Key Shows as Expired Immediately After Activation

[withmoh]

Problem: I entered my key into the loader and it says invalid! I got SCAMMED!


Solution: This is a common, though frustrating, issue where a newly purchased or extended subscription key appears invalid, revoked, or already expired right after you enter it into the loader or software client.

Before panicking, understand that this is rarely an issue with the key itself, but rather a temporary synchronization, system setting, or connection problem.

 

I. Common Causes

There are four primary reasons this error occurs:

Cause	Description
1. Time/Date Mismatch	Your computer's internal clock or date is set incorrectly. The key validation server might be rejecting the activation attempt because the timestamp appears to be in the past or future.
2. Server Synchronization Delay	The payment processor and the cheat key server have a slight lag time (usually 1-5 minutes) between payment confirmation and key activation recording.
3. Firewall/Antivirus Blocking	Your security software (Windows Defender, Firewall, Antivirus) is blocking the loader/client from sending or receiving the necessary data packet to the validation server.
4. Product/Version Mismatch	You are attempting to use a key meant for one product (e.g., Hydra for Valorant) in the loader for a different product (e.g., Kraken for Rust).

 

 

II. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting (The Fix)

Follow these steps in order to resolve the issue:

Step 1: Verify System Time and Date

This is the most frequent cause. The validation server is highly sensitive to time discrepancies.

1. Go to your Windows Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time.

2. Ensure that "Set time automatically" and "Set time zone automatically" are both enabled.

3. Click the "Sync now" button to force your PC to sync with an internet time server.

4. Once synchronized, reboot the loader and try the key again.

Step 2: Wait for Synchronization (5 Minutes)

If you received the key within the last few minutes, the backend database may still be updating.

1. Close the loader completely (ensure it is not running in the background).

2. Wait for 5 full minutes.

3. Re-open the loader and attempt to log in or re-enter the key.

Step 3: Temporarily Disable Security Software

A blocked connection can make the software assume the key is invalid because it can't verify the actual status.

1. Temporarily disable your Windows Defender Real-time Protection.

2. Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software (e.g., Avast, Kaspersky, McAfee).

3. Temporarily disable your Windows Firewall (search "Windows Defender Firewall" and select "Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off").

4. With these disabled, re-run the loader and try the key.

5. Important: If this works, you must set an exclusion for the loader folder in your security software before re-enabling it.

Step 4: Confirm Key and Product Match

Ensure the key you purchased matches the specific product you are trying to use it with.

1. Check your email or store receipt to confirm the exact product name (e.g., is it a Hydra key or an Armani key?).

2. Verify that you are downloading and using the correct loader/client for that specific product.

3. Keys are often product-specific and are not interchangeable.

---

III. When to Contact Support

If you have completed all four steps above and the key is still showing as expired or invalid, you should contact support with the following information:

1. The exact key you are trying to activate.

2. The name of the product/cheat the key is for.

3. A screenshot of your desktop showing your correct system time/date.

4. A list of the troubleshooting steps you have already performed (e.g., "I synced my time, waited 5 minutes, and disabled my firewall").