"CD key in use" problem - PLEASE HELP!

[Rakunish]

Hello,

I'm gonna explain the issue here even tho I've already refunded the steam version of cod, since I've got a key from other store, but I bought it on steam only for testing purposes.

Anyway, I downloaded cod from a third party site, entered the cd-key on the beginning of the installation and installed the game, in the end of installation I got a corrupted file warning but the game installed nonetheless. So I have updated it to 1.5 and joined a random server, everything worked fine at this point, I was playing the game for 10 min. Then the "corrupted file" thing bothered me, so I've tried to reinstall the game again, same corrupted file thing appeared.. So I have downloaded a different installation file which didn't have this issues after installation, tried to join the same server I have played on before and got "CD key in use" error. Bought the steam version in hopes it would be different, downloaded, installed, same thing, "CD key in use", refunded steam version. Downloaded the version from codbase discord and here I am.

The same original cd-key was used in every installation (except steam), yet the problem persists. I have tried to reinstall, reset computer, reset router, deleted all regedit stuff that mentioned "call of duty, activision, codkey", re-entered all of it again manually and all of the steps above in mixed variations and combinations. Does anyone have any idea how to solve this? I am 100% certain this key is the original key. I am only able to play on cracked servers, the rest don't work (cd-key in use).

Would appreciate any help.

[UltimateLemon]

I think the problem arises because there is literally no support left for anything COD 1.1-1.9 relative. I have had that issue lots even though I own a physical copy of the game that came with its own unique CD Key, I still have that problem, and all the COD 1 forums that I am on outside of Steam talk about this problem as well and there doesn't seem to be an actual fix.
Sorry that this is happening, its super frustrating. If you are able to find a solution, please reply to this thread or message me directly because I think a lot of people are in the same boat. Cheers!

[skibidiah chapter 6]

i worked out a solution with OP for this.

buy the game off steam unless you have an original key from back in the day (the ones on the manual)
after installing (might need to boot up game once idk) pull the key from your registry, the way to do this is typing regedit in your windows search, and searching for "codkey" it should provide you with a value, this is your cd-key incase you ever need it.

run the game in admin, and windows xp 3 comp mode. the way to do this is going to your steam library, right clicking on cod1 > properties > local files > browse and finding the multiplayer exe. right click the exe > hit properties > compatilbility tab and select "run as administrator" and "run this program in compatibility mode" select win xp 3 here.

make sure your steam is also running as administrator, you don't need compatibility mode for steam. if it gives you a prompt at the beginning about compatibility mode as you boot up steam you can hit continue.

you should be able to connect to any server now, if it doesn't work try re-writing your cd-key into the multiplayer options within the game itself when it's running.

if something doesn't work about it feel free to contact me

[Rakunish]

Origineel geplaatst door Lo0nex:

i worked out a solution with OP for this.

buy the game off steam unless you have an original key from back in the day (the ones on the manual)
after installing (might need to boot up game once idk) pull the key from your registry, the way to do this is typing regedit in your windows search, and searching for "codkey" it should provide you with a value, this is your cd-key incase you ever need it.

run the game in admin, and windows xp 3 comp mode. the way to do this is going to your steam library, right clicking on cod1 > properties > local files > browse and finding the multiplayer exe. right click the exe > hit properties > compatilbility tab and select "run as administrator" and "run this program in compatibility mode" select win xp 3 here.

make sure your steam is also running as administrator, you don't need compatibility mode for steam. if it gives you a prompt at the beginning about compatibility mode as you boot up steam you can hit continue.

you should be able to connect to any server now, if it doesn't work try re-writing your cd-key into the multiplayer options within the game itself when it's running.

if something doesn't work about it feel free to contact me

Can confirm, this worked for me!