Troubleshooting Errors

Determine which application is reporting the error

• Crashes - Please see the Troubleshooting Crashes category for instructions to handle crashes in Steam or Valve games (this includes any errors reported through an error dialog from Windows requesting whether or not you would like to send an error report to Microsoft)
• Steam - Errors reported in Steam dialog boxes or over the course of installing Steam
• Game - Any errors reported in games or game logs
  • GoldSrc Game - Errors reported in GoldSrc-engine games
  • Source Game - Errors reported in Source-engine games
• SDK - Errors reported while using the Source SDK
• System - Errors reported by Windows or other applications which relate to Steam

Determine the exact error message

Example error messages:

• Invalid CD Key
• This game is currently unavailable
• You have been disconnected from the server. Reason: Error verifying STEAM UserID ticket

Search for error by the error message

Search for a relevant Steam Support Center topic by entering the name of the application which generated the error and the exact error message. Examples:

• Steam Error: Invalid CD Key
• Steam Error: This game is currently unavailable
• Game Error: You have been disconnected from the server. Reason: Error verifying STEAM UserID ticket

Contact Steam Support

If you do not find any Steam Support Center topics which reference the error, please see the Contacting VALVe Billing and Support topic for instructions to contact Steam Support for assistance with the error.