Windows Vista Issues

No OpenGL Mode for GoldSrc-engine Games

Many video card manufacturers do not currently offer support for OpenGL within Windows Vista - this will cause a Failed to set video mode error message to display when GoldSrc-engine games attempt to load in OpenGL mode. (If you would like to see OpenGL drivers created for your video card, please contact your video card manufacturer to lodge your request)

If you encounter this error when attempting to load GoldSrc-engine games, (i.e. Counter-Strike, Half-Life) please see the Reset Video Settings and Force a Video Mode topic for instructions to use the game launch option -soft (software mode) or -d3d (faster performance than software mode, lower graphics detail) as a workaround to launch your game.

steam:// Protocol Links Do Not Work

This issue is related to how Windows Vista's security features prevent applications from changing registry settings (even if you are logged in as an administrator, you must explicitly allow programs to make certain changes to the registry). This issue may be corrected in three steps:

1. If you are logged in, please exit Steam
2. Navigate to the Steam installation folder (C:\Program Files\Valve\Steam\ by default) and right-click on the Steam.exe file
3. Select Run as administrator... to start Steam

Other Issues

If you have recently installed Windows Vista and are now encountering technical issues which were not present in the past, please see the Contacting VALVe Billing and Support article for instructions to contact Steam Support for assistance. Please reference Windows Vista in the subject line of your case to ensure proper issue tracking.