Please help a fellow eGO CS:S member. :(

[TheJollyRoger]

Hey guys, TheJollyRoger here and I have a software problem, specifically with the source engine games:

I've attached a pdf file of the description of the problem and what solutions Steam Support gave me. The problem first started after a major source engine update in October, 2011. The last solution Steam Support gave me seemed to work for three weeks but then the problem started occurring again :facewall:

The past two weeks the problem has returned to its regular occurrence rate and is annoying me to heck. :bored:

So any thoughts and solutions?

BTW, here are things I have forgot to tell the Steam Support:
1. It doesn't affect the modded source games (L4D2, Portal 2).

2. I've noticed it occurs more frequently when I download a map in-game, but that does not stop it from occurring when I have the map installed already.

3. Steam Support stinks and is full of bots that don't help unique problems.

Finally, I'm coming to the CS:S division forum because: its a source game problem, and its affecting my CS:S events. I cant play with you guys without this stupid bug.

Your mission if you chose to accept it is to help me prevent these freezes.

tl;dr Server Change occasionally crashes comp. Need help. See Attachment.

P.S. Forum Admins, if this isn't the right forum to post this in, I'm sorry. You can move it. I just want more people to see so more are likely to help.

Edit: I forgot to mention that while it may work temporarily (about 1-2 weeks), I'm not deleting Steam from the Windows registry.

 

[B00MB00MBenji]

Right when I read the title, I opened a tab for paypal....

 

[TheJollyRoger]

Right when I read the title, I opened a tab for paypal....

:lol: I might have been too drastic with the title.

 

[Raul Tha Monk]

you might wanna go to the Techies for this

 

[xCaptainSwifty]

I agree w/ Raul the Monk

 

[fps]

Jolly,

This could be a number of things that may be conflicting with each other. Here is what I would do: Do a fresh installation of CS:S (backup anything you want to save i.e. config, demo's etc). Update your graphics drivers to the latest version. If they are already up-to-date, try rolling them back one version (a v. before Oct '11) and re-install it. Also, check the firmware on your router (if you use one). If you need help with doing any of that, let me know and include brand/model/version so I can do a little research on it.

My buddy encountered this before and fixed his by merely changing his dxlevels (direct x). You could try doing that by right clicking CS:S in steam games library, then properties, then launch options.

Now type: -dxlevel 70

for directx 8: -dxlevel 80
for directx 8.1: -dxlevel 81
for directx 9: -dxlevel 90

Try some of those and see if it works. If none of the dxlevel's works, simply delete the line from the launch options.

 

[TheJollyRoger]

you might wanna go to the Techies for this

I know. I might do that soon.

Jolly,

My buddy encountered this before and fixed his by merely changing his dxlevels (direct x). You could try doing that by right clicking CS:S in steam games library, then properties, then launch options.

Now type: -dxlevel 70

for directx 8: -dxlevel 80
for directx 8.1: -dxlevel 81
for directx 9: -dxlevel 90

Try some of those and see if it works. If none of the dxlevel's works, simply delete the line from the launch options.

As I said, simply reinstalling everything (whether its steam or CS:S) doesn't work.
My firm ware and drivers are up to date. So that isn't the problem. I'll try the dx level. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[TheJollyRoger]

Nope, didn't fix it. :facewall:

 

[Ric]

Post this in the technical forum next time, I did not see this thread.

I will offer you my assistance later tonight, right now I'm on the road towards New York for our next show.

 

[Ric]

Just kidding, let's break down your problem.

First, during "sending client info", a lot of your RAM is used. Your problem didn't occur until after the STEAM update in 2011. This sounds of incompatibility with STEAM's source engine update. I'll have to look into what exactly changed.

1) Reseat your RAM:
Power off your PC. Open up your computer chassis and identify your RAM sticks. Firmly place your hands on the chassis for about five seconds.* Ensure your PC is on a leveled area to avoid tipping over. Pop out your RAM sticks, and blow them off gently, too hard and you might get saliva on them. Put your RAM sticks back in and power back up and try gaming again.

2) Reseat your video card if you use off board video cards:
Power off your PC. Open up your computer chassis and identify your video card. Firmly place your hands on the chassis for about five seconds.* Remove your video card from it's slot, sometimes screwed into place and blow on it. Wait about 10 seconds and re insert your video card firmly.

Remember, never force computer parts into its slot. If it doesn't fit with little force, then something is not right. You risk breaking your PC parts by using force.

*You eliminate yourself of ESD/EMD by doing this command, lessening your chances of damage to your PC parts.

 

[RezHD]

Right when I read the title, I opened a tab for paypal....

You're a nice person.

 

[TheJollyRoger]

Just kidding, let's break down your problem.

Thanks Ric! Since this will require some labor as well as a temporarily useless laptop needed for school, I'll have to try this during the weekend. Ill let you know if it works then.

But anyways, thanks some much guys for helping me.

 

[kYuKi]

Can you give any system specs?

 

[TheJollyRoger]

Good News, A recent update for Source fixed my problem. (I knew it was Valve's fault!)

Thanks everyone who offered help: Ric, FPS, Cure, kYuKI, and one other guy that I'm forgetting. (Sorry!)

Bad News: My entire laptop has now decided to work against me. XD So I'll will be away for several days from playing CS:S as I try to fix the problem.

If you guys need to contact me use the eGO pm or my email.

Don't reply to try and fix my new problem as I'm going to get a professional to look at my laptop. Replying to say yay or make fun of my poor luck is ok.

P.S. I'm using my parents' computer to write this post.

Edit 8:46 PM, I got the laptop fixed this afternoon, so everything is now fine.