Clean Uninstall and activation restore (Sprocket)

[EricM 0]

When you install the game, it goes to the licence server and ticks off one of your activations, fair enough.

But why isn't there the option when doing a clean uninstall to connect to the activation server again so that it knows you're not using the licence anymore and restore your activation account to whatever number you're entitled to ?

I have professional softwares which have such an option. If I remember well Photoshop CS2 have that option.

In such a way, you don't lose your activations on standard clean reinstallations (new patches for instance), only when you had to reformat or had a serious crash.

I never reformatted my hard drive since I have Arma, I always followed the uninstall procedure carefully, I never tried to install it on any other computer at home (laptop), I don't have a server either, therefore I don't understand why I'm told I lost all my activations tokens already and have to wait god knows ho many days to be able to play again and justify myself.

On another note, this problem made me think of the future of such a system. I love BIS, but it's a relatively small company so are Idea games and sprocket. What if they have financial problem in the future or stop maintaining the licence server. Does it mean I won't be able to play or reinstall Arma in a few years ?

I was happy I could play Arma before the official release in my country, but now I think I'll buy the US version, or some gold edition pack in a few months just to be sure to have a functional version on disk for the future, and no such activation problem...

[avman 0]

Well Sprocket seems to be the worst online download setup I have used.... I have the CZ sproket download... The limited number of installs is the most retarted thing ever. Its like you don't OWN your game... You just paid money to be able to use it for a while... Services Like Steam allow you to purchas games and then make a backup DVD of them that don't need to be re-registered or penalise you for re-installing it or downloading it. EA also allows unlimited re-downloads, I have the BF2 expansions and BF2142 and I have no worries of re-installing them. With Sprocket I feel like they took my money and I was only allowed to rent the game. If my PC crashes and or another Update comes out that makes me need to reinstall I'm screwed... Or I have to wait all weekend for their support to "acctivate" my license...

My thought is that they need 24hr 7 day support, or get rid of the limited license... Any way one thing is certain, I'm never buying from Sprocket again. I will only buy from Steam or on CD/DVD.

At least then I feel like I own the program.

[stompy 0]

Theres also the fact that the setup is only messing up us legit users, the warez scene are using the pirated images and a keygen no worries, even with the updated cp in the 1.05 patch. They are even playing online with it no problems. The copy protection doesnt work, its only irritating those of us who have purchased the game.

Whoever had this bright idea should be ashamed of themselves and be demoted to gofer.