Just curious about serial keys. . .

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James Convento

James Convento

Honorable
Mar 29, 2013
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Hi, im curious about this kind of thing.
So, the question is, are serial keys in PC games only one time or just when you used it, it couldn't be used ever again? Like, what if I reinstall it? or maybe when I reinstall the OS?

Sorry for asking this kind of question.
But to be honest in all my life and everything I see here in the philippines, most of the softwares and games that are being sold are illegal copies, sometimes I even wonder, why are there so many people selling illegal copy in the malls sometimes they are all in chain (the stalls I mean), even computer shops they all have illegal softwares and games (Except for F2P games). Even I was surprise because at 13 Y.O until now I just realize I was using some pirated games, and not even supporting the ones who created the games. :(

Yeah, I know, I feel bad about this.
(Sorry for telling a partial story of my life)
 
Solution
manofchalk
Depends on the game publishers policy, some keys you can use multiple times and others you cannot.
As for what that key registers itself too depends, if its relatively modern than more than likely it will be tied to an account like Steam, Origin, Gamespy, whatever. Older games will just link up to the server and just track how many times the key has been used, if you go over the limit it will just refuse to install.play using that key.
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jaguarskx

jaguarskx

Titan
Apr 19, 2006
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I never heard of a game being locked to a specific motherboard. Windows OS yes, but not games.

"Locked" means that once you install the software (typically the OS - operating system) the software is now "locked" to that specific motherboard and cannot be install on another PC even if you uninstalled it in the 1st PC. In this case you would need to call Microsoft and ask them to release the CD-key so that you can re-install Windows in a different PC.

Never heard of a game using such limitations. A few games only allow you install them maybe 5 time before the game itself is locked and can no longer be installed. At that point you need to call the publishers' tech support and ask them unlock the CD-Key so that you can install the game again.
 
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manofchalk

manofchalk

Glorious
May 11, 2012
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Depends on the game publishers policy, some keys you can use multiple times and others you cannot.
As for what that key registers itself too depends, if its relatively modern than more than likely it will be tied to an account like Steam, Origin, Gamespy, whatever. Older games will just link up to the server and just track how many times the key has been used, if you go over the limit it will just refuse to install.play using that key.
 
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Solution
C

cats_Paw

Splendid
Oct 19, 2007
3,237
14
21,415
Dont know you guys, but if i buy a Game, id like not to have to bother with those things.
Why do they even put serial keys? for the guys who hack that software its basicly fun to crack em...

Anyhow, When I buy an OS (For example when I bought Win7), I kinda feel like i can install it everywhere I want :D.

Thou I got steam and i sor of like the system.
 
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