My game computer does not have internet access; so I downloaded (archived) the beta via Stardock Central on another computer. I already had Stardock Central on the game computer (from installing GCII), copied the archived file into the 'backup' subdirectory of SDC, and restored the archive with SDC. Although I got a dialog box that said the game was successfully installed the install did not create any icons on my desktop nor did it create a program group; so to run it I have to 'run' the executable file which I did.
The activation dialog came up, I filled in the information, and selected to activate via email. After not receiving any response from the automated activation system I emailed support, and they sent me the activation code. I placed the sig.bin file in the same subdirectory in which I found the program executable. When I 'run' the executable the activation dialog comes up again ... and again ... every time I try to run it.
Remembering that SDC updated itself when I first logged on to download the game, I thought the version I had on my game computer might not have been up to date. So I downloaded the latest SDC setup file, and reinstalled it on my game computer (it still did not show the same version [build 142 vs 146] under 'about' as the one automatically updated online). I then RE-restored the archive with SDC, but still the same problem ... whenever I run the program up comes the activation dialog even though the sig.bin is there in the subdirectory.
I don't understand why we have to activate a beta game anyway ... I bought it, they emailed the serial number to me, and their download system verified my serial number when I downloaded the game - seems to me they ought to know that I am who I say I am after all that - why the need for activation(?), but then that's a separate question.
Does anyone have any ideas what might be wrong or what I am doing wrong? I would really like to try the game out over the weekend, and Stardock is closed for the weekend ... I phoned, but too late!
Sorry for the length of this, but I just wanted to provide all info. that might be needed.
