is Key Code same as CD Key? [Archive]

PhilL

09-27-2006, 05:02 PM

Trying to register to play online and no matter how I enter the key code from my Caesar IV disc sleeve I keep getting "error invalid CD key". Do I need to put in the - or spaces or is there some other code somewhere that I'm missing? Any info would be helpful, Thanks!

I have the same problem. I have tried it with the dashes without the dashes,upper and lower case numerous times.

PCDania

09-27-2006, 05:10 PM

Have you installed the patch mentioned in the stickied thread at the top? The patch is only necessary if you have the boxed version mentioned in the thread.

What happens if you don't write anything?

Luka

09-27-2006, 05:44 PM

I did get the patch before I tried to register and everything, rebooted etc. I did call customer support and they are investigating. 1st they told me it may have been on the store end but since I watched the sales clerk open the box from the warehouse and then hand me my copy I don't see how that could be the case.

Sorry to hear others are having the same issue but I'm glad its not just me not being able to figure out how to input the code!

Kuplo

09-27-2006, 06:23 PM

I have the same issue.

I have an UNopened copy that I bought today at EBgames and the register for online play wont let me play either.

I've also tried it with UPPERCASE and lowercase and dashes and no dashes, and using spaces instead of dashes.

I've also got the patch installed but that shouldnt matter anyway since it's the server on TM's side that is not accepting the form submission with my VALID CD key.

I dont think I should need to mention it, but..... I've re entered the code correctly at least 8 times to insure that Im entering the right code, there are no Zeros and O's in the serial code so I've not confused any of them and the code is all uppercase so there is no mistake of 1's and l's

MarkDuffy

09-27-2006, 06:34 PM

I put in the keycode exactly as printed. Cap letters & dashes with no spaces. Worked fine. :)

Kuplo

09-27-2006, 06:47 PM

I have to wonder if they are working on the server that might have caused it for the people that aren't able to register.

I'll try it again and see if it's working now.

When did you register your CD key with the Online aspect Mark? I assume today, but do you recall at what time?

EDIT: Tried it again, still says
http://www.caesarivonline.com/images/icon_error.pngError! Invalid CD Key.

I dont have a BONUS key, so I AM using the CD key that comes on the paper sleeve of one of the CD's that says CAESAR 4 KEY CODE
XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
PART NUMBER S7255080

JuliaSet

09-27-2006, 06:47 PM

The game key is different than the BONUS key. Check the forums for the files. Someone was nice enough to upload the bonus file for us.

MarkDuffy

09-27-2006, 06:52 PM

I registered about two hours ago, Kuplo. :)

Kuplo

09-27-2006, 06:57 PM

Hmmm, if they are not working on the server than my next guess is that they dont have the algorythm correctly set on their authentication program for the CD keys that are distributed with the game or the machine that prints out the CD keys on the paper sleeves was taking a nap and just printed out random keys that work with the game installation but not with the online server..

Im sure they will fix it. And I am not worried about it because I've saved my receipt and can fax or email them a copy of my receipt, box cover, cd sleeve, cd etc. etc. etc. So I can certainly prove that I own the game if it ever came down to that, but I highly doubt it would come down to that.

Just have to wait till they get it worked out, no biggie theres much playing to be done "offline" before I really jump online to distribute any high scores that I've yet to obtain (hahahaha )

Reed

09-27-2006, 06:58 PM

Looking into it...

For those getting this error, where did you buy the game? (city, state and store please - in case we need specific locations)

Trebonius

09-27-2006, 07:15 PM

The need to replace completely valid CD-Keys, will arise with online registration services. I will not speculate as to why or how this can be. But it will happen. In fact, it has already happened. I have been affected myself, in the past. Other titles, and other companies though. But the same problem.

So some kind of standard procedure would be helpful. Well, taking a picture of the CD/box/manual, scanning the picture, and then mailing/faxing it, can be a pain for some of us. ;-)

I am just going to pray that my completely valid CD-Key works. When the game arrives. If not, I hope there is a plan B. ;-)

---

PhilL

09-27-2006, 07:25 PM

For those getting this error, where did you buy the game? (city, state and store please)

I bought mine at a ebgames in jensen beach florida. it worked fine to load the game.

Kuplo

09-27-2006, 08:17 PM

For those getting this error, where did you buy the game? (city, state and store please)

Palm Springs, California, EBgames on Sunrise and Ramon.

Mine also worked fine to load the game. Also mine from EBgames was a fresh unopened box, I say this because EB stores usually remove contents from the boxes and give it to you when you make the purchase, but in this case, my box was still sealed.

allhailcaesar

09-27-2006, 11:14 PM

Received my box from vu games overnight shipping, will not take my cd key. worked fine for installing game but not for on line registering, keep getting message everyone else has.

MarkDuffy

09-28-2006, 12:18 AM

If it helps, Reed, I got mine from GameStop In Mission Valley Center, San Diego. No problem registering. Works fine. :)

Kuplo

09-28-2006, 09:50 AM

I sent off an official support request to VU but have yet to hear back from them, hopefully today, although I suspect it will have to involve TM to actually get anyone that has this issue real help in the matter.

// Was looking forward to getting up at 4:30am this morning and giving it a go while it's quiet, but still doesnt work for me.

PhilL

09-28-2006, 01:14 PM

Any news on this issue yet??

Kuplo

09-28-2006, 01:32 PM

I'd like to know as well.

I got back a response from VU/Sierra as follows:

"Dear Customer,

Thank you for contacting Vivendi Games Technical Support.

My name is Ethan. I will assist you with game Caesar IV today. I understand that you get an error message Invalid CD-Key while online registration.

In this case I would suggest you to download and install the latest patch for the game that is Patch 1.1 and doing this will resolve the issue which you are facing right now. The link for the Patch is mentioned below.

http://www.sierra.com/en/home/downloads.html (http://www.sierra.com/en/home/downloads.html)

Best regards,
Ethan
Vivendi Games Technical Support"

Ummm, I already have the patch installed and what does the patch have to do with the server authenticating the CD key?, it's not like the game is transmitting the CD key that I used to install the game automatically for me to the server. All that the game does is bring up my web browser and point me to the registration page where I have to manually enter my data. Had the game taken the information from me "in game" and submitted it on my behalf, then I would understand the patch being the problem.

Aaaaahhhhhhhhh! Theres got to be better support than this from Vivendi.

So apparently it looks more than likely that I or we are going to have to rely on TM to solve this issue.

Reed, please keep us aprised of the situation, as the tech support at Vivendi seems to not really know whats going on at least thats the way it appears to me at the moment, and of course I could be wrong, and it wouldnt be the first time.

//Kuplo goes running from the room pulling his hair out.

ZiRo

09-28-2006, 04:05 PM

I'd like to know as well.

I got back a response from VU/Sierra as follows:

Ummm, I already have the patch installed and what does the patch have to do with the server authenticating the CD key?, it's not like the game is transmitting the CD key that I used to install the game automatically for me to the server. All that the game does is bring up my web browser and point me to the registration page where I have to manually enter my data. Had the game taken the information from me "in game" and submitted it on my behalf, then I would understand the patch being the problem.

Aaaaahhhhhhhhh! Theres got to be better support than this from Vivendi.

So apparently it looks more than likely that I or we are going to have to rely on TM to solve this issue.

Reed, please keep us aprised of the situation, as the tech support at Vivendi seems to not really know whats going on at least thats the way it appears to me at the moment, and of course I could be wrong, and it wouldnt be the first time.

//Kuplo goes running from the room pulling his hair out.

The key wont be transmitted - but i'm sure a hash will be transmitted to ensure an authentic key. The patch may have some hashing algorithm fix that they have identified and would therefore result in the error being corrected - however it appears that the problem may not have been correctly addressed.

[DAD]SilverMoon

09-28-2006, 04:48 PM

i have the same problem, got the game today around 10am , hodgenville KY, at gamestar, just now wanted to look in and create an account and its saying the key is no good..:(

Kuplo

09-28-2006, 04:59 PM

I've had another contact from VU, from a different techie, apparently they must have assigned my case to 2 different people.

Anyway, this one asked that I send him a scanned image of my CD's as well as the sleeve showing the serial number and said that they would get back with me in 24 to 48 hours and would pass along the information to the person/persons that can deal with this and might have to issue a new CD key.

So now it's a waiting game for me and I must wait out 24 to 48 hours to see whats going to happen.

Might I suggest that others contact VU/Sierra support and get their cases started. The sooner you get started, the sooner you will get a resolution to it hopefully. Unless of course TM can tweak something on the server (or in the patch if thats truly whats causing it, because I've got the current patch and I have the problem) or do something else to fix this problem which I suspect is only going to grow quite rapidly as more and more people try to access the online feature and find out that they dont have valid CD keys either.

Just my two centavos mind you.

allhailcaesar

09-28-2006, 04:59 PM

downloaded the patch for my box game, still keep getting same message, invalid cd key???????? what else is going to be with this game???

Kuplo

09-28-2006, 05:02 PM

Also, Im wondering.....

To the people that are having this difficulty, which browser are you using? I dont know if it makes a difference but if what the one chap said is correct in that the game is sending something through the browser when we try to register, then I would have to wonder if it's dependant on a particular browser being used.

Im using I.E. 7.0 RC2 (I think it's release candidate 2 anyway) version: 7.0.5700.6

Keith

09-28-2006, 05:11 PM

Yes, it might be interesting to see what browser people having problem are using. If something is obvious, I can pass that along immediately to Sierra.

Jacquou Le

09-28-2006, 05:18 PM

In case you need infos. I used Firefox (1.5.0.7) to register with no problem at all. Everything's gone through smoothly!

Have you seen my name on Caesar 4 Online page? :D

PhilL

09-28-2006, 05:19 PM

I have tried it on 2 diferant pc's I get the same invalid cd key message. Only one pc has C 4 installed on it. The registration page is web based I doubt it uses the game files for anything. we are able to access the page from the link http://www.caesarivonline.com/govtools/register/ The one with out the game is using IE version 6.0.2900.2180.xpsp-sp2. When i get home i can check what IE version I am running there the machine with the game installed.

REED where are you??? HELP Please

allhailcaesar

09-28-2006, 05:27 PM

Using latest version of firefox (1.5.0.7) and am unable to register.

Keith

09-28-2006, 05:31 PM

Reed can't help you there. The official websites are now run by VUG/Sierra and are on their servers.

There doesn't appear to be a common thread so far as to a particular browser having a problem. It seems to be a pretty universal problem so far.

Bowen

09-28-2006, 06:43 PM

Same problem here. Keep getting invalid cd key when setting up online account. Bought game at Gamestop in Charlotte, NC.

Keith

09-28-2006, 06:44 PM

Make sure you are typing it in exactly as it appears. It may be case sensitive.

Bowen

09-28-2006, 06:46 PM

To Keith. Yup, tried it 4-5 differents ways. I was able to register with no problem, just not the online account.

PhilL

09-28-2006, 07:04 PM

i called sierra tech support 1-800-630-0811 They asked if i patched YES i did. they took my cd key and said to call back in 48 hours so they have time to verify the cd key. I told him unacceptable. he then said call back in 24 hours. I said can you do any better than that? he said no they need to send the cd key to another dept for verification. So at 10:00 am est tomorow i call again when they open. sorry i didnt post earlier they close at 8 pm est. so everyone else call tomorow after 10:15 est I should be done with them by then ;)

DawudTEG

09-28-2006, 09:10 PM

Looking into it...

For those getting this error, where did you buy the game? (city, state and store please - in case we need specific locations)

I pre-ordered through the VU\Gamestop online store

Zamolxes

09-28-2006, 11:04 PM

I encountered same problem. Installed the game, downloaded the patch. registered to Vu games, then opened an account on caesar online, cd key worked there. But when i try to acces the bonus material download, i get an invalid cd key error.
I preordered the game online, from vugames, shipped overnight.

PhilL

09-28-2006, 11:25 PM

Kuplo

09-28-2006, 11:26 PM

I had thought about calling them but I couldnt be bothered to talk to them on the telephone plus they might get my blood boiling and I might take out my frustration on someone who doesnt deserve it, so I'll have to wait the extra 24 hours that they said they would get back to me in (i.e. 24 to 48 hours).

Let's see what happens with this. It's really quite astonishing that it has affected just as many people that have posted to this thread, but it does seem to mean to me anyway that it's probably affected quite a lot of people of whom some might never come here seeking assistance with this problem and might never try to resolve why they can't use the online feature which would be a shame.

Inquisitus

09-29-2006, 08:47 AM

I have the same problem as the OP. The CD key on the paper sleeve works when installing the game, but can't be used when signing up for online play. Game purchased from EB Games.

C Franziskus

09-29-2006, 09:05 AM

Got game from ebgames also.
Installed last night and signed up for C-IV Online using my CD-key - I had no problems at all...:confused:

I patched and rebooted, defragmented, turned on 'capslock' and turned off Zonealarm, and had antivirus on 'stand-by'...

Kuplo

09-29-2006, 10:43 AM

Phil,
Have you heard anything back from tech support on this issue? It's now going on 9am here on the west coast so I assume it's already almost Noon in est.

Thanks,

Keith

09-29-2006, 11:59 AM

I haven't even had a response to my message at Sierra yet.

Kuplo

09-29-2006, 12:23 PM

Perhaps thats a good sign in that they are working on it on their end to ensure that whatever system they have in place will actually recogonize legitimate CD keys instead of having to pass out new CD keys to those that are affected.

Im also hoping for other peoples sake that they have stopped the printing presses until they work this out so that others dont have to be frustrated by being told that their legitimate purchase of C4 for $40.00 has an invalid CD key. :mad:

PhilL

09-29-2006, 12:33 PM

I Did call them this morning I was told that they dont have an answer for me yet but will email me when they do.:( :rolleyes:

Reed

09-29-2006, 01:25 PM

Just made an update in regards to this. Please try again... let me know if you're now able to register or not.

Thanks-

Kuplo

09-29-2006, 01:33 PM

Success! Thanks Reed! It worked for me now and am registered.

ALTHOUGH! Im still waiting on the email that I think it's supposed to send me, I've checked my spam box and nothing has come through so far from the server to let me activate the account. So perhaps it's still bottlenecking somewhere on the server and not getting around to sending the emails.

edit: It's now been about 1/2 hour and still no sign of the activation email.

Reed

09-29-2006, 01:56 PM

Success! Thanks Reed! It worked for me now and am registered.

ALTHOUGH! Im still waiting on the email that I think it's supposed to send me, I've checked my spam box and nothing has come through so far from the server to let me activate the account. At least thats what I thought I saw after it said success.
So perhaps it's still bottlenecking somewhere and not getting around to sending the emails.
Try the Resend Activation email function, let me know if that works for ya or not. Also be sure to check your profile and confirm your email.

Kuplo

09-29-2006, 02:11 PM

I tried the resend about 15 minutes after registering and still haven't seen any activation email, the email address that it is supposed to send it to is correct as shown in the resend to email address screen where I can resend the activation email.

I am also receiving email on this same account from other people in the last 30 minutes so Im pretty sure it's not a problem with my ISP, but one never knows.

I'll change it to my hotmail account to see if the bottleneck is on my ISP or the servers end just in case.

Update: It came through on my hotmail account (for others with Hotmail, it may come through as Bulk Mail as it did for me) so it must have been delayed on my RoadRunner cable account for some unknown reason. I'll keep an eye out however to see if it ever comes through on the roadrunner account as Im curious if RR blocks something so that others with a RR account can be aware of it.

Bowen

09-29-2006, 03:17 PM

Mine just worked as well. Waiting for e-mail now. Will let you know when it goes through. Thanks
Edit: E-mail came through. Good to go.

MarkDuffy

09-29-2006, 03:29 PM

Yeah, REED !!!

I'm sooo very happy for you all!

Welcome to Caesar IV Online !!! :) :) :)

HOOT !!!

Inquisitus

09-29-2006, 03:56 PM

Works for me as well, thanks Reed!

PhilL

09-29-2006, 04:02 PM

Many Thanks REED. Success! An email has been sent to phil_ with your activation details.

[DAD]SilverMoon

09-29-2006, 11:45 PM

well now, it finally worked to register, well got no email but after want them to resend it finally came in, now then i wanted to login and i dunno maybe i am stupid but it says username/pass wrong...i mean hello, i just registered and i know what i did put in there....sighs..so i want them to resend pass but..nothing...argh..

Kuplo

09-30-2006, 12:17 AM

SilverMoon']well now, it finally worked to register, well got no email but after want them to resend it finally came in, now then i wanted to login and i dunno maybe i am stupid but it says username/pass wrong...i mean hello, i just registered and i know what i did put in there....sighs..so i want them to resend pass but..nothing...argh..
Can you login to the website or is it through the game that you can't login with your username and password.

[DAD]SilverMoon

10-01-2006, 04:51 PM

both wont work, says username/pass wrong, i wanted new pass but no email at all, tried that a few times yet..nothing...grrrr...well no matter the game keeps crashing anyway as soon as you want to open a trade route

Keith

10-02-2006, 03:34 AM

Just made an update in regards to this. Please try again... let me know if you're now able to register or not.

Thanks-

Reed, I had no problem registering my game a few days back, but when I tried to enter the CD key into the bonus material page Satruday morning (yesterday) that didn't work. I got a error page saying the code was incorrect. So there definitely is a problem there. I double checked my code before submitting it.

The BM page quite clearly says CD-KEY so unless that is wrong the bonus material page needs looking at.

I just wanted to see if I would have a problem too even though I have the bonus file.

vic_4

10-02-2006, 05:49 AM

Reed, I had no problem registering my game a few days back, but when I tried to enter the CD key into the bonus material page Satruday morning (yesterday) that didn't work. I got a error page saying the code was incorrect. So there definitely is a problem there. I double checked my code before submitting it.

The BM page quite clearly says CD-KEY so unless that is wrong the bonus material page needs looking at.

I just wanted to see if I would have a problem too even though I have the bonus file.
A stupid question, did you check case? I had that problem, (shudder)

Keith

10-02-2006, 07:46 AM

What do you think? :rolleyes:

Of course, I did.:p

vic_4

10-02-2006, 08:11 AM

What do you think? :rolleyes:

Of course, I did.:p
I take the rebuke, everybody can overlook something.

Reed

10-02-2006, 12:52 PM

Reed, I had no problem registering my game a few days back, but when I tried to enter the CD key into the bonus material page Satruday morning (yesterday) that didn't work. I got a error page saying the code was incorrect. So there definitely is a problem there. I double checked my code before submitting it.

The BM page quite clearly says CD-KEY so unless that is wrong the bonus material page needs looking at. I didn't have anything to do w/ that, but that page doesn't take your game CD Key. It takes a "Bonus CD key", which was sent via email to preorders.