Using a Firewall with Steam

Related Error Messages

• Unable to load Steam.DLL
• Steam Servers Busy
• Secure Connection Failed
• Could not connect to Steam Network
• Could not connect to Master Game Server to Retrieve Server List

Run the Steam Connection Test

If you are able to log in to your Steam account but are unable to connect to the master server list within games, please run the Steam Diagnostic Tool to diagnose the issue (you must be able to log in to your Steam account to run this test).

Firewall Provider Resources

If you are using a firewall program listed below and have questions about setting permissions, please take the opportunity to open the program and use its Help feature or review the support site for the software:

• Microsoft provides support for the Windows XP firewall (included with Windows XP Service Pack 2, enabled by default)
• Norton provides support for Norton Personal Firewall
• McAfee provides support for McAfee Personal Firewall and the McAfee Internet Security Suite
• Zone Labs provides support for ZoneAlarm

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Close the Steam client application and remove all instances of the following executables from your firewall's permissions list:
   • steaminstall.exe
   • steamTmp.exe
   • steam.exe
   • hl.exe
   • HL2.exe
2. Open Steam to allow your firewall to re-learn permissions for the Steam executables. If your firewall does not prompt you to set new permissions, the security settings may be to strict - you will need to change these settings so you will be prompted to set permissions.
   Give the Steam executables permission for all TCP and UDP ports when prompted.
   (You may wish to manually add permissions for hl.exe and hl2.exe to ensure the firewall's permissions dialog does not lock up the game when it loads)
3. Restart your computer and load Steam
4. If the issue persists, please see the Troubleshooting Network Connectivity topic for further troubleshooting recommendations