Half Life 2 demo

[Trotter]

I downloaded the HalfLife 2 demo (http://www.ati.com/gitg/promotions/...demo/index.html).

Problem is, when I try to run/install it, it cannot connect to Steam, and my system bogs down to way below a crawl. Task Manager shows vsmon.exe chewing up 16%-45% system resources. Steam cannot update, and it cannot connect to the servers.

So, I go to http://www.steampowered.com/ to see what's going on. The FAQ in the support section has exactly what I'm having a problem with. Great, right? Yeah... It lists all this stuff that does not apply, or that checks out OK. It finally says to uninstall and try again.

So, I download the Steam installer, 'cause the demo is like 751MB. Same problem, no connection. So I uninstall, re-download, install, nada.

Is this a common problem? Anyone know how to correct it? I mean, before I shell outt he money for the whole game, I want to make sure the stinking thing is gonna work...ain't that what a demo is for?

Thanks in advance for whatever help anyone can give!

 

[ReverseFluxx]

You have a Steam ID, right?

 

[Trotter]

No, I don't. Do you get one on steampowered.com?

I mean, I have downloaded the installer, but the freaking thing will not connect.

 

[ReverseFluxx]

Well after you've installed Steam, run Steam and there should be something where you have to set up an account before playing any games.

 

[Trotter]

Well, gee, I would if it would let me.

I run it, it installs, and then it cannot connect to the servers.

I have beat my head against the wall for days now. I just want to play the stinking demo!