AoE3 - lost product key.

[Guest]

Is there any LEGAL way at all to retrieve a lost product key? I bought this
game awhile ago (can't remember when exactly...several months ago) when I was
using a different computer. Sometime last year, I had some major virus and/or
hardware problems and my system totally crashed and the computer wouldn't
even turn on anymore. Anyway, I got a new computer for Christmas and I
finally decided to drag this game out of hiding the other night so I could
play it. But when I tried to install it, it dawned on me...I don't have my
product key, and for the life of me, I don't know what happened to it. All I
have are the three CD's and the User's Manual. I don't know if I accidentally
threw away the case/key or what, but I can't find it anywhere.

Before my other computer crashed, I didn't get to play much of this game at
all, and now that I have some free time, I'm really itching to play it. I'd
hate for that $50 to go to waste! I have no idea what to do. If I knew
anybody with a copy of this game, I'd just ask to try their key, but I don't
know anyone, and I read that this would prevent me from playing online. I
really don't want to resort to keygens and crack sites because that's just
asking for trouble. But I also don't want to shell out another $50 for
something I already have!

Is there anyone I can contact to get help with this? I know piracy is a huge
concern, so if need be, I'll do whatever I can to prove that I actually own
the game. Not quite sure how, though, unless I take pictures of myself
holding it. Ha. Although, the back of the manual has a part number, but I
don't know if that's exclusive to the manual or if the number is unique to my
copy. I also noticed that I have part numbers on my CD's. If there's some
way to verify that my copy is legit, I'll do it. I'll even mail the darn
thing to Ensemble or Microsoft if I have to!

I tried posting on the official forum and someone directed me to:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246
But all it led me to was a page saying that I'm going to have to pay $35.

Also, does anyone know how I can get another map? Or was it a timeline? I
don't remember exactly, but I recall another little booklet coming with the
game. This isn't nearly as important, of course, but it'd still be nice to
have everything.

Thank you so much to anyone who can help me out or point me in the right
direction. I'd really love to start playing this game. Especially now that I
have a decent computer that can run it smoothly. I'd go back to AOE2 to tie
me over in the meantime, but I can't find that either! I swear, I'm usually
really good about not losing things. Ha.

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi CBMatt,

I followed that link, clicked at the bottom of the page for
lost product keys, and got the US number: (800) 537-8324

Give it a shot and let us know how it went.

--
Cheers, *Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User*
Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Visit my MSN Games and Windows Gaming Help Site: www.msce.mvps.org
MS Games Help and Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=gms
My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
_________________________________________________________

CBMatt Wrote:
=================
| Is there any LEGAL way at all to retrieve a lost product key? I bought this
| game awhile ago (can't remember when exactly...several months ago) when I was
| using a different computer. Sometime last year, I had some major virus and/or
| hardware problems and my system totally crashed and the computer wouldn't
| even turn on anymore. Anyway, I got a new computer for Christmas and I
| finally decided to drag this game out of hiding the other night so I could
| play it. But when I tried to install it, it dawned on me...I don't have my
| product key, and for the life of me, I don't know what happened to it. All I
| have are the three CD's and the User's Manual. I don't know if I accidentally
| threw away the case/key or what, but I can't find it anywhere.
|
| Before my other computer crashed, I didn't get to play much of this game at
| all, and now that I have some free time, I'm really itching to play it. I'd
| hate for that $50 to go to waste! I have no idea what to do. If I knew
| anybody with a copy of this game, I'd just ask to try their key, but I don't
| know anyone, and I read that this would prevent me from playing online. I
| really don't want to resort to keygens and crack sites because that's just
| asking for trouble. But I also don't want to shell out another $50 for
| something I already have!
|
| Is there anyone I can contact to get help with this? I know piracy is a huge
| concern, so if need be, I'll do whatever I can to prove that I actually own
| the game. Not quite sure how, though, unless I take pictures of myself
| holding it. Ha. Although, the back of the manual has a part number, but I
| don't know if that's exclusive to the manual or if the number is unique to my
| copy. I also noticed that I have part numbers on my CD's. If there's some
| way to verify that my copy is legit, I'll do it. I'll even mail the darn
| thing to Ensemble or Microsoft if I have to!
|
| I tried posting on the official forum and someone directed me to:
| http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246
| But all it led me to was a page saying that I'm going to have to pay $35.
|
| Also, does anyone know how I can get another map? Or was it a timeline? I
| don't remember exactly, but I recall another little booklet coming with the
| game. This isn't nearly as important, of course, but it'd still be nice to
| have everything.
|
| Thank you so much to anyone who can help me out or point me in the right
| direction. I'd really love to start playing this game. Especially now that I
| have a decent computer that can run it smoothly. I'd go back to AOE2 to tie
| me over in the meantime, but I can't find that either! I swear, I'm usually
| really good about not losing things. Ha.

 

[Guest]

Hey Jimmy,
Thanks for the number, but I can't get it to work (with or without a 1).
When I call on my house phone, I just get a busy signal. When I call it on
my cell phone, it makes a noise (almost sounds like a wind effect from a
game) and the call is dropped. I've tried several times over the last couple
of hours.

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi CBMatt,

Try using one of the other numbers listed here:
(You can also dial the operator to confirm the number is in service)

Replacement of CD or Product Keys
To replace a CD or Product Key, you must contact PSS. To locate the appropriate phone number for your product, visit the following
Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

--
Cheers, *Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User*
Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Visit my MSN Games and Windows Gaming Help Site: www.msce.mvps.org
MS Games Help and Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=gms
My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
_________________________________________________________

CBMatt Wrote:
=================
| Hey Jimmy,
| Thanks for the number, but I can't get it to work (with or without a 1).
| When I call on my house phone, I just get a busy signal. When I call it on
| my cell phone, it makes a noise (almost sounds like a wind effect from a
| game) and the call is dropped. I've tried several times over the last couple
| of hours.

 

[Guest]

Argh, I've been busy dealing with Greyhound all night (I'm spending a week at
my girlfriend's place soon), so it's too late for me to call now, but I'll
give it another try in the morning. Thanks a bunch.

 

[Guest]

I just called the main Microsoft number and after a few minutes of verifying
that I have a legit copy, they set me up with a new product key. What a
relief! Thanks for your help, Jimmy.

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi CBMatt,

Awesome news!! I'm glad that got sorted out.

--
Cheers, *Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User*
Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Visit my MSN Games and Windows Gaming Help Site: www.msce.mvps.org
MS Games Help and Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=gms
My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
_________________________________________________________

CBMatt Wrote:
=================
| I just called the main Microsoft number and after a few minutes of verifying
| that I have a legit copy, they set me up with a new product key. What a
| relief! Thanks for your help, Jimmy.