New Steam install won't run - FATAL ERROR

jumeeno · 21 Nov 2015 at 10:22

I recently uninstalled Steam from the 'D' drive in my main rig (which has now been repurposed in another machine).

I have just tried to install Steam from scratch on the 'C' drive of my main rig but it won't run! Once installed and run for the very first time I get a dialog message stating:

Steam - Fatal Error
Steam needs to be online to update. Please confirm your network connection and try again.

Click OK and it just closes. I've tried all sorts, and all the fixes online I could find... anyone ever experienced this?

ExRayTed · 21 Nov 2015 at 10:30

Are you running a third party firewall?

dunn2010 · 21 Nov 2015 at 10:31

do you have a firewall blocking it? disable your firewall and try again.

tried to run as admin?

jumeeno · 21 Nov 2015 at 10:32

AVG Free, but it was never an issue before. Uninstalled it, rebooted, tried Steam again from scratch, still no joy!

ExRayTed · 21 Nov 2015 at 10:38

Check your exceptions in Windows Firewall?

Go to Control Panel - Windows Firewall then 'Allow a Program or Feature Through..'

dunn2010 · 21 Nov 2015 at 11:02

it does sound like something is blocking it from getting out, may of had a rule that allowed it out from the D drive but is now blocking from C.

as a last resort you could try the below. Don't think it will work but might be worth a punt.

uninstall steam

removing the reg key hk_current_users\valve

remove the folder for steam in c:\program files

then re-install steam.

ps. make sure you backup registry before you do this right click the valve reg folder > export and save to desktop.

jumeeno · 21 Nov 2015 at 11:58

ExRayTed said:
Check your exceptions in Windows Firewall?

Go to Control Panel - Windows Firewall then 'Allow a Program or Feature Through..'

Thanks, but having checked, Steam is already 'allowed'.

ExRayTed · 21 Nov 2015 at 12:13

Do you know anyone who would send you their Steam install folder, minus the apps folder? That could work..

jumeeno · 21 Nov 2015 at 12:16

ExRayTed said:
Do you know anyone who would send you their Steam install folder, minus the apps folder? That could work..

So... I have Steam installed fine on my laptop.

What do I need to do?

ExRayTed · 21 Nov 2015 at 12:20

Assuming Windows 7:

Make sure 'hidden files and folders. is unticked.
Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam hit 'Organise' (top left), Folder and Search Options, then untick hidden files and folders.

Once that's done copy the lot except the SteamApps folder

jumeeno · 21 Nov 2015 at 12:37

ExRayTed said:
Assuming Windows 7:

Make sure 'hidden files and folders. is unticked.
Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam hit 'Organise' (top left), Folder and Search Options, then untick hidden files and folders.

Once that's done copy the lot except the SteamApps folder

Top.

Man.

Worked - thanks very much

ExRayTed · 21 Nov 2015 at 13:42

Hehe..glad to have helped