What could stop an old steam key from working?
So I recently dug up a couple games: "Fable: The Lost Chapters" and "Spore". I noticed they had product keys. I'm not sure if the keys had been used, but I tried registering them on Steam. For some reason, they didn't work.
Does anyone know any possible reasons Steam keys might not work? And if they are unusable, should I manually download them via the disks?
I do not know if I am suppose to include dashes or spaces, but they keys are in the following format:
AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC-DDDDD-EEEEE
Best Answer
It sounds like you are attempting to use a non-steam key for the game.
Just because a game is available on Steam doesn't mean every key for that game is a Steam key.
If you have the game dvd or can install the game from elsewhere (you can get Fable for instance from Xbox Live) then you'll be able to use the key that you have.
Some non-steam game keys can actually be used to get a Steam version of the game however this is limited to the games found in this list of valid code formats, of which neither Spore nor Fable are a part.
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What to do if a Steam key is not working?
Make sure that the game has been successfully downloaded and installed through the Steam client. A key will not be issued on the Steam account until the download has begun. If the key is still not generating, please verify integrity of game files and restart the Steam client.Why is my Steam key invalid?
If a key is not intended for registration through Steam, you will see an Invalid Product Code error when you try to register it. If a retail or digital game key has already been registered, you will see a duplicate key error.Why do Steam keys get revoked?
The CD Key you used to activate the game was revoked by the publisher of the game. This can happen, for example, when the CD Key is intended for a limited time activation, like a Beta, or if the publisher determines that the CD Key itself had been obtained by fraudulent means.How do I get my steam key back?
Once you activate a product key on your Steam account, the game is permanently bound to it. This process cannot be reversed. If you purchased the wrong product, the seller may not be able to give you a refund on G2A.COM since the key has been redeemed and cannot be used again.I bought 5 random PREMIUM Steam Keys for $5. This is what I got
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Answer 2
Not sure if that's what you're talking about, but some "product keys" are only used for validating the disk copy of the game you already have, for example. They're not to be confused with a key which you enter in Steam to be able to add the game to your library and directly download it. This is especially true for games so old as Spore and Fable.
Answer 3
Spore can be redeemed through origin. Fable should work through steam.
However if you are unlucky and it was a Games for Windows Live game, that service is dead and you can only play already redeemed games from the service. Sorry.
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