Invalid CD Key

I am receiving an "Invalid CD Key" error when attempting register my game - what may be causing this error and how can I complete registration?

CD Key Information

Your CD Key will be either 13, 15, 18, or 25 characters long - the "S7160880" code which appears on some CD Key stickers (after the CD Key) is a part number and is not part of the CD Key.

Errors While Entering Your CD-Key

If your CD-key matches the XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX pattern, please note that some numbers and letters will not be used as part of the CD Key code:

• The number 0 (try entering the letter Q or D instead)
• The number 1 (try entering the letter I instead)
• The letter O (try entering the letter Q or D instead)

Check instances of the following pairs to ensure these characters are not being confused:

• The letter B and the number 8
• The letter G and the number 6

Games for Windows Live

You may be entering in a CD Key that needs to be added within the Games for Windows Live interface instead of through the Steam client. A list of current Games for Windows Live titles on Steam can be found here.

Third party games purchased via Steam

CD Keys are issued with many third party games.  In many cases, Steam will display your CD Key when you first launch your game.  If your game launches and asks for a CD Key you do not have, please try the following:

1. Right-click on the game in the Library tab and select View Game CD Key. This option is not available for all Steam games and a CD Key is not required for all games.
2. Verify your GCF files.  Follow the directions in the Verify Integrity of Game Cache section of the Verify Game Cache Files (GCF) article. 
3. For Windows Vista users, follow the directions under Try Running Steam as Administrator in the Windows Vista Troubleshooting article.  Then, verify your GCF files again and test the issue.
4. For Windows XP users, on rare occasions you may need to properly set registry permissions: 
    

• Exit Steam.
• Go to the "Start" menu, select "Run", type "regedit" and click "OK".
• Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\VALVE
• Right click and select "Permissions"
• Check the boxes for "Admin" and "System" to "Full control" and "Read".
• Restart Steam and then verify your GCF files again.

Just Cause 2

If you are seeing this issue with a Just Cause 2 Retail CD Key, please check your CD Key and enter any listed O's or 0's as a Q to activate your product.

Empire: Total War

Empire: Total War shipped in many retail boxes with 2 CD keys, one key is printed on a slip of paper and is a key to unlock extra units in-game. The second key is for the game itself and is printed on the back of the manual. If you enter only the extra units key then try to install ETW, you will receive an error that directs you to this article. Please find the other CD key printed on the manual and enter it. After you have activated this key, you can finish your install and play the game.

This issue may also affect some D2D customers as D2D originally did not issue all users both keys and some users only got the extra units keys. If you are a D2D customer you should now be able to find both keys at their website if you initially only got one and should have had two.

Dark Messiah Might and Magic

If you consistently receive an Invalid CD Key error when trying to register Dark Messiah of Might & Magic, try re-entering the CD Key backwards, digit for digit.  If you continue to have difficulty, please contact Steam Support.

Football Manager 2009

You may have trouble deciphering some characters in the license key on your Football Manager 2009 packaging. Characters O and 0 as well I and 1 are printed in a very similar manner.

Opposing Force CD-Keys

Opposing Force CD-keys cannot be registered through Steam. Opposing Force was included in a retail Half-Life package. The Half-Life CD-key included in the package will unlock all of the games included in that package, including Opposing Force.