Some games need to be activated before you can play them. 

This is usually done by entering an activation code, or serial number, or multiplayer key (different names depending on the game - we simply call them "key"):

How to obtain a key:

You first need to receive your activation key. To get your key for a game you are downloading, login on to our website and go to My games section.

If the game has not been downloaded completely, you will see a This game needs a key button next to the download progression bar:



Otherwise, if the download is complete, you will find a Show my Key button under the Play button you must click to display your multiplayer key code:



How to activate your game: 

Now that you have your key (also called serial number or activation code) and you launch the game, you can be presented with either three different activation windows, depending on the DRM protection for that game.


- For a SecuROM protected game:

a window should appear saying: This application needs to be activated before you can play the game. A valid serial must be used. You can then click on Next or Cancel.


If you click on Next, you will then get a window saying: Please enter your valid serial number in the space provided and click on activate. We recommend you copy and paste that serial number, so as not to make any mistakes.

An activation status bar will then appear, displaying the actual status of your activation.

If everything goes correctly, your game is activated and the Start button will not be greyed out anymore. If you click on it you will be able to launch your game. On the following launches of the game on the same machine you will not have to activate it anymore.


If it does not go right, a new window will appear, saying that the activation process was stopped and prompting you to verify that the serial was indeed entered correctly.

If you wish to cancel the installation you just need to click on the cancel button, and quit the game.

You can also click on the return button, which will bring you back to the previous window (where you input your serial/key). If you click on Manual Activation, you will be entering the offline activation mode. This mode lets you activate your game with the help of support.


The next window to appear will present you with an unlock request code. DO NOT (really, do not!) use it on the space asking you to enter your unlock code just under it, as this is not the unlock code, it is the unlock REQUEST code.


To be able to use that space, you will have to contact the Metaboli support team (use the support address on your webpage, or simply follow the instructions provided on this page). You will need to give them the following information: your serial or key as well as the unlock request code that appears in the window we just described. Support will then send you the manual unlock code, which you will copy and paste in the correct field (the one just under the unlock request code). Click on activate, and play your game...



- For a Tages protected game:

first enter your serial number when prompted. Choose An internet connection is active: I would like to send the data to the server to automatically activate your game.
 
If something goes wrong, you will need to try the Manual activation. Select the box  I do not have an Internet Connection in this computer and click on Next.

The installation process will ask you to save a file named  game - @ctiv.htm in the place of your choice (we advice you to choose the desktop).
Double-click this file, and an internet page will appear: then click the Create the activation file button.

The internet page will ask you to save your file in order to activate it.
Double-click on this file and do a full copy/paste of the activation code (this includes information at the beginning of the code).

Finally click on Next, and the game should be activated.

PS: If you are using Vista, make sure you disable the protected mode in your Internet options (Security tab).

If this was not helpful enough, we suggest you consult this page where you can find the solutions to Tages' most common activation issues: http://www.tagesprotection.com/main.htm?page=activation.htm

If still you cannot find an answer to your problem, please contact Tages at activsup@tagesprotection.com, making sure you provide them with the following information:

1. The name of the game.
2. The name of your distributor.
3. The first 10 letters of your serial number (not your purchasing number).
4. Your IP address (this is needed to check the activation server log). Your external IP will be shown by websites like http://www.whatismyip.com/
5. The type of error or problem you have encountered - please quote the complete error message.
6. If relevant (depending on the kind of error), the name of your browser/proxy/firewall/pop-up blocker: they regularly test them and may have advice regarding their configuration.

If possible, please also send a screenshot of the error message dialog you encounter. The easiest way to create a screenshot of a dialog is by pressing the key combination ALT+PrintScreen and then pasting it into your e-mail editor message.


-For a Proactive Starforce protected game:

Start the game and enter the serial number in the activation dialog, then click on the activation button. You should normally be able to activate the game.

Should the activation should fail you can chose the option to try manual activation. Select manual activation from the game's dialog, which will present you with your machine's unique HARDWARE CODE. Please note there is a time limit on the hardware code generated, i.e. you must proceed quickly or the code will become useless.

2. Go to the Starforce website at http://proactive.star-force.com/net/activate.php
 
3. Enter your SERIAL NUMBER from the confirmation email and then the HARDWARE CODE

4. Click submit and then you'll be presented with the ACTIVATION KEY.

5. Go back to the game  - in the dialog box with the hardware code you proceed to dialog box that says Enter Activation key - enter the activation key from the Starforce site

You should be now able to play your game.