De-Activation Issue and Update Request for ED

[atoll1]

Dear ED,

 

First, Blessed Christmas to ED and all in the Eastern Church!

 

I have read several posts about installing and uninstalling + deactivating DCS and FC3 including here: http://www.en.wiki.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=1601172

 

I have purchased FC3 and, like FC2 and previous versions going all the way back to the original Lock on, would like to install it on my system that has no access to the Internet. I very much enjoy the single player missions and campaigns. I intend to do a manual activation using another pc at a different location that has access to an internet connection.

 

So here's the issue that I hope you'll understand and support:

From what I read, in order to update to the latest DCS+FC3 version, I believe (and please correct me if needed) I have to deactivate then uninstall current version of DCS+FC3, then reinstall newer version of DCS+FC3.

 

Trouble is, how can I deactivate on a PC that is not connected online? :(

 

I don't want to lose my activations because I hope to continue to update to the latest versions as they are released, which brings up the related issue and a humble plea and request:

 

 

1. Instead of downloading huge files all over again, is it agreeable for ED to please make smaller update files to download and patch? (since I will not be able to use an auto-updater on the computer that has no internet access)

 

 

2. Require the one-time activation, but then store this activation so that no further de- and re-activation is required for installing newer versions. (I suspect this one is very helpful to anyone online or offline alike)

 

 

I have purchased and am supporting the beta program and so hoping ED will be sympathetic to the single / campaign player whose machine has no internet access. Thank you for considering. Here's being hopeful you'll support. :)

Edited January 11, 2013 by atoll1

[EtherealN]

You do not need to deactivate. That is only necessary if you intend to move from one computer to another - it allows re-use of the current activation. Note that activations pertain to computers, not installs.

 

The problem with making downloads of the autoupdater patches is that they are many, and they are small. It would introduce a lot of work with not only perparing the installers but also testing them to ensure that they work properly on all systems and all supported variants of Windows.

 

Regarding point two: this is already the case. You activate the COMPUTER, not the install. Once activated on the computer, the activation remains with the computer even if the product is uninstalled. Only OS reinstall and substantial hardware changes (such as swapping CPU, or simply moving to a completely new computer) require activation.

 

Also note that should you ever reach 0 activations on your license key, the last activation will be automatically "refunded" after 30 days. So 30 days after spending the last activation, you have it back again, with no specific intervention or action required by either you or ED.

[atoll1]

EtherealN,

 

Thank you for your reply. It is very good to know that I misunderstood and don't have to de and re-activate on the same computer.

 

So to clarify for updating on PC with no internet access:

1. uninstall current version of FC3 (no deactivation necessary)

2. uninstall current version of DCS

3. install newer version of DCS

4. install newer version of FC3 (no reactivation necessary)

 

Is that order correct? There is no way to just launch the newer version of DCS, FC3 and have it update the currently installed version?

 

I hear you about creating the smaller updates. I don't mean to compare developers, but maybe possible to use an update process like how original IL2 does it with patches?

 

Please convey my thanks for their work and for this request to ED to continue to support in a situation where the PC with DCS+FC3 has no internet access.

Edited January 11, 2013 by atoll1

[EtherealN]

That should be correct, yes.

 

Just installing it again in a different folder might work, though in that case I would recommend installing in a new directory. (Things might get messy otherwise.) You would then need to make sure your shortcuts are also updated, I don't know exactly how that ends up working. Not sure I would recommend it - at least not without having tried it myself first, which I might be able to do in the coming day or two.

[atoll1]

Thanks.

 

If you do try it, please post here so it'll add to this growing understanding and we'll know.

[atoll1]

I don't see a way to uninstall FC3 separately from DCS World. Before reinstalling a newer version of FC3 and DCS World, is it enough to just uninstall DCS world? Will uninstalling DCS world automatically take care of uninstalling the modules like FC3?

 

thanks