Creative SoundBlaster Audigy Advanced MB software activation problem.

Hello!

I bought a software named Creative SoundBlaster Audigy Advanced MB, when I ordered my notebook Inspiron 1720 from DELL, on the 18th of September, 2007. They provided a CD for the software, which I installed, and it worked. But then later that day (when I recieved the laptop), I formatted the hard-disk for the following reasons -

1) It only had 2 partitions for the entire drive, one of which was a recovery partition, and I wanted to create more.
2) I wanted to remove MediaDirect.
3) I wanted to remove bloatware that DELL gave me with it, ie, DELL Quickset, DELL Support, DELL this, DELL that, Norton AntiVirus etc.
4) I wanted Vista installed by my way.

After I had done everything I wanted, I started to re-install the Creative software, the same way like I did before. But this time, when it took me to the transaction page and asked me for the reason of re-installing this software, it said "The CD Key has expired."

I have tried 2 different browsers, I have cleared my cache, I have penta-checked my CD-Key before each install and have done anything a Computer Software engineer (me) would do, with the help of the Internet as well. But my every effort went in vain.

Then, I did something I didn't want to do, I contact DELL technical support. Their solutions ranged from installing the latest drivers (yes, drivers for a software), to removing and re-installing the latest Internet Explorer (yes, they asked me to REMOVE IE) to put the HARDWARE in some other machine. Quite clearly, the 4 support executives I talked to there at DELL had no clue as to what is going on and what is the problem. Then, after a 2 hours chat with another one of them, I was told that they just provide the software, and it is Creative's duty to handle everything later and asked me to talk to you.

The Creative email support page do not have the option of support for this software, so I selected some other product but sent my problem.

It would be very nice to know if there exists a solution to this problem, and how should I approach it. It has only been 20 days since I bought this software.

Thank you!

 

Email creative support they will send you a key (I think).

You can only activate it up to 3 times or something, and after that you have to ask for support.

The software really isn't that great to begin with though. I wouldn't even bother installing it.

I also heard that it hogs CPUs, and I stopped using it long time ago.

 

You will have to talk to a rep with Creative Support...I did twice.

 

Does it work after 3 times?

For the same software? I don't know their telephone number (for India). Do they allow us to use this software after 3 times???? And after they help me this time (if they do), how long canI use it for and how many times can I re-install it?

Thank you.

 

Yes..3 times and it is expired. i cant help with an India number, only suggest maybe hitting the net.

 

I have registered on their website, and also sent an email their way. I'm hoping for the best.

 

I'm from India too, an I'm also an advanced user. I'm having exactly the same problem. I wouldn't have bothered to use the software, apart from the fact that I rather like the bass boost feature. Kindly post here if the Creative folks get back to you. At any rate, I usually have to reformat my HDD at least once a month (excessive fiddling), so I doubt it will work out for me! I have a 1520, by the way.

 

I had the same exact issue, however it was with my 1 year subscription to TrendMicro. I reinstalled the OS and tried to install the software, but it only gave me 30days instead of 15months and is trying to charge me a lot of money. I called Dell they referred to TrendMicro, who gave me a key. The program doesn't let me enter a key since its "pre activated" so I called them back up and they referred to Dell. And as you guessed they keep saying it's each other's fault. Any one else have a problem with Software from Dell?

 

I'm having the same problem with the creative software (I'm in the US). I reformatted my 1530 the day I got it and installed my copy of Vista Ultimate and when I tried to load creative it said the key was expired. It's ridiculous that you have to call anyone and get a hassle over something that you paid extra for... I'm going to call Dell about it tomorrow. I don't even know if I want to use it but I should be able to.

 

I had the same problem with the SoundBlaster software, but i figured it out.

You have to type in the hyphen (-) with the activation code.

 

I had the same problem with activation. I phoned Creative tech support and they gave me new activation code and also I found each key will last long for 3 instalations. After that you have to contact Creative tech supprot. I've their pone number which is USA number. The tech support number is 001 405 742 6622 and they will be available 9 AM to 6 PM (Eastern time- US & Canada). I hope this info will be help full for you.

 

Yeah, I found the same solution back then, but I was told that after 3 re-installations, I'd have to pay $10 for the next 3, and again $10 for the next 3.

 

hey i was an idiot and didnt keep my cd with the sleeve and i am trying to figure out which one of these sleeves is the correct one, how many digits should the key be, should the sleeve say anything about sound blaster on it?

 

The sleeve doesn't say anything about SB on it.

My key starts out: CTO-with 17 letters/numbers and no more dashes.

 

well after going through my entire trash can outside i couldnt find any sleeve that had a similiar code on it, man this sucks! i called dell and they said they would have to mail me a new cd!

 

So they charge you 10$ for a new activation? wow that's really Creative...

 

The key is like Candyman, say (use) it 3 times and all hell breaks loose

 

You can contact Dell for a set of re-installation CD (one set per system you've ordered). I got one set which includes SB Audigy (even I did not order it with my system). It has the serial number on it.

 

I like that part about having to reformat so often because of excessive fiddling ! Holdds true for me too, although i tell myself every time that it's a waste of time.
I'm facing the same problem of the activation key having expired. Still haven't been able to figure out any difference in the audio quality! Also in India, will try emailing Creative first and then call up their US number. The girl at Dell tech support had no idea what the issue was :-(

 

Here's another sucker that reached 3 installations.

For advanced users, know that this "software sound card" installs some service hat has to be running at all times otherwise software will not work.
Also every time you boot up it creates new temp folder with some binary and executable files... and doesn't delete them afterwards.

 

Here's some tips on this matter.
- If you are reinstalling the Audigy Advanced MB software again for the FIRST time you must select "activating a new serial key" as the reason. You must enter DASHES and CAPITALIZATION as they appear on the serial key. Make sure not to confuse O with 0 (zero).
- After you successfully activate the key, save it somewhere so you never have to activate it again. If you reinstall the system, just copy the file right back in the same place where it originally was and you will never be asked for a reactivation.

Firstly, go to Windows Explorer and then:
Tools -> Folder Options -> View Tab -> Select "Show hidden files and folders" --> Select "OK" or "Apply" button at bottom

The next steps help you find your licence location. Save it somewhere safe as a backup.
This assumes you have installed Windows in the default drive and directories. If you have changed the drive or installation folders, reflect to to match your specifications:

Windows XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Creative Labs\Licenses\B3420000.dat

Windows Vista:
C:\Users\All Users\Application Data\Creative Labs\Licenses\B3420000.dat

Now the next time you format just copy the licence back into the exact same file place before reinstalling. The software should not ask for your licence again. If you are changing OS make sure to update the system path that goes with it.

 

Thx, Enduct, for the tip on how to avoid a re-activation. I cant find the .dat file that you mentioned, but will try your tip the next time i have to do a reinstall.

What i do want to publicize through this forum too is that Creative was very quick to provide another activation key, free, as soon as i emailed their asia tech support. And Dell's tech support sucks, as expected.

 

Hello forum members,

This is my first post. I have read for the past 4 days about problems with the nvidia chip on M1330. I searched for this only when my laptopt start to behave weard (vertical lines and crashes). I have my laptop only from 4 months and already send it to service. I have the same problem with the activation for Creative software. Does anybody have this B340000.dat file?
I realy do not want to buy a key every 3 installs.
Very good this forum, I like it alot.
Best Regards

 

Thanks to Enduct, the problem got solved

I think the Creative guys are at fault, I could've never imagined that it was a 0 and not an O. I hope they slash the zero's next time.

So the proverb should be "cross the t, dot the i and slash the zeros "

 

I think i figured the problem with the Sound blaster Audigy Advanced MB sound conflicting with the Sigmatel Audio driver. What you do is go to your device manager and uninstal the driver called WDD Compatibility driver or something ... it will have a yellow yield. Restart your computer and the sound should return and everything should work fine, even sound blaster program. I am currently running a Dell XPS M2010 with Windows XP.