hl2.exe doesn't work?

[badbadtz560]

I'm trying to play TF2 or css or even portal using steam in vista - it says hl2.exe stopped working

I've tried reinstalling vista and each application but nothing seems to work. Has anybody else come across this problem before? I'm a bit lazy to reformat but I thnk that's what I'm giong to have to do

 

[devil22]

Update sound and video drivers, install all updates.

 

[ekierce]

I get this occasionally, but not every time. I also get it regularly when exiting TF2.

I have no idea what the cause is, but I've been able to play TF2 for hours with no issues until I exit, when it gives me that error.

It's annoying.

 

[badbadtz560]

well i solved part of the problem.. after typing in
"net localgroup Administrators /add Local Service", CSS started workin.. but tf2 and portal now open up and flash b/w its screen and windows until I finally do a ctrl+alt+del on it.