Activation error email address is not valid for the product key

from Stardock Forums

I purchased Start11 to install on two computers. I purchased Start 11 v2 (5-Pack) on 21 August 2025 (2 days ago). I installed Start11 on the first computer (running Windows 11) with no problems. I then tried to install Start11 on the second computer (also running Windows 11), but every time I tried to enter the activation code and email address on the second computer (same activation code and email address as the first computer) I kept getting the error message "Email address is not valid for the product key". The product key is correct (I used a copy and paste from my purchase email, and the email address is correct). I do not understand why the activation keeps failing on the second computer.

accounts and activation help
2,515 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. First, please use this guide to check if you have not accidentally used up the 5 activation. https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1260191763/How+to+review+and+manage+your+current+activations. 

Check it and report back.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

I have a Stardock account but when I go to https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products my Start11 product is not there. It only has Start10 which I purchased a few years ago.

I can see Start 11 in my order history and I downloaded my product key status and it shows one activation on 21 August 2025:

screenshot removed since it is showing your license key and email address. Never post these two in a public forum.

It does not show how many of my 5 licenses that I have used.

Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Please raise support ticket using the link below, use the product not receive option. Include all information details (screenshots,etc). Remember to record down the ticket number for future reference if needed. Do not raise multiple ticket, that will make your ticket back to the end of the line. Send once and wait. Ticket will be answer by the order they send in.

https://stardock.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/group/13 

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

I am having a similar issue with Fances6.  I purchased Object Desktop and installed fences6, but I keep getting a  message saying I need to activate.   I tried to activate it, but when I put in my email address & license key. It said "email address is not valid for the product key"

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting jeckenrod, reply 4

I am having a similar issue with Fances6.  I purchased Object Desktop and installed fences6, but I keep getting a  message saying I need to activate.   I tried to activate it, but when I put in my email address & license key. It said "email address is not valid for the product key"
End of jeckenrod's quote

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. First please use this guide to review and manage your activation. https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1260191763/How+to+review+and+manage+your+current+activations 

Perhaps you have used up your 5 activation for Fences. If it is not the case, please report back.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

I only have 1 PC that I am using it on.  When I click on that link, and then the link to login and under my downloads it says NO REGISTRATIONS FOUND

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting jeckenrod, reply 6

I only have 1 PC that I am using it on.  When I click on that link, and then the link to login and under my downloads it says NO REGISTRATIONS FOUND
End of jeckenrod's quote

Try try this guide: https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1260191745/Getting+purchased+products+and+keys. Try that and report back. Also, if you have paid using your paypal account, try using that email account that you use for Paypal.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

When I click on the link & put in my email address it sends me an email with my product key

 

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting jeckenrod, reply 8

When I click on the link & put in my email address it sends me an email with my product key
End of jeckenrod's quote

And, when you input the same email address for your Stardock acccount and check your account product page , you get "NO REGISTRATIONS FOUND"?

Perhaps, you' re having account issue. Please raise support ticket using the link below, use the product not receive or Ask a Question option. Include all information details. Remember to record down the ticket number for future reference if needed. Do not raise multiple ticket, that will make your ticket back to the end of the line. Send once and wait. Ticket will be answer by the order they send in.

https://stardock.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/group/13 

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant