Yet another activation question....

[Purduecoz]

Hey Guys (and Gals!)

I have a question regarding activation. I've gone back and forth a few times now between Windows XP and Vista on my PC, reformatting each time. I've (re)installed my copies of Sam & Max each time I've done this.

My question is, are each of these counted as separate activations, or will the hardware fingerprint of the PC remain the same regardless of which OS is on the machine? (after all, it IS the same hardware) If the fingerprint is the same, I'd think the activation system wouldn't care how many times the games were (re)activated on the same PC?

Thanks!

[Emily]

Normally if you uninstall and then reinstall, as long as the hardware fingerprint hasn't changed, your activation is still good from last time and it is not counted as a new activation. You can tell because it'll start up right away without a "retrieving key" message displaying on the screen.

I don't know if the hardware fingerprint changes because you move from XP to Vista. What you say about the fingerprint not changing because you're using the same hardware is logical, but unfortunately the activation system itself is not always logical.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Our intention is not to prevent paying customers from accessing their games, and we're going to make sure that no valid customer ever has to repurchase a game from us simply because they've used up their activations.

EDIT: I just looked up your order and I will send you a PM about your activations, if you're curious.