How does AAA work, exactly?

[BAWZ]

I got interested since I burned my first activation today (simulation won't start, instead the activation windows comes out).

 

I read on the FAQ here that we get 8 activations, and when they are all finished, once per month we get a new one.

 

In the docs I've read that we get 10 activations plus 10 deactivations, and again the refilling story.

 

I have a couple of question, both of which I couldn't manage to answer by searching here:

 

1 - do we get one new activation per month until we get back to the original 10 (in 10 months), or does it stay one until we use it? I think one guy from SF said that it's just one in total, but I couldn't find any confirmation. In my view having at least a couple would be better (in case of major screw-ups like the one I had today), so that I don't have to hassle ED and myself (yes, I said it) by sending them an email.

 

2 - do deactivations refill in the same manner, or must we wait for a new "AAD" technology?

 

Thanks!

[Apples]

For some reasons the activation window pops up randomly, i don't think its using an activation every time. I believe it only uses a new activation only if you format your hard drive.

[EtherealN]

For some reasons the activation window pops up randomly, i don't think its using an activation every time.

 

Correct, if for some reason the relevant registry entries disappear or are corrupted, the application will ask you to activate. In this case, just click OK whereafter it'll discover that you are already activated for that computer and quietly go away.

[BAWZ]

Thanks, but it seems I screwed up big time, it just used up another activation.

 

Anyone can elaborate on the activation refilling? And what about the de-activations? Are they effectively unlimited? I'm particularly interested in those because they could help me extend the life of the single monthly activation.

 

EDIT - And for those who care: I do need them, because I tend to mess a lot with my PC, I have only one and I don't have, for now, any other partitions or drives. So I can be formatting or just screwing around very often.

Edited March 21, 2011 by BAWZ

[EtherealN]

When you use your last activation a clock starts, 30 days later you get a new one.

Deactivations are numbered 10 and I'm not sure about whether they are refilled, I don't think they are but don't take my word for it.

 

Have you verified on the SF site that the activation was actually spent?

[Panzertard]

Gent's, if you use VPN / Virtual PC's on your computer - that may also trigger new activations. Keep that in mind if you play around with new 'virtual network adapters' on your PC's.

[BAWZ]

I'll try, the program showed up 6 activations left, and I only activated once before now.

 

Any idea where to get information about the de-activations? On the StarForce website there's no mention of it.

 

Not that I'm complaining, I wouldn't have bought the game if I felt the DRM as too strict. It's just a little redundant. I mean, if de-activations don't refill I'll just adapt to the single monthly activation and won't even get the habit to use them.

 

A couple of monthly activations and no de-activations whatsoever seems more sensible (to me).

[EtherealN]

If it said 6 left then yes, it did take an activation (start with 8, so 7 after first activation).

 

There's a thread linked in the A-10C FAQ.

[BAWZ]

Yeah, I've read it a few times. Somebody asked for the de-activations refills but got no answer, and the dude from SF seemingly said that after getting to 0 we get just 1 activation in total.

 

I sent an email to SF support, I'll post their response as soon as I get it.

 

Thanks.

[BAWZ]

Ok, got the answer. Conclusions are:

 

Activations are not cumulative. After a month since using up the last one, we get a new one back, not one more. It stays there until used, and only then the timer starts again.

 

De-activations don't automatically regenerate.