Trying to get my BF2 CD Key

[JonM]

I have my own copy of BF2 installed on my dads computer, and I'm trying to install it on mine now. We lost the manual with the CD Key, is there a way to get it from the installed version on my computer?

Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it.

EDIT: Looks like I'm kinda SOL unless I end up finding the manual.

[IcIshoot]

you try looking through the registry keys for bf2?

I know for example windows 98 you can get the product key from the registry - seems like it would be worth a shot

[JonM]

Actually did try that solution. Being as cool as they are, they decided to encrypt it. I've read somewhere it works to use a fake CD-Key to install, and then you just replace the registry with the encrypted version of your old cd key, but with a new computer I'm trying to stay away from anything that's suspicious of having anything harmful.

[IcIshoot]

Decrypting it doesn't sound like it will work either as it sounds like it is bound to the computer hardware...

you try contacting bf2 support?

[JonM]

Going to try tomorrow, however I don't think it'll work. As I'm going back to my mom's I told my dad to keep a look out for it, and we both think it'll turn up. If it hasn't turned up in a couple days I'll start bugging EA.

Unfortunately, from what I've read, EA does not seem to do to well with customer support. Oh well. Perhaps I'll just stick to CS:S for now anyways.

[tail_gunner]

lol last time i used EA's tech support, i got screwed over lol, but good luck with that

[Steve]

looks like the key is here:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Electronic Arts\EA Games\Battlefield 2\ergc

but aparently it gets encrypted after one of the first patches :/ nice one EA.
so it doesn't reveal your actual key... (unless you havent patched the game)


the only other way might be to search google for bf2keychanger.zip

however i'm not sure if it reveals your current key because i don thave bf2 installed


/edit - there was a lot of posts made while was googling

[Chrispy]

May I suggest you contact EA and ask them to see if they can decode the key for you?

Or maybe you can write down what the registry entry says, then when reinstalling BF2, use some fake key, then update, then go into the registry and change the decoded fake key and put down your decoded key? I don't know if you'll get any errors trying to go online though. Haven't played BF2 ever in my life...

There are key decryptors out there - unfortunately made by W*rez groups so I wouldn't consider trying to get one.

GL mate.

Chris

[JonM]

Thanks guys for the helpful replies. bf2keychanger.zip what does this do exactly? I'm sure it's really obvious due to the name, but I'm not sure I totally understand.

[katana*GFR*]

Originally posted by icishoot
Decrypting it doesn't sound like it will work either as it sounds like it is bound to the computer hardware...

you try contacting bf2 support?

No it is not.

Let me find something... I know there is a retrieval program out there

[katana*GFR*]

https://account.ea.com/myacct/view-a...a.com%2Fealink

I hope you registered your game?

try at own risk:

http://geocities.com/mxradeon/bf2keychanger.html


Damn Ici your right, its hashed now adays.. It wasnt in the beginning..

[IcIshoot]

lol - yeah that is what the forum post that I read said...

Just a tip for future cases: Probably wouldn't hurt to write the cd key right onto the cd/dvd-rom it self using a fine-point sharpie pen. My mom has done that with some of her cd's. That way as long as you have the cd/dvd's you will have the install key.

[DevilDog#1]

I just burn a copy of the original and write the stuff on it and store the original somewhere really same

[katana*GFR*]

Thats not always possible DD.. Especially with the newer stuff.. With all those stupid protection scheme's..