Can you download HL2 anywhere if you have a valid CD key?

[berseker]

My CD 2 got scratched. I know you could download it before retail but when I entered the key in Steam it told me to use my CDs.

Anyone know if you are aloud to DL it anywhere?

 

[luketabor]

i thought you could use your cdkey to download through Steam.

and don't download it anywhere else, they'll probably lock your account if you do that.

 

[berseker]

i thought you could use your cdkey to download through Steam.

and don't download it anywhere else, they'll probably lock your account if you do that.

You CAN dl it through STEAM? Can anyone confirm this, because when I entered my CD key, or tried to register it told me to install it with the retail CDs first.

 

[Shady Milkman]

my brother tried to do that...he clicked on the register a product i already own button and entered his hl2 cd key, but it told him he needed an hl2 installation. i would return the game to the merchant you bought it from and exchange it for a good copy.

 

[luketabor]

that's funky. i would contact Valve Support if I were you.

oh crap, they're on vacation or something, aren't they? you could try returning it (tell them you got it for christmas) and tell them the disc was scratched when you unpacked it.

 

[crownest]

Does your HL2 comes with a warrenty card? I know some retail games do.

 

[TheSmJ]

I'd download an ISO "illegally", and install it WITHOUT using the Steam account hack.

 

[bliink]

I'd download an ISO "illegally", and install it WITHOUT using the Steam account hack.

Its a bit risky (and illegal), Just take it back to the store (if you have the receipt and say it was scratched when you opened it

 

[TheSmJ]

Its a bit risky (and illegal), Just take it back to the store (if you have the receipt and say it was scratched when you opened it

From what I recall, you can't actually do this (something to do with the CD-Key being "teathered" to your Steam aco****, making the CD's useless for resale).

It's not illegal to (basicly) obtain a backup copy. He's bought the game, and as long as he doesnt mess around with his Steam account, there shouldn't be a way for Valve to tell what he used to get the data.

Again, if it's just an ISO of the same disk he lost, there's really no risk, and it's not illegal in the least (he bought the game, remember?)

 

[bliink]

From what I recall, you can't actually do this (something to do with the CD-Key being "teathered" to your Steam aco****, making the CD's useless for resale).

just create a new steam account

Again, if it's just an ISO of the same disk he lost, there's really no risk, and it's not illegal in the least (he bought the game, remember?)

Its still illegal to download a HL2 ISO, ethically, its open to debate, but legally, its a no-no

 

[TheSmJ]

What I mean is; the store won't take it (or so I've heard).

The HL2 ISO itself is useless unless you have a legit Steam account which states that you own the game. If I could make a backup CD using Steam's backup option and legally send it to somebody, then I should be able to make an ISO of such a backup CD and email/torrent/whatever it to them. It's been said that the files on these retail disks contain the same files as the backup disk, only the installer looks more like something you'd expect from a retail product.

Using the Steam hack to play the game without paying for it is another story. But he doesn't need this, so why use it in the first place?