Just curious Bluto, did you find a way to get the game going? Or did you just simply throw the game into the garbage?

Starcom, there is no way to get the game going. Only the original owner can use the code. And most likely only the original computer.

Ah! Capiche! Most likely then the game ended up in the Gaw-bage

And what a shame they used that kind of restrictive DRM!

I too am having difficulty with activating this game. It is my own DVD purchased when the game came out and I've played it in the past but uninstalled it. I installed it again and when I tried to play the game I had to Enter the Activation & Player Key from a label inside the box.

I entered the number which triggered a pop up 'ActControl Software Activation Service' with boxes labelled 'Serial Number' (same Activation Key number from the box) and 'Hardware Code'. It says to copy those and obtain an Activation Key on the website or email the publisher and it gives the website address and email address neither of which work. The interchangeable use of Serial number and Activation Key wording is very frustrating and why do I have to obtain a Key when I already have it?

I think this game is heading to the bin.

You are probably better off getting the game on GOG or Steam. And if you wait for a sale, it will be an even better price. For not that much money it will eliminate all the aggravation.

Sorry, blackbird, but the bin is probably the best place for this game. As Marian says, get this one at GOG or Steam on sale.

Just because I am stubborn -

When you launch the game a popup with a heading something like ActControl asks that you enter your key/code. Not sure if I selected Manually or Automatically, but I got another popup with the previously entered key/code and another code which I think said Hardware and links which didn't work. Copy those two numbers in case you want to try a workaround.

After much googling I found that 'PC gaming Wiki' DRM has an amazing amount of helpful information including that ActControl are "No longer functional as of late 2022 and unactivated games require a no-CD patch to bypass the activation check, or use this StarForce servers as a workaround." So that is why we can't activate the game with our player key.

I did try StarForce website and obtained a key from them (after mis-entering my numbers so many times because my brain is fried) but I don't know where to enter it as the only option is in that ActControl box which doesn't work.


I am inching closer to the garbage bin with this game. I decided not to buy it from Steam or GOG as it is about $30NZD ($18USD) and I am saving to upgrade my computer.

Man, you did get down in the weeds! Yeah, Starforce is one of the more unpleasant forms of DRM from back in the day. Maybe there will be a sale one day.

Steam and GOG should be having their Summer Sales soon so check the prices then, around the beginning of July.

Thanks, oldbroad!

There is a no CD|DVD fix for this game which might bypass the problem you are having, worth a try before burning your game.

thanks Draclvr and oldbroad, I'll make a note to check the summer sales.
thanks too to Starcom, I saw that option on PC Gaming Wiki and looked into it but couldn't understand how that works.

WOW oldbroad was right there is now a summer sale announced by Orion, there is an
82% Off sale and this game you are trying to play in Canadian dollars which the regular price is $26.99 NOW on Sale for $4.89, so I do not know how much that would be for you but I would imagine a good enough discount? for you?

Yeah, I just noticed also that GOG's sale is starting. I thought it started a little later in the month. I think Steam's starts towards the end of the month. Hopefully blackbird will be able to get the game!

hi all. Thanks oldbroad, I too noticed Orion's post that the GOG sale is on. Have just purchased The Testament of SH for $6NZD so I am looking foward to playing. I think this game is gamepad compatible too.

Excellent, blackbird! Have fun with the game without endless tinkering! I have several games which I purchased on CD, but will not run because of DRM or other reasons. I got them from GOG and LOVE being able to play them again. Shivers 1 comes to mind!

That sale on GOG was perfect timing, blackbird!