I just installed and updated my copy of Halo PC to version 9 and then downloaded Halo CE from this website. It says it is an installer but it is just a .zip and when I unzip and try to run Haloce it says my key is invalid. How do I properly install Halo CE?

I do have Halo 1 PC. It just came in the mail today (new). I opened it, I installed Halo, updated it, then downloaded Halo CE. When I unzipped it it was just a bunch of halo files, no installer, and when I started up what I assumed was the game start up (haloce.exe) it has a box that says "Your product key is invalid. We recommend removing and reinstalling the game" and it shows my system specs below. I tried the updater and it says there is some thing wrong with my installation. I feel cheated that I bought the game and can't play Halo CE.

Download and install this:
http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=410

That IS what I downloaded. it ISN'T an installer, it is a .zip filled with files that would be found in a Halo program folder. It doesn't work for me, read my post.

I think you will need an official installer: English and other languages are found here:
Halo Custom Edition Game(search)

EDIT> wait.. WHAT?! **goes to download it to see what's up**
Edited by OrangeJuice on Dec 22, 2011 at 06:23 PM
EDIT> Nope.. it's an exe: heeeey! are you using any zip managers that might mistake installers for archives?(try right clicking and executing it as a program instead)
Edited by OrangeJuice on Dec 22, 2011 at 06:25 PM
EDIT> In any case, the CNET downloader won't be an archive, this simply downloads Halo Custom Edition and runs the installer for you: try it if you like: link
Edited by OrangeJuice on Dec 22, 2011 at 06:28 PM

I think my computer is reading it as a .zip, but in the version it clearly says "Microsoft Games AutoRun/Setup"

I do have 7zip installed but the file is being read as a .zip not as a .7zip file.

How can I change it back to an .exe? it allows me to change what it opens with.

The CNET installer is having trouble connecting to the internet. I retired many times and has an error.

Hm, I tried redownloading and realized explorer was set to save the file as a compressed .zip. I changed to it to "all files" and now it is downloading as an exe.
Edited by TrantaLocked on Dec 22, 2011 at 07:07 PM
Edited by TrantaLocked on Dec 22, 2011 at 07:36 PM

Sweet!

If you downloaded the file from this website it should be named halocesetup_en_1.00.exe which is a self installing zip archive. Just double click on it..