Hi all, I’m getting a new computer shortly, and was getting all my software together when I noticed I had lost Half Life(game). I still have a backup CD, but I don’t know the CD key. Can I find it in my computer, somewhere in the Half life directory? Or will I have to go buy a new one? Thanks
No one will give it to you here. I just want to make that clear.
You say you have a “backup disk.” I infer that to mean you don’t have the original copy, but you could mean that it’s the original installation disk and you treat it as a backup.
We can’t talk discuss anything illegal here, however honest you may really be about it. And we always have to assume the worst, that is, that you’re soliciting serial numbers.
This should be helpful, though: Google Groups. This is probably a very often asked question, and if you do a search like “half life” serial you’ll probably find that your question has been asked and authoritatively answered.
I had the same question not long ago about a Quake III game. I bought the disk, and it still runs on my computer. I wanted to install it on the network at work so I could play against drafting during lunch.
I can’t find the jewel case, but I know the key must be on my computer, in the registry or someplace. I would like to find my key, not obtain a pirated key.
I had no idea it was illegal to look for it on my own computer, I guess that’s why there are forums like this one, to keep me from getting into trouble without knowing it.
Thanks for helping me out, I sure wouldn’t want to break any laws by searching on my own computer for a key to a game I bought.
A couple things:
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Anything is possible with a computer.
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I’m not sure what you mean by “backup disk”.
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As for the OP, if the new computer you are buying has Windows XP (any edition) installed on it, you really have no problem. There is a “File Transfer Wizard” under Accessories, that helps you transfer all of your old files to your new computer. All you would need is a telephone cable to stretch between the two modems, or a null modem (serial) cable (under 10 bucks) to stretch between the two serial ports. It is self explanatory, once you start the wizard on your new computer, it helps you step by step. So your Half Life game, and any saved games, will be transferred over and are protected, and you will be able to play them on your new computer.
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I used to be a Half Life addict, and if memory serves, you do need the original installation CD in the drive to play the game. This is a simple thing manufacturers do to cut down on piracy. I don’t remember ever having to type in a serial code, but I may be wrong. So what you are referring to as a “backup disk” is probably the actual installation and game disk. In situations like this, I have actually called the manufacturer, with disk in hand, and read serial numbers off of the disk. Then they give me a universal serial number right over the phone to use. But one time, I actually had to put the CD in an envelope and mail it back to them. I got the exact same game back in a brand new box. Most game manufacturers have a buyback program like that for damaged and scratched games, although you have to pay shipping and handling.
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There is a piece of software called something like GamerX. It is fully legal, and available on Best Buy’s shelf. What it does is copy all of the game files to your hard drive, and convice the game that it is actually reading the files from your CDROM. The upside is that it speeds the game up incredibly, and you don’t need the CD in the drive anymore to play the game. The downside is that you could easily have to devote 500 MB of your hard drive space to one game.
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The second poster was correct. Google “Half Life Serial Number” and after a little investigation, you could probably find a universal one to get your game going.
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Have you tried reinstalling it yet?
It isn’t really illegal to do that. Illegal comes into play because we can’t tell from here if you really own the game - and helping you play a game you don’t own is illegal.
As another legal alternative, I bought Half Life for five bucks about six months ago. The game is so old (in game software terms) that its usually in bargain bins.
You guys didn’t read all that carefully :rolleyes:. This guy has Half-life and he has a legal key. All he wants to do is find the key that he originally used to install the game (maybe he has the original disc but threw away the jewel case with the key on it). The answer is in the registry:
Start > Run > regedit > HKEY_CURRENT_User > Software > Valve > Half-life > Settings
From there, look for a registry called “Key”. The numbers after that is your CD Key."
There’s nothing illegal about trying to find your own cd key. Illegal is looking for a new key or trying to fake a key or crack the program.
Good catch Jayrot. I was actually coming back to this board just to post that.
Thanks ** Jayrot **.
Funny thing, I Googled and found a list of cracked codes. That’s not what I wanted. I just wanted mine. I knew it resides on my computer, but I don’t do much in the registry (I did a manual removal of a virus using detailed instructions, that’s about it).
I also know I can buy QIII pretty cheap and get a whole new set-up. I’m not a cheapskate, but I really didn’t want to buy something just to screw around at work.
With QIII you need the CD to play single player, but you need the key to play over a network IIRC. I’m not certain, as I wanted to get everything together before we tried to get it installed on the network…I’ll have to bother the Admin, and I’d rather just bother him once. All of the install instructions were in the jewel case so we’ll be winging it anyway…I don’t remember it being too difficult.
I know that this site doesn’t condone or support illegal key hunts, and again that’s not what I was asking for. It’s not like I wanted to break into somebodies house and hack their registry…:rolleyes:
So thanks again, and rest assured I’m not a software pirate desperate to get a crack for an aging game that nobody I know even plays anymore.
Ever heard of a funny little game called Counter-strike? CS is a half-life mod which can be downloaded for free, meaning the only thing that you actually end up buyng is the valid CD key. Those valid keys are actually still quite valuable.
I completely understand and agree with this board’s policies about answers to question about illegal activities. However, there is quite the knee jerk reaction around here to assume that even mentioning the words “file sharing” or CD Key, makes it automatically taboo. Glad I could help.
There’s a “CD KEY” item in the options menu, you should be able to just go there and write down the key. But I don’t think you need a valid CD key to play Q3A on a LAN or in single player mode, only to play it online.
I did come across a way to back out the serial number of Quake II a few years ago, so I imagine it would be possible (abit, with great difficulty without canned scripts).
In future, just get a felt-tip pen to write the serial number onto the CD. I’ve done that for several years and it has bailed me out numerous times.
No, I’m not really a “gamer”…I don’t know much about the different games. I bought QIII to do video card benchmark comparisons. When I was looking for the case, I came across the notes I had to even get into the benchmark mode…I had forgotten the commands. It’s been a few years since I even checked any.
I tried it online, but I was on dial-up and just got pulverized. If I do get it installed here at work, I’ll have DSL speed, I might try it online again. Last time I looked, there weren’t many servers still running it (not anything like back when I first got it), and that’s been a while back. I might get up to speed just in time to never get to try it.
I still play it now and then, I’ve beaten all the levels on the hardest setting except that last guy…he cleans my plow.
Mr2001 Seems like I recall the CD Key command…I was thinking it was to enter the CD Key…I’ll have a look next time. And I might not have to have it for LAN play, I just didn’t know and wanted to have it if I did. I know you don’t have to have it for single player. I don’t mess around with the settings too much, I had a heck of a time just getting a scroll mouse to swap weapons, so I leave it alone except to play.
Every CD I have that requires a “key” has that key written right on the disk label. Sharpies are your friend.