Beta Patch 5157 borks your activation

[Gambit7]

I believe this will be the last time I do any digital purchase for any piece of software. For some dumb reason, "digital river's" uber-smart activation software thinks I need to reactivate since I patched the game (a 2nd time of course). This is ridiculous.

If customers cant do something as simple as patch their game without having to call customer support and WAIT 24hrs for a damned activation code then I suggest someone recode the activation software to be a bit "smarter".

<rant over>

[AngryWolf65]

What? Damn, this was the first digital purchase I have ever done.

Was this an official patch? I don't see news of it anywhere. Don't they normally issue two patches...one for the DVD version and one for the Digitally Downloaded version.

This wasn't that stupid beta patch was it?

[ACO2007]

Yes, it's true. The 1.07 hotfix patch requires you to reactivate through Digital River and your original activation code won't work. BS!!!!!!

I think Atari intentionally delayed the retail version of the game so they could sell more digital downloads and the download experience has been nothing but trouble and headaches. I will NEVER buy another digital download again, did you read that Atari? Way to hose your customers! The ONLY benefit to a digital download is that you don't need a disc in the drive to play. You should only have to activate it once per new install, EVER!

[ACO2007]

Please call and harrass them so they fix this:

24/7 Phone Support for E-Commerce and Download Support: 1-952-646-5000

[Jason_25]

I was just bit by this. I called the number and it seems like they are a call center for a lot of different software. The nice lady issued me new keys and "unlock codes" for both copies of arma I bought. Neither worked. So I am going through the refund process for both copies now. I suggest everyone do the same if we don't hear anything else on the subject. Previously, I was considering buying a third copy. It's a shame.

[Gambit7]

I was just bit by this. I called the number and it seems like they are a call center for a lot of different software. The nice lady issued me new keys and "unlock codes" for both copies of arma I bought. Neither worked. So I am going through the refund process for both copies now. I suggest everyone do the same if we don't hear anything else on the subject. Previously, I was considering buying a third copy. It's a shame.


You're lucky... they told me I'd have to wait 24hrs for a simple response and the original person I talked to just forwarded my problem to someone else. I think I may try for a refund myself and just buy the boxed version; just isnt worth it.

FYI: most sites are NOW posting that the beta hotfix may require you reactivate if you DLed digitally :rolleyes: Wish I knew that before I dropped an extra $20 shipping on a TrackIR Pro that I cant use now.

[Unleashed2k]

Well its not limited to just us digital downloaders, on this hotfix people are having DVD issues, and srocket issues aswell.

So it's just not us.

We need to have atari/digitalriver fix there activation/authentication problem by releasing another EXE or send out proper activation keys to all digital download
customers.

I am not waiting 42 hours for a ticket response for a new request code when my computer shut down so it generates a new one, then I have to reply to give a new request code and wait an additional 42 hours..

[Gambit7]

I called in again and a nice lady did issue me new serials and unlock codes, but guess what... they didnt work! :haha:

Tomorrow I will be requesting a refund and paying a visit to Gamestop to buy a "real" copy. I have a sneaking suspicion there will be no fix for this, heck I cant even get any kind of tech. support on this issue.

[Unleashed2k]

No use ^ theres a 2-out-of 3 chance you will get a NO-DVD problem. :) See ya soon :up:

[Mattlab]

It's the beta patch therefore not supported. We are planning on having the final patch work correctly with the download. As I said in another patch Atari DOES NOT support beta patch and it is a download and your own risk. The final patch will support the download and work correctly.

[Mattlab]

The beta patch is for retail only and not for download. The final one will work with both.

[Mattlab]

DO NOT call or email support for the beta patch! I clearly said in another thread the day that this patch came out that we don't support and that it would most likely cause activation issues.

However if you did install it despite my warnings and the warnings posted on the official BIS developer forums and in the patch readme do call DR and ask for a new key.

[Mattlab]

Also if you are issued an invalid key by DR please let me know in a PM and include your Order Number, email, etc so that I can have you sent a working key.

Thanks,
Matt

[Mattlab]

No use ^ theres a 2-out-of 3 chance you will get a NO-DVD problem. :) See ya soon :up:

Yes that is because the patch is a beta patch and it is also for retail although the final one will work for both.

When an official patch comes out it will be posted here: http://www.atari.com/us/support/newfaq/armacombatoperations.php?browser=1&pageDisplay=DOWNLOADS

Until there is something posted there you SHOULD NOT patch your game. Beta patches are just that... beta patches.

[Mattlab]

http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=586088 for more info...

If you did perchance install the beta patch and missed the warnings, happens to the best of us, I recommend that when you get your new key you reinstall the game first (uninstall and then clean install) so that you can make sure you are installing and running a good working version of the game. Then activate so that you do not waste keys.

Regards,
Matt

[Dux]

Honestly, this is exactly the kind of bull**** that encourages people to download games illegally. It's a lot easier to find a torrent than an it is to deal with overzealous copyright protection that ****s things up for paying customers. Beta patch or not, there is absolutely no excuse for an activation to ever stop working. At the very worst, it should ask for your CD key again -- and NOT arbitrarily refuse it. That represents a fundamental flaw in the design of your copyright protection system, and pawning that off on an "unsupported game patch" is a complete cop out.

I called DR's support hotline. They were quick to inform that they "weren't trained technicans" -- quite confidence inspiring. The grand solution to the problem was a new CD key, but guess what, that didn't work. So what do they do? They direct me to Atari Technical Support, which doesn't even have a telephone contact number, and requires "7 - 10 business days" to respond. Excuse me?

I asked, "what about the 'Manual Activation' section?" Containing a long request code, this section presumably allows one to call DR, have them run the code through an algorithm on their end, and receive an activation code that tells the game "YUP, HE BOUGHT IT." DR had no idea what this was. Totally clueless, all they could do was tell me to contact Technical Support at http://www.atari.com/us/support. Gee, thanks a lot, morons.

Why should I ever buy another Atari product if this is the kind of support that I should expect? My game flat-out doesn't start because of ****ed up copyright protection, and the DR people have no idea how to fix this. Who the hell is in charge of this operation?

[ACO2007]

There were no warnings about the beta patch being only for the DVD version and not the digital download, that's a crock. If you expect everyone to read every post in every thread of the this and BIS's forum BEFORE they install a patch, beta or otherwise, you're crazy!

I understand perfectly what beta means and I saw the warnings, but nowhere did it mention a difference between the DVD and download versions. Plus, why offer a beta patch for a game if it corrupts the game, for anyone, that's rediculous. We should not need a new activation code EVER again after purchasing the original game, no matter what format. Patches, beta or otherwise, should be enhancements to the game, not a detriment. BIS is asking for help and suggestions to make a better game and a better gaming experience, not frustration and actually ruining the game. This is completely an Atari and Digital River issue and they should address it immediately.

I think Atari should send every digital download customer a DVD copy of the game with a working key, that would be a good start! Or at least offer a refund so we can purchase the DVD version, if we decide to continue playing this game at all.

[Unleashed2k]

The BETA 1 Patch works PERFECT with the game

The BETA 2 Patch does not, either atari or digitalriver/securom messed up on there end....its more of both imo.

The thing that atari is getting confused is IF YOU INSTALL THE PATCH, IT DOES NOT MESS UP YOUR 1.06 retail, since it installs in a _SEPARATE_ folder with a _SEPARATE_ shortcut to launch. But thats not the point, the point is 1.07 beta 2 should work just like beta 1.

[Mattlab]

I realize people may have missed the warnings despite that it said that we do not support this patch and it is a at your own risk we are here to help fix things.

1 - The final patch will work correctly and will not cause extra activations as will all future patches. This is a beta so that functionality was not there.

2 - Call DR support for a new activation key if you need to reactivate.

3 - If you get a key from DR that does not work please PM me your order info and I will send you a working key. NOTE that I will not be online from this Friday till Tuesday night. During that time period please email Atari Support for new keys.

4 - I recommend personally that before you reactivate you do a clean install of the game.

The game is exactly the same as the retail and sending a retail copy to everyone will not fix the problem. Your problems can be easily fixed if you do not install the beta patch and if you follow my instructions above.

We are here to help and Atari Support has been briefed about the situation as well.

Regards,
Matt

[Shat]

"Honestly, this is exactly the kind of bull**** that encourages people to download games illegally. It's a lot easier to find a torrent than an it is to deal with overzealous copyright protection that ****s things up for paying customers. Beta patch or not, there is absolutely no excuse for an activation to ever stop working. At the very worst, it should ask for your CD key again -- and NOT arbitrarily refuse it. That represents a fundamental flaw in the design of your copyright protection system, and pawning that off on an "unsupported game patch" is a complete cop out."

I totally agree with this. Reactivation by a simple reload of the Activation Key should be all that is necessary. This is exactly why I didn`t bother with the online d/l. They get your dough immediately, but you the customer has to wait each and every time any miniiscule change occurs and brings your game to a halt.

You the customer does the Seller a huge cool favour, and they do what for you?

Now I understand Mattlab is between a rock and a hard place. But their policies about online activation are wack. And they are not geared towards helping you so much as protecting them at all costs. Whoever comes up with these ideas is obviously a Bean Counter cause they sure ain`t been the gamer on the other end who is being constantly pizzed off by these issues.

hehhhe Mattlab? Is it just me, or do most of your replies end up looking like a form letter? hehheh ;0)

[Dux]

The game is exactly the same as the retail and sending a retail copy to everyone will not fix the problem. Your problems can be easily fixed if you do not install the beta patch and if you follow my instructions above.
Well actually, it would, because the retail copy doesn't contain bull**** online activation that doesn't work properly. That's the only thing stopping people from playing the game -- it's not the patch itself. The patch works fine for everyone with a retail version of the game. Why? Because the patch is fine; your copyright protection, which doesn't function properly, is causing ALL of the problems. And frankly, that's inexcusable.

[Telemachos]

The game is exactly the same as the retail and sending a retail copy to everyone will not fix the problem. Your problems can be easily fixed if you do not install the beta patch and if you follow my instructions above.

We are here to help and Atari Support has been briefed about the situation as well.

Regards,
Matt

Not installing the beta patch doesn't fix anything also. In fact, version 1.06 is currently unstable on many levels. If you run SLi even emulating another SLi profile you don't get the performance you are supposed to. Also there are virtual memory issues that 1.07 does make better. The beta patch does make gameplay better and make the game a better product. Sending a retail copy does fix the problem for me. Because the fact is, I am not seeing anyone doing anything about this problem and it seems to me as soon as there is another beta patch update- it will be the same problem. So if it's 1.07, 1.08, 2.18- the problem will still be there.

How about ditching the band-aids and actually correcting the problem? I had this problem well before any of the 'warning' posts were made on the Atari forums.

[ACO2007]

The game is exactly the same as the retail and sending a retail copy to everyone will not fix the problem. Your problems can be easily fixed if you do not install the beta patch and if you follow my instructions above.


Ooops! You slipped up with this statement Mattlab! Like the people above, who also quoted this statement, the retail version is unaffected by this activation glitch. So, I WILL take a copy of the game on DVD please, at least then I could be playing the game instead of making phone calls, writing tech support and forum posts!

Sorry Mattlab, I know that you aren't responsible and you are being put in a very difficult position trying to defend your employer. Your statement should actually be a true statement, there should be absolutely NO difference between the retail and digital versions, but there is. Once again, until today, there was no specific warning about the digital version of the game, only a vague warning because it is beta software and they can't make any guarantees. It also stated in the warning that you could uninstall your game, if you had issues, and that would remove all of the beta files in addition to the game. It never said that you would have to acquire a new activation key and be unable to play the game you paid for for several hours/days because of it.

The activation key/serial number should be persistent for the digital download, just like it is for the retail version. We should be able to uninstall and reinstall the game freely and never have to worry about obtaining a new key, which is apparantly a long tedious process each time.

Anyway, sorry for all the rants, but this just isn't going very smooth and if digital downloads are the future of gaming and/or all media in the future, the future looks pretty bleak. I still want the disc in my hand, because I know it works!

[Mattlab]

The patch was not configured correctly and we only caught the problem here after it was released but we did have warnings that this could happen in the beta. Regardless, the final patch will be configured correctly and will bring your game up to the latest version once it is released worldwide. We will be posting release info here once it is out.