the use of cd keys

from Demigod Forums

I would like some feed back.  I purchased a game called dominions III over a year and half ago.  I had a hard drive failure and had to reload my programs and games.  I have the cd for dominons but lost my manual.  That is my fault, but when I approached Gamers front about it, they said i had to buy a manual to get the cd key and that they do not keep track of the cd keys.  I understood and made a comment that I would think they had a record of my purchase (I provided my personal info) and i would decide what to do if I could not find the manual.  I half thought that perhaps they did not have any record so I understood why I had to purchase something again  (heck they don't know who I am).  However, I received a reply stating that they had record of my purchase and that is why they were selling me a manual and cd key at cost.  I appreciate the "at cost" but after thinking about it, it kind of ticks me off that they know I purchased the game and they still require that they sell me the manual i do not neeed for a cd key they know I purchased.  Am I being difficult in thinking that they could just send me a new cd key?

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Reply #2 from Demigod Forums Top

this is how you should look at it.....you lost the cd key so it was your fault. but since you did buy the product they could atleast send you a new one for just the shipping cost. Also how are they supposed to know that you arent trying to just give the cd key to someone else?

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Reply #3 from Demigod Forums Top

It is my fault for not keeping the cd key for almost 2 years but anyone could give their cd key away if they wanted to.  It is not an issue for me to really harp on I guess but something about purchasing a product that is no longer functional because something like this does not seem right to me.  I will not purchase the manual again so it is a wasted cd at this point.  I did get some enjoyment out of it however.  It really is a good game.  One more reason why i like impulse though.  This kind of thing could never happen with a stardock game.

Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Well not that I'm advocating such actions, but I have had to find a keygen before due to the same situation. A little searching around could get you at least playing again(not online though usually) without having to buy it again.

Reply #5 from Sins Forums Top

Quoting Mighty_NJS, reply 2
this is how you should look at it.....you lost the cd key so it was your fault. but since you did buy the product they could atleast send you a new one for just the shipping cost. Also how are they supposed to know that you arent trying to just give the cd key to someone else?
End of Mighty_NJS's quote

its aaalll about money....

 

keep sending post and ask if u can get a new serial ..... do NOT pay for it..., u pay for the copy of the game, not the serial (otherwise they wouldnt have so much trouble with piracy)

last resort = going to the shop and say they didnt include a manual... but i doubt they'll let u after haf a year... + its mean.... :\

Reply #6 from Sins Forums Top

I doubt it's as simple as "just about money". Now obviously none of us know how their systems are set up, but I really doubt they just have a basic keygen that can spit out a key that they send you and say "Oh, here you go". More likely they had a production run for which keys were made and stuck on the manuals, and that's it. They even admitted that they don't keep track of keys or anything. Which means, more likely than not, that the only way to get a new key is from another retail purchase - in which case, they actually did a favor by offering to send just the manual and not charge the full retail price.

Reply #7 from Demigod Forums Top

Quoting Annatar11, reply 6
they actually did a favor by offering to send just the manual and not charge the full retail price.
End of Annatar11's quote

I completely disagree. You paid for their game, you are a legitimate customer. Although it is your fault you lost the cd key I do not think you should have to pay again just because of some copyprotection. Someone suggested using a keygen. That is what I would do.

Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

At some point we have to take responsibility for our own actions.

Sure they can provide you with a key AGAIN.

Then again you could of put it in a safe place. it's yours to do with as you please. Not for them to say they are sorry you lost it here is a new one. Sorry to say but for me it's your fault and not theirs and you are lucky they are doing as much as they are.

 

Lesson here. make sure you put them or at least write them somewhere safe.

Reply #9 from Sins Forums Top

just the fact that u have to pay to get a security code (that was meant for anti-piracy and not  to make it more difficult for real customers...making customers pay AGAIN = the most dofficult thing i can give a customer.....)

you just lost it..., and i cant believe it's so hard to enter another cd key .. if they'd atleast organize their copyprotection i.e. record purchased games and serials then there'd be no problem, and why they didnt do it?? well money ofcourse.... then theres people who still believe in the goodness of people...... they actually believe that companies are helping you just out of love.... guess again.... thers probably something bigger behind it.. like trying to keep you hooked on their games... giving you something that cost them a little more ..... makes you think they have good service.. thus you'll buy their next game with less hessitation....  thus theyre making money.....

its all about money rly... sucky world we live in :thumbsdown:

Reply #10 from Demigod Forums Top

Good choice of game btw :)

You could always try contacting Illwinter directly. They may be willing to help you get your game running again.

The manual has become quite out of date with all the patches they've released, but it's still quite handy in some areas. I'd probably still recommend that you get it.

If neither of those work then you could always turn to the pirates.