Trouble with Half-Life reinstallation

[Mith555]

Hey guys, Im posting on behalf of my brother. He bought half-life 2 and installed it and played fine. About 2weeks ago I had to reformat his computer and everything was lost. He came to me later saying that he couldnt play Half-Life 2 anymore. I give it a looksee and learn about this steam deal. Well he's logged into his steam account and Half-Life 2 isnt on the list. It asks for the account key and when I enter it, the message "already in use blah blah blah" shows up. I ask him is this the same account you had before? He tells me it isnt, when he signed up for it before he made an account but cannot remember the password so he made a new one.../sigh. I read something about being able to mail in your game for a new CD and new Key. I dont wanna have to resort to that so does anyone know a way to retrieve password info (he remembers the email he signed up uner) and how to "log out" of a steam account? Any other pointers? Thanks much.

 

[diluted]

There should be a button that says "Retrieve a lost account" on the Steam login window.

 

[Mith555]

I cannot get to the login window (I am not familiar with Steam) It automatically logs into the invalid account. I cannot log out. It just lists some games.

 

[Is This Tea]

Right click on the system tray icon for steam. Go to settings. Login as a different user. Retrieve lost account.

 

[Foebane]

I doubt that will work. Steam is as useful as a rubber-band based measuring tape. IF it works, then tell me to **** off and I will... forever.