EU3 Steam FAQ/Help (includes how to get your CD key if bought via Steam)

[pevergreen]

This thread is not to be used for technical support, you must register your EU3/EU3:Complete game and post issues like that in the Technical Support forum. This thread is only for discussion and help on issues around Steam, CD and forum registration keys. Thank you.

• Q: I just bought EU3 Complete/HTTT/DW off Steam but where do I get my CD Key from to put into the forums?
  
  A: When you have the game selected, on the right are a bunch of links, click the CD Key link. A box will pop up with all your CD keys.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Q: Steam downloaded an update automatically, and its caused [insert problem here]. Can I get it to stop automatically downloading updates?
  
  A: Yes, right click on the game in your library, click properties. You'll get a pop up box, with 5 tabs. Click the UPDATES tab, and from the drop down box, choose 'Do not automatically update this game' EU3 will never patch itself with this setting.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Q: I just bought/redownloaded EU3 Complete/HTTT/DW off steam, and its installed the latest patch. I don't want to use that, its incompatible with x.
  
  A: Unfortunately, when steam downloads/installs a game, it will automatically go to the latest patch. You are unable to stop it at 4.0 for example, it will go automatically to 4.1. There is no way to toggle this.
  
  
  
• Q: I've heard that Steam doesn't work well with mods, how do you get it to run mods?
  
  A: Its quite simple really. Again, all you have to do is right click EU3 in your steam library, choose properties, then on the box, click SET LAUNCH OPTIONS... From that box, enter '-mod [mod folder name]'. To get the mod folder name, if you don't know, you go to: [Where you installed steam]\steam\steamapps\common\europa universalis iii - complete\mod
  You take the name of the mod folder exactly and enter it into the launch options box. For example, I want to play the Whole World Mod. I take a look and find out the mod folder is called 'WholeWorld'. When that's done, launching the game will launch the mod.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Q: I was doing some modifications of my own to the game, but now [problem] is happening! How do I get the game back to normal?
  
  A: Right click Eu3 in your library, choose properties, from the box, the tab LOCAL FILES, then the option VERIFY INTEGRITY OF GAME CACHE... This will automatically restore your game to the latest patch. If it still won't launch try this again, it sometimes misses a few files. (It has to re-download those that are not correct)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Q: Where is my game located? I don't know where to install a mod to!
  
  A: Wherever you installed steam; \steamapps\common\europa universalis iii - complete\
  
  
  
• Q: I have [games] from [places], can I buy their expansions on steam and have it all work?
  
  A: No, the base games must be purchased on Steam for the expansions to be bought and installed.
  
  
  
• Q: What about the other way around, base game on steam, expansions from somewhere else? (Gamersgate for example)
  
  A: You can try your luck, it works for some people and not for others. It is best not to risk it though, stick to the one platform for that line of games.

If you have any steam related questions, ask them here and I'll/others will do my/our best to answer them

 

[unmerged(86922)]

I just bought HTTT on Steam. I had EU3 Complete before. I installed it, it says I own it, but when I play, it says "loading game", and just doesnt start. The thing disappears? Any advice?

 

[pevergreen]

I just bought HTTT on Steam. I had EU3 Complete before. I installed it, it says I own it, but when I play, it says "loading game", and just doesnt start. The thing disappears? Any advice?

Do you have an active internet connection? It often hangs when trying to establish a connection to the server and failing. Try switching to offline mode (Steam, Go Offline) and launching it. If that doesnt work, go back online and verify the game cache.

 

[safferli]

Also, do you own Complete on Steam? Steam is kinda picky if the base game is not bought from them.

 

[unmerged(242544)]

Hello Sir

When I wanted to buy Heir to the Throne from Steam, it said "Your transaction failed because you are trying to buy a game that requires ownership of another game you do not currently own. Please correct the error and try again." I know it means I must type the CD Key of my EU3 buying from retail. But I can't find any number in the package, on the poster or the CD. Is there any solution? Thank you very much.

 

[safferli]

Hello Sir

When I wanted to buy Heir to the Throne from Steam, it said "Your transaction failed because you are trying to buy a game that requires ownership of another game you do not currently own. Please correct the error and try again." I know it means I must type the CD Key of my EU3 buying from retail. But I can't find any number in the package, on the poster or the CD. Is there any solution? Thank you very much.

I don't own Steam, but this is what it says in the FAQ, above:

Q: I have [games] from [places], can I buy their expansions on steam and have it all work?

A: No, the base games must be purchased on Steam for the expansions to be bought and installed.

 

[pevergreen]

Hello Sir

When I wanted to buy Heir to the Throne from Steam, it said "Your transaction failed because you are trying to buy a game that requires ownership of another game you do not currently own. Please correct the error and try again." I know it means I must type the CD Key of my EU3 buying from retail. But I can't find any number in the package, on the poster or the CD. Is there any solution? Thank you very much.

As safferli quoted, basically.

A retail copy of EU3 is not a steam copy. Therefore, you can't buy HTTT or DW (When that comes out) on steam. You should purchase them from Gamersgate, to avoid any possible issues.

Here is a link: http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-EU3HTTT/europa-universalis-3-heir-to-the-throne

Its 50% off right now as well apparently.

 

[unmerged(86922)]

I got EU3 Complete off Steam. Its not the retail version. I installed HTTT, and it never showed up in my Library, yet it says I own it. Now, EU3 complete wont start.

 

[doyen_1975]

I have now spent 3 hours between trying to get divine wind to work, then trying to get registered for this forum. I am very very mad.

First, I want to mention that I tried to register for my games for this forum, following the directions precisely. I typed in my key for Europa Universalis 3 from Steam, and was told it was an invalid key repeatedly. However, my key from HTTT was valid. I would like to point out that both keys show up together on steam. Why does one work and the other doesn't? That was very annoying.

My main problem is that Divine Wind was not available on Steam. So I purchased it at gamer's gate. Then I tried to install it. I got the following error message: "Europia Universalis III (Including Heir to the Throne) is not installed on your computer. Please install the game before installing the update. The installation will now exit!" At which point the installation shuts down.

I located the folder when Steam keeps the game files I purchased from them. I moved the downloaded installation file from gamer's gate into the steam file. That didn't make any difference. I am running windows XP, home edition 2002, with service pack 3 installed. This was supposed to be my vacation day to play this game, but instead I have wasted an entire day trying to purchase and install divine wind, to no effect.

Ben

 

[pevergreen]

I got EU3 Complete off Steam. Its not the retail version. I installed HTTT, and it never showed up in my Library, yet it says I own it. Now, EU3 complete wont start.

Not entirely sure here, but I believe you're meant to register EU3 before we help you...

The how-to is above. HTTT won't show as its own game, it will still just say EU3 in the library.

I have now spent 3 hours between trying to get divine wind to work, then trying to get registered for this forum. I am very very mad.

First, I want to mention that I tried to register for my games for this forum, following the directions precisely. I typed in my key for Europa Universalis 3 from Steam, and was told it was an invalid key repeatedly. However, my key from HTTT was valid. I would like to point out that both keys show up together on steam. Why does one work and the other doesn't? That was very annoying.

My main problem is that Divine Wind was not available on Steam. So I purchased it at gamer's gate. Then I tried to install it. I got the following error message: "Europia Universalis III (Including Heir to the Throne) is not installed on your computer. Please install the game before installing the update. The installation will now exit!" At which point the installation shuts down.

I located the folder when Steam keeps the game files I purchased from them. I moved the downloaded installation file from gamer's gate into the steam file. That didn't make any difference. I am running windows XP, home edition 2002, with service pack 3 installed. This was supposed to be my vacation day to play this game, but instead I have wasted an entire day trying to purchase and install divine wind, to no effect.

Ben

The members of Paradox have repeatedly stated that its best not to mix and match distributors. Steam is the worst offender.

As for your EU3 code not registering on the forums, I had that trouble as well, make sure o/0 i/1 of course, but are you putting the code in EU3 Complete, not EU3?

The simple fact is, Steam does not play nice with other portals. You're best off asking gamersgate for a refund.

 

[AndrewT]

I have now spent 3 hours between trying to get divine wind to work, then trying to get registered for this forum. I am very very mad.

First, I want to mention that I tried to register for my games for this forum, following the directions precisely. I typed in my key for Europa Universalis 3 from Steam, and was told it was an invalid key repeatedly. However, my key from HTTT was valid. I would like to point out that both keys show up together on steam. Why does one work and the other doesn't? That was very annoying.

If you bought EU3:Complete from Steam you need to enter the forum registration code in the EU3:Complete line in My Games above, not in the EU3 line. You may have to scroll down to see the right one.
If it still fails contact Steam as it is their responsibility to give you a forum registration code that works.

My main problem is that Divine Wind was not available on Steam. So I purchased it at gamer's gate. Then I tried to install it. I got the following error message: "Europia Universalis III (Including Heir to the Throne) is not installed on your computer. Please install the game before installing the update. The installation will now exit!" At which point the installation shuts down.

That's right - the GG DW does not know what registry key Steam use for HttT and so can't see that it's installed. Expansions from different vendors are not compatible in that way.
Once you are registered we may be able to help you in Tech Support. Your alternative would be to buy EU3:Complete and HttT from GamersGate too.

 

[emperorj90]

Why isnt there a demo?

 

[pevergreen]

Why isnt there a demo?

http://store.steampowered.com/app/25800/
Demo of EU3.

 

[emperorj90]

Sorry, my fault, I meant divine wind...

 

[pevergreen]

I don't believe there is one, as it is an expansion. Expansions rarely have demos. In fact, I'm not aware of an expansion that has a demo.

 

[unmerged(127989)]

Hello.
I bought the complete EU3 on Steam and have no problem installing the game, it seems to work fine.
But i cant register the game as purchased here on my paradox forum profile. The CD key i got from Steam has 29 digits plus 5 dashes. The "register my game" site opens for 24 digits. I have tried to drop the last 5 digits, but it that doesn't help.
There is a newb thread in the forum that i apparently cant read coz the game aint registered. Any suggestions on how to proceed?

 

[pevergreen]

Hello.
I bought the complete EU3 on Steam and have no problem installing the game, it seems to work fine.
But i cant register the game as purchased here on my paradox forum profile. The CD key i got from Steam has 29 digits plus 5 dashes. The "register my game" site opens for 24 digits. I have tried to drop the last 5 digits, but it that doesn't help.
There is a newb thread in the forum that i apparently cant read coz the game aint registered. Any suggestions on how to proceed?

Your steam CD key should not have that many digits, it should be 6 sets of 4 digits.

Are you saying you have 5 sets of 5 and 1 set of 4?

 

[unmerged(127989)]

Your steam CD key should not have that many digits, it should be 6 sets of 4 digits.

Are you saying you have 5 sets of 5 and 1 set of 4?

That is correct.

 

[pevergreen]

That is correct.

Contact Steam, it is their responsibility to provide a correct CD key.

 

[doyen_1975]

Thank you for your help registering the EU3 code on the forums. I have that cleared away now. I believe I was entering the code into EU3 instead of EU3 complete.

I did contact the site where I purchased Divine Wind and asked for a refund. I haven't heard anything back yet. And I was mistaken... I did not buy it from gamersgate. I bought it from direct2drive. I was confused about that. I'll keep you updated on what happens.

Thanks again for your help in explaining what is going on. I wish I could just purchase games directly from the publisher instead of having to go through a 3rd party like Steam!