71 réponses à ce sujet

[RaenImrahl]

EDIT--  Updated 10:15 p.m. CDT on 4/11/2011:

I am consolidating this original post with updated information, thanks to all the participants in this forum over the last couple of  few  several days.

There seems to be a lot of confusion out there concerning how DLC works in Dragon Age: Origins, regardless of versions.  Here are the facts as best I understand them:

Q: Do I need to log in every time to authorize my DLC?
A:  NO. After you purchase DLC (or in the case of the Ultimate Edition, redeem the extra content code) you only need to use the game's online login ONCE to authorize the content.  After that, you can, in theory, log off and play the game for the rest of your life without ever seeing a "DLC not authorized" message again. 

Q: Why does the game ask me to log in (or automatically log in)?  If it's  not to authorize DLC before every game session, then what the heck is the point?
A:  Logging in to the EA/Bioware servers allows for two things.  First, it synchronizes your player profile with the Bioware Social Network, allowing your achievements and (if you choose) some screen shots to be posted online. Second, it allows the in-game feedback system to tell Bioware how you're using the game and how it is running on your machine.  (Both these functions can be turned off on the Options > Online menu).

Q: So if I don't need to log in to authorize DLC for each game session, why does the DLC sometimes become "unauthorized"?
A:  Because, for whatever reason, whenever you ARE logged in, the game checks to verify that you have the rights to use the DLC.  Whether that's a bug or by design, Bioware has not really said.  The bottom line, however, is that sometimes, when there is a service  interruption (either a problem with EA/Bioware's servers OR a problem with the background services running on your own computer)... the DLC will become unauthorized.

Q: Why does unauthorized DLC prevent me from properly loading a saved game?  Even if I haven't played the DLC in question?
A:  Once DLC is installed, and quests are given (example:  the Sulcher's Pass quest,  the Feastday Gifts and Pranks quests)... these are now part of every saved game going forward.  If you *have* played some of the DLC, and your characters are equipped with DLC bonus items, these too will cause errors when trying to load a saved game.

Q: I just purchased DA:O or DA:O Ultimate Edition.  Can I authorize my "extra content" (DLC) while the server is down?
A: Sadly, no.  The game needs to authenticate the extra content once.  This is not possible until EA/Bioware resolve this issue.

Q:  Okay, I don't have to be logged in to play each time.  Nice to know.  But how does that help me now that the server appears to be down (sicne April 8, 2011)?
A:  You can try to launch the game and immediately log out (and kill the auto-login feature).  That has worked for some.  However, for others, the "damage" has already been done.  In that case, you can try to edit an XML file to make the game work.  See this post:  http://social.biowar...16923/2#4588792

Q:  I did the XML fix (above) but now my characters have lost their DLC-related items!  Help!
A:  There is no work around for this.  By adjusting the XML file, you're eliminating the "Unauthorized" error message, but not the error itself.

Q: Is there any way to play DA:O while the server is down, if my DLC is unauthorized?
A:  Yes, in a limited way.  You can go to the Downloadble Content menu in the game, go to Installed Content tab, and "uncheck" all of the DLC-related items.  Note that there will often be the DLC adventure itself and an associated item module (for example, "Darkspawn Chronicles" is tied to two versions of "Blightblood", three check boxes in all).  You can then play a regular Origins or Awakening campaign without DLC.  When the server comes back online, you should be able to "re-check" those DLCs, and the extra content should appear in your game.

Note that this solution will probably NOT work if you have not authorized your DLC at least ONCE.  So if you've just installed the game this weekend, sadly, you'll have to wait until the servers come back up.

Q: When is the server going to be fixed?
A: The server appears to have crashed on Friday.  On Monday (4/11) Bioware updated the forums with this thread.  Consult it for further updates:  http://social.biowar...36701/1#7036701

Modifié par RaenImrahl, 12 avril 2011 - 03:38 .

[RaenImrahl]

(this entry was consolidated with the above - RI)

Modifié par RaenImrahl, 12 avril 2011 - 03:40 .

[Deathwurm]

A quick question (because all this is a bit over-my-head from a Technical standpoint)
If we choose to play without logging in now, and then log back in later when Server problem is solved will this in any way effect our Saved Games? Basically, will progress/Levels/items recieved while logged out still be there when we are able to log back in?

[Cadfan]

An additional note:

The XML edit solution does work to get your saved games running, but you may lose your DLC items. You'll notice this if you load up a game and suddenly some of your characters are naked. It is unknown whether there are any other negative effects besides the naked-characters glitch.

[RaenImrahl]

Cadfan wrote...

An additional note:

The XML edit solution does work to get your saved games running, but you may lose your DLC items. You'll notice this if you load up a game and suddenly some of your characters are naked. It is unknown whether there are any other negative effects besides the naked-characters glitch.

Excellent point.  Thanks!

[RaenImrahl]

Deathwurm wrote...

A quick question (because all this is a bit over-my-head from a Technical standpoint)
If we choose to play without logging in now, and then log back in later when Server problem is solved will this in any way effect our Saved Games? Basically, will progress/Levels/items recieved while logged out still be there when we are able to log back in?

A good question.  My gut answer is, no, when the server is back it should not affect saved games.  Keep in mind that saved games are stored ONLY on your PC.  Some overall story and achievement data is synched online.  Now, if you've done a lot of playing offline (several hours) and later decide to log back onto the Bioware servers, the game will try to "reauthorize" the DLC.  It will, at the same time, try to sync all those story elements and achievements... so there may be a delay of several minutes while everything talks to everything else.

[Deathwurm]

Thank You, RaenImrahl...my gut instinct was the same based on my limited knowledge.
Also need to add a quick thanks to you for reminding me it's been about 10 years since I've watched Excaliber...think I'll go ad it to my Netflix que.

[MicahSJ]

My thanks too RaenImrahl. I was going to post a question similiar to Deathwurm's, but you answered the question I was going to ask. Also, my thanks to Cadfan for that bit of info.

Micah

[RaenImrahl]

Deathwurm wrote...

Thank You, RaenImrahl...my gut instinct was the same based on my limited knowledge.
Also need to add a quick thanks to you for reminding me it's been about 10 years since I've watched Excaliber...think I'll go ad it to my Netflix que.

You know, I always privately sneered at those who made custom avatars... then I watched Excalibur again a few weeks back (it's on Blu-ray now).  I couldn't resist. 

[Groinhead]

So, as this is such a widespread issue, is Bioware going to bother updating anyone on what's going on or when the problem might be resolved? Does anyone know if they are informing people and where we can look for updates on the situation? Are they so busy fixing the problem that they can't spare one person to set up a thread here or post something somewhere?

I've read through some of the many threads that have popped up since yesterday and only a couple of them seem to have any real idea of what the issue is, usually because someone finally got annoyed enough to call in to Bioware. In a lot of cases it seems that people are resorting to fixes and workarounds that will probably cause them more grief when the servers are back up.

[RaenImrahl]

Pure speculation:
1) It's a weekend
2) While technically employees of EA, I believe the employee at Bioware I PM'ed yesterday who said it's EA that handles the server (or another division within the hulking monstrosity that is EA... my words, not theirs)
3) EA's tech support has *always* been reactive, not proactive. You have to go to them. They don't post here.

4) .... and most importantly... Bioware has "moved on" from Origins big-time. There hasn't been a Bioware post on this PC Tech forum, with one trivial exception, in many months.

[Cadfan]

There's no way the fact that its a weekend is making a difference. Bioware (and/or EA) is a very large company, and has created a game that is utterly dependent on maintaining servers. I'm sure they have IT staff in on weekends.

That not-caring-as-much stuff, on the other hand, is probably the reason.

[RaenImrahl]

Cadfan wrote...

There's no way the fact that its a weekend is making a difference. Bioware (and/or EA) is a very large company, and has created a game that is utterly dependent on maintaining servers. I'm sure they have IT staff in on weekends.

That not-caring-as-much stuff, on the other hand, is probably the reason.

Agreed on the first one. I consider it an explaination, but not an excuse.  This is obviously a known pitfall of their DLC/DRM system, as evidenced by this old article:

http://www.joystiq.c...yable-for-some/

[Arethurt]

Not to mention the issue of the DA2 patch.

[morbius2]

Nice post RaenImrahl.

Not sure why they shouldn't care, because The DAO Ultimate pack is still selling on the servers and hasn't been out all *that* long. Given that no more development is happening, I am sure it is a nice little earner at near 100% margin per sale.

[Groinhead]

I just read through your Solutions Round-up thread. It, more or less, answered my question.

I would argue though, that whoever it is that's supposed to be fixing the issue (EA or Bioware) should really consider posting in this forum since clicking on the support button in the game's launcher links to this forum. Sending customers to a support site that they don't monitor or involve themselves in, sends a pretty bad message. And, for them (I guess EA) to set up an authorization system like this and, apparently, not expect to have to deal with these issues 2 or 5 or even more years down the line (or for any game that is still on store shelves) is pretty short sighted.

Oh well. That's just my gripe. I'm mad at them and you're just trying to help here. I really do appreciate you taking the time to answer so many of our questions. Thanks for taking the time.

[AelinaDA]

From a long chat I had with EA support last night it appears clear that (at least Tier 1 and Tier 2) support don't even read these forums.

With regards to the 'edit the .xml' file fix, it allows you to load save games because it essentially TURNS OFF the DLC. That is why DLC items disappear and other campaigns such as Leilana's song don't show up at all.

[Stone_Wolf]

I have never had so many issues with a game as I have with getting the Origins Ultimate Edition to work properly. I was able to load my 18+ hour game save but my characters were missing gear because the DLC couldn't be validated.

I was trying to beat Origins in preparation of buying Dragon Age II, but if this is the kind of service I can expect than I won't bother.

[RaenImrahl]

If it's any consolation, DA2's DLC doesn't seem to have this problem. Considering that they changed how DLC is handled in DA2 (using EXE files, ala Mass Effect 2)... seems EA/Bioware learned its lesson, albeit too late for us DAO players.

[Deathwurm]

Just an update & I'm posting this here because this is by far the most useful Thread on the current server problem: We won't be hearing anything form EA at all.
After spending over 20 minutes on-line with a representative, I was unable to get anything but pre-written answers.
I did howevver get a $20 on-line coupon for the EA store, so if anyone's interested in that I'd say contact them.

[Eredhel]

I had the same problem, this fix worked for me:

hanibal.gr wrote...

guys i have the solution and it works 10000000% promise so this is what you have to do<br />
<br />
Locate AddIns.xml in "C:/Users/(Username)/Documents/Bioware/Dragon Age/Settings" and edit it using WordPad or any XML editor. Replace all RequiresAuthorization="1" with RequiresAuthorization="0".<br />
<br />
Run the game and check to see if everything worked!<br />
<br />
<br />
if it worked say it here so that the others can see that it worked

[Cadfan]

Well, here goes...

I used the xml edit solution, and as noted above, I can open save games but not access DLC items. I don't know if I can access DLC quests, fortunately my primary save is at camp.

I'm going to load that save, make an official save instead of a quick save, and then play. I'll have to replace Alistair's armor, but I'll be able to play.

If this permanently messes up my progress, I'll throw a massive fit though. Just warning everyone in advance.

Editted to Add: Apparently I had a lot more DLC gear than I thought.  Never mind, its not worth the trouble.  I'll just continue being annoyed.

Modifié par Cadfan, 10 avril 2011 - 02:11 .

[RaenImrahl]

Bump for viability. We're now into the 36th hour of hour telethon, and we're going all the way for the kids!

[PhynoxNight]

I fried my old computer, lost my old saves, replaying DA:O so I can go ahead and play DA2 from the DA:O save but now stuck for this entire weekend so far due to DLC not authorized.

Arggg

Seriously, BioWare used to be a great company. Then EA bought them. Seems Activision is doing the same to those they bought. Its a horrible day for Gamers when the bigger companies began to buy the good companies.

[Syrae]

I just spent 3 hours+ trying to troubleshoot this using 1yr old threads. I only just stumbled on this one and realized that it's not any of the issues described in the other threads. I just reinstalled the game on a new computer, and all my DLC content is lost in the aether until they can get their servers working again. This is not making me any more likely to buy DA2 at this point considering how buggy I've heard it is.