Error 1305 installing CD1

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capttrob

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I searched the forums. Tried everything. Anyone else still having this problem and/or have a possible fix short of taking the thing back or using the CD's as clay ducks?

TIA
 
When i try to intall HL2, im able to install Steam, then i am prompted to install HL2, CS-S, HL1... etc etc ( i have The Game of the Year Edition). It starts installing then i get "Error 1305. Error reading the file "C:\.........\counter-strike source shared content.pcf. Please make sure that the files exists and that you can access it." within about 15 mins on CD1.

I have tried to install CSS only from the install menu first, but that doesnt work either. I have shut down all my system tray apps, i even tried shutting down all the services as well... no go.... Any advice?
 
Have you tried installing everything that is available? Sometimes you encounter this problem when you don't instal CS:S.
 
I have tried installing one by one, installing all together, and tried to just install CSS by itself. No go on all. As soon as i start installation of the game files, maybe 15-20 files quickly install in less than a few seconds, then is gets stuck on the file i mentioned above for like 10-15 mins before it give me the error and halts the installation. Very frustrating. To top it off, i bought this game from mwave.com which usually has awesome prices and fast shipping on many items, however they do not accept exchanges or refunds for pc games so i have to contact the manufacture of HL2 if i need to exchange it. Hopefully idont get the run-around if i need to exchange it.

Any other ideas what could be the problem? Having an installation problem the first few minutes of using the game is not a good sign for development. I never had a problem with installation before on anything i have ever installed.

Also, does anyone have experience exchanging HL2? What is the fastest way to get a resolution with the makers of HL2?
 
Try just installing steam (not sure if you can download it if you can't install off your disk), and then download HL2 through that, -steam is required to allow HL2 etc to run on your PC anyway- using your CD key from your disks.

Just a suggestion.
 
Shasta said:
Try just installing steam (not sure if you can download it if you can't install off your disk), and then download HL2 through that, -steam is required to allow HL2 etc to run on your PC anyway- using your CD key from your disks.

Just a suggestion.
Click to expand...


Not sure if this is the case with other versions of the game, but you cannot install HL2 without installing Steam first on the CD's i have. Steam installs first, then you are prompted to choose full installation or custom (individual, HL2, HL1, CSS... etc...). I have The Game of the Year edition.

I tried emailing Valve support at [email protected] the other day. Still no response yet. Stay tuned.....

In the meantime, if anyone has any other suggestions, dont be shy... :thumbs:
 
capttrob said:
Not sure if this is the case with other versions of the game, but you cannot install HL2 without installing Steam first on the CD's i have. Steam installs first, then you are prompted to choose full installation or custom (individual, HL2, HL1, CSS... etc...). I have The Game of the Year edition.

I tried emailing Valve support at [email protected] the other day. Still no response yet. Stay tuned.....

In the meantime, if anyone has any other suggestions, dont be shy... :thumbs:
Click to expand...
I know you have to install Steam first. I told you to do that already.
Shasta said:
Try just installing steam (not sure if you can download it if you can't install off your disk), and then download HL2 through that, -steam is required to allow HL2 etc to run on your PC anyway- using your CD key from your disks.
Click to expand...
As you can see, I said to try installing it from your cds first, (just steam, nothing else) and if that failed try to download it (steam) or something. Then try to D/L HL2.

Also, it seems you are getting steam onto your PC sucessfully-
capttrob said:
Steam installs first, then you are prompted to choose full installation or custom
Click to expand...
Try reading and understanding a suggestion before you dismiss it.
 
Yes, i am getting Steam onto my computer successfully. Sorry, maybe i did misunderstand you. I figured everyone knew you couldnt continue a HL2 installation unless Steam is installed first. So by telling me to install Steam first, then try to install HL2... well.... thats the only way i can do it...lol

I CANNOT install HL2 first and then steam... AFAIK. It only works one way. AS soon as i pop in CD1, it installs Steam. Then it gives you the option of installing a full HL2 or custom. That is when i get the error, after Steam is already installed. Perhaps i wasnt clear the first time i said "i am able to install Steam." in my second post of this thread.

Now, another thing im misunderstanding, why would i want to download HL2 when i just paid money on the CD's? Is there a place to download HL2 for free after installing Steam from my CD?

In case you still are confused... I am able to install Steam. I get the error when i install HL2....

Thanks for your help anyway...lol
 
Just sign in in your account on Steam, double-click on the the game "Half-Life 2'" and it should start downloading.
 
Beerdude26 said:
Because they won't reply if you send them a question through [email protected] :p
Click to expand...


Well isnt that just a fine way to "contact" valve. Perhaps they should change their email address to "[email protected]

I also notice there isnt any contact or warranty info in the CD case. Just a quick reference guide and contacts for Microsft and videocards.. etc. What kind of customers service is this???
 
capttrob said:
Well isnt that just a fine way to "contact" valve. Perhaps they should change their email address to "[email protected]

I also notice there isnt any contact or warranty info in the CD case. Just a quick reference guide and contacts for Microsft and videocards.. etc. What kind of customers service is this???
Click to expand...
Yeah, Valve is relying a tad too much on Steam for customer service and support :p
 
Beerdude26 said:
Just sign in in your account on Steam, double-click on the the game "Half-Life 2'" and it should start downloading.
Click to expand...

I created an account in Steam. Then updated Steam. When i go to double click on HL2 under "All Games", it asks for my Credit card info. I was hoping it would start a download and then i could unlock it with my key. But it wants to charge me first before download. I already paid once for a defective game.... not gonna try it twice...lol

However, i did find a section to activate my game via the registration key. Should i activate it even though im unable to install it and then this will give me an option to download it without asking for my credit card? Perhaps getting an error free copy?


edit: PS, this is the first time i have ever used Steam. Never heard of it before buying HL2. Never heard of Valve for that matter... (just to give perspective)
 
Yes do that, that is what the other people instructed you to do as an alternative.

When you buy a copy of HL2 you are essentially buying a CD key, the .gcfs (game content files) are available on CD/DVD or downloadable through steam, as many people just bought the game through steam. What we are suggesting (because it seems your CD's have corrupt .gcfs on them), is that you activate the game using your CD key in steam and download those files from the steam network, which is fully legal and should be possible. As you can see, its not for free, you need your CD key to activate it. Try that now, and remember once you bind that CD key to a particular steam account, you must always log in with that account to use the games you bought, you don't need to register the key again, so write the email and password down somewhere!

Good luck with trying to install it that way, i hope you have broadband!
 
I just tried to activate it before i read your response figuring i had nothing to lose. As soon as i click enter after typing in my key, a message pops up saying "Please install Half Life 2 Game of The Year edition from your CD/DVD before proceeding with this request." lol

I guess the good news is Steam knows its a Game of the Year Edition HL2 by key alone. Now if i could only install it.
 
capttrob said:
Yes, i am getting Steam onto my computer successfully. Sorry, maybe i did misunderstand you. I figured everyone knew you couldnt continue a HL2 installation unless Steam is installed first. So by telling me to install Steam first, then try to install HL2... well.... thats the only way i can do it...lol
Click to expand...
Everybody does know. We just didn't think you did, from reading your post's.

capttrob said:
I CANNOT install HL2 first and then steam... AFAIK. It only works one way. AS soon as i pop in CD1, it installs Steam. Then it gives you the option of installing a full HL2 or custom. That is when i get the error, after Steam is already installed. Perhaps i wasnt clear the first time i said "i am able to install Steam." in my second post of this thread.
Click to expand...
Again- we know.

capttrob said:
Now, another thing im misunderstanding, why would i want to download HL2 when i just paid money on the CD's? Is there a place to download HL2 for free after installing Steam from my CD?

In case you still are confused... I am able to install Steam. I get the error when i install HL2....

Thanks for your help anyway...lol
Click to expand...
Because we are trying to help you, and it sounds like your cd's are not working out for you. Read Hectic Glen's post on this page.
 
Is there an area in Steam that provides a download of HL2 where you can download it and then unlock it with the key i have without having them charge my credit card? I havent been able to find it. The only area you can download HL2 that i can find, asks for your credit card info first.

Steam will not activate my HL2 unless the game is already installed on the pc... i cannot install HL2 on my pc because i get the above mentioned error. So, therefore i cannot activate it through steam to try and download an error free copy.


This thread is almost more frustrating than actually trying to install the game....lol

How long does it usually take Steam to respond to support questions? And do they have a contact phone number? There isnt any contact link on their site.
 
This is what im getting....

After i install Steam (i even uninstalled Steam and downloaded the install from Steam website for the most up to date.) I try to install HL2... it stays here trying to find this file for like 15 mins...

steam.jpg


After 15 mins of watching that progress meter... i get this...

steam2.jpg


This is what my folder looks like...

steamapps.jpg



Steam support got back to me... want to guess their first answer? "Try to install Steam first"... UGHGGGHGHGHGHGGHGGHGHGHHHHHHHHHH!!! I feel like Charlie Brown.

As you can see... STEAM IS INSTALLED! The file "counter-strike source shared.gcf" is missing from the SteamApps folder. Does anyone know where to find this file? Steam sucks IMO.

Edit: sorry for the size of the first two. Tried to make them bigger, but no dice. You can still make out the system folders looking closely...

Someone please help! And please dont tell me to install Steam first....or CS-S first... i already tried it. lol.

I'd really like to check out this game..... heard it rocks...
 
Well, I think what Shasta's rude comment was suggesting, is that once you have steam installed, and you have an account created on steam, you can enter the CD key from your CDs, and download the game files. Yes, it sucks to download and install them, but it's worth a shot. If you have broadband, it's just an overnight ordeal. I never owned CDs, actually, and I installed HL2 and CS:S over an 85 kb/s connection once! But I've installed off the internet at least 5 times, I compulsively reformat and reinstall XP, and I guess I don't think it's a big deal...
 
Click on the Activate Product on Steam.

steam0nv.jpg


It will give you a wizard where you can enter your product key, then it will list your available products in My Games.
 
I punch in my key... and this is what i get..... as explained in post 18 on this thread above....

activate.jpg


Any other suggestions?
 
Maybe you can manually copy the gcfs into the steamapps folder without running the installer.
Also, do you have sp2? That can stop installers from working because of a registry bug.
 
Oof, sorry d00d. I missed that post. I concur w/ Reaktor4. If you have a friend that has HL2, you can copy the contents of his/her SteamApps, folder, and it should work from there. I just did that two days ago with my buddy who has HL2 GOTY Edition. We just did it that way because we were impatient, and we wanted to play CS. But, all he did was install Steam, sign in to his account, and we copied the gcfs (with steam closed). Then it worked great.

If you don't have a friend who has HL2, then just post it, and I can temporarily make my computer a FTP server, and you can deal with my shitty cable modem upload speed :)
 
funkyFlash said:
If you don't have a friend who has HL2, then just post it, and I can temporarily make my computer a FTP server, and you can deal with my shitty cable modem upload speed :)
Click to expand...


That would be awesome. Im the only one i know that has HL2. Most of my friends are into sim's and dont have many FPS games. If you could hook that up, you'd be hooking me up.... :cheers:

I have comcast cable, so hopefully it wont take too long.
 
Also, could someone take a screenshot of their SteamApps folder so i know what to get? That would be a major help.... thanks in advance...
 
forcapttrob9yk.jpg

Those are the files you could get from just the CD's you have, they look different as i have .gcf scape installed which means i can extract stuff from them, but they are the same files. (the others are HL1 files, ignore them).

Perhaps there could be a problem with your installation software on your computer, SP2 could be an issue, i'd look into it. If you can obtain the .gcfs via other means, then good luck, downloading from elsewhere wouldn't be clever (in a piracy context), not sure if steam can detect the difference. I'd go with the safer alternative the guy here is offering first. Good luck.

Oh and guys start reading the thread and his posts first, you're advising things we've already established/done.
 
Thanks Glenn, that is a major help.

It looks like im going to need plenty of files. Hopefully this is the only file i need and the rest will install.... Perhaps i should just call Valve and try to get it replaced. I was able to locate a number on their site, nothing for Steam though.

I do have SP2, and my XP is a relatively fresh install. I have updated windows xp for everything essential. Optional programs are irrelevant (outlook stuff mostly that i dont use) so i didnt download them. I have tried shutting down apps in the system tray, and i even shut down all my services (major pain when trying to get them all restarted as i had to go through them one by one). No viruses... i googled all my services to make sure there was no spyware... etc...

When i googled this install problem, it does seem quite common going back to 2003-4. Im surprised Valve or Steam hasnt released some sort of patch. Very frustrating as you can tell....

Thanks again for the screenshot... :cheers:
 
I just tried calling Valve at 425-889-9642. I select #8 for Product Support. I get another recording saying they do not offer phone support for any of their products and to visit steampowered.com for support (which i have done and they told me to install Steam first...lol... do they even know their own product? You cant install HL2 without installing steam first). What kind of company is this??? I think this will be my first... and last.... Valve game...lol

Anyone know their ticker symbol on the exchanges if they are public? I have a feeling this company might be a good one to short.....
 
Reaktor4 said:
Maybe you can manually copy the gcfs into the steamapps folder without running the installer.
Also, do you have sp2? That can stop installers from working because of a registry bug.
Click to expand...


I looked in CD1 for the gcf but cant find them. Anyone know if they are hidden files and/or where to find them?

As far as SP2, i never had a problem installing any game, application or otherwise. If anyone has the bug, its Valve software for not programming their code to be compatible with SP2. Any google search for Error 1305 in HL2 will return many hits (most solved by getting an exchange, unfortunately its my fault i didnt check mwave.com return policy on pc games and cant return it). Guess how many hits return in Steam support for error 1305.... zero!

Also, i have heard you can return a game to Walmart and they will honor it without the receipt as an exchange since they just send it back to the manufacturer anyway... is this true?
 
I got the installation working. Exchanged the game at Walmart. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and trying to help....


Now lets hope its smooth sailing from here...lol
 
Glad you sorted that out rob, as you can see steam wasn't your problem or anything, it was just those dodgy CDs, here in europe we get a single DVD which works awesome, american CDs are obviously below par! We'll leave you to get on and enjoy, i'm pretty sure you will. Try out the multiplayer games too if you get a chance, some of the mods out or coming out (by hanging around here and keeping your eyes open). Good luck, and cya around hopefully.
 
Funny how i've never had any problems with other games or applications on American CD's, considering i've been using computers since Commodore 64 tape drive and 1541 floppys.. and if i do, its usually resolved the same day with a phone call, not several days searching via google. I still feel Steam and Valve have probably the worst customer service and support available of any company i have dealt with or recommended to others. This will be my last Valve game unfortunately based on their support. It also seems their controller support in game isnt very user friendly. Im sure there will be many other "tweaks" i'll have to pursue via google for this game. A 40 dollar game shouldnt need a college course in code to play....lol

Im still waiting to hear an update from Steam support via their "Ask a question" site.
 
capttrob said:
Funny how i've never had any problems with other games or applications on American CD's, considering i've been using computers since Commodore 64 tape drive and 1541 floppys.. and if i do, its usually resolved the same day with a phone call, not several days searching via google. I still feel Steam and Valve have probably the worst customer service and support available of any company i have dealt with or recommended to others. This will be my last Valve game unfortunately based on their support. It also seems their controller support in game isnt very user friendly. Im sure there will be many other "tweaks" i'll have to pursue via google for this game. A 40 dollar game shouldnt need a college course in code to play....lol

Im still waiting to hear an update from Steam support via their "Ask a question" site.
Click to expand...
Their Customer Support just isn't user-friendly enough. If the site was a bit clearer, many users would have been able to fix their problem themselves without having to resolve to forums like these. And their support section seems a bit understaffed indeed :p
 
Not that i want to bring this thread back from the dead, but i just wanted to include my support experience for those that may do a search in the future....

I just got my second reply back yesterday... here is the whole thing. Start at the bottom and work your way up for correct date sequence....


Error 1305 during installation GofY HL2

Discussion Thread
Customer (Rob Smith) 03/08/2006 11:13 AM
Yes, i tried all that. Updated Steam as i expressed on my second post... "Note: I am able to install Steam first. I even updated Steam from the website and created an account. HL2 will not install when i try to proceed with the installation....03/02/2006 04:16 PM "

I eventually took the thing back and exchanged it. Works fine now... as far as install. I havent really played the game to find other errors. Im trying to hook up a Xbox360 controller to work with HL2, and that is giving me problems as well (mainly because i think i just need to do some tweaking), but i'll try that at a later time when i can afford higher frustration levels...lol

By the way, This will be my last Valve game unfortunately. The support is less than desirable (to put it nicely). Im amazed that this problem (Error 1305 on install) is not in the Steam database when a simple google search shows this as a common problem. To top it off, there isnt any phone tech support. Shame shame...

Response (Mercedes) 03/07/2006 03:46 PM
If you are getting an error during the installation of your HL2 cd/dvd please exit the installer and run Steam on it's own. There were changes made to the installer files after the cd/dvds were printed that requires an update from Steam. Once Steam has finished downloading it's update you can exit and run the installer again without recieving the error.

If you are unable to get past this then you should return the package to the store for an exchange or click the Ask a Question link at the top of this page. Once we recieve your incident we will provide you with instructions on obtaining a new cd.

Customer (Rob Smith) 03/02/2006 07:30 PM
I looked in my Steam/SteamApps folder and only winui.gcf is there. Screenshot attatched

Customer (Rob Smith) 03/02/2006 07:24 PM
This is the screen i get for 15mins on CD1 AFTER steam is already installed.

the second picture is the error i get after waiting for 15mins trying to find the above file....

Customer (Rob Smith) 03/02/2006 06:52 PM
Steam is installed.

From my original question....

"When i try to intall HL2, im able to install Steam, then i am prompted to install HL2, CS-S, HL1... etc etc "

Note: I am able to install Steam first. I even updated Steam from the website and created an account. HL2 will not install when i try to proceed with the installation.

Response (Mercedes) 03/02/2006 04:16 PM
Rob:

Try first installing Steam before installing HL2/CSS using the discs.

Title: How do I install Steam?
URL: http://support.steampowered.com/cgi.../std_adp.php?p_faqid=144&p_created=1093315710

Auto-Response 03/02/2006 02:19 PM
Title: How to Repair Common Winsock Errors
Link: http://support.steampowered.com/cgi...opup_adp.php?p_faqid=215&p_created=1094271654

Title: I get this error: Error 1334. The file 'hl2.ico1' cannot be installed because the file cannot be found in the cabinet file 'hl24.cab' when I try to install HL2 from my Retail CD
Link: http://support.steampowered.com/cgi...opup_adp.php?p_faqid=273&p_created=1100677585

Title: I'm getting a cd / dvd not present in drive message when I try to play HL2.
Link: http://support.steampowered.com/cgi...opup_adp.php?p_faqid=269&p_created=1100625823

Title: Steam says my CD-Key is already in use when I try to register it. How do I reset my CD key?
Link: http://support.steampowered.com/cgi...popup_adp.php?p_faqid=70&p_created=1092517154

Title: How do I make my XBox 360 Controller work with Source games?
Link: http://support.steampowered.com/cgi...opup_adp.php?p_faqid=421&p_created=1134852808

Customer (Rob Smith) 03/02/2006 02:19 PM
When i try to intall HL2, im able to install Steam, then i am prompted to install HL2, CS-S, HL1... etc etc ( i have The Game of the Year Edition). It starts installing then i get "Error 1305. Error reading the file "C:\.........\counter-strike source shared content.pcf. Please make sure that the files exists and that you can access it." within about 15 mins on CD1.

I have tried to install CSS only from the install menu first, but that doesnt work either. I have shut down all my system tray apps, i even tried shutting down all the services as well... no go.... Any advice?


File Attachments
• steam.bmp
• steam2.bmp
• steamapps.JPG
 
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