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BEWARE buying the MIG-21

Posted By: leaf_on_the_wind

BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/26/16 10:23 AM

Just a heads up if you are thinking of buying this while it is on special offer

There is something wrong with the MIG-21 activation system

Simple trivial changes to your PC config can cost activations

EG for me it was using vmware software on my PC
(The virtual network adapters being either enabled or disabled make the MIG-21 activation system theink
that it is now on a different PC)
I have used about 20+ activations with NO ACTUAL CHANGES in HARDWARE to my PC


Others on ED forums are getting other issues with unplugging ot plugging in hardware, causing activations to be used

It is ONLY the MIG-21 that is effected by this, so it must be something that Leatherneck have done configuring the starforce for this module
Posted By: Tom_Weiss

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/26/16 11:57 AM

I haven't bought anything for a few years now but , thankfully I never had any issues with activations.

I lost my MiG-21 that was gifted thanks to the new policy, so I was thinking of buying at Steam the MiG-21, but as I have been banned at both the Steam and ED forums and considering I can not get timely help in case of problems because of those bans : thanks for the heads up, I'll skip this buy and get an Arma 3 add on instead.
Posted By: theOden

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/26/16 12:06 PM

Been very interested in the 21 for a long time but all activation issues I've seen keeps me away.
This is also my biggest issue planning to buy the Viggen but as a Swede I just have to buy that one and atleast fly it until the activations run out and I will be considered a thief by LN.
Posted By: EjectEject

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/26/16 12:09 PM

Been that way since the release I believe, even had problems with Windows Updates triggering another activation. Once I ran out, I just gave up on the module. Believe if you contact Leatherneck they will provide a new key.
Posted By: Tom_Weiss

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/26/16 12:19 PM

I can't contact them at ED forum since I am banned there

so I would only buy from Steam now.

and the only way to get quick support for Steam related problems there is at the Steam forum, but I checked there just now and there is a ban against me posting there.

since I can't use now that forum thanks to being banned there and waiting for a developer to answer is a no-no for me, I rather skip it than have activation problems.

I guess I am done with DCS purchases.
Posted By: Frederf

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/27/16 05:10 AM

You can still contact ED if you're forum-banned. If product support was prevented by forum banning EU countries would string them up by the fruit and veg on consumer protection laws. I hear ED trouble tickets are like tying letters to God on a tree branch in Nepal though. Activation problems should be readily fixed by contacting LNS directly. Every 3rd party I've message has been super friendly and helpful about stuff like that.

The activation scheme changed methods so early customers had lingering (and at times conflicting) registry entries. Provided you get that sorted it shouldn't be a problem except if your PC's ID code keeps changing due to hardware changes. That could be a thing.
Posted By: zaelu

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/27/16 08:02 AM

Why this thread now I wonder? You guys are looking like cats meowing in the rain. Nobody in this forum gave a rats arse on this issue for 2 years now suddenly meeeeaaaw...

I always criticized the way Mig21 protection works because it's too sensitive but what you do here at SimHQ it's a full campaign and because I lived in Romania for a lot of time, I almost can recognize a payed one here.



So. For people brought here by Google etc.


Yes, the protection for Mig21 is very sensitive and can give you 2 kinds of problems but you do have solutions:

A. Error in activation system at start of game.

it looks like this:



Solution is to:

1. Either close that window and DCS World, then remove the new hardware and restart the game. I did that because it was a Bluetooth Dongle that was causing it and I wasn't planning on keeping it long so the Mig21 was more important.
2. Or you can made the hardware change final and then go to this thread
https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=2267911#post2267911
and download the reg file Cobra is giving there attached to first post

That file contains only this code and is harmless:

Quote:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Leatherneck Simulations\DCS:MiG-21 BiS\Keys]


What it does is to delete all registration data for Mig21 and then at the new restart of the game instead of an error it will ask for reactivation with your own serial.

B. Asking for reactivation problem without any errors.


This type o problem has no immediate solution yet but to reactivate and the system will use one of your 10 or 15 activations.

This happens because the protection is too sensitive at some changes (there is a formula of calculating when this activation is triggered for all modules but it seems Mig21 has those numbers beefed up or something).

HOWEVER.

Using an activation is not the end of the world. If you are one of the most people you just activate one more time and be gone with your life. But in some cases it is not enough and from time to time you lose again an activation.

In case you lose all 10 or 15 activations you have two solutions at the ready:

1. After consuming all 10 of 15 activations you had, each month you are automatically given a new activation to use.
2. Send an email to Cobra at nicholas.dackard at gmail.com and explain you are a good standing customer but the protection screwed you and you are left without any activations and he will send you again at least one activation (usually 5 to 15)

So first don't panic and don't make an arse of yourself.

P.S. If you have the curiosity you can see on those threads on ED forum about Mig21 activation that I am one of the critics of this system that fails often. But what happens on SimHQ is beyond complaining.
Posted By: tagTaken2

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/27/16 08:08 AM

Originally Posted By: zaelu
Why this thread now I wonder? You guys are looking like cats meowing in the rain. Nobody in this forum gave a rats arse on this issue for 2 years now suddenly meeeeaaaw...

... But what happens on SimHQ is beyond complaining.


A bunch of crybabies have been vocal about ED products recently because they got bounced from that forum. Judging from their behaviour here, and without caring a great deal, I suspect they deserved it.

Thank you for being helpful though thumbsup
Posted By: Tom_Weiss

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/27/16 09:33 AM

Originally Posted By: Frederf
You can still contact ED if you're forum-banned. If product support was prevented by forum banning EU countries would string them up by the fruit and veg on consumer protection laws. I hear ED trouble tickets are like tying letters to God on a tree branch in Nepal though. Activation problems should be readily fixed by contacting LNS directly. Every 3rd party I've message has been super friendly and helpful about stuff like that.

The activation scheme changed methods so early customers had lingering (and at times conflicting) registry entries. Provided you get that sorted it shouldn't be a problem except if your PC's ID code keeps changing due to hardware changes. That could be a thing.


considering how slow their ticket response is - a week sometimes, contacting them using their website is a poor substitute.

Steam is even worse, not only they take a couple of days, but inevitably the answer is a copy and paste nonsense.

So buying from Steam - and being prevented from posting at the support forum, means that I am spending my money on Arma 3 Apex.

This means that I won't be buying any modules any time soon, I haven't for the past two years, so all remains as it is.
Posted By: leaf_on_the_wind

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/27/16 01:11 PM

Originally Posted By: zaelu
Giant wall of text


Tried those fixes to no avail

I have a better idea , instead of customers having to jump thru hoops .....
They just sort it out to be less sensitive ..... you know like every other module?

I know a novel solution, instead a customers having for feck about, the software company just gets it right instead



Originally Posted By: tagTaken2
Originally Posted By: zaelu
Why this thread now I wonder? You guys are looking like cats meowing in the rain. Nobody in this forum gave a rats arse on this issue for 2 years now suddenly meeeeaaaw...

... But what happens on SimHQ is beyond complaining.


A bunch of crybabies have been vocal about ED products recently because they got bounced from that forum. Judging from their behaviour here, and without caring a great deal, I suspect they deserved it.

Thank you for being helpful though thumbsup



Cool story bro, and your contribution to this thread .... sod all
Posted By: Cobra847

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/27/16 03:01 PM

If you're having an issue that is not solved by the steps zaelu mentioned above (thanks!) -- then shoot me an e-mail to nicholas.dackard@gmail.com, or use the support form at www.leatherneck-sim.com

We readily replace your replenish keys with no questions asked.
Posted By: leaf_on_the_wind

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/27/16 05:21 PM

So .... you cannot work out how to fix it then ?
Posted By: Rabb

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/27/16 06:56 PM

Zaelu and Cobra, ~S~!

I bought MiG-21 recently, and I don't have any issues with activations. I occasionaly have problems with a protection system (which is 3rd party) and activations with other, different modules, but that is just a minor nuissance. Haven't lost any activations or whatever.

If you didn't change anything of your hardware or you weren't switching between operating systems, just close that dialog box, exit the game as soon as it loads and start it again. Detailed explanation of what and in what extent triggers activation can be found on DCS forums.

BTW, is leaf on the wind related to Firefly or Serenity?


Posted By: Frederf

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/27/16 09:05 PM

This is a rather secret feature but if you hold a modifier key like shift, ctrl, alt and possibly some more during EXE start it will trigger a review of the activation info. This is a feature to force the dialog to come up when it normally wouldn't like holding F8 when starting Windows to access the menu with safe mode.

Joystick software or having a habit of holding down one of these keys during EXE start would bring up these dialogs and be reliably annoying.
Posted By: Rabb

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 12/29/16 12:00 PM

Thanks for sharing information, Frederf.
Posted By: LuseKofte

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/01/17 05:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Cobra847
If you're having an issue that is not solved by the steps zaelu mentioned above (thanks!) -- then shoot me an e-mail to nicholas.dackard@gmail.com, or use the support form at www.leatherneck-sim.com

We readily replace your replenish keys with no questions asked.


Yes I was wondering why no one contacted Leatherneck , it is usually the best way to start with, let the manufacturer have a chance to fix things before publish a campaign against a product
Posted By: Paradaz

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/01/17 06:15 PM

A chance? This has been an issue for well over a year and really should be fixed. LN have had more than plenty of time above and beyond 'a chance' to get this sorted.
Posted By: Johnny_Redd

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/03/17 04:00 AM

Originally Posted By: Paradaz
A chance? This has been an issue for well over a year and really should be fixed. LN have had more than plenty of time above and beyond 'a chance' to get this sorted.

And with the viggen released, F14 on the way and the corsair to be.... they really need to fix their licencing. With multiple LN modules needing activating every time one puts in and takes out a USB dongle it's going to get very annoying.
Posted By: leaf_on_the_wind

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/04/17 05:38 PM

I have nearly every module available

LN and their MIG-21 are the only people with this issue and they refuse to do anything about it
Posted By: paleohayduke

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/08/17 10:18 AM

I've been getting worried about this myself... Getting towards the end of my # of activations.
Posted By: sobe

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 12:29 AM

To all:
I agree that the activation issue is very annoying and why it is not fixed in all this time is beyond my understanding. However, this module only costs $60 or less and the benefits (fun) of flying the Mig 21 out way this issue. What is more annoying to me is that updates to the Mig 21 fix one thing and break other things.

I am a little hesitant about also buying the Viggen, but assuming no new activation issues arise from users who buy this module, I will support Leatherneck and buy it and just hope for the best. I would rather have Leatherneck around than not around.
Posted By: leaf_on_the_wind

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 08:15 AM

I too am hesitant buying the viggen

Mainly because I point blank refuse to buy any more half finished modules

Saying NO to pre-order, when they have something finished that is releatively major bug free would be
a starting point to think about purchasing it

Also having a working activation system (everyone else can seem to get it right? why can't these guys
even acknowledge that there is a n issue with their system?)
Posted By: Vaderini

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 02:32 PM

Originally Posted By: paleohayduke
I've been getting worried about this myself... Getting towards the end of my # of activations.

Dackard already said there is no need to worry
Originally Posted By: Dackard
We readily replace your replenish keys with no questions asked.


Originally Posted By: leafonthewind
Also having a working activation system (everyone else can seem to get it right? why can't these guys
even acknowledge that there is a n issue with their system?)

1) They're not the only one, I've personally had these issues with BST modules, and never with LN's.

2) They have acknowledged it, both in this very thread and on the ED boards: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=136153

3) I find it rather weird that you don't contact the company you have a problem with, but open this thread instead.
Posted By: theOden

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 02:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Vaderini
..
3) I find it rather weird that you don't contact the company you have a problem with, but open this thread instead.

The censorship you're longing for is right here: https://forums.eagle.ru/
At SimHQ we tend to give eachothers a heads-up on bad experiences without getting silenced.
Posted By: Vaderini

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 03:50 PM

It takes literally a minute to send an e-mail to Dackard and copy-paste a code from your clipboard. The energy taken to make an issue out of nothing that can be solved within 60 seconds, is just ridiculous.
This guy browses the internet for people that have problems with his products and says that all problems can be solved with a simple e-mail. What more can he do? What more can you want? Him coming to your house and type the key in personally?


I you want to hunt people down with pitch forks, you can apply for a moderator job right here: https://forums.eagle.ru/
Posted By: theOden

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 04:00 PM

Originally Posted By: Vaderini
..What more can you want?..

Well, for a starter, since you ask, an activation sensity on par with all other modules not having any problems at all?

What makes you think I want to hunt down people with a pitch fork?
Do you think you overreact reading others posts?
Not used to having other opinons around but only happy faces like on that other forum?
Posted By: Vaderini

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 04:13 PM

Originally Posted By: theOden
Well, for a starter, since you ask, an activation sensity on par with all other modules not having any problems at all?

I've had more problems with BST keys then my LN key. I also remember the 109K and Ultimate Argument campaign had key issues in december 2015...Not to mention the VEAO Hawk....


Quote:
What makes you think I want to hunt down people with a pitch fork?
Do you think you overreact reading others posts?

Because you single out a developer that you can't be singled out.


On the contrary, LN's forthcomingness with their customer support is unique within DCS, and customer support in general. And again, you're ignoring the point: The entire 'problem' is solvable in 60 SECONDS

You're the one that is overreacting, not me.

Quote:
Not used to having other opinons around but only happy faces like on that other forum?

The definition of an opinion is that it is inconclusive, what I've typed is fact. smile
Posted By: Force10

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 05:30 PM

Originally Posted By: Vaderini
And again, you're ignoring the point: The entire 'problem' is solvable in 60 SECONDS


So you're saying...no matter what time of day or night...if you email them for an activation you will get a response in 60 seconds?

Regardless of what that answer is...this is a perfect example of someone so deep in their argument they can't step back and see how ridiculous it is. To have to email a developer and basically ask for "permission" to fly the module you purchased is not how it should be...period.

This has been going on for a long time. They should just fix the problem instead of having a dev on call 24/7 to hand out activations to a problem they created.
Posted By: leaf_on_the_wind

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 05:33 PM

Originally Posted By: Vaderini
It takes literally a minute to send an e-mail to Dackard and copy-paste a code from your clipboard. The energy taken to make an issue out of nothing that can be solved within 60 seconds, is just ridiculous.
This guy browses the internet for people that have problems with his products and says that all problems can be solved with a simple e-mail. What more can he do? What more can you want? Him coming to your house and type the key in personally?


I you want to hunt people down with pitch forks, you can apply for a moderator job right here: https://forums.eagle.ru/


I cannot tell if you are serious or just tarded

Simple solution would be for them to fix what ever is wrong with their activation system none of the other
modules activation systems are so twitchy/flawed
Posted By: - Ice

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 05:55 PM

Originally Posted By: Vaderini
The entire 'problem' is solvable in 60 SECONDS

Sorry, but the PROBLEM is not solved. Sure, the workaround to the PROBLEM may be easy, but the PROBLEM still exists. "Fixed" and "workaround" are two different things.
Posted By: Vaderini

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 06:36 PM

No, that is not a 'simple solution'.

You have no idea what StarForce is or how software development works.

Starforce is not "their" activation system to fix, nor to adapt, nor to modify.

StarForce is a continuously updated third party DRM tool from a Russian developer that checks multiple times after a program is started if a piece of software is validly licensed. The exact way they do this is not public, but we do know that they not only assign a specific computer ID based on BIOS information and registry keys, but also check the module DLL's while the program is running.

Some info from when VEAO's Starforce was on the fritz:
Originally Posted By: ells228
Its essentially starforce thinking that we're trying to hack the aircraft dll's because of the constant communication between the ASM and EFM interface.

Why aren't other modules affected by this communication?

Originally Posted By: ells228

You can't simply flick a switch and it works.
The coders have to try things to see what happens, which they have been doing. The discussion is about what they've been trying with a solid direction going forward.
No point wasting weeks on something that won't work.

Yes it is unique.
There are two ways for the ASM and EFM to communicate; use default data the sim gives us or calculate accurate data like true air speed etc.
We calculate all EFM to ASM functions dynamically and don't use default sim data.
This gives a more accurate data exchange therefore a more accurate flight model.
But doing that has obviously caused SF to have a hissy fit, nothing we could have predicted.

Why it affects some and not others we don't know.
That's why we asked for your feedback on systems and software.

Both main programmers are here in the UK for the show hence the discussion.


The starforce implementation and constant the fact that the modules are never finished updating, is the reason why pretty much EVERY developer, not just LN, has trouble with the system.

1) Okay, so why does DCS still use Starforce?
Try to find a pirated version of DCS. Not succesful? Yeah, that's because it doesn't exist. It's not perfect, but no piracy is a strong incentive for a company to proceed with finicky software. To overcome a lot of the issues, ED has taken over as much registration and activition tasks from the end consumer as possible with the Module Manager and profile key binds, but again: it still isn't perfect.

2) Why doesn't LN change it's implementation of Starforce?
They have chosen a certain implementation because it worked during testing. After completion, it's damned hard to change something that hard coded without breaking something else or the working of the entire module for everyone. So what they did is changed some tweakable aspects of the DRM, and ease the pain of as many customers as possible.

3) Why is LN the only one with this issue?
They're not, it's a DCS-wide issue with all devs (inlcuding ED) suffering. There is just no way to actively test all BIOS systems, settings and options for all PC's ever made. Even settings within Windows themselves have led to Starforce problems for the end users (and the reason why some people need to format their HDD after buying their first modules, it's just a very aggressive DRM)

And by the way, I've seen that you not only started this thread, but have been whining and failing for a good year already. Perhaps it is time to take responsibility for yourself, e-mail Dackard to ask for a new key or just continue life since with all this laziness and bullsht on your end you don't do yourself nor anyone else any favors.


@Ice: Problem: My key acts funny. Solution: 60 seconds and you get a new key within 48 hours, no questions asked.

Again, what do YOU suggest? WHAT do they have to do?

Don't you think that if it was solvable, they wouldn't have done it already? Wouldn't that just save a godamount of time and stress for them? If your key fails multiple times in a row, you need to sent an e-mail for a new key and with 24-48 hours you receive your new key.
Posted By: LuseKofte

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 06:51 PM

I got it and find it a fun plane to fly. Like everything in DCS it is not working correctly like training programs and such
Posted By: leaf_on_the_wind

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 06:51 PM

Vaderini, I take it you work in software then ?

So there is no solution that LN can find , check

You suggest a work around and call it a solution, check

Question if everyone suffers from this issue, how come only the MIG-21 keeps screwing up its activation status ?

"We calculate all EFM to ASM functions dynamically and don't use default sim data."
So they made a design decision that has left the MIG-21 with this problem ?
Posted By: Vaderini

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 07:05 PM

*sigh* I give up
Posted By: - Ice

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 07:14 PM

Originally Posted By: Vaderini
No, that is not a 'simple solution'.

You have no idea what StarForce is or how software development works.

Starforce is not "their" activation system to fix, nor to adapt, nor to modify.

We do NOT need to know how StarForce works. We do NOT need to know how it's the greatest thing ever since sliced bread. We do NOT need to know how many virgins have to be sacrificed on a daily/weekly/monthly basis for it to continue working.

Fact is that the MiG-21 module has this problem CONSTANTLY.
Fact is that while other modules may have this problem too, it's occassional and rare enough not to be a worry.
Why is one DRM working fine (say 90% working) for most modules but is abysmally broken (say 20% working) on this module?


Originally Posted By: Vaderini
@Ice: Problem: My key acts funny. Solution: 60 seconds and you get a new key within 48 hours, no questions asked.

1. Is it ONE key per request? Or do they give you the full 10 keys per request? Heck, while this issue is ongoing, why not just give everyone who owns the module 1,000 keys?
2. It is a workaround. Problem still persists. If your car was running funny, but all you had to do was pump the clutch 3x and it'll run fine for the next few miles before needing the "workaround," would you be happy? Or would you get your car fixed as soon as possible?


Originally Posted By: Vaderini
Again, what do YOU suggest? WHAT do they have to do?

Fix it.


Originally Posted By: Vaderini
Don't you think that if it was solvable, they wouldn't have done it already? Wouldn't that just save a godamount of time and stress for them? If your key fails multiple times in a row, you need to sent an e-mail for a new key and with 24-48 hours you receive your new key.

Maybe it's solvable, they've not just gotten around to it? You talk as if they've set a team on this issue that have been working 24/7 since the issue arose and thus far have not found a solution. I doubt this is the case, more likely they've looked at it, classed it as a low priority issue, and dealt with other things.

Again, while a workaround exists, there should be NO NEED for the workaround. Having to send an email to ask for new keys, while a low-effort exercise, is something a legit owner of the module SHOULD NOT have to do.

You harp about piracy, but at this point, it's really only the legit customers that get the bother.
Posted By: Jedi Master

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 09:39 PM

It's really a simple question:

Is the use of Starforce costing them more sales than the ones they would lose to piracy with a less aggressive system?

Obviously, they think the answer is no.
However, it's hard to prove a negative. Just because X number of people say they would've bought it without but refuse to buy it as is does not prove they would have done so.
Likewise, they cannot prove how many people would've pirated the software that have chosen to purchase instead. Would some people who have not bought them pirated it if they could? Certainly, but how many? Would some who did buy have chosen not to pay? Certainly, but how many?

We can't prove it one way or another, only use similar cases as data to make the decision. At this point, I think it safe to say ED isn't giving up on SF anytime soon.




The Jedi Master
Posted By: Paradaz

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/09/17 09:46 PM

Originally Posted By: Vaderini
On the contrary, LN's forthcomingness with their customer support is unique within DCS, and customer support in general. And again, you're ignoring the point: The entire 'problem' is solvable in 60 SECONDS


Yet some people have had to wait 3-4 days to get their email returned.

Don't get me wrong, it's good that Cobra will respond in this manner but it really shouldn't be on him to have to provide a 'fix' like this. Customers should also not have to wait to be able to play the module they have already paid for.

Posted By: Frederf

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/10/17 01:28 AM

I wonder how many people with activation problems still have them after installing on a reformatted computer or if they were buy first install it today? I'm not trying to blame anyone who has an older install which spanned the change of activation methods (I am in that group) for not reformatting or buying so early. However I did have an activation problem where basically the old-way and new-way kept fighting each other. It took a very specific and delicate registry entry manual edit to fix. I would wager $5 that those that are having activation issues like I was are those whose install spanned the change of activation method like mine did.

Other keys were stored in HKCU\Software\Eagle Dynamics
But I think this used to be HKLM instead of HKCU
The new LNS location is HKLM\Software\Leatherneck Simulations\

Interesting enough not all 3rd parties have left the Eagle Dynamics folder. E.g. my M2000C and HAWK keys are in with the 1st party ones.

Taking inventory of my registry entries not all keys have the same features. A lot of them are very plain having only the folder Keys\License0.

Others have more "intrigue" to them. Black Shark has Keys\Settings\Protection\Gui and HAWK has Keys\Settings\Binding\Hardware\AutoActivation. UH1H has this Settings\Binding\AutoActivation as well. For some reason my Warhog has License0 and License1 along with the settings/binding/hardware/autoactivation part.

I'm curious:
1. Do people with problems have a MiG-21 entry in their Eagle Dynamics section.
2. Have a complex or simple registry layout in their registry folder for MiG-21 (I have simple).


I also found I have several keys in HKEY_USERS\S-1-5....long string of numbers\Software\Eagle Dynamics\... It seems a carbon copy of my HKCU arrangement.

I take note that LNS is unique in using the HKLM part of the registry instead of HKCU.
Posted By: Maico

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/10/17 03:53 AM

What a great multirole aircraft this is. Sure, the activation issue.... I have not lost access to it. But it does require you to activate it once in a while. I still would not give up this aircraft for anything.
Posted By: leaf_on_the_wind

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/10/17 06:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Frederf

I'm curious:
1. Do people with problems have a MiG-21 entry in their Eagle Dynamics section.
2. Have a complex or simple registry layout in their registry folder for MiG-21 (I have simple).


Be curious NO MORE

1. HKCU\Software\Eagle Dynamics
Nope no MIG-21 Entry or Leatherneck Simulations within that branch
it is located
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Leatherneck Simulations\DCS:MiG-21 BiS

2. What do you mean exactly ????
Can you define what simple is?
Posted By: theOden

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/10/17 06:53 PM

Great info Frederf, please elaborate what Leaf is asking about.

I am reading this with great interest as I have been a long time lurker for the MiG-21 and currently a somewhat nervous AJS-37 customer-to-be, all due to the, IMO, horrible track record of LN activations.

Could it be that buying and installing the Fishbed today would not put me in an activation mayhem after all?

Maybe Cobra could add some inputs?

(yeah, I read elsewhere he feels defensive in here but I think he should not, we slap opinions and products like there is no tomorrow at times but never persons, well sometimes, but we have some really good moderators here slapping us when we do biggrin and I truly appreciate Cobra's presense and explainations - more so considering how harch we can be at times but I blame our excessive dedication to this hobby of ours)
Posted By: Frederf

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/10/17 07:48 PM

With values obscured this is my MIG-21 and UH-1H registry entry. The former is simple having less folders and the latter is more complex having the "settings" and "bindings" folder.

Code:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Leatherneck Simulations]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Leatherneck Simulations\DCS:MiG-21 BiS]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Leatherneck Simulations\DCS:MiG-21 BiS\Keys]
"LastNumber"=""

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Leatherneck Simulations\DCS:MiG-21 BiS\Keys\License0]
"Type"=dword:00000000
"Version"=dword:00000007
"Number"=""
"CreationTime"=hex:f0...
"RunTimeData4"=hex:b0.
"Key"="..."
"HardwareProfile0"=hex:4a...
"HardwareProfile1"=hex:4b...


Code:
[HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-476956861-1960914366-3782544835-1000\SOFTWARE\Eagle Dynamics\UH1H]

[HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-476956861-1960914366-3782544835-1000\SOFTWARE\Eagle Dynamics\UH1H\Keys]
"LastNumber"="..."

[HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-476956861-1960914366-3782544835-1000\SOFTWARE\Eagle Dynamics\UH1H\Keys\License0]
"Type"=dword:00000000
"Version"=dword:00000007
"Number"="..."
"CreationTime"=hex:30,...
"RunTimeData4"=hex:30,...
"Key"="..."
"HardwareProfile0"=hex:ff,...

[HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-476956861-1960914366-3782544835-1000\SOFTWARE\Eagle Dynamics\UH1H\Keys\Settings]

[HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-476956861-1960914366-3782544835-1000\SOFTWARE\Eagle Dynamics\UH1H\Keys\Settings\Binding]

[HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-476956861-1960914366-3782544835-1000\SOFTWARE\Eagle Dynamics\UH1H\Keys\Settings\Binding\Hardware]

[HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-476956861-1960914366-3782544835-1000\SOFTWARE\Eagle Dynamics\UH1H\Keys\Settings\Binding\Hardware\AutoActivation]
"SilentActivationSerialNumber"="..."
Posted By: leaf_on_the_wind

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 01/10/17 07:51 PM

2. The answer is the simple kind

And yes I have problems with MIG-21 activations
Posted By: Haukka81

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 02/02/17 05:38 AM

And i have zero problems smile
Posted By: leaf_on_the_wind

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 02/16/17 11:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Haukka81
And i have zero problems smile


Posted By: leaf_on_the_wind

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 03/29/17 11:01 PM

new patch coming

Dear all,

Most of you know we have issues with the StarForce protection for the MiG-21Bis module.
The primary complaint was that the protection was not flexible enough for the users' hardware and/or software changes.

We took this very seriously, and dedicated our time to work on the fix along with the people on the StarForce team.

Our Starforce patch will be distributed along Eagle Dynamics next DCS World openBeta patch, which should be released by the end of this week.

This is a major patching event for all of us, and it will require your cooperation for a proper and successful execution. In short, in order to save one activation for MiG-21Bis, you will have to deactivate the module BEFORE the DCS 1.5.6 patch is downloaded to your PC. We advise you to do this in next 24 hours.

We have created a guide with detailed instructions that will help you prepare for the incoming patch: please find the attached two identical documents written in English and Russian languages.

Please feel free to distribute them among your friends that are using the MiG-21Bis module.

Note that if you are using DCS World 2.0.5 openAlpha, you do not have to do this at this time. However, when Eagle Dynamics decide to distribute the patch for DCS World 2.0.5 openAlpha, we will distribute the same StarForce patch; thus a simmilar procedure will be required. We will do our best to keep you informed in time.

We sincerely appologize for this inconvinience. Our ultimate goal is your satisfaction: there are things we have to do to get there, and there are some thing we have to do together.

We will provide help along the way and we hope this transition will be sucessful. We also hope you will like the fixes we prepared in the next patch.

If you need any help please write us at support@leatherneck-sim.com.

Your dedicated developers,
LNS


https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=3095521#post3095521
Posted By: Jedi Master

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 03/30/17 01:12 PM

So, if I get the "MiG-21 needs to be activated" prompt each time I start DCS, and I just click Exit and skip flying it, is it currently deactivated?

It's so broken for me that an activation lasts only till the next reboot. I literally can activate, fly, reboot, go back into DCSW and get the prompt again without changing a thing.

I noticed that document says to delete the LN key...but is the Viggen in there? I never looked. Might make more sense to delete the MiG-21 key inside it.



The Jedi Master
Posted By: Sokol1

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 03/30/17 02:19 PM

"Delete product registry entries, (skip in case of successful deactivation)"
Posted By: Jedi Master

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 03/30/17 02:54 PM

Yes, but if the deactivation is UNSUCCESSFUL...

AND you have the Viggen...

Problem?



The Jedi Master
Posted By: EagleEye[GER]

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 03/30/17 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by Jedi Master

I noticed that document says to delete the LN key...but is the Viggen in there? I never looked. Might make more sense to delete the MiG-21 key inside it.

Viggen keys are under HeatblurSimulations. So deleting the LN key (for the Mig) wont affect Viggen.
Posted By: Jedi Master

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 03/31/17 02:31 PM

Ah, good! thumbsup




The Jedi Master
Posted By: SoCal

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 04/01/17 02:45 AM

Anybody got this new patch working? Not me. DEL registry and the Mig-21. Now it says my key is no good. I PMed support.

Steve

New info: I had a very good experience with support, Mig 21 now activated and working

Steve
Posted By: Dondy

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 04/01/17 07:07 AM

Ok seems I now understand a bit wats going on.

If you want to have the MiG21 in the new open beta patch you must deacitvate it before applying the patch (or do the regedit dance). But then, you can only use the MiG21 in the 1.5.6 open beta and NOT in 1.5.6 stable OR 2.0.5 alpha! This has to do with some starforce update(s) which need to be applied to the other DCS versions in the near future.
Only after this you can use the MiG21 in all version in parallel.

They (ED) really REALLY need to trigger some warnings during the installation. Not everyone is searching and browsing the forums beforehand to look after some infos like "do this or do that before applying the patch". Same with the Microsoft update which hast to be installed separately. On nearly every other SW there is a warning saying "Please before applying the patch make sure you have the latest xxx. Please download and install it via xxx".
Posted By: Art_J

Re: BEWARE buying the MIG-21 - 04/01/17 08:49 AM

You understood it very well. For the time being it's indeed either flying the updated MiG only in 1.5.6 OB, or outdated MiG only in 1.5.6 stable & 2.0.5, but not both cases at the same time. That is until the latter versions get patched up as well.

Incorporating the warning trigger would require changing the updater.exe and frankly I don't see anyone in ED bothering with it only for a single module DRM overhaul procedure... However, they could at least place the relevant waring (with link) in the update release notes - not that everyone reads them anyway, but most people do - that would save lots of trouble.
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