you know the script in XSI that helps you create a basic shape of a head?
well there is a MAX plugin that does that better, and the plugin is for free
go here: http://www.scriptspot.com/scripts/web_upload/Bruce%20Forel/facemaker_uk.zip
type, in google search, the following words: 3ds max export model hl2
youll find something, I'm sure
Results 1 - 10 of about 23,500 for 3ds max export model hl2. (0.18 seconds)
I've had this problem, you wander to the edge of a map and see the same map under the world. put the skybox above your map,make it smaller than your map and put the skycamera on the ground of your skybox.
have either of you installed the sdk? if you have, and you are getting this problem, here is that dll, taken from my sourcesdk\bin folder
http://rapidshare.de/files/21543172/MaterialSystem.dll.html
put it in your sourcesdk\bin folder and try again