"duplicate" CD key, and "DB error" at forums

[garbaqq]

So I just now opened the HL2 retail box that's been sitting on my
shelf for six months, as I now finally have a machine fast enough to
play this beast. When I get to the Steam registration process, I
enter my CD key and it tells me someone else is using it. If that is
true, they did not get it from this box; they either guessed it, or
Valve gave the same key out twice.

I then try going to the support forums, and get "DB error" all over the
place. I sent an "Ask a question" message but because that came
back with another "DB error" I have no idea whether it was sent.

I suspect the support "DB error" thing might be related to the
spurious "duplicate CD key" error. Is anyone else experiencing either
of these problems? Does anyone know an actual support phone
number I could call to talk to a live human?

I sent email to [email protected], but
so far no reply. This is *so* aggravating...

-Scott

 

[UltimaApocalypse]

Did you buy the game used by any chance?

 

[Barney Fife]

Did you buy the game used by any chance?

Good question.

I don't think VALVe would give the same key twice and will never happen as it the most stupids mistake VALVe or any developer could make. The only reason a duplicate CD key could happen is to buy HL2 used.

don't take my word for it if you like to, but wait for other to reply.

Good Luck.