The various steps on these boards don't work

Why aren't they working? I was under impression that there was a way with e-mail exchange to make it working.

This is my only disappointment with the game. I too bought the electronic version and when I tried to install it on an internetless computer, no way to make it work. The activation procedure seemed quite long, because you need to write to stardock then follow instructions and send them another email with all the data from the computer that does not have internet, then they'll write to you again. So in the middle of the procedure I gave up and ordered another copy, this time on cd.
Had I known that even for that one I'll would not be able to install the patches because of no internet for activation is a bit (very much actually) disappointing again and I would not have bought the game AGAIN.

Email activation is quite simple. Just copy and paste the code it tells you to email into Notepad and save it on a floppy or usb fob, take it to a connected PC, and send the appropriate email off. When you get the reply back, just do as it says and take the data it gives you back to the other PC. I did it once during the gamma, and it should be automated now so it's even quicker and easier.

Unfortunately it seems like more companies are going with the internet activation route that Microsoft made so widely popular via Windows XP. I always hated that because you are forcing people to have an internet connection. Although more and more people do have internet connection, I wish they wouldnt relying on this technology to do things.

It was the only reason I didn't buy Half Life 2 (even though I loved Half Life 1), nor did I go with any of the premium module from Bioware Neverwinter Nights.

Ironically, one of the reason I brought GalCiv2 was because that it didn't have to have the CD to play due to not having any copy protection (as well as hearing it was a great 4X game), but I was still dissapointed that it needed an internet connection for activation.

Edit: It is possible to update as long as you have a serial number, which you will have if you brought the game.

Yeah there are steps to use Stardock Central and archive it that allow you to put it on the internetless computer.. You will need to install Stardock Central on both, Archive it on the computer with the internet, either burn that archive to a cd for transfer or use another means (USB/ Flashdrive etc. ) Unarchive with Stardock Central on the internetless computer. Voila GC2 on your computer that didnt have internet.