Here is the secret that veteran players know:
(RotWK), are currently considered "abandonware" and are no longer sold digitally, the community has developed several ways to play without a unique physical CD key. Common Community CD Keys lotr bfme 2 rotwk cd key
Options.ini File: The game often crashes on startup because it can't find a resolution file. You must manually create an "Options.ini" file in your AppData folder. Here is the secret that veteran players know:
The official story took a dark turn in December 2010 when Electronic Arts' licensing deal with New Line Cinema expired. Support for the game vanished, servers were shut down, and the physical discs began to "degrade" or get lost, along with their precious booklets and CD keys. For a time, the game became a "lost relic," nearly impossible to play on modern systems. The Community's Resurgence The official story took a dark turn in
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes. The author does not condone software piracy of commercially available titles. However, for titles classified as abandonware with no legitimate digital storefront, community preservation is the only route to playability.
The key is typically found on a sticker on the back of the instruction manual or inside the game's jewel case.
Since this game is no longer sold in stores and digital distribution was halted years ago, the "review" of CD keys has shifted from a simple purchase transaction to a complex navigation of the secondary market.