - doesn't ED have the ability to fix the license problem?

[Kula66]

Ok, I've contacted Starforce (and they responded very quickly) and they say I installed the wrong patch and need to contact ED.

 

I purchased the game when it first came out and downloaded the Russian version (it had Russian menus) so when the patch came out, I downloaded the Russian patch. Here is thir response:

 

"The point is that mentioned by you serial number is for the game DCS Black Shark published by "1C Multimedia" company (see full information about your serial number below). But you have installed and are trying to activate another version of the game published by "The Fighter collection" company. You can check it through protect.dll file in the game folder, right click on it, go to Properties tab and check Company Name value there.

 

Most probably you've installed the wrong patch for another version of the game (not for your one) or install the wrong distributive of the game initially."

 

All seems a bit of a mess! How can I get this game working?

 

Thanks,

James

[Tez]

Try installing Russian patch one more time.

 

If the problem persists, open the properties of bin\stable\protect.dll, there navigate to the Version tab and tell us the Developer value (I suppose the variable is named Developer, in the Russian Windows it named as Manufacturer :megalol:).

[Kula66]

Tez,

You are a star - that seems to have fixed it!

Many thanks for your help and also Natalya & Alexey at StarForce!

 

Regards,

James

Edited September 22, 2009 by Kula66