Can Someone Please help?

[Rally91]

Quite a while ago my pc got infected with a virus, long story short I was able to salvage the uncompressed files of HL2, Codename Gordon, and CS. The problem is I cannot get Steam to recognize any of them after reinstalling them, steam wants to update from the very first update on and I have 56k. The version I wish to put back is only one update under the current one. I have tried running hl2 from all locations inside steam and it always says that it needs the engine.dll. CG works no matter where it is. Is there any way possible that I can play me beloved HL2 without re-downloading the updates... even if I can play it and not be able to update it, I will take what I can get. I currently have 14% of the update... that took 2 weeks +, please please somebody help.

 

[FictiousWill]

The only files that are of any notable size are the .gcf files. If you stick those in your SteamApps folder steam should assimilate them.

Your best bet though, in my opinion, is to hike over to a friend with a few blank dvd's in hand and download them again from a fast connection. Bit of an upfront effort, but probably the quicker solution. Plus then you'll have a backup in case you lose the files again.

 

[Solver]

Uncompressed files, eh, why would you have those?

I'm pretty sure that Steam will not recognize uncompressed files, you need to have the GCFs for that. Hint: after you re-download HL2 (I feel you'll have to), use Steam's backup feature to burn the GCF files to CDs/DVD.

 

[Rally91]

That was the only thing I was able to salvage from the virus is why I have the uncompressed versions. Unfortunately, where I live the only ones with a high speed connection is my school and they would never even give it a thought to let me download anything. I guess HL2 will be working in about 2 months at my speed, thanks guys.

 

[Solver]

Why did you uncompress them in the first place, though? I know I did it once, early, to run HL2 without Steam.

Can't you borrow the retail disks of HL2 from someone? You could then copy over the GCF files from them, and Steam would only want to update a little bit.

 

[Rally91]

Well first STeam uncompresses them to be able to run the game and I do have the retail disks, one of the first releases of the game. In fact the disks I have is only one above the original release. Also I am the only person out here that even has the game except for my friend that bought the Xbox version.

 

[Solver]

Steam only uncompresses a small portion of the files. I think, though, if you install from your retail disks and wait for it to update, it will be more or less alright - the games will be maybe at 85% or so.

 

[Rally91]

Well, I have reinstalled from the retail disks and tried puting the hl2 folder in all locations in steam and ran it, it still will not recognize anything and wants to update from release one on. Steam has finally contacted me back from tech support asking if I still have the problem (been close to a month since I submitted) I hope that they will be able to help.

 

[Solver]

Try uninstalling Steam completely first, and then installing from the retail disks.

 

[dugweb]

Steam sucks so hard I cannot even begin to express to you my frustration with the 'service'.

I feel your pain. Goodluck getting everything working again.

 

[PapaRoach_0]

I also need help. Does Half Life 2 have to be played online. Or can it be played offline. I am online and I just cant seem to get it to work!!!

 

[Cole]

I know why it's very simple.
Make sure you have the files in the Steamapps directory, and make sure your steam directory is located in the same spot.
If it's moved just delete clientregistry.blob
It basically saves where everything and where to look. When deleted, it will refind where it is and relocate everyting properly.

I also need help. Does Half Life 2 have to be played online. Or can it be played offline. I am online and I just cant seem to get it to work!!!

Just make sure it's updated all the way. If it's updated all the way you can play it online or offline.

 

[Beerdude26]

To check if it is still updating, you can:
A) Check your bandwidth monitor for any activity.
(Left-click on Steam Tray --> Games --> View --> Bandwidth Monitor)

B) Check if it auto-updates.
(Left-click on Steam Tray --> Games --> 'My Games' tab --> Right-click on the game you want to check --> Properties --> 'Updates' tab --> Check if the drop-down box is set to 'Always keep this game up to date')

Or you can also validate, if you think a certain game doesn't want to work.
(Left-click on Steam Tray --> Games --> 'My Games' tab --> Right-click on the game you want to check --> Properties --> 'Local Files' tab --> Click on the 'Verify integrity of game cache...' button)