I've tried loading HL2 for the first time on my Orange box account and it's been 10-15 minutes and it's still not ready! = 0. (How long does it usually take you guys for HL2 loading screen to load? is there something wrong with my setup maybe?)

I can run cs:s, ep1, ep2, Portal, TF2, and they all load within 20 seconds or so, but HL2 just refuses to startup! helpie?

(

Restart Steam, delete clientregistry.blob, etc etc

K pengy i've done that but is there a way to force hl2 to open in my native resolution? (1400x900) HL2 defaults to 1024x768 and it borks my whole desktop when i try to load HL2--which i just took 5 minutes moving all my icons back :<

I checked my nvida settings but i didn't see anything to force 3d applications to load in my native resolution, but please let me know if you know a way.

Right click the game in Steam, and choose "properties". Then add "-windowed" (without quotes) into the box that pops up when you click "Launch Options". It won't load in the native, but it wont mess with your desktop either. Once it starts, you can change the settings as you want, and remove the "-windowed" from the options before you start the game again.

Absolutely awesome. Thanks! = )

Geez, it messes with your desktop? I have the same widescreen resolution and no problems at all starting normally.