CD Key code doesn't work on Steam

All Discussions > Steam Forums > Help and Tips > Topic Details

This topic has been locked

star_t Dec 21, 2020 @ 3:52am

CD Key code doesn't work on Steam

Hello. I have valid CD Key code for Ground Control II Operation Exodus. I tried many times to enter it in Product Activation but it says it's invalid. Can you please tell me how to enter this VALID code and use it

Last edited by star_t; Dec 21, 2020 @ 3:54am

The author of this topic has marked a post as the answer to their question.
Click here to jump to that post.

Originally posted by J4MESOX4D:

The game is on Steam
https://store.steampowered.com/app/254840/Ground_Control_II_Operation_Exodus/
but are you sure it's a Steam key you have? It may just be a CD code for installation or something. Where did you obtain this key and is it from a physical version?

< >

Showing 1-15 of 15 comments

feytharn Dec 21, 2020 @ 3:57am

Ground Control 2 is not a Steamworks Game and not all keys sold are Steam keys (there are keys for the GoG version, for example). Are you sure the code you have got is intended for Steam?

Kargor Dec 21, 2020 @ 4:49am

For starters, if Steam says the code isn't valid, then the code isn't valid. Simple as that.

As before, if the code isn't even a Steam code, then Steam will say it's not valid because it really doesn't know the code, like, at all. It can't possibly tell you something like "Oh, this is a key for the xxx platform, use it there!". You'll have to use it on whatever platform it is for, and it's up to you to know.

Or you might have mistyped if, if it's a Steam key but you didn't get it in electronic form (I haven't typed a Steam-key in years, since I can just copy&paste them).

Last edited by Kargor; Dec 21, 2020 @ 4:50am

nullable Dec 21, 2020 @ 6:03am

Product activation codes don't mean any CD key you might find can be put in there. It's primarily for Steam product keys, CD keys may be supported if the publisher/developer elected to have copies redeemed.

But in the same vein that you can't buy a game on Origin and also get a license on Steam for that purchase. Buying a game on physical disc doesn't (necessarily) get you a license on a random digital platform. Unless things are specifically configured for that game to allow it, you play off the disk or buy a new license in the format or on the platform you really want.

The author of this thread has indicated that this post answers the original topic.

J4MESOX4D Dec 21, 2020 @ 6:05am

Hennix Dec 21, 2020 @ 6:06am

install game from cd

reg1s7 Dec 21, 2020 @ 7:58am

Probably it is not Steam key?

MrBear Dec 21, 2020 @ 8:19am

Feel

star_t Dec 21, 2020 @ 9:52am

Originally posted by J4MESOX4D:
The game is on Steam
https://store.steampowered.com/app/254840/Ground_Control_II_Operation_Exodus/
but are you sure it's a Steam key you have? It may just be a CD code for installation or something. Where did you obtain this key and is it from a physical version?

I got it with game

star_t Dec 21, 2020 @ 9:53am

Anyway thanks for help everyone. Now I understand why it's not working. Maybe they create this code for CD not for Steam. Anyway thanks

star_t Dec 21, 2020 @ 9:54am

Originally posted by feytharn:
Ground Control 2 is not a Steamworks Game and not all keys sold are Steam keys (there are keys for the GoG version, for example). Are you sure the code you have got is intended for Steam?

Ok thanks for help

#10