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

Xavier Apr 5, 2013 @ 2:19pm

I can't install Skyrim

So I finally went out and bought a copy of Skyrim. I didn't wanna download it through Steam because my Internet connection is slow and it would've taken forever, so I got a physical copy so I could install it from the DVD. Problem is, after I typed in the activation code and chose my installation directory I got a message that said "This game cannot be installed".

I've tried running the setup.exe in compatibility mode (I have Windows 8), I've restarted Steam, restarted my laptop, and the result has been the same.

Things got even weirder when I tried to use my activation code on Steam to try and download the game anyway. The code was recognized as being for a game called "Rage" which automatically began downloading. No Skyrim. What gives? I bought the game brand new in the box from an AAFES store on base and the activation code was typed in exactly how it was printed in the box. I'm pretty sure it says Skyrim on it. I've contacted both Bethesda and Steam support and have not gotten a response from either of them. Any ideas?

Something went wrong while displaying this content. Refresh

Error Reference: Community_9734361_

Loading CSS chunk 7561 failed.
(error: https://community.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/public/css/applications/community/communityawardsapp.css?contenthash=789dd1fbdb6c6b5c773d)

Showing 1-10 of 10 comments

Xavier Apr 5, 2013 @ 7:15pm

I was kidding about that part, its definitely a Skyrim box. I took pictures of everything (and the reciept) in case Steam support needs it but they haven't e-mailed me back....

JESTER Apr 13, 2013 @ 1:54am

I have the same issue to include purchasing from AAFES. I see that you are playing it now. What did you/they do and what gives? I really hate this BS Steam does. This is the 3rd game (@ $30-40 per different game) they have f'ed up and now I am down $120 with no response. FU Steam/Valve! BTW, I think "sarcasm" is lost on Mittenz as reading/comprehension is a given (I hope). Anyone else want free money? That "IS" sarcasm. Also, seeing that AAFES has nothing to do with the packaging and whats inside the sealed container, the product within is solely Valve/Bethesda's POS product and responsible for their f'ed up databases.

DinosaurNeil Apr 22, 2013 @ 8:51pm

I had the exact same thing happen to me and I have also had no luck getting a response from Steam.

Τhe Rolling Cheese Wheel Apr 22, 2013 @ 8:54pm

Well thread is already solved because OP is now playing skyrim.

Xavier Apr 23, 2013 @ 1:49am

I went back to the store and exchanged the game for a different copy. The new CD key worked like a charm and I started playing and promptly forgot about this thread lol. Sorry about that. Steam sent me a response a few days later saying that they wouldn't be able to help me and it was something I had to take care of through the retailer or developer.

Τhe Rolling Cheese Wheel Apr 23, 2013 @ 1:51am

Originally posted by Xavier:
I went back to the store and exchanged the game for a different copy. The new CD key worked like a charm and I started playing and promptly forgot about this thread lol. Sorry about that. Steam sent me a response a few days later saying that they wouldn't be able to help me and it was something I had to take care of through the retailer or developer.

Yep it happens. Someone might be stealing and replacing the keys in the store back room. It's not hard to reseal a game box anyways :)

JESTER Apr 24, 2013 @ 5:33pm

Contact Bethesda customer support at (410) 568-3685. They said I should have never dealt with Steam and contacted them directly. Apparently there is an issue with some of the Rage/Skyrim games as they share the similar CD key format:

Elder Scrolls: Skyrim in this format: 1ABCD-D3FGH-45I67
RAGE CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7

According to my CD key, it doesn't match either via the alpha-numeric, just 5-5-5. Bethesda seems pretty adamant about clearing this up. I sent them pics of the case, disc, and receipt and I will see what they are going to do from here. Hopefully this will get sorted.

JESTER Apr 25, 2013 @ 4:42pm

I just received my new Skyrim CD key (installing now). Thank you Bethesda. I can't complain about their customer service. In less than 24hrs they turned it around. That day wait was probably because I supplied the required info late in the duty day. Steam on the other hand took 7 days to get back to me and 3 more to refer me to Bethesda after I sent them copies of the receipt, game CD, and case pics. I REALLY HATE STEAM. Hopefully (DinoNeil) your situation will get sorted and you will be playing in no time. I hope that the info I supplied will assist you.