TF2 not running?

[Magus]

So I just recently tried to start TF2, but when I try to run it, either from my desktop or from steam, it say "only one instance of the game can be running at a time" and wont start. There is probably a really simple solution, but I am an idiot when it comes to pretty much everything involving a computers...
Any help? Thanks :3

 

[N-Light]

go to task manager>processes>hl2.exe (right click) end proccess, start tf2

 

[Shiznoe]

Make sure you don't have another one running in the background by accident. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and make sure you don't see another hl2.exe running.

 

[Sephiroth]

First thing, and I know it might sound stupid. but restart steam. I mean actually close steam and reopen it. Soooooo many people don't do that.

 

[jhnsn]

Usually when that happens, Steam is syncing the TF2 files to the cloud. Simply wait 30 seconds to a minute before relaunching TF2. If that doesn't work for whatever reason, do what the others said and go to task manager, then end the process called hl2.exe

 

[Nix]

Task Manager > Processes > hl2.exe > End Process.

 

[Magus]

Alright, the problem was solved. Thanks everyone for your help.