Having system problems

[DavethePerson]

I just got Half life 2 the other day. I installed it fine and everything. But when i get it started, it shows the loading icon, then a couple seconds later there's a black screen and i have to restart my computer! PLEASE, someone help, i really want to play this game!!:flame:

 

[Beerdude26]

Normally you'd get good support at the Steam forums, but their server seems down right now.

Could you tell me your system specifications?

To find them, follow : Start --> Execute --> type in : dxdiag
A window should pop up with information. Copy that information into your reply.

 

[DavethePerson]

I have a notebook

Inspiron 600m

512 MB RAM
Pentium 4 M processor 1.50 Ghz
mobility radeon 9000

 

[DavethePerson]

WAIT, i just started it and it said somethin about outdated drivers.

 

[J_Tweedy]

could be that, but that's standard for everyone- steam always does that.
What resolution you using? If its crashing on the res change that could be your problem- try changing to the same resolution as the intro movies.

 

[DavethePerson]

WTF, now its sayin, "unable to inhit shader system"

 

[Unimita]

Since it's a laptop I would expect it to have problems, they're just not up to gaming especially. Although it should still be working.

If you can get to the main menu before it crashes, bring up the console (go into options, keyboard settings, advanced (if I remember correctly) and activate it) and then bring it up with the ` key in the top left of your keyboard. It should say what DirectX level it's trying to use and please say what it says .

Edit: It's also possible one of the files is corrupted. If you can't start the thing up then you might need to reinstall if you have a disk or redownload if you brought it over Steam.

 

[DavethePerson]

well,thats the thing, before i can even go into the menu, it comes to a black screen and it says that my driver isnt working right and i have to reboot quickly. And another thing, can you tell me how I can update my driver? Anyway, im reinstalling it right now. I still dont get it, i was able to play the demo on low.

 

[Unimita]

If you go to https://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894&task=knowledge&folderID=27 and select the options, you should be able to get the driver you need for your card.

 

[DavethePerson]

OK, I have a mobility radeon 9000, so i go to the notebooks with ATI right?

 

[Beerdude26]

I just checked out the information and drivers, and I think it would be best for you to contact Dell to ask for new drivers, because notebook drivers are often customized to the notebook screen and your notebook might screw up with standard drivers.

 

[DavethePerson]

alright, ill call dell tonight and see what ill be able to do with my system.

 

[DavethePerson]

Hey guys, just wanna say thanks for your effort trying to help me, but im gonna get a new desktop in a couple of days so i can play . Just wanna say thanks for helpin.

 

[Tyguy]

thats dedication...buying a new pc for a game?

good man