I had the same problems but luckily was able to transfer the required code to a computer and e-mail this off. While a pain in the *&* the answer was quick. I received the activation e-mail within the day and have been told that this is computer specific so the only time I will need to reactivate the game is if I transfer the game to another machine. Although I have not patched the version on my home PC I take it that there will be no need for further activation.

Hi RedShade....

I was in your shoes earlier this week!!!!

The good news is that I am once again a happy camper. Let me tell you what I know:

-- Agreed, the documentation/explantations etc... for activation etc.. are probably somewhere on some website (Stardock??) but a poor job on explaining this stuff !!!!

-- In the EULA that you "agree to" when installing the software, it DOES mention in the "fine print" that you will have to activate via the internet.

-- The activation process IS automated, and you get a timely response IF your information is all correct in the email. (My first activation attempt took over a day and required human intervention because I had sent wrong info. My second activation attempt took about 5 minutes to get back the file I needed to activate the game)

-- My biggest fear was that I would have to go through this process EVERY upgrade!!! According to the activation reply I got, "you WILL NOT need to activate this game again, as long as you continue to use it on the same computer...." (or something like that)

So in summary.....just grit your teeth and persevere for another day while you get your activation reply. The game is definitely worth the hassle, and according to Stardock, once activated doesn't need it again!!!

good luck!

Just use Stardock Central. You won't have any issues. It takes care of both downloading and installing for you. I don't see what the problem is.

well, I just received an email with the activation code file. hopefully this will solve the issue. Now I am still unhappy about having to go through this just to use a *** patch. but I would NOT be unhappy if the download page had stated specifically: Warning: this is extra and to use it you will need to activate. until you do you will not be able to start the game. Stardocks main failure here is not providing enough info.
I just hope the s/n I used turns out to be the correct one as far as the activation engine is concerned.
ah to poster nr 1) I bought the cds from amazon, I only downloaded the patches from here. to poster 6) hard to do without internet.
anyway hopefully issue solved so I will finally be able to see for myself if the game is worth the hype