Upgrade to v1.4x Help Please

I'm desperate to play this game but I'm utterly frustrated as to why I cannot upgrade to the latest version.

I have puchased and installed new (not second hand) retail version in the the UK and entered the serial number from disk 2. IT works.

I install stardock and setup an account with my email and serial number.

I go to GalCiv2.com and download and install version 1.4x for retail as I'm invited to do.

When I "Play game" I'm asked to enter email address plus serial number and I'm told that there is an error acivating the product.

If I try to update using stardock I'm told that the registration information is invalid.

When I lookup serial number from stardock I get back a reply without a serial number, I see no way to re-enter one.

I have a receipt for this game but I don't want a refund I want to play it.

I am not inexperienced, I'm a professional computer scientist for goodness sake. I can edit LOMAC config files by hand, write python & XML scripts for CIV 4, use AFCAD2 to create airfields in FS2004 but this is DRIVING ME MAD and is the first install to beat me ever. (Except Halo on a 256MB 7900GS but I'm working on that).

Please help me before I go mad. I've been through the install dance **five** times.

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

Please contact support@stardock.com, they should be able to sort it out.

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kyro

Thanks for the suggestion, I've already done that and recieved the following reply:

Hi,

Thank you for your interest in Galactic Civilizations II. Unfortunately,
it appears that the serial number you provided/are attempting to use
has already been linked to another customer record. Usually, this
occurs if you have already registered under another email address.

If this is your first time registering Galactic Civilizations II, you have purchased a used copy.
Please be aware that per our end user license agreement, licenses cannot be transferred once sold.

That said, there are some options.

1. The GalCiv2 CD's do not have any copy protection. You may
install and play the retail version of the game.

2. The 1.0X update from March 2006 does not require activation:

https://www.stardock.com/files/GalCiv2_10X_BonusPack_030806.exe

3. You may purchase a new license key from Stardock at a $20
discount from the MSRP:

https://store.stardock.com/addproduct.asp?PRODUCT_ID=ESD-SDS-W221&REFERER=Support

Cheers,
-----------------
Travis G
Stardock Corporation
Technical Advisor

Is this typical of stardock's attitude to their customers? Have any UK based players experienced similar problems because if this doesn't get sorted I expect to deal with this issue through my council's trading standards office.

Quite frankly I've never received such short shrift from any company with whom I've cause for complaint. This game goes back to the store tomorrow for a swap and if the new serial number doesn't register then battle drawn.

I am not a software pirate. I have not purchased a second hand game.

Over the years I have spent hundreds of pounds on games, money that keeps people like Travis in their jobs, and quite frankly I'm not going to be taken for a ride.

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

Check your email for a new response.

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HUMBLE PIE MODE ON

As kyro indicates following following sending proof of purchase to stardock they kindly provided a new activation code.

My rather knee-jerk reaction was partly due to frustration and partly from reading other peoples' experiences; I should know better to judge for myself. Contrary to my comments above Stardock's customer service, (and particularly speed of response), would appear to be exemplery.

I am pleased therefore to set the record straight and let everyone know that from my experience, if you are a legitimate customer, you will get decent support

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