Not sure where I got this, but its a must for people with internet connection and key problems playing single player.


Problem:
When the game boots up, it asks me to enter my CD-Key again: When I do, it says "This CD-Key is already in use".

Other Symptoms:
* This happens even AFTER I install the crack from the \deviance directory from the ISO image.
* The instructions say to "block Quake 4 from accessing the internet with my firewall", but my Service Pack 2 firewall doesn't pop up when I run Quake 4!
* When I add an exception to the SP-2 Firewall and leave it unchecked, or leave the IP range of machines able to access it to a 192.x.x.x IP address, I STILL get the "This CD-Key is already in use" message!

Solution:
EDIT YOUR TCP/IP HOSTFILE!
1. Start -> "Run"
2. Enter "c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts" without quotes.
3. A dialogue opens that asks which program you want to use to open the file. Choose "Notepad".
4. Now you will see a display explaining what the hostfile is and what it does. Go to the very last line in the entire document... the one that says "127.0.0.1 localhost".
5. In the line after "127.0.0.1 localhost", you will add "127.0.0.1 q4master.idsoftware.com".
6. Save changes, exit the document.
7. Launch Quake 4. You will see,

Worked for me fine. :)