Half Life 2 Demo Problems

[zubb99]

I downloaded HL2 demo. After several hours, Steam completed the updating of the file. When I attempt to launch the game (in online mode) I get to the "Loading" screen and then my computer locks up, except I can still move the mouse. Ctrl/Alt/Del does not even work. I eventually have to reboot using the reset switch. Is the problem caused by the fact that I am using a dial-up 56k modem? Also, is it possible to play the Half Life 2 Demo in "offline" mode?

 

[Hectic Glenn]

It is, make sure the demo is fully updated (on 100%) and start steam with your 56k modem not connected to the net. Launch steam and it will ask you if to sign in, in off-line mode.

However it is important you tell us your computer specs so we can conclude if it can run HL2 by comparing it to the minimum specs (which i hope you have already done). Integrated graphics are bad by the way.

Also moved to Valve Games Help/Support section.

 

[zubb99]

New Problem

Thanks for the quick response. Your suggestion to disconnect the modem before launching the HL2 demo eliminated the problem I was having, but it led to another problem. The game loads with the background video and sound and I can select "New Game" and then on the next screen after I select "Start New Game", it proceeds to the next screen where it begins loading and after loading the first two indicator "bars", I get the message from Microsoft telling me HL2.exe has encountered a problem and asks if I want to send them the "Error Report".
I assume my system meets the minimum requirements because I have no problem running HL2 Episode 1. I am running XP Pro on an AMD 2400+ with 1.5 gig of ram with an NVidia 5200 FX video card. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[Hectic Glenn]

A variety of things could be causing your error, i'm not sure what it could be. I'm not going to say a graphical problem, but more likely a problem with your game files. Did you download the game with your 56k modem? If so i reckon the likelihood of corruption of the .gcf's may increase, so you'll have to download the whole game again.

I'm kidding Right click the game in your games menu and go to properties, on one of the tabs you will find a button which says 'verify integrity of game cache' or something like that, start that and allow steam to scan and rectify any problems with your game. Try to run the demo after that (i'm 95% this should work!) considering Episode 1 worked nicely for you. I assume you are using the same in-game settings too?