different serial codes for different games?

[neobatwoman]

Just a note, I am not asking for a serial number for the Sims 2 game. Just had a question...

After browsing different Sims forums, I came across similar threads in each one. People asking for a serial number for their sims game because they lost theirs. This made me confused. I thought that only the serial number that came with your game would work. Isn't that one of the reasons they're all different?

If not, then why doesn't Maxis make it that way. It would sure solve some major pirating issues right?

[Mirelly]

LOL but that would mean that each game disc would have to be individually made. In the good old days games were sold "dongles" ... :rolleyes:

[ManagerJosh]

There is a computer algorithm that is used to create codes. Each code is unique however it would conform to the algorithm to make it proceed to the next step in the installation and allowing the program to run.

[neobatwoman]

uh...translate?

[Mirelly]

There is a computer algorithm that is used to create codes. Each code is unique however it would conform to the algorithm to make it proceed to the next step in the installation and allowing the program to run.

That's what I said, without the geekology :rolleyes:

[Mirelly]

uh...translate?

example:

code is 4 digits, eg 1234

algorithm says:

add together 1st and 3rd digits (1+3=4)
add together 2nd and 4th digits (2+4=6)
multiple those 2 sums (4*6=24)

If the answer is 24 then the code is good

Now, for your homework, check 6842 and 2903

(Obviously the game code algorithm is whole 'nother level of complexity :rolleyes:)

[neobatwoman]

Math...my head hurts!

uhhh....lets see

(6842)
6+4=10
8+2=10
10*10=100

(2903)
2+0=2
9+3=11
2*11=22

hmm...no 24. Does that mean they are both bad?

[Mirelly]

9+3=11 ... hmmm vairy interestink :rolleyes:

[neobatwoman]

......:confused:

oh god! I mean 12!!!

I'm smart, I promise! :p

[JohnEZ]

ROFL, it's ok, we still trust you. :)