Matty25 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I dont know what to do, i bought FM2009 off ebay and when i install and try to activate the product a message comes up saying: "It seems your unlock key is over its device limit. The unlock key is only valid for a set number of computers. To unlock this software against additional compluters, please visit: http://www.sigames.com. Error : [-1004]" Anyone have any suggestions? I've tried contacting the seller but getting no response. Cheers Matt p.s. i assume that the seller has installed the game on 5 other pcs? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAHoward Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 time for some bad ebay feedback Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serpico Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 You've been scammed. The seller has installed it on 5 pcs and has sold you what appears to be a useless disc. However when the website to manage 'seats' goes live you'll be able to cancel those activations and get your own back. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny van Axeldongen Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 The clue is in the title of your thread. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Jones Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 You've been done mate. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAHoward Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 my copy will be there soon if i can't get this slow jerky 2d engine up to par Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bongo-Bongo Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Contact ebay and let them know whats happened. It sounds like the seller has used up his installs, knows you don't need the disc and is just trying to make some money out of it. Ebay should investigate this for you and you should get your money back. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty25 Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 Im furious. Arrived this morning and couldnt wait to get it installed and start playing, now looks like i've just got a useful bloody disc, this has really ****ed me off. Will contact ebay see what they can do, wouldnt mind but the seller didnt have any previous negative feedback so thought i could trust him. What is the website for "seats", is this something i can register on to clear the previous activations? Will the website be up soon? Cheers Matt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
homerjnick Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 You've been scammed. The seller has installed it on 5 pcs and has sold you what appears to be a useless disc. However when the website to manage 'seats' goes live you'll be able to cancel those activations and get your own back. Whats stopping the seller (who has kept the serial number say) from going onto the website and cancelling the buyers seats... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kain Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 As someone who runs an ebay store professionally, I can tell you ebay are completely and utterly useless. However, as you're the buyer and not the seller, you're more likely to have them do something about it. I certainly wouldn't encourage this except for in circumstances like this, but if the game wasn't sent by recorded delivery, claim it never turned up. You'll either get a replacement if the seller has one, or you'll get your money back when it goes to a claim. As for the website, I'm not sure when it will be up, but you'll be able to enter the keycode from the back of your manual (I think), which will clear all of the previous activations, and you'll be able to activate it yourself. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serpico Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Whats stopping the seller (who has kept the serial number say) from going onto the website and cancelling the buyers seats... Nothing, but I'd guess that Sega support will be able to do something for the person who actually possesses the product activation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty25 Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 I have found the deactivation url, but the error is saying "unable to lookup devices"... Cheers Matt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
homerjnick Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 As for the website, I'm not sure when it will be up, but you'll be able to enter the keycode from the back of your manual (I think), which will clear all of the previous activations, and you'll be able to activate it yourself. But if the buyer has kept a copy of the keycode he too could do this? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
homerjnick Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Nothing, but I'd guess that Sega support will be able to do something for the person who actually possesses the product activation. How will SEGA know who has it? You have a buyer and a seller from Ebay who both have the keycode, one has the DVD and box so will that have to be provided as proof? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
homerjnick Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 This website with "seats" doesn't really solve this issue. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAHoward Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 i had an issue with ebay where seller never sent item. i paid through paypal and paypal withdrew from his bank account and refunded me. took about a month and a half and they do like an informal trial where the both of you respond to each other. i don't know how you paid but if by paypal you have a very good chance of getting your money back Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty25 Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 No, i think you are right, if he has written or photo copied the back of the manual then he can just change the seats as he wants. Looks like i've been conned Cheers Matt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty25 Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 Do you think it would be worthwhile phoning Sega Customer Services and explaining whats happened? Can they even do anything? Cheers Matt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGB_SPURS_FM09 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Only if he still has the installation files... If you de-activate him it may lead to him losing his games... but if he does it back to you then you have the disk to re-do it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigguyinthesky Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 yes contact sega they will ask for prove of purchase just copy it and email them it and they should clear those seats once they receive it cant see any problems to be honest your an honest guy thats got an honest problem Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricky_18 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I have found the deactivation url, but the error is saying "unable to lookup devices"...Cheers Matt What is the url Matty25? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty25 Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 could be this: http://deactivation.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com/ enjoy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricky_18 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Didn't worked for me,it says the same thing Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty25 Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 May be not working yet Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GillsMan Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Do you think it would be worthwhile phoning Sega Customer Services and explaining whats happened? Can they even do anything?Cheers Matt It's surely worth trying. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glyn Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Do you think it would be worthwhile phoning Sega Customer Services and explaining whats happened? Can they even do anything?Cheers Matt I don't know if they can do this, but it would be good if they can close down the activation number from the manual (and any activated copies thereof) and issue a whole new number. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigy18181 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 someone is enjoying their copys installed somewhere and you have well the packaging. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
schuey100 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Take a screenshot of the eBay page, keep your email history etc, proof of payment. SEGA might be nice and help you out of you have proof. Also try contacting eBay to see if they can help. Paypal too. If you purchased with your CC (even through Paypal) then contact your CC company, I did this before and they sorted everything for me. Potentially this person could have sold the other activations, if everyone has a serial number then they could all change the activations as they wish. Are you sure the disk is original? If you get nowhere I might be interested in buying the game off you, I use a Mac so don't need the activations etc, just the disk. Let me know and maybe we can work out a deal but of course I won't pay full price though:) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jase1982 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 yes contact sega they will ask for prove of purchase just copy it and email them it and they should clear those seats once they receive it cant see any problems to be honest your an honest guy thats got an honest problem Are we assuming the guy that sold the copy originally paid for it and allocated all seats? Might be harsh, but Sega might not be able to do anything because you bought it from a third party. I'd personally contact Ebay, the seller, and launch an investigation through Paypal / Ebays own dispute process. If you give them all the details you should get a refund and be able to leave negative feedback. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GillsMan Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 If you get nowhere I might be interested in buying the game off you, I use a Mac so don't need the activations etc, just the disk. Let me know and maybe we can work out a deal but of course I won't pay full price though:) Sorry to get all Moderator on your ass, but any transactions you do have with a fellow forum member, please remember you do at your own risk, and please don't arrange any of the transaction via any threads - use PMs and emails for it. (You probably knew all of that anyway, but just wanted to be clear). Cheers, GM Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rusty_u Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Oh dear, my guess is they activated the game through Steam, so they never need the disc again, then sold it on. Get your money back, either amicably or via PayPal, then neg the scamming git anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAHoward Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 if paid by paypal ebay releases refunds, disputes etc. to paypal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
r0x0r Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Are we assuming the guy that sold the copy originally paid for it and allocated all seats?Might be harsh, but Sega might not be able to do anything because you bought it from a third party. I'd personally contact Ebay, the seller, and launch an investigation through Paypal / Ebays own dispute process. If you give them all the details you should get a refund and be able to leave negative feedback. I'm pretty sure Miles stated that second hand game shops have been made aware there's a deactivation link so that second hand copies of FM 09 can be safely traded, unlike Spore? If so, I'm sure SEGA will help you, especially if it means hurting someone who thinks he can install the game then sell on the disk and keep playing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
r0x0r Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Oh dear, my guess is they activated the game through Steam, so they never need the disc again, then sold it on.Get your money back, either amicably or via PayPal, then neg the scamming git anyway. Plus give SEGA the CD code so they can shut off the guy who scammed him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty25 Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 How do i contact Sega, is there an email address or telephone number? Cheers Matt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGB_SPURS_FM09 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Its in the back of the manual. Back page Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Äktsjon Männ Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 The whole deactivation URL thing doesn't add up. It's been asked a hundred times in several threads how can the game know that it's deactivated by another person on another PC if it doesn't phone home and check. This question is continually ignored. I doubt this URL will ever go live sadly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter-evo Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 This is a strange one, aslong as you will soon be able to have FM09 up and running you will be okay. Just wish I could see the sellers face when he loads up FM and can't play it, unless he wrote the key of course. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamselv Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Unfortunately the use of DRM will always lead to threads like this, and that's the reason why some people claim the real reason for using DRM is to stop secondhand sales (which is not allowed according to the EULA as far as I know). The whole deactivation URL thing doesn't add up. It's been asked a hundred times in several threads how can the game know that it's deactivated by another person on another PC if it doesn't phone home and check. This question is continually ignored. I doubt this URL will ever go live sadly. I think I'm close to being responsible for fifty of those hundred times' date=' but as I've said before there must be something we haven't been told about the DRM. If not then there's a huge flaw in the way the DRM works and they might as well not have protected the game at all. Just wish I could see the sellers face when he loads up FM and can't play it, unless he wrote the key of course. If the DRM works as we have been told, the seller will be able to play the game until he uninstalls it or needs to reinstall Windows – SoftAnchor only contacts the activation servers during install, so an already activated install, should not be able to find out that someone else has deactivated it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
homerjnick Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 This is a strange one, aslong as you will soon be able to have FM09 up and running you will be okay. Just wish I could see the sellers face when he loads up FM and can't play it, unless he wrote the key of course. Which could result in the buyer and seller continually activate/deactivate each other seats.......... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bored101 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 ouch bad luck. still it was quite a clever idea from the seller, naughty but clever. he probaly got the activation code and has the game on 5 pcs. hope this doesnt happen to more people. theres always a way to con people it seems. hope you get the game activated soon, get ebay to give him a good slapping and make sure that he cant play fm09 using that code. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soulie Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 why buy of egay in the first place? how much did you buy it for including postage? surley it was'nt worth all the agro which you should have seen coming Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GerdMuller Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Didnt trust ebay in the first place with all this activation thing going on. Your story makes me realize i was right. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
senorcoo Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 As someone who runs an ebay store professionally, I can tell you ebay are completely and utterly useless. However, as you're the buyer and not the seller, you're more likely to have them do something about it.I certainly wouldn't encourage this except for in circumstances like this, but if the game wasn't sent by recorded delivery, claim it never turned up. You'll either get a replacement if the seller has one, or you'll get your money back when it goes to a claim. As for the website, I'm not sure when it will be up, but you'll be able to enter the keycode from the back of your manual (I think), which will clear all of the previous activations, and you'll be able to activate it yourself. Let me second this. Ebay are probably not going to help you too much. I was a pretty active seller on there for a long time, but am done with them due to carp service (among other things). Could be why their stock price is down to $11. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SI Staff Miles Jacobson Posted November 25, 2008 SI Staff Share Posted November 25, 2008 The de-activation page (URL given above in post 22) should now be live. So you could go there, de-activate the log in's already active, and play away. If all 5 have been used, you should de-activate all 5 of the previous licenses so as to get your full allocation. Please let us know how you get on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JGM Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 Hey nothing extra to add except that I feel really sorry for you. Really hope Miles' suggestion works Think this is gonna become a pain on ebay with a lot of games requiring activation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheOldRevolution Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I bought my game off eBay from a store and thankfully I don't have an issue I bought it from a games store. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Y2Craig Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 Certainly sounds like you've been diddled! How much did you pay for it mate if you don't mind me asking? IMO £25 from legit sources such as Play.com is more than fine by me you should've just got a copy from there or something. Sure you realise that now though doesn't change the fact you've been done Made me wonder whether he sold the key codes on eBay also as I don't know anybody with 5 PC's... lol Probably his mates or something got the other codes though. Couldn't find anybody selling key codes or anything on eBay, thankfully. I did find somebody selling 50 - yes 50 copies of the game for £4.99 each - Taken from his auction page; Full Version of Game on Unbranded Disc with patch which allows to play game without DVDi am simply providing a back up service, only purchase this game if you have the original or discard the disc within 24hrs Games purchased before 17:00 will be sent out straight away to ensure 24hr Free Delievery If you are not sure what you are purchasing , please email me as I don't want to cause any confusion or dissapointment That sort of thing really riles me! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillskill Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 Please let us know how you get on. OK - I checked it out, just to see, and get "No computers were activated using your license key.", which isn't true. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Äktsjon Männ Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 OK - I checked it out, just to see, and get "No computers were activated using your license key.", which isn't true. Seems to work for me so I retract my earlier statement in this thread. Says that when I deactivate I'll not be able to play on that computer. Which once again rises the question, how will my game know it's been deactivated? Not really expecting to see the answer though... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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