Steam Error: Invalid CD Key

Please see the list of possible causes below to determine why the "Invalid CD Key" message is being returned with your activation attempt:

1. Your CD Key will be either 13, 20, or 25 characters long - the "S7160880" code which appears on some CD Key stickers (after the CD Key) is a part number and is not part of the CD Key. If you are not certain you are working with the CD Key, or if you are not sure whether or not a game's CD Key may be registered on Steam, please see the Retail CD Keys topic.
2. If you are attempting to register an Opposing Force CD Key, please see the Opposing Force CD Keys article for more information.
3. If your CD-key matches the XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX pattern, please note that some numbers and letters will not be used as part of the CD Key code:
   • The number 0 (try entering the letter Q or D instead)
   • The number 1 (try entering the letter I instead)
   • The letter O (try entering the letter Q or D instead)
   • Check instances of the letter B and number 8 to ensure these characters are not being confused

If you continue to receive an "Invalid CD Key" message after observing the recommendations above, please see the Contacting VALVe Billing and Support topic for instructions to contact Steam Support.

Related Topics

• Retail CD Keys
• Activating a Product on Steam
• Error: Duplicate CD Key