Steam activation question

[maxtrix]

I am thinking of buying episode one off ebay, since steam's site does not accept paypal.

I was wondering if you need to insert a CD while validating the product key, because this was the case with HL2. Im not interested in getting anything shipped or to buy it in stores, since its cheaper, and more comfortable to just download it...however I need to know if its enough to insert a cd-key for activation, or if it asks for the CD to be inserted as well. Thanks.

 

[Link]

I don't know the answer, although I'm sure someone will come in soon enough to answer it, however, be advised, if the CD key they sell you it already registered, it will not work and you will have a ver hard time getting your money back

 

[Russian Mafia]

Steam will soon accept paypal, just wait.

 

[maxtrix]

I doubt that, but anyways, could someone please answer my question?

 

[Acepilotf14]

Matrix, we know they will be accepting paypal in a few weeks/months, VALVe announced it. But, Yes, Im pretty sure you need a CD for steam to even recognise you got it, unless you bought it over steam. Im not sure how you can just enter a CD key and magically get it on your games list... oooh.. ima start entering random codes now. I'll be back in.. err.. carry the 6... around 400 billion minutes. Bye!

 

[Ridge]

If you buy it over steam it is automatically registered to your account and you can then download...

 

[605Scorpion]

Actually, when I bought HL1 and all the expansions, and went to enter the keys in, I got a bunch of stuff I didn't buy, even though the games were pre-Steam. I think Steam thinks I bought a HL1 Platinum or something like that.

I'm not sure what that means here though.

 

[Przemek]

After you enter the cd key in steam, you will be able to download Episode One files. I guess it's better to install it normally from the CD - that way you'll have less to download (just the updates).

 

[Danimal]

I woudn't trust buying the game off eBay, for all you know the CD-Key could already be used and then you cannot use the disc.

 

[605Scorpion]

Well, that's a given.