CD Key Problems!

[Mondoman9630]

:icon33: About two months ago I started playing. My CD key has had problems from squar one! Now I get a darn message after I thought I fixed it saying that my CD key is not Valid...:icon28: The same one that I started playing with... The same one that was previously valid... Is it possible that somebody hacked it or something that messed with it? :icon33:

[4days]

could you post an exact error message?
have you tried re-entering the key?
do you have a legitimate copy of the game?

[Mondoman9630]

Yes it's a legal copy, why otherwise would I waste my time with complaining.
I have re-entered the CD-Key and it now says not valid after entering it. When before it was Valid. The message that i originally got I don't get anymore becuase my CD key was earased.

[R1c0]

Try look on internet to one cd key
you will find many cd key valids
=]

[JB]

Thats piracy. And thats illegal.

[busetibi]

you still having problems with the key,
didn't you post a couple of weeks ago about getting an "invalid cdkey" problem ?

[4days]

you still having problems with the key,
didn't you post a couple of weeks ago about getting an "invalid cdkey" problem ?

aye
http://www.quake3world.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=23958

[+JuggerNaut+]

Try look on internet to one cd key
you will find many cd key valids
=]

fuck off.

[Mondoman9630]

Yes I was having Problems before. But that was fixed. Everything worked fine for about a month.

[S@M]

read the faq, check for making the cd key read only, and make sure there is only one copy of the cd key in your q3 directory

[Cooldown]

"Invalid CDkey" or "Someone is using this CD Key" Error
Each individual copy of Quake III Arena has been issued an exclusive CD Key. A cdkey is only valid if you bought the game and have a cdkey on your cd-case. Using a cdkey generator will allow you to overcome the checksum check within Quake3, stating that your cdkey is valid, however it is only valid for single player and will not allow you to play on the internet.

Invalid CD Key errors may occur for a wide number of reasons. The most common causes of this error are configuration issues on the client (player) machine or problems with your connection to the id's Authentication Server.

Try the following:

• - Make sure you have one q3key file located in your "Quake III Arena\baseq3" folder and that it contains the correct cd-key. If you find any q3key files in your mod folders, delete them. (common cause)

• - Perhaps there is some type of firewall or security software blocking your game's communication to id's cdkey auth server. Be sure that UDP port 27952 is open for clear communication if you have a firewall or some type of security software.

• - Manually enter your CD Key into the Q3KEY file on your hard drive.
  • 1) Open Microsoft Wordpad.
    2) Open the Q3KEY file on your drive. Please note the file does not have an extension. By default the path is:
    
    C:\Program Files\Quake III Arena\baseq3\q3key
    
    3) Enter your complete CD Key in lower-case letters at the beginning of this file. Do not use any formatting or spacing.
    4) Save the file and try the game again.

• - You may also receive this error if you are moving rapidly between different servers. The Master Server keeps a record of your CD Key, IP address, and which server you're in. If you leave a server then jump into a new one the Master Server may see this as multiple uses of the same key. Generally speaking, it's a good idea to wait 5-10 minutes before joining a new server, especially if you've been dropped from the previous server due to a connection problem.

• - Be sure that your computer is not behind a software or hardware firewall of any kind. This includes firewalls built into routers or other equipment, as well as programs like Zone Alarm, Black Ice, and the integrated firewall in Windows XP. Activision does not support the use of our games from behind a firewall. If it is not possible to disable the firewall you will need to open the ports for Quake III Arena. Quake III Arena transmits and receives network traffic on ports 27950, 27960, 27965 and 27952 using both TCP and UDP. The exact details on opening these ports is specific to your firewall. For more information check with the firewall documentation or manufacturer.

• - Another common cause of problems is a poorly configured router or connection sharing solution. If you are using a router, ICS, NAT or a software gateway you may have problems playing on the internet. This is because the router may not be forwarding the correct information back to your machine. It may be possible to get around this problem using port forwarding or DMZ. You can find more information on configuring shared connections for multiplayer gaming at http://www.practicallynetworkd.com. Please be aware that like a firewall we cannot actively support using shared connections to play online.

• - Use the in-game browser to search for and join servers. Third party applications such as All Seeing Eye and those released by Gamespy may cause Invalid Key problems. Conversely, if you are already using the in-game brower, try using the All Seeing Eye game browser.

• - If you are on a dynamic IP connection try renewing your IP address.
  Windows NT/2000/XP
  • 1) First launch the Command Prompt.
    2) At the command line type "IPCONFIG /RENEW".
  - If you have PunkBuster installed edit your Q3CONFIG.CFG file.
  • 1) Open Microsoft Wordpad.
    2) Open your Q3CONFIG.CFG file. By default this is:
    
    C:\Program Files\Quake III Arena\baseq3\q3config.cfg
    
    3) Add the following to the end of the file:
    
    seta pb_system "1"
    
    4) Save the file and try the game again.

[JB]

This guy knows his shit. Or hes posting someone elses stuff

[4days]

This guy knows his shit. Or hes posting someone elses stuff

cooldown knows his shit.

a little known q3w fact is that he doesn't use copy and paste - he actually types it out every time.

[[xeno]Julios]

cooldown's text formatting rocks

[Mondoman9630]

Cooldown, Thanks I have a few more questions. I do have PB installed but I don't have the file you refrenced to. "C:\Program Files\Quake III Arena\baseq3\q3config.cfg"
could it be somewhere else?

[Mondoman9630]

I found the config file but I canot find the q3key file. I deleted them and tryed to reenter the cd key maybe thats why its not there? If i reopen the game shouldn't it recreate the file automaticly?

[Mondoman9630]

Altho I do not have a CD key that is working, I tryed playing online and it still works... I joined and played without any CD key... thats not suposed to be possible... right?
All it said when i joined is "mis-typed cd-key?"

[S@M]

youve now confused the f$ck out of me as well as yourself :/

[Mondoman9630]

Well try this, Delete your CD key, then hit accept with out a key and join a internet game... it works....

[Cooldown]

Delete any q3key files that you have (check your baseq3 folder and mod folders that you have installed). Start Q3, it should prompt you to enter one (if not go into settings/options) and enter it. Quit the game. Restart Q3, done.

[Mondoman9630]

I have done that, but my cd key now comes up "Not A Valid CD-Key".
I have deleted all q3key files in all folders. I don't understand why my CD key is no longer valid.
I am already searching for a new q3 game to purchase, but all I have been able to find is Q4. I am not interested in buying one online. I want one from the local stores. EB Games didnt have it and nore did Game Stop, I went to wal-mart and targey. if you can think of any other stores local in Long Beach please let me know. Thanks.

[JB]

cooldown knows his shit.

a little known q3w fact is that he doesn't use copy and paste - he actually types it out every time.

Christ, thats a fair effort. Respect to Cooldown ++

[Mondoman9630]

Yeah, He helped me out a lot!