error 503s & general system error - cannot login!

OK, Same issue here except I've got a s/h DVD copy of the game complete with serial (on the manual).

I'm in the UK

CC4 is not listed on the EA support page.

My lad has paid for this game and doesn't know why he can't play it.

Does 'General Error' mean something like 'This game is registered to another account?'

Thanks!

@cracker987654321 Hello! You'll want to speak with an advisor at http://bit.ly/EA_Contact_Us for this one, we can't assist with this type of issue via AHQ. 

I've since read the Ts and Cs of an EA purchase - it looks like transfer of a game disk & serial is not permitted. Buyer Beware! 

'General Error' could be rephrased into something more helpful in the installer.

Excellent idea, thanks. Quick and easy fix.

Download Origin client and add this game in ur game library with the code from the steam, start the game with Origin client.

Problem solved. EA Costume Support more confused me. This clip helped me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex3tIL5EcjU

ALL EA GAMES SHOULD BE PURCHASED BRAND NEW. I just found this out the hard way as well. After finally going to EA support I learned that you cannot buy EA games used as the registration keys are no longer valid. Once a registration code has been used for any EA game it cannot be used again. I bought C&C 4 used on eBay for $10 just to find this out. I was also getting the General System Error as well when I tried playing from the disc. I then went to Origins.com where I tried it there and was told the product key had already been used. Why they couldn't just call it something other than "General System Error" is beyond me but now I know I'll NEVER buy an EA game used. I can also tell you I'll never pay $60+ for a game I can never resell later on. Any EA games I buy will be factory sealed on Ebay for $20 or less. 

Found a really simple fix to this problem. 

1. open origin

2. game library

3. redeem on origin

4. now login through the launcher from steam