: Because FMRTE works by reading live game data, Steam's automatic updates often "broke" the tool. Developers frequently advised users to keep Steam in offline mode to ensure their game version (specifically 12.2.2 for later FMRTE 12 builds) remained compatible with the editor.

If you cannot activate FMRTE 12, do not resort to malware. The FM community has created alternatives for old versions:

Unlocking Football Manager 2012 : The FMRTE 12 Activation Guide