Warning to new xBoxers - Invite a Friend Error 203

[Boxcarwilli]

So, I already had my main account since Apr 2005, but, when creating my 5th account from an invite a friend from the first account I got an "Error 203" and your only option is to call bliz support. Well, they prevent you from signing on too many accounts from one IP. This happened to me just now.
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=1531074738&sid=1

I simply VPN into work and used a server to create my last account. If you dont have that option to sign on from a completly different IP address then I suggest you wait untill blizz's working hours, m-f 9-5, or you will be SOL for the weekend.

[Vyndree]

Known issue. ;) I discovered this a year ago when both Suvega and I tried creating 4-5 trial accounts (each) from the same household (IP address).

It started around hte same time they started cracking down on goldsellers who were using trial accounts to spam people.

You can either wait between creating trial accounts from the same IP address, or use a friend's internet, or the library's, or work, or... just wait enough time until your ISP assigns you a new IP. ;)

[PyrostasisTDK]

most isp's use dynamic ip address's (they change everytime you ask for one), simply unplugging your router, counting to 5, and plugging it back in will usually give you a new addy.

[Stompp]

okay, it destroyed my post.... here's the short version:

remote desktop or VPN from a "friend's" IP... or do what I did (or not) VPN into work and activate it that way... worked like a charm!

[Boxcarwilli]

Known issue. ;) I discovered this a year ago when both Suvega and I tried creating 4-5 trial accounts (each) from the same household (IP address).

It started around hte same time they started cracking down on goldsellers who were using trial accounts to spam people.

You can either wait between creating trial accounts from the same IP address, or use a friend's internet, or the library's, or work, or... just wait enough time until your ISP assigns you a new IP. ;)

Waiting is so not an option for me, I just broke the seal of over $100 in wow software and a new quad proc lol! Getting critical errors when executing wow from one of my copied installs. Defraging, re-installing from the newer DVD's, and will give that a shot.

[Vyndree]

re-installing from the newer DVD's

I find those $1.99 trial account DvDs are excellent for normal installs. Less CD swapping makes things faster.

[blast3r]

Isn't this considered trying to get around a control that Blizz has in place? :)

[Hypermoo]

When I created my 5 accounts, I kept getting the error 203. I tried switching IPs (went to a different house), and it still gave the error. Tried using different credit card, and same thing. I had to call to get it active.

[Vyndree]

Isn't this considered trying to get around a control that Blizz has in place? :)

The control is in place to prevent nefarious abuse of wow trial accounts. If you call Blizzard, they can help you get the additional trial accounts set up -- however there is also nothing in the rules that says that you cannot sign up for trial accounts from different locations.

If they did, the error code wouldn't tell you to call Blizzard. ;) It would tell you "sorry, you have too many trial accounts."

Its sole purpose is to cut down on goldspam.

[krum]

most isp's use dynamic ip address's (they change everytime you ask for one), simply unplugging your router, counting to 5, and plugging it back in will usually give you a new addy.I don't think this is true anymore. DHCP leases are typically 24 hours and are tied to the MAC address of the device connected to the cable modem. Most people connect their home networks to NAT gateways that they can change the MAC address of to obtain new IPs. Because of this, just power cycling your router will typically not give you a new IP. I've had the same IP with Time Warner/Road Runner for over three years.

FWIW, I was a technical director at an ISP for 5 years.

[HTeam]

I ran into this exact same problem. They first told me it was an ISP error. I would have to call my ISP.

The next guy told me it was based off my email address. I used another email address, no luck.

I just ran to the store...far faster and a bit cheaper.

[Drizzit]

When I created my 5 accounts, I kept getting the error 203. I tried switching IPs (went to a different house), and it still gave the error. Tried using different credit card, and same thing. I had to call to get it active.

Same thing happen to me. I had to call blizzard up and talk to one of there reps. About 15 minutes on hold and about 15 minutes on the phone with them (was bored of waiting so i basically bs with her for about 13 minutes, only took 2 minutes to set up the other account)

[Pyro-San]

When I created my 5 accounts, I kept getting the error 203. I tried switching IPs (went to a different house), and it still gave the error. Tried using different credit card, and same thing. I had to call to get it active.

Same thing happen to me. I had to call blizzard up and talk to one of there reps. About 15 minutes on hold and about 15 minutes on the phone with them (was bored of waiting so i basically bs with her for about 13 minutes, only took 2 minutes to set up the other account)I got the same when trying to upgrade my 5th account except the guy I talked to did not know what was wrong, I ended up getting myself a Battlechest and upgraded it that way without further issues.