maybe you need to be connected to stem while installing? maybe there is an error in the windows console logs?

Try using the code which came with the game to add it to your game library. After that, either download and install from Steam or follow these instructions on how to install via disk:

Using Steam launch options to install retail games from disc

Log in to Steam and click on Library.
Right-click on the game, select Delete local content, and confirm.
Insert the first disc into your computer.
Close Steam (Steam > Exit).
Press Windows Key + R to open Run
In the Run window type:

"C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe" -install E:

Replace E: with the CD/DVD drive you are installing from if is not correct.
Replace C:\Program Files\Steam if your Steam installation is not in the default location.
Press OK. Steam will launch and ask you to sign in if you do not have your password saved. Your installation should continue from the disc.

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=5357-FSQM-0382

Thanks but no thanks. We live in the year 2014 and by now when I pay 70 bucks for a game I do NOT wan't any HASSLE at all when I want to play a game. By now the gaming industry should be so intelligent as to provide hassle-free games that can be easily installed and played. Back in the nineties I would totally have followed the above mentioned steps but TODAY I simply refuse to take these steps. We are living in such modern times that the game industry should be so advanced that we do not need these steps. From a 2014 $70 game I simply DEMAND that it runs on my machine when I meet the requirements for the game!

"DEMAND" all you want, but you cannot play a Steamworks game which you purchased in a store without putting in the code. Period. And, you haven't done that yet.

There's no reason to complain, because it's as easy as putting in the serial code from CDs on old games, except here, you only have to do it once while with old games, you had to every time you installed.

Originally posted by Dillinger:

We are living in such modern times that the game industry should be so advanced that we do not need these steps.

You don't need to do those quoted steps I posted above.

You could have just purchased it on Steam instead of in a store and be playing it already.

Wait, "Dillinger", you said it yourself it is the year 2014. If you can't figure out how to install a game on steam, I would suggest either asking for help and following instructions, or google the fracking thing. Gettting PO'ed because "you" don't know what you're doing is insulting to everyone around here who is a gamer. I hope you found a solution, if not the forum here and google can help you. Oh, and in case you didn't know having steam already running and logged on when starting the setup.exe on the Thief DVD should make the install smoother. When I installed from disc I had steam already running and after inputting the serial code installation went smoothly, other than having to change from disc 1 then 2 then 3 it didn't take long to setup.

OF COURSE the Steam client is up and running and I am connected to the internet. My steam account is one of the oldest there is! Also in the game booklet and on the DVD case there is absolutely NOTHING mentioned about WHEN to enter a key. Before I double click {LINK REMOVED}setup.exe? Afterwards? Inbetween? Hey ♥♥♥♥ that. Setup.exe crashes right away after I double click it with a bogus message. So without just the most basic of all instructions I will return this one to the store. If they fail to properly inform me about WHEN to enter WHICH key I simply to refuse to google for answers. And please, don't talk nonsense about me insulting other gamers...! Most "gamers" here were still in their diapers when I was already playing the very first FPS games on a DOS 286XT some 22 years ago!

1992, I was twelve then. Well good luck anyway "veteran".

Try this[longstreet.typepad.com]

Originally posted by Dillinger:

My steam account is one of the oldest there is! Also in the game booklet and on the DVD case there is absolutely NOTHING mentioned about WHEN to enter a key. Before I double click setup.exe? Afterwards? Inbetween?

I'm not sure how you could have one of the oldest Steam accounts (not that we can tell since your account is private) without knowing how to add a game via a code.

Since you seem unwilling to look for directions yourself, and I'm feeling helpful, I'll give you this last bit of help:

1. Find the game key code in your Thief box. It should look like one of the following:

AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC
AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC-DDDDD-EEEEE
237ABCDGHJLPRST 23

2. Click the "ADD A GAME..." button found at the bottom left corner of your Steam window.

3. Click the "Activate a product on Steam..." text.

Follow the instructions you find there for completing the registration process.

After that, try running your install executable found on your disk.

Originally posted by Dillinger:

So without just the most basic of all instructions I will return this one to the store. If they fail to properly inform me about WHEN to enter WHICH key I simply to refuse to google for answers.

As to that, the game's publisher isn't responsible for Steam's interface, and they shouldn't put detailed instructions in their game box on how to input the game code, because Steam could later on change how they complete that step, and the instructions in the game's box would be incorrect.

Instead, they leave it to Valve to describe how to explain Steam's process. Which they have here.

i have problems with thief games too. i try to install from disc and it says my "computer is win nt" can't continue any ideas for fix

This thread was quite old before the recent post, so we're locking it to prevent confusion.