how to recover cd keys(external) before format HDD (solved )

[amykbr]

Hello, may I know, is it possible for me to save my cd keys activation(registry) that I buy from external source before I format my HDD, as I learned that my cd keys would be invalid after I install new OS(win 10). thanks in advance

[Kargor]

Depends on the software. Steam doesn't have anything that would need saving, so this is probably the wrong forum entirely.

[Cathulhu]

Not sure where you read that, because that's nonsense with Steam.
Just log into your account and download the games or restore a backup.
A product key can only be used once. After that it is permantly bound to an account. Not a PC.
It can be used on as many computers as you want.

[Count_Dandyman]

I don't know who told you that but your keys won't be invalidated by changing OS they are tied to your account not the PC.

[amykbr]

so, which forum should i ask? sorry to ask

[Washell]

You don't need the keys if they're tied to your steam account, just login.

For games not tied to steam or other accounts, you might run into a too many activations issue with the drm. But that's only after five or more. So you should be fine.

There's nothing about a reinstall that actively invalidates keys.

[amykbr]

I already format and load OS to my new Hdd, and after that, steam not recognize my game... it only recognize my games that I buy on steam.. not the games that I buy(keys) from external and key in here, or?? which step did I done wrong, and thank god I still not format this Hdd

[Cathulhu]

Sounds like you have at least two accounts.

[amykbr]

no.. I just have 1 account, and to be safe, after I've got my new HDD, as my old HDD is going to kaput, I install Win 10 and I install steam, all games that I buy from steam are there, but the games that I key in cd keys not been recognize, I try to key in my keys, but as you mention, it says that the keys already been used.

[amykbr]

so... that is why... i asked... how or what should I do to make steam recognize that I already buy that game, and if steam needed any activation from registry.. which data should I save

[Washell]

Are these the games you're missing?

https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198849274592/games/?tab=all

[amykbr]

some of it,

[Washell]

Could be a coincidence, but given it's the same name and you recognize games, looks like you have two accounts.

[Cathulhu]

Well, that's a different account.
Seems you were wrong about your "i have only 1 account" assumption.

[J4MESOX4D]

Originally posted by amykbr:

no.. I just have 1 account, and to be safe, after I've got my new HDD, as my old HDD is going to kaput, I install Win 10 and I install steam, all games that I buy from steam are there, but the games that I key in cd keys not been recognize, I try to key in my keys, but as you mention, it says that the keys already been used.

Once a key is used, its worthless and cannot be used again. Games are bound to accounts so as long as you're logged into your account, the games can be installed via your library. If games are not showing then you should visit the store page and download from there.

You also have two accounts as shown here https://steamcommunity.com/search/users/#text=amykbr

[amykbr]

ok... thanks.. let me check on it... so, that is why I could not see my games... thank you again