Windows Vista Issues

Article ID: 5688-IFHZ-2170

Windows Vista requires greater system resources than prior versions of the Windows operating system. If you have upgraded to Windows Vista but have not upgraded your system's hardware, you may notice a drop in performance. Please see the Troubleshooting Gameplay and Performance topic for suggestions to compensate for changes in game performance.

Windows Vista Hotfixes

Before engaging in any troubleshooting, please ensure that you have the latest fixes from Microsoft:

• http://support.microsoft.com/kb/938194
• http://support.microsoft.com/kb/938979
• http://support.microsoft.com/kb/940105

If you are using a Nvidia video card, there are also several hotfixes available that might solve crashing and performance issues:

• http://www.nvidia.com/object/windows_vista_hotfixes.html

Running Steam as a Service

The latest version of Steam now runs as a service under Windows Vista. If you previously set Steam to run as an administrator, you must remove the Run as administrator... function.

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 article 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.

Installation Trouble

If you are having difficulty installing Steam, a Steam game or other files required for a Steam game then please ensure that Windows Installer Service is enabled under the System Configuration's "Services" Tab.

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.