How do I uninstall aoutomatic updates? Is it even possible?

[Trapper]

I just bought HL2 yesterday, so I wouldn't know. I can say however, that HL2 has made a VERY bad first impression. My game keeps freezing, and the last sound that was played starts looping. Then after about 20 seconds it unfreezes, and repeats the process 5 seconds later. So as you can see, I'm REALLY getting mad.
I've done alot of research on this, and I guess its called stuttering. I see alot of posts saying that the updates actually caused this to start happening, and so I would like to know how to uninstall these updates. Do I have to uninstall the entire game? If ANYONE has a possible solution to this, PLEASE tell me.
Thanks in advance for any help!

Oh and by the way, my computer can easily handle this game. When I looked under video options, everything was set to High by default, and it reccomends to keep it at these settings. I tried lowering everything anyway though to as low as possible, and it got no better. I've tried uninstalling the entire game and then reinstalling it. Once again, no difference. This is driving me crazy, and I would greatly appreciate a response.

specs:
e-GeForce 6800 ultra
MSI K8N Neo2
1 gig DDR memory
160gb SATA drive
3500+ processor

 

[DreamWraith]

not possible without a complete redownload and reinstall.

 

[Solver]

Welcome to the world of that Steam junk. Now you're going to have a lot of problems trying to uninstall. A complete redownload will give you, I think, the newest versions of the files anyway.

 

[Fleabaine]

i disabled the automatic updates by opening steam and checking a little box to disable them. easy really.

 

[epmode]

yeah, but there's no way to roll back to previous (potentially working,) versions. at all.

 

[giant384]

it dosent matter u still have to dl them if u want to play the game anyway

 

[The Mullinator]

yeah, but there's no way to roll back to previous versions. at all.

Not without a complete reinstallation. Although I don't think there are many games out there that are even really capable of making a roll-back without a reinstallation anyway.

 

[nvrmor]

trey lowering your sound quality a notch.

 

[Trapper]

First off, how will lowering my sound quality stop my screen from freezing? Second, are you guys saying that even if I reinstall, it wont get rid of the updates? And how do I get to that little box that you can check to stop auotomatic updates, because I did not see them before.

 

[Chris D]

No no no! Where do you people get this idea that a full uninstall and reinstall is necessary?

There is a tool in Steam that verifies the game files with those on Steam's master content server. These files definitely work as these are the files that most people have on their computer.

You can do this by typing steam://validate/220 in your internet browser Window and pressing <ENTER>. Any files missing or corrupt will be deleted and redownloaded and is much quicker and easier than messing around with re-downloading all the files or installing 6 CDs.

Also, what drivers are you using for that 6800? What's your sound card?

Let us know this info and also follow the instructions on on this official Steam Customer Support page that does exist and is actually quite helpful, honest!!!!111 to see if you can sort it that way.

 

[we11er]

This is the url to visit and keep an eye on:

http://www.blep.net/hl2stutter/

 

[diluted]

Are you running lots of programs in the background? Virus scans?

 

[Trapper]

My sound card is the Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS, but I still dont understand why my sound would freeze my comp every 5 seconds.
My drivers for the 6800 are the ones that came with it. Should I go on a sight and get new ones or something? That seems kind of risky...
And no, I never have anything going in the background. I only have this problem with HL2. I can run Doom3 completely maxed out on its settings easily with no lag or sound stuttering.

By the way, I appreciate all your guys help.

 

[the_lone_wolf]

well if your files are verified then they are exactly the same as the ones on my computer and i have no problems, so it's somthing on your machine, not steam or the game, try uodating the drivers for vid card / sound card or anything else you could think may be getting a bit old, use a program called driver cleaner to lose all the old ones then see what it's like

 

[Trapper]

CHRIS!!! YOU are GOD! My problems are gone! I cant thank you enough! If I ever have any more problems I'll come see you!


Finally I can enjoy HL2 for what its worth. :smoking:

 

[Falcon(Nate)]

Get the latest drivers from www.creative.com for your Audigy 2 ZS (use their auto-update feature on their web site, it's super easy.)

Download your latest vid drivers from www.nvidia.com. The drivers you need should be clearly marked...

Any time you have a problem with an application, ALWAYS update your drivers. Also make sure you have DirectX 9.0c and not a previous version.

 

[Chris D]

Thank the underestimated wonders that is Steam Customer Support

Out of interest, what exactly have you done now to rectify the problem?