Help from Sean's thread:
Steam Problems
Basic Troubleshooting Game Crashes
1-Check the Minimum System Requirements
If you have never played the game before on your system, it is crucial to double-check the system requirements to determine if your system can run the game. The minimum system requirements for each game can be found on the game's page in the Steam Storefront.
2-Verify Your Game Cache Files
1-Load Steam
2-From the My Games tab, right-click on the game and select Properties from the menu.
3-Select the Local files tab and click the Verify integrity of game cache... button.
4-Steam will verify the game cache files (GCF's) - this process may take several minutes.
5-Once the process is completed, the Check Window will automatically exit.
3-Rule out Background Applications and Anti-Virus/Security Software
Check the Programs Which Interfere with Steam
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_...9828-SFLZ-9289) , and Spyware, Adware, and Viruses Interfering with Steam (
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_...6057-YLBN-1660)
topics to ensure the crash which you have encountered is not related to malicious software or a specific program which is known to cause issues with Steam.
4-Do Not Use Two Sound Devices Simultaneously
If you have installed a PCI or USB sound card on your system (such as a Creative X-fi or Audigy sound card), please ensure that your motherboard's onboard sound card is disabled in the system BIOS. Having both installed may result in system instability - even if the secondary device is disabled in the Windows device manager. Please consult your motherboard's manual for instructions on editing BIOS settings.
