CD problem

[powder]

Hi folks,

This is my first post, but I've been reading the boards here at the org since Shogun came out. I can't quantify the wealth of information I've gotten from people on the boards. It has made the game-playing experience much more enjoyable for me. Thank you.

My Problem:
My cds broke when my bookcase fell onto my desk. I purchased both M:TW and VI separately at Bestbuy. Activision customer support said that they could replace the disks for $10 each if I had the original receipt and the original disks.

Nope, the reciept is long gone, andI through out the disks when I was cleaning up the mess.

What I do have, however, are my cd cases with my original registration numbers. Is there a way I could get somebody to make a copy of their disks for me? Or is there some other way (not including buying a new set of disks) that I could replace my disks?

I know the Org does not support pirated software. Good, neither do I. I think the cd cases and original registration numbers at least make the case that I'm not trying to procure software I didn't purchase. I know it doesn't mean much on a confidential forum on the internet, but I think I'm an honest guy. Take it for what it's worth, I guess.

I understand this kinda puts the Org in a funny situation, and I respect the Org too much to put them at legal risk. I just wanted to check to see if anyone else has run into a similar situation or has any good ideas of how to proceed.

Thanks,

Justin (powder)

[HawaiianHobbit]

Im sorry but can't help you, Welcome to the Org. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[Gregoshi]

Hello powder. Sorry to hear about your dilemma.

I don't think we can condone the bit about making copies of the disks. So we can't talk about that option.

However, you can try:

1) Offer scans of your jewel case/CD key with the offer to let them inactivate your old CD key. I'd imagine the new disks would have a new CD key. If you registered the games, they should also have that on record.

2) If that doesn't work, then move your way up the chain of command. Whoever replies to you from Activision, ask them who their manager is. Then plea your case to them. Often a manager can break the rules when a regular Joe-worker can't.

3) If you contacted customer service via email, try calling and doing 1 and/or 2 above.

4) Buy new copies from Amazon.com or elsewhere for $20 each. That is only $20 more the $10 apiece for the replacement disks. Is your time and aggrivation are worth $20?

5) Buy a used copy at Amazon.com for as low as $15 each. You might also wish to check a local EBGames/Electronic Boutique to see if they have pre-owned copies.

Regardless, good luck on finding replacements.

[Finn]

Quote[/b] (Gregoshi @ Jan. 23 2004,04:50)]1) Offer scans of your jewel case/CD key with the offer to let them inactivate your old CD key. I'd imagine the new disks would have a new CD key. If you registered the games, they should also have that on record.
Usually, keys are interchangable, eg its the same cd, and any key will work with any CD.

simple reason for this is economics, it would cost a lot of money to press different CD's to go onto every box.

Now legally you are allowed to make as many copies of the CD as you wish, you simply arent allowed to distribute them (give them to anyone else). However the CD copy protection prevents this, so you could try saying that since they didnt let you make a copy, then it is there responsibility that your one and only copy of the CD's was broken.

Also, since you purchased a licence (thats what the licence agreement on every piece of software you have to agree to means) to use the software you are perfectly entitled to replacement CD's so long as you can prove you purchased it, the manuals and box should be good enough.

you wont get it for free, your still going to have to pay something, but $10 each seems a bit steep, $10 for both seems more reasonable. Try what gregoshi says and work your way up. Above all stay calm and reasonable, offer to send them the manual and case as your proof of purchase, usually if your friendly you get a lot further than if your aggressive.

[Sir Zack de Caldicot]

I would just wait for RoMe: Total WAr as now you can lower
the camera so it looks like your behind them standing. Thusforth many mods I expect will be made for Rome

[SmokWawelski]

Just wait for RTW?? No MTW?? Blashemy http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-stunned.gif

[Sir Zack de Caldicot]

ALRIGHT ALRIGHT
Have it your way, but that is a long way to wait now that I think of it http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-jester.gif

SIR ZACK DE CALDICOT

[powder]

Thanks for everyones help. I think I'll probably re-contact Activision and let them know the story again, offering to provide the game boxes and cd cases as proof of purchase. (Although I guess the box and cases don't actually prove that I purchased it. I still could have stolen it from a store.)

As for the suggestion to wait for RTW: whoa that's a long time to wait

Thanks again.

Powder

[Alexandr III. Biges]

OK:

1) You buy the RIGTH to use, play the game. And they are not tied to specific CD or likely. So:
(Example Galactic Civilizations game may be downloaded, you simply buy an unique reg/update code)

2) You may download even a backup version of the game (try ******* or DC++, do not use it for illegal purpoposes etc.) patch it (******/ ********* and play.
(Or borrow it from your friend).

You HAVE the right to make a backup copy of your game.

Have luck and fun :)

Post edited to remove links - Gregoshi

[Gregoshi]

Alexandr, I removed the links in your post. File sharing services as the one provided in the first link has a dark side to it that we cannot condone here at the Org.