"Can't find background image materials/console/startup_loading.vtf"

[Madmadness65]

I just downloaded Synergy today and I'm having issues launching the game.When I launch it, it starts up a black screen for a few seconds, then this[i.imgur.com] happens. Any ideas?
EDIT: I saw a topic similar to this, however it was pertaining to Mac. However, I'm getting the error on Windows 7. I just want to clear that up.
EDIT 2: It appears the file 'startup_loading.vtf' is not actually in it's directory. Possibly if the file could be restored to its place, the game will work.
EDIT 3: I have finally fixed the startup loading error, but then got another[i.imgur.com] error. I just want to play the game... T.T

[Keyboard Ninja]

I'm having the exact same issue. I've tried to fix them using these strategies

http://lambdageneration.com/modding/source/fixing-half-life-2-and-portal-mods-on-steampipe-a-quick-guide/

http://steamcommunity.com/app/420/discussions/0/864971765497379056/

but nothing seems to work. There has to be an easy fix to this?

[Krazy Kasrkin]

This happens when Synergy is not installed next to Half-Life 2.

[Keyboard Ninja]

I installed Synergy on an external drive. I fixed this issue, but it was replaced by another issue. Just change the gameinfo.txt file so the "loose" files section points towards where HL2 is installed and not to the |local path|. Right now, instead of showing a black screen and getting the error, I see the Synergy logo for a second or two and the game crashes with absolutely no error.

Just thought I'd mention it, I'm also running Windows 7 and have tried re-installing both games, verifying caches, and looking this up elsewhere.

How can it be so hard to play a simple game? :(

[Krazy Kasrkin]

add -includepath "path to steam common folder" to your start-up parameters.
See here[www.synergymod.net] for details.

Let me know how this fairs.

[Keyboard Ninja]

I tried adding -include path "actualpathhere" to no avail. I decided to completely uninstall it and reinstall it on C: instead of my external, and it works now :D

It's less than 800MB, so I suggest you just re-install it there. Also, check to see that both Half Life 2 and Synergy are installed on C:

[Madmadness65]

I did the '-includepath <common>', but it's not working well. I still get the error of the missing file startup_loading.vtf.

[Soüp]

Edit gameinfo.txt which is in SteamApps\<username>\synergy\synergy
Look for all the paths that point to the Half-Life 2 directory. There should be 13 of them.
They should all start with: |gameinfo_path|../../../Common/Half-Life 2/
I was getting the error because they all started with |gameinfo_path|../../Half-Life 2/

[Spencerjedi]

Originally posted by Soüp:

Edit gameinfo.txt which is in SteamApps\<username>\synergy\synergy
Look for all the paths that point to the Half-Life 2 directory. There should be 13 of them.
They should all start with: |gameinfo_path|../../../Common/Half-Life 2/
I was getting the error because they all started with |gameinfo_path|../../Half-Life 2/

What if the person playing Synergy doesn't have Half Life 2 but has the files from the game downloaded from another website??

[DJatomica]

Originally posted by Bro-zynski:

Originally posted by Soüp:

Edit gameinfo.txt which is in SteamApps\<username>\synergy\synergy
Look for all the paths that point to the Half-Life 2 directory. There should be 13 of them.
They should all start with: |gameinfo_path|../../../Common/Half-Life 2/
I was getting the error because they all started with |gameinfo_path|../../Half-Life 2/

What if the person playing Synergy doesn't have Half Life 2 but has the files from the game downloaded from another website??

Then that person should stop engaging in piracy and buy Half Life 2.

[oREC]

"STARTUP LOADING" WTF?!

[Eldkveikir]

i found out that in the hidden mod it has the same file im going to try it

[Eldkveikir]

IT WORKS well not the hidden one just go to steam apps in you seam folder and search startup_loading.vtf

[King Father]

!!! Here's the fix fellas (and gals): You need to Verify the integrity of the game cache of Half-Life 2 meaning:
Right click on Half-Life 2 in your Library > Properties > Third tab "Local Files" > Hit "Verify Integrity of Game Cache"... mine said I was missing around 1200 files; it'll automatically download what your missing and once it's done, load Synergy and smile and point at G-Man when you see him! Thanks folks, happy gaming!

[twitch.tv/criflol]

ive been playing csgo for a couple months now and just out of nowhere right now its doing this problem how do i fix this? its very frustrating

[[[Dr.Greed]]]

Problem was fixed!
Just (re)install Source SDK Base and Source SDK Base 2007