Registering Half-Life 2 with two accounts

[Coolhead2100]

I have been very frustrated lately because Steam only allows you to register one Half-Life 2 game per account. This makes sense in practice, but my brother and I both bought Half-Life 2, and therefor wanted to install it on two different accounts, or rather have our own different SAVES and cfg folders.

Steam automatically separates different accounts into different configuration folders as most of you know. The only 'fix' I have found was to swap the cfg and SAVE folders every time I wanted to play. The two accounts on on the same computer, so I do not see how Valve would combat piracy from this, although I do realize that they did not program it to detect similar MAC, or IP adresses for Steam accounts.

If anyone has a possible fix that would be great. Ive heard of an offline fix, but I would also like to play CS: S. And I know that there is a similar thread about this, but the question was never fully answered, and differed from what I am asking.

 

[Gollan]

If you have two separate accounts, the game will keep two separate sets of save games and config files. Each of you would log into your own Steam account to play (in Steam under Settings on the Account tab select 'Login as a different user...'). Of course you both need your own unique copy of the game (CD Key). Is this is what you are doing?

 

[woodsptw]

User Accounts

You may have answered my question but let me rephrase it. Most applications I install on the XP system can be used by any user. Are you saying that when I install HalfLife2 that only one person can use the game - ever. If not, my question is - how do I install HalfLife2 on my XP system so that me and my 2 boys can each play separate games, at separate times when we are on the system? Do I install it separately in each user account?

Best Regards,

Phil

 

[michaelsil1]

You may have answered my question but let me rephrase it. Most applications I install on the XP system can be used by any user. Are you saying that when I install HalfLife2 that only one person can use the game - ever. If not, my question is - how do I install HalfLife2 on my XP system so that me and my 2 boys can each play separate games, at separate times when we are on the system? Do I install it separately in each user account?

Best Regards,

Phil

If you notice in the Valve folder it creates information for each user profile.

Create a user account in XP for your Son and this information should also be in the Valve account I don't think it requires you to buy another Key code so just install the Game in the other User account to the same Valve Folder it should just add another user account. This is just a guess on my part.

 

[michaelsil1]

If you notice in the Valve folder it creates information for each user profile.

Create a user account in XP for your Son and this information should also be in the Valve account I don't think it requires you to buy another Key code so just install the Game in the other User account to the same Valve Folder it should just add another user account. This is just a guess on my part.

I made a mistake.

Create a User Account in XP for your Son Download Steam into that User Profile Create another user name (hopefully this creates two user names in the Valve Folder) install Game.

 

[woodsptw]

Ok. It's 5 CDs worth of program & data to install - a second time - but I'll give it a shot and let you know. I appreciate the quick reply.

 

[woodsptw]

Short answer: no go.

I cound create a new Steam user account just fine but when I try to associate the HL2 CD key to Steam it says duplicate key. The support page on Steam explained one account per CD. You can't even transfer the key to another account if you make a mistake or want to change it for any reason.

Thanks anyway...

 

[michaelsil1]

Short answer: no go.

I cound create a new Steam user account just fine but when I try to associate the HL2 CD key to Steam it says duplicate key. The support page on Steam explained one account per CD. You can't even transfer the key to another account if you make a mistake or want to change it for any reason.

Thanks anyway...

At that point click cancel and proceed.

I reloaded my Game at the point where it said to input Key Code it told me it was already used I clicked cancel and it unlocked my files. I don't know if this is the case with you, but give it a try.

 

[michaelsil1]

Inside the Valve folder did it create the new Steam user? If so Copy your Half-Life information into the new User folder.