about activation-deactivation-reactivation in same computer ?

[tom14cat]

Hi, there,

I need a clean answer from anyone.:helpsmilie:

 

I recently purchase Boxed version DCS-Black Shark.

But, I did not install the program yet, concerning the deactivation/reactivation limit.

 

I use Windows XP SP3 as an operating system.

The problem is that I usually format the hard disk every 4 - 6 months

and reinstall Windows XP (by using the same Windows XP CD, and

update to SP3) and other programs, to keep my computer clean.

 

 

Question #1.

Should I deactivate DCS Black Shark before formatting the hard disk,

and reinstall the Windows XP, in order to get the deactivation code

for next reactivation? (I think I have to do.)

 

Question #2.

If I reinstall the same version of Winodws XP and the DCS Black Shark,

and reactivate it using previous deactivation code in the same computer,

what will happen when I try to deactivate it again on the same computer?

 

 

1) a loss of deactivation count with another deactivation code?

or no loss of deactivation count with another deactivation code?

 

 

2) Is reactivation possible without a loss of activation count ?

or

Will there be new activation (a loss of activation count) during the

next installation of the game on the same computer?

 

(simply, is the below possible ?

 

activation => deactivation => (formatting) => reactivation => deactivation

=> (formatting) => reactivation - ......

without further loss of activation count or deactivation count

on the same computer with same OS? )

 

 

If there is a loss,

I think it is ridiculous to lose activation, or deactivation count

just only because of frequent formatting and reinstallation of

same operating system on the same computer without any change of

hardwares.:huh:

 

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

Tom14cat.

[Distiler]

I don't know the answer but I think if everything is the same (even computer name), you won't need to deactivate-reactivate. But who knows.

 

But, anyway, forget totally about XP and go to Vista or 7 64 bit, it will give you a big boost on fps because it will use up to 2 cores of your cpu. XP will use just 1. Also, you won't need to reformat every x months anymore, perfomance will be the same (neither you need it in XP, except if you put a lot of crap and in that case, you another testing partition/OS...)

Really.

[Panzertard]

First:

"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"

 

According to the FAQ it's not neccesarry to spend a "new" activation.

What happens in real life?

Well, if you change:

+ Windows PID

+ Computername

+ Harddrive

Then you are still only at 9 points.

 

Add 2 new network adapters and you have 12 points - require a new activasion.

Keep in mind "software" adapters (aka VPN/Virtual Adapters) also acts as a hardware change.

 

If you keep those in mind, IMO you should be able to reinstall as long as those parameters doesn't go beyond 12 points.

 

I dont know it it is accumulative - so that if after 4 (*3 points) Windows PID changes, you end up with a new activation.

 

I hope someone at ED may answer that for us. :)

[EtherealN]

If there is a loss,

I think it is ridiculous to lose activation, or deactivation count

just only because of frequent formatting and reinstallation of

same operating system on the same computer without any change of

hardwares.:huh:

 

Like Panzer indicated, there are some peculiarities with hardware detection, especially since some software can look like hardware. Personally I don't quite understand this issue as far as reformat impact goes, but I've never seen reformats as a maintenance tool (rather a last resort when maintenance has failed).

 

But - do note that assuming normal usage you can get refills to your license number's activation count through contacting ED (via e-mail or this forum, see the Payment and Activation section) when and if you do run out. Refer to your quick-start manual for more information.

[tom14cat]

Dear Distiler, Panzertard, EtherealN;

Thank you for your prompt reply...

 

I was encouraged after I read your reply.

Now I can try this wonderful program and will try not to format the hard disk frequently also.

Thank you so much, everyone!

 

Best regards,

Tom14cat.