How to fix the “client timed out” error

[JAiZ]

This error will occur when trying to join a game in any gamemode. It can occur when connecting to a server with a weak connection, but usually this error causes the player to stop connecting to any server in every mode, including singleplayer, with the error message “client timed out”.
If you have this issue, it will keep reoccurring without fail, preventing you from joining any servers.

There are various solutions that have worked for different people, they are as follows:

Restart L4D2/Steam

Exiting and relaunching L4D2 may fix this issue. If not, exiting and restarting steam as a whole may work instead.

Verify your game files

Navigate to your steam library, right click on Left 4 Dead 2, select properties and go to local files. Click on Verify integrity of game files…
Steam will check for missing files and re-install them, this can take up to an hour.

Unsubscribe/delete add-ons

Certain add-ons might mess with your game files, so unsubscribing and/or deleting all your add-ons might fix the issue. Restart steam after doing this.

Restart your modem

Turn off/unplug your modem for at least 30 seconds, then turn it on/plug it in again and wait for it to reconnect.
If the issue was related to your internet connection, this will most likely fix it.

Deleting the client registry

Exit Steam, then delete the clientregistry.blob file. Following this, relaunch Steam.
It’s noteworthy that not everyone has the clientregistry.blob file. If that’s the case for you, ignore this option.

Manually edit the clientport

Add +clientport 27001 in the Left 4 Dead 2 launch options (Steam library > Right click Left 4 Dead 2 > Properties > Launch Options)

Alternatively, create a userconfig.cfg file with the inputs "-dxlevel 95 +clientport 27010" in the following directory:
Steam > Steamapps > Common > Left 4 Dead 2 > left4dead > cfg

Clear the download cache

Navigate to your steam settings and then to downloads.
(Optional) Change your download region, restart steam, then change it back and restart steam again.
Click on clear download cache.
This will prompt the message "The Steam service component is not working properly on this computer. Reinstalling the Steam service requires administrator privileges".
Click on INSTALL SERVICE and wait (it may keep freezing every time you do this, that is normal and you can leave it be until it responds again by itself.)
Image reference for extra clarity[imgur.com]

This is the most reliable fix, and the one that has worked for most people.
If you know of any other fixes that work, let me know and I will include them in this post.

[Rayman1103]

Great job JAiZ, this thread should be very helpful!

Consider it pinned!

[ᴿᴱᴻᴱ™]

GJ Dude.

[NORDSOR ϟ]

good

[The Fluffiest Fluffy Floofer]

My problem was i didn't have admin access

[myljach twitch]

Good job, JAiZ !

[Nemesis2k7]

you get better internet. problem solved. NEVER had an issue with the default settings on L4D2

[Red™]

Originally posted by Nemesis:

you get better internet. problem solved. NEVER had an issue with the default settings on L4D2

internet isn't the point of this problem. i'm running on 120mbp and i used to have this error. it's not your internet fault. it's steam ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ with your game.

[Sharpie The Dragon]

Originally posted by Nemesis:

Originally posted by Red™:

internet isn't the point of this problem. i'm running on 120mbp and i used to have this error. it's not your internet fault. it's steam ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ with your game.

No. see, people LOVE blaming games / companies for their own problems. how is it, with every pc i have had, i have not had 1 single connection issue on l4d2. explain? i have 100mbps fibre. Steam has NEVER ♥♥♥♥♥♥ with any of my gaming or settings or anything. But when i try and play on slower connections, yes, the game does give the error the OP was discussing. so thus, its a user error problem.

Respectfully disagree.

[Nemesis2k7]

Originally posted by Sharples:

Originally posted by Nemesis:

No. see, people LOVE blaming games / companies for their own problems. how is it, with every pc i have had, i have not had 1 single connection issue on l4d2. explain? i have 100mbps fibre. Steam has NEVER ♥♥♥♥♥♥ with any of my gaming or settings or anything. But when i try and play on slower connections, yes, the game does give the error the OP was discussing. so thus, its a user error problem.

Respectfully disagree.

and here you are, following me here, trolling again. #dontfeedthetrolls. #stalkersarelame

to quote the OP: This error will occur when trying to join a game in any gamemode. It can occur when connecting to a server with a weak connection, but usually this error causes the player to stop connecting to any server in every mode, including singleplayer, with the error message “client timed out”. so yea. i am correct in what i say.

[Sharpie The Dragon]

Originally posted by Nemesis:

Originally posted by Sharples:

Respectfully disagree.

and here you are, following me here, trolling again. #dontfeedthetrolls. #stalkersarelame

to quote the OP: This error will occur when trying to join a game in any gamemode. It can occur when connecting to a server with a weak connection, but usually this error causes the player to stop connecting to any server in every mode, including singleplayer, with the error message “client timed out”. so yea. i am correct in what i say.

Respectfully disagree.

[Red™]

Originally posted by Nemesis:

Originally posted by Red™:

internet isn't the point of this problem. i'm running on 120mbp and i used to have this error. it's not your internet fault. it's steam ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ with your game.

No. see, people LOVE blaming games / companies for their own problems. how is it, with every pc i have had, i have not had 1 single connection issue on l4d2. explain? i have 100mbps fibre. Steam has NEVER ♥♥♥♥♥♥ with any of my gaming or settings or anything. But when i try and play on slower connections, yes, the game does give the error the OP was discussing. so thus, its a user error problem.

just because you dont have problem doesn't mean other doesn't. dont be subject head.

[Red™]

i had steam client error. internet was fine. i updated and used steam beta client apps. fixed it. internet wasn't a problem. it was steam.

[Red™]

please think before you post something.

[Nemesis2k7]

Originally posted by Red™:

please think before you post something.

I did think before i posted. and i posted the facts. heck, even OP says the same thing. so please, think before you post. it is NOT a steam client error.

[Red™]

Originally posted by Nemesis:

Originally posted by Red™:

please think before you post something.

I did think before i posted. and i posted the facts. heck, even OP says the same thing. so please, think before you post. it is NOT a steam client error.

:xtodoubt: