Running desktop exe. shortcut-serial # error

[budd]

I bought from matrix but have the steam version installed. I made a desktop shortcut to the autorun exe. and the game exe. and they both produce a serial number error when starting the game. i'm not talking about the steam desktop shortcut i know that works but doesn't have the option to start maximized in the shortcut properties. the thing is that the steam version of flashpoint campaigns works fine when i do this. the steam app is running when the error occurs.

[Helpless]

the steam app is running when the error occurs.

Would it run if you shut the Steam app?

[budd]

no, just tried. flashpoint campaigns starts with steam not running but then errors out with a steam app not running error.

[Helpless]

Can you try to run it as administrator? WITE runs a special security check exe which sometimes doesn't start due to the windows security.

Afaik, there was not issues to run Matrix version when Steam version is present.

[budd]

already tried the run as admin thing, same error.

[VPaulus]

I'm sorry budd, but as far as I know in the Steam version, you can only start from the Steam shortcut.

[Helpless]

I bought from matrix but have the steam version installed.

I though he has both versions installed.

[budd]

no big deal, just wondering why my steam version of flashpoint campaigns works with desktop exe. shortcut and WITE doesn't.

[VPaulus]

ORIGINAL: **budd**

no big deal, just wondering why my steam version of flashpoint campaigns works with desktop exe. shortcut and WITE doesn't.

It's related with how both games will check the serial number.

[Denniss]

Steam version does neither have the securty check nor the serial number files found on the Matrixgames version.
In short: game is bundled/dongled to Steam client

[wgfred]

I'm getting the same error message as the OP and I'v owned the game for a couple years.
Stopped playing in September last year, just tried the shortcut and error message appears.

Note - I do not own the Steam version.

[wgfred]

Ok, I reloaded the original game and the latest update I had, version 1.07.15, and all is well.