Discussion: TUTORIAL: How to upgrade F2P account with Mines of Moria retail box

WARNING to U.K. and European players:
This upgrade DOES NOT WORK with European versions of the Mines of Moria box. You cannot upgrade a U.S. Free To Play account with a European product key. European versions have a Codemasters logo on the box.
Picture of a European box - Don't buy this.


This is a visual guide to upgrading your U.S. Free To Play account with a U.S. version Mines of Moria retail box (either Complete Edition or Collectors Edition).

Your Mines of Moria Product Key can be found in a blue pamphlet inside your game box. This one is from the Complete Edition, so a Collectors Edition might look different.
http://i.imgur.com/PztEj.jpg

For more pics of the Mines of Moria Complete Edition box, see my other post:
Mines of Moria Complete Edition Box Pics

***TUTORIAL STARTS HERE***
Click the image links for screenshots of each step.

1. Go to:
https://myaccount.turbine.com/

2. DO NOT put your key in the top box. Instead, log in below in the "Manage Turbine Account" section.
http://imgur.com/e4elm.png

3. Enter your Mines of Moria Key in the "Activate Product Key" section and click the "Submit" button. (DO NOT click "Upgrade Now!")
http://imgur.com/ouQoi.png

4. Click "Yes" when asked "Would you like to upgrade your current subscription?"
http://imgur.com/RAf6s.png

5. Payment Method: Select "GAME CARD OR OTHER PAYMENT METHODS" if you don't plan to subscribe now with a credit card. (If you do want to pay extra for a subscription now, go ahead and enter that info.)
http://imgur.com/BIrPX.png

6. Under "Game Card" check the box that says "I don't have one right now, I will enter one later." At the bottom, check the box "I agree..." Click the "Submit" button. (Note that the Subscription Terms and Conditions says "Your purchase entitles you to 30 days of free game play." This means 30 days VIP game time.)
http://imgur.com/FvWV4.png

7. Done. Your screen should look like this. It says "You will not be billed by Turbine, Inc." In your LOTRO Subscriptions section it should say "VIP" in the upper right corner. Next Billing Date should be 30 days from today (or the date you add the code). Game Version History should show at least: Mines of Moria Standard and Shadows of Angmar Standard.
http://imgur.com/0sift.png


If you have any problems activating the product key or getting the VIP game time applied to you account, contact customer support.

Account Management Email Form
Account Management Phone Support: (781) 407-4020
Monday - Friday from 12:00 noon -8:45 pm Eastern


More support discussion here:
GTC and Product Key Issues with Resubscription

awesome job!

This is exactly how I upgraded my VIP starter pack that was available the 1st week using my Moria Retail Box and it worked just fine. Thanks for taking the time to post the pics with it too.

Envoyé par F8thfulRaider

awesome job!

This is exactly how I upgraded my VIP starter pack that was available the 1st week using my Moria Retail Box and it worked just fine. Thanks for taking the time to post the pics with it too.

Thanks. I hope it helps and clears up some common questions for new players.

By the way, just to follow up on my experience, I got all the in-game upgrades (bags, riding quest unlock, character slots, new classes) almost immediately, but it took at least 24 hours or so for my 500TP to show up. So, don't be surprised if that takes a while.

First, thanks for the info! I've ordered the MoM expansion, but I've only just started w/ the game and I'm currently leveling up 3 characters along with crafting. I went ahead and unlocked the gold cap and AH slots w/ TP's, but that's the only purchase I've currently made.

My question is, at this time, would you recommend holding off activating the MoM? I really don't feel restricted in my game play at the moment. I'd hate to have a free month of VIP game time and not really be able to get the most out of it.

Thanks!

Envoyé par Bootstomp

My question is, at this time, would you recommend holding off activating the MoM? I really don't feel restricted in my game play at the moment. I'd hate to have a free month of VIP game time and not really be able to get the most out of it.

Personally, I followed the suggestion of others to level my free characters to 20 before I upgraded with my MoM key. You won't have any problems questing up that high or even to mid-20s. After upgrading, I trained riding on both characters and just bought my second horse today.

The only limitation I ran into was the bag space, because I was trying to hold on to as many resources and recipes as possible, since I knew I was going to have a total of 5 crafters covering all the professions.

Can anyone say if it is necessary to install the software, or whether you only need the box for the retail key?

I'd like to avoid a lengthy install if it is not necessary, but I'm also afraid to somenhow mess things up if I enter the code w/o the software!

Thanks so much!

Envoyé par Wolfenheart

Can anyone say if it is necessary to install the software, or whether you only need the box for the retail key?

I'd like to avoid a lengthy install if it is not necessary, but I'm also afraid to somenhow mess things up if I enter the code w/o the software!

Thanks so much!

You don't need the discs at all. Every player uses the same game client, some parts are just locked. So you already have all the content on your computer already.

If you make a toon before you are VIP, that toon is F2p.If then you get to be VIP you get all the extra but only for that period of time.The toon that is made when you were f2p will go back as a premium worthless.
BUT, if you make a toon while you are in Vip then that toon will keep all the extra when you go to premium.
Is that correct ??

Envoyé par chobocolin

If you make a toon before you are VIP, that toon is F2p.If then you get to be VIP you get all the extra but only for that period of time.The toon that is made when you were f2p will go back as a premium worthless.
BUT, if you make a toon while you are in Vip then that toon will keep all the extra when you go to premium.
Is that correct ??

No, that's not correct. All the characters that you PLAY (log in) while you are VIP keep those benefits. When you created them is not important.

I recommend checking this incredibly helpful site for the details (take the time to read other sections as well):

http://lotro.mmorsel.com/2010/09/bes...ount-type.html

Edit: So the best way to do it is to play as a free-player until you have completed all the free quests, and even one quest pack if you can afford it with your earned Turbine Points, and then subscribe or buy the boxed expansion to become VIP.

Envoyé par chobocolin

If you make a toon before you are VIP, that toon is F2p.If then you get to be VIP you get all the extra but only for that period of time.The toon that is made when you were f2p will go back as a premium worthless.
BUT, if you make a toon while you are in Vip then that toon will keep all the extra when you go to premium.
Is that correct ??

No, that is incorrect.
Any character which you log into while you have an active VIP subscription will have certain restrictions lifted or relaxed. It does not matter when those characters were created.

(and stop calling them "toons," please )

Maybe i am worrying to much. But I'd like to know about this before i try this with a boxed version of mines of moria about to arrive in a few days. (I will get it from a store in Europe... I am on an US server though as that was what I got automatically when I downloaded the game from the site. Hope that doesn't matter.)

If you follow the tutorial (well premium instead of f2p, but never been a vip)... what happens after the 30 days? Will the account go back to premium without being asked for another payment? So it all solves itself automatically without having to worry about a thing or do anything? Or are you expected to pay for another month with a game card as you said... "will add one later" and you get the "billing-police" panting in your neck?

Or in short... will you be stuck with a commitment of some sort doing the steps in this tutorial without taking further steps?

Envoyé par Orticia

Maybe i am worrying to much.. (I will get it from a store in Europe... I am on an US server though as that was what I got automatically when I downloaded the game from the site. Hope that doesn't matter.)

Alas, I must give you something else to worry about: you must be certain that 'the store in Europe' is selling you a Turbine/North American package (which I doubt) and not a Codemasters (European) package. The Turbine codes do not work on the Codemasters servers and the Codemaster codes do not work on the Turbine (American) servers. Please be very, very careful here - I would expect any European store to be selling the Codemasters version, NOT the Turbine version. Please check carefully here. If it has Codemasters on it, you don't want it for use with the Turbine servers - it will not work.

And if you follow this tutorial, you'd have no further commitment.

I didnt find this before I upgraded my account. I dont know where I went wrong but now I have both a f2p supscription and a vip subscription on the same account. I already have a lvl 20 on the f2p. Is there any way I can access him on the vip account?

Envoyé par diving2c

I didnt find this before I upgraded my account. I dont know where I went wrong but now I have both a f2p supscription and a vip subscription on the same account. I already have a lvl 20 on the f2p. Is there any way I can access him on the vip account?

Not that I am aware of, and Turbine does not allow character transfer from account to account. You might try to contact Turbine on Monday but I can not offer you much hope to access your F2P character(s) on your VIP account or to transfer them between accounts. You are not the first person to be tripped up this way, I am sorry to say.

The critical step to avoid this is to NOT enter the new key until AFTER you have logged into the account you want to upgrade. If you enter the key first, the system assumes you want a new account and away you go.

Envoyé par diving2c

I didnt find this before I upgraded my account. I dont know where I went wrong but now I have both a f2p supscription and a vip subscription on the same account. I already have a lvl 20 on the f2p. Is there any way I can access him on the vip account?

You will have to make a call to Account Services. They may be able to fix your error but it will definately take a phone call.

Account Management Phone Support: (781) 407-4020
Monday - Friday from 12:00 noon -8:45 pm Eastern
====

Envoyé par demby

This is a visual guide to upgrading your U.S. Free To Play account with a U.S. version Mines of Moria retail box (either Complete Edition or Collectors Edition).

Nice post denby. I was thinking about doing this myself but I was too lazy.
Something you might want to add at or near the top of the guide is some WARNING regarding Turbine vs. Codemasters editions of the boxes. We have quite a few Euro players crossing over at the moment and they may not realize Codemasters edition Product Keys will not work when upgrading a Turbine/N.A. account.
====

Envoyé par Shroommeister

Nice post denby. I was thinking about doing this myself but I was too lazy.
Something you might want to add at or near the top of the guide is some WARNING regarding Turbine vs. Codemasters editions of the boxes. We have quite a few Euro players crossing over at the moment and they may not realize Codemasters edition Product Keys will not work when upgrading a Turbine/N.A. account.
====

Ok, will do. I guess "U.S. Free to Play" and "U.S. version" in the first sentence may not be clear enough for people skimming the guide.

So let's say, in theory, I have more than one Mines of Moria box (with codes). Can I use them to get 2 months of VIP access, or am I limited to one 30-day-free access period, after which I can not use a Moria code again?

Thanks!

ETA: I finally did find the answer to my own question (from FAQ):

Product keys can be used to upgrade accounts, even Beta or Trial accounts. If they include time, that will be added when the key is applied for the upgrade. Only one key of a specific type can be added to an account. Keys can't be used to add time if it isn't also applying an upgrade. There are some restrictions about adding keys that might be considered a downgrade (adding an Angmar key to a Moria trial). If you have any problems when trying to upgrade, please contact the Account Management department.

So basically, in case anyone else is unclear (as I was), once you activate a Mines of Moria code (with 30 days free VIP play), future Mines of Moria codes are not valid for your account - if I have understood correctly.

From what I can tell, it is possible to upgrade a F2P account to VIP with the Mines of Moria box. Does this also work for Premium -> VIP accounts? I assume it will, but has anyone tried it? Thanks!

Envoyé par asearchforreason

From what I can tell, it is possible to upgrade a F2P account to VIP with the Mines of Moria box. Does this also work for Premium -> VIP accounts? I assume it will, but has anyone tried it? Thanks!

Yes, definitely, as long as you've never used a Moria box/code previously. Of course, once the 30-day VIP Moria upgrade expires, you'll be converted back down to premium unless you continue to subscribe.

Awesome post. Thank you very much!

I'm sure the title is confusing...

What I want to know is if there is a way to, using a MoM retail code, create a Rune-keeper or Warden but not utilize the 30-day VIP status until you reach a level at which you will most benefit (20 or 35-43).

Can I create a Rune-keeper, level it up to "whatever" and then apply the "Free" time? Or, is it a bound restriction that applying the activation key to unlock the special classes also automatically starts your 30-day VIP status? I'm guessing that, essentially, if you want an RK or Warden, you've got 30 days from the instant you create that character before you lose the VIP status.

Thoughts/solutions?

Envoyé par omniscient

What I want to know is if there is a way to, using a MoM retail code, create a Rune-keeper or Warden but not utilize the 30-day VIP status until you reach a level at which you will most benefit (20 or 35-43).

There's no way to do that with a MoM box code. It's all tied together with one code. You get all the access/benefits at once or you don't get access.

An alternative would be to buy the access to the class you want in the Turbine Store for TP and level it up, then later activate MoM. Of course, then you'd sort of be buying the classes twice (although if you use TP earned with in-game Deeds, it wouldn't cost more).

Would i be able to use all 5 characters that was created during my first free month of VIP status after upgrading to MoM expansion?

Being that i'll be premium status on 2nd month, im able to only use 3 characters from my previous 5 slots?


UPDATE: I got the answer here thanks.

http://forums.lotro.com/showthread.p...e-2-Play-F-A-Q
D26. Character Slots
Free players have access to 2 character slots.
Premium players have access to 3 character slots.
VIP players have access to 5 character slots.

D26.1 Additional Character Slots
Additional character slots can be purchased.
Moria includes 2 additional character slots.
The Adventurer's Pack includes 2 additional character slots.
Additional character slots can be purchased in the web store, up to a limit of 17.

D26.2 Extra characters/slots when I downgrade?
If you downgrade from VIP to Premium, you will lose access to 2 character slots. If all of the character slots are filled prior to the downgrade, you will be prompted to pick which characters you would like access to when you log in after the downgrade takes effect. CHARACTERS WILL NOT BE DELETED, you just won't be able to access them unless you purchase additional character slots, or upgrade to VIP again.
If you purchase additional character slots, you keep those additional character slots, regardless of any changes to your account. For example, if you are VIP and you have 5 character slots, and you purchase 2 additional character slots (not related to Mirkwood or the AdvPk) for a total of 7 character slots. If you downgrade to Premium you will then have a total of 5 character slots.

D26.3 - Character Limitations per Server
These base character limitations are per server. For example, without any additional purchase, as a Premium player you can have up to 3 characters on each server.

Thanks Demby - I was entering a Product Code just now, but got confused at the Payment screen, so I logged on to the forums, found your post & followed the directions. Voila - perfect upload! I was even in-game at the time. Turbine should give you some sort of stipend for these helpful posts.

Thank you so much for taking the time to post all that you did. Much appreciated. My retail version of Mines will be here any day. I'll be sure to follow your guide one step at a time.

Envoyé par Dr.Mindbender

Thanks Demby - I was entering a Product Code just now, but got confused at the Payment screen, so I logged on to the forums, found your post & followed the directions. Voila - perfect upload! I was even in-game at the time. Turbine should give you some sort of stipend for these helpful posts.

Same here, i actually made an account to thank you demby.

Thanks for all the kind words. I'm just glad to be able to help and prevent some confusion.

Enjoy your game!

This should be a sticky...

Thank you Demby!

I second the motion that this be stickied. The guide is very helpful, very clear, and simple to follow - even for those of us who fluster easily.

Again, thank you very much.

Demby, just wanted to say thank you for this post. I just received my copy of the MoM Collector's Edition in the mail and upgraded my account without any problems.

If you buy the box do you get the MoM expansion benefits even after the sub time runs out or would you have to buy the MoM expansion pack from the turbine store?

Envoyé par Gamblore

If you buy the box do you get the MoM expansion benefits even after the sub time runs out or would you have to buy the MoM expansion pack from the turbine store?

You keep access to all the "quest pack" content for Moria, the Dimrill Dale, and Lothlorien. You keep access to the RK and Warden classes and the 2 additional character slots.

ty great job

Envoyé par Lebenedh

Not that I am aware of, and Turbine does not allow character transfer from account to account. You might try to contact Turbine on Monday but I can not offer you much hope to access your F2P character(s) on your VIP account or to transfer them between accounts. You are not the first person to be tripped up this way, I am sorry to say.

The critical step to avoid this is to NOT enter the new key until AFTER you have logged into the account you want to upgrade. If you enter the key first, the system assumes you want a new account and away you go.

I have a similar problem- the VIP installed on the wrong channel. Any hint of what to do?

Thanks for the time!

Envoyé par Kentelyoo

No, that's not correct. All the characters that you PLAY (log in) while you are VIP keep those benefits. When you created them is not important.

I recommend checking this incredibly helpful site for the details (take the time to read other sections as well):

http://lotro.mmorsel.com/2010/09/bes...ount-type.html

Edit: So the best way to do it is to play as a free-player until you have completed all the free quests, and even one quest pack if you can afford it with your earned Turbine Points, and then subscribe or buy the boxed expansion to become VIP.

Does this include quest packs(North Downs, Lone Lands, etc.) that were formally all apart of Shadows of Angmar?... Also to clarify the MoM retail that I have is the double that includes SoA.

Envoyé par MoonyRhapsodos

I have a similar problem- the VIP installed on the wrong channel. Any hint of what to do?

Contact Turbine Account Management. They can fix this sort of thing for you.

Envoyé par Zeratulrond

Does this include quest packs(North Downs, Lone Lands, etc.) that were formally all apart of Shadows of Angmar?... Also to clarify the MoM retail that I have is the double that includes SoA.

No. If you have the "Complete Edition" (which includes SoA and Moria), it's no different than having a product key for the Moria expansion. You only have one product key in the box, right?

The only way to have permanent access to the areas that used to be part of Shadows of Angmar is (these days) to buy the quest packs. You will have access to those quests and deeds for as long as you are VIP, but will lose access once your VIP time is up and you drop to Premium.

You will have permanent access to the Moria, Dimrill Dale, and Lothlorien content because your purchase counts as buying those quest packs. Two years ago when Moria came out, everyone had to pay a monthly fee in order to access ANYTHING, and applying the key in that box got you access to the Moria content where others who were paying the same monthly fee would not have access. If you stopped paying a monthly fee, you would lose access to everything, including Moria. Isn't it better now?

Hi all. In the store today I found Mines of Moria, so I picked it up. It says game card on the cover, and the only thing inside the box is a 60 day game card and no product key or anything else. When I activate this it'll make me VIP for 60 days, but is Moria automatically included when I activate the card? I'm wondering since there's no product key for Moria, but since it's in a Moria box will it include it?

Envoyé par Meliwen

Hi all. In the store today I found Mines of Moria, so I picked it up. It says game card on the cover, and the only thing inside the box is a 60 day game card and no product key or anything else. When I activate this it'll make me VIP for 60 days, but is Moria automatically included when I activate the card? I'm wondering since there's no product key for Moria, but since it's in a Moria box will it include it?

If it says Game Card at the top of the box then it's the one I'm thinking of, which is exactly that: a Game Card for the LOTRO: Mines of Moria (the current version of the game when that game card was released).

If that is the case then you do not have MoM so there won't be a key for it in that box. Sorry.