1 key / one purchase?

[capteeni]

OK, i have stupid problem.
i just got new computer and downloaded Hl2 and Steam on it, but when i opened my account it says "Pre-load complete" and next to it there's a button called "Purchase" WTF!???

I also tried to Activate the product, but it says that My CD-key is dublicated, of course i registered it on my Account back in 2004.
Why the hell i should purchase the game again if i HAVE 5 cd's of it RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME.

 

[Link]

You need to log on to the new steam on the new computer with the same account as you logged on to the old steam on the old computer.

Assuming you still have the old computer, fire it up, load steam, and make sure the username in the old one is the same as in the new one.

 

[Ennui]

you have to use the same account as the old computer, like Link said.

as soon as you install the game with CD-key on an account, the key is bound to that account.

 

[capteeni]

well its the same account all over again. do this:> Format the harddrive install your retail copy and blam, your right in same situation as i am now.

 

[Link]

Actually, no. I reinstalled windows 2 days ago, loaded up steam, and blam, I downloaded all the products I own.

Thats a point, steam could really use a "Download all my owned titles" button.

 

[kacation_man]

they need some kind of "warning" for this like : " if your reinstalling half life 2 use your old steam account to access all rightfully owned games " or something to that effect.