The ONLY Half-Life 2 Thread. Do Not Create New Threads

[fraenzer]

One more question:
you wrote in readme.txt that your files work on the steam version.
Well I got the retail one, so does anyone know what about hijack´s files working with this one?

THX so long

[hijack]

It only works with the retail version. It allows you to run the steam version when you bought the retail one. The steam version doesn't contain any cd check.

[sabbey]

Here's a question I don't recall seeing so far:

How does it work with the updating portion of Steam? Will you need the disc then, or will it think you are using the Steam version even in that circumstance? I am assuming they don't have records of who actually bought it over Steam, right?

[hijack]

Updating should work, and the nocd will work until they add specific code in steam to forbid it.
Steam still thinks you use the retail version.

[sabbey]

Originally Posted by hijack

Updating should work, and the nocd will work until they add specific code in steam to forbid it.
Steam still thinks you use the retail version.

Thanks! I will give your NOCD/DVD patch a try once I can get the upcoming stutter patch from Valve. Would do so now, but the game is unplayable for me currently!

BTW, I hope they don't add any such code, since it'd probably just screw everyone over more so than we are already. In any case, the cynic in me wouldn't be surprised if it ended up giving those with the actual Steam copy problems as well...

[hijack]

sabbey: Even if they add such a code, it should'nt be too hard to update the nocd (for me or someone else, since the code is availiable). Also, the CD protection comes from Vivendi, so I don't think they'll care much about it. They can't release a nocd patch because Vivendi won't allow that. But I think they appreciate that their customers are happier because they can use a nocd.

[Grumpy]

@ Hijack
Geez! your gonna be kept busy aren't you Thanks again it works brilliantly for me. I havent had any problems with it.

[sabbey]

Originally Posted by hijack

sabbey: Even if they add such a code, it should'nt be too hard to update the nocd (for me or someone else, since the code is availiable). Also, the CD protection comes from Vivendi, so I don't think they'll care much about it. They can't release a nocd patch because Vivendi won't allow that. But I think they appreciate that their customers are happier because they can use a nocd.

Okay, thanks! In most cases I'd think they would be on the side of the publishers, but there seems to be a lot of bitterness between Valve and Vivendi these days. A sort of "give the finger to each other" mentality seems to be at work...

EDIT: BTW, does your patch work on Half-Life: Source?

[fraenzer]

Well, if there is an update for the game, try it, i duno think that they have a list of steam and retail users.

But other question:
To activate the offline modus, you need to save your account settings.
If I do so, i´m able to play without being online and without the dvd in the drive, right?

THX for help

[rank]

Originally Posted by hijack

It only works with the retail version. It allows you to run the steam version when you bought the retail one. The steam version doesn't contain any cd check.

ok, im confused a bit on something, but my problem is different and i dont know if this will work for me.

i just got my authentic CD-Key emailed to me from a third party outlet [no cds/dvd, just the key] and when i go to steam->register i get "please install half-life 2 retail standard..." I thought there would be an option to download from steam just as long as i had a key, apparently not.

Do I need to install a retail CD/DVD first, then use this hijack?

i have steam installed with a registered account.

[Kdjn]

Apparantly there is a distinction between the retail keys and the keys ATI was giving out for free Steam downloads of the game.

In other words, you need to install using the retail version of the game to validate the key through steam, then use the no cd tools.


Not that I would condone such things, but for just for conversations sake,


Its hypothetically possible to buy a retail version from your local game store or
Best Buy, use the CDs and YOUR KEY to install the game, then apply the NO CD tools developed and discussed in this thread.
Because you did not use the Authorization CD key from the retail package
you bought, you could repackage and resell it. Its doubtful that the retailer would accept returns on that, so you would have to resell it on ebay or the like.

OR....

You could borrow the CDs from a friend who a bought the game, then install and validate your steam account that way.

Although its in a very grey area, it could be considered to still be legal because you purchased a valid key.

[ash2dust2]

Originally Posted by rank

i just got my authentic CD-Key emailed to me from a third party outlet [no cds/dvd, just the key] and when i go to steam->register i get "please install half-life 2 retail standard..." I thought there would be an option to download from steam just as long as i had a key, apparently not.

Let me guess, you got it for $20 and they also sell an authentic Brooklyn Bridge key.

Whats the web address for this legit outlet?

[rank]

ok cool, i got it working. i used my buddy's HL2 discs to install but used MY CD-Key to authenticate. then i applied the hijack trick to get around not having a disc. everything is legit and legal, thanks guys.

i got my key from a thai website $15

[savvart]

I just don't get it.

It says to install the 3 files into where the steam.exe is...

But that is not where the HL2.exe is though... I cannot find the steam.exe anywhere but it is installed and it is working...

It is supposed to be inside the steamapps folder no doubt...

Exactly what path do i need to place the three files into???

Thanks for your help ppl...

[Dimensio]

Originally Posted by savvart

I just don't get it.

It says to install the 3 files into where the steam.exe is...

But that is not where the HL2.exe is though... I cannot find the steam.exe anywhere but it is installed and it is working...

It is supposed to be inside the steamapps folder no doubt...

Exactly what path do i need to place the three files into???

Thanks for your help ppl...

The instructions said to put it where steam.exe is located. I put all three files in steam.exe, then -- as instructed -- I ran hijack_hl2.exe, which launched steam, from where I could launch Half-Life 2 without the disc in the drive.

Yes, hl2.exe is in the steamapps\<username>\half-life 2 directory, but the crack's hl2.exe (which is actually just the Steam download hl2.exe) goes in the steam root directory, so that hijack_hl2 can swap it into the appropriate directory when Half-Life 2 is launched.