Months of Error Code 53 -- No Help from Support -- At Wits End

[TEConnor]

I've been trying for months to resolve an error code 53 problem. Frankly, I have no alternatives left but to vent on this forum as Steam 'Support' is hopeless (they never did truly respond to be honest...just Bots). I can't play any games through Steam at this point (thank goodness for GOG!).

Here is the message "Help" chain from Steam 'Support'...would love a possible solution if anyone has one, but I'm realistic, this is probably just me venting:

ME (in 2015): Attempting to reinstall a few games after installing Windows 10. Receive error code 53 repeatedly. Have followed ALL Steam Help instructions I could find (disable virus and firewalls, etc), but still receive error code 53. End of the line for standard help solutions. Require assistance.

SteamS: Please restart your computer and then follow these instructions to refresh your Steam files: https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=3134-TIAL-4638

ME2: Attempted refresh of steam files, whole steam client, reboots, the works. Followed hints from forums, help support, all available solutions. None have resolved the Error Code 53.

ME3 (week later): Problem (error code 53) still persists. Have attempted all recommendations/solutions. Still awaiting support. Getting Annoyed!

ME4 (week later): Updated steam with today's client release update. Problem with Error Code 53 persists. This is bordering on ridiculous. At what point will steam support their customers?

ME5 (few days later): Error Code 53 persists. No response from steam support. What does it take to get assistance from you?

ME6 (weeks later): The Error Code 53 still occurs. You have not responded with a solution. I have attempted all of the recommendations that you provided and all of those available through searching the help forums, faqs, support, internet, etc.

ME7 (weeks later): Problem of error code 53 still persists without response from your 'support'.

SteamS2 (weeks later...months after initial request): Hello
Thank you for contacting Steam Support.
We apologize for the delay.
The following instructions describe how to temporarily disable applications running in the background which can cause conflicts with Steam. These instructions are for temporary, diagnostic use only and your system should not be left in this state.
Please try this:
Click the Start button, then "Run" (or Windows key + R)
Type in:
msconfig
Choose "Selective Startup"
Uncheck the box labeled "Load Startup Items".
Now, click on the "Services" tab.
Please make sure the "Hide All Microsoft Services" box *is* checked.
Then, click "Disable All".
If you are using Vista or Windows 7, please re-check the "Steam Client Service" as this is required for Steam to function on these operating systems.
Click "OK" and allow your computer to restart.
Test the issue.
Should the issue continue, please follow the instructions linked below to provide a diagnostic report for your system.
Title: How to run and submit MSINFO32 Info reports
URL: http://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=1376-WTZN-9132
Note: Please make sure your operating system is updated fully before running the report:
- Click the Windows Start button, select All Programs, and then click Windows Update.
Please note that the changes made with msconfig are for diagnostic purposes only. You should not leave your computer in this state.
To set the system back to normal, launch msconfig again and choose "normal startup", close the window and restart your computer.

ME8: Attempted the startup services tweaks (which I had done previously, and mentioned above, but did so again following your instructions to the tee for good measure). No solution. Error Code 53 persists. msinfo32 info report attached

ME9 (weeks later): Anyone home?

SteamS3 (6 weeks later, close to 4 months after initial request):Please exit Steam and go to the folder called C:\Program Files\Steam\ (this is the default location for a Steam installation - if you set a different installation directory, you will need to browse to it).
Delete all of the files in this folder except:
- Steamapps and Userdata folders
- Steam.exe (this file is listed as an application and features the blue and white Steam logo)
Restart your computer.
Then, launch Steam.exe from within the Steam installation folder, and not from a pre-existing shortcut.
With Steam running, re-test the original issue.
Note: This process will not affect your currently installed games.
If the issue persists, make sure your network is optimized for Steam by following the guide below:
Title: Troubleshooting Network Connectivity
Link: http://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=1456-EUDN-2493
If you have any further questions, please let us know.

ME10: Tried it already. Didn't work. Tried it again, didn't work.

[TEConnor]

Thanks, fauxtronic. Tried that once. Obviously didn't work then. I've thought of giving it a go again just in the off-chance that maybe the server was actually too busy on my retry LOL! Also tried various types of formatting for the drive (had read that exFAT can be a problem with some games, etc). Also tried to figure out if my ISP was the issue. I'm on Verizon Fios in the mid-Atlantic, so I figure that seems unlikely.

Cheers

[Satoru]

Error 53 are always local issues. Anti-virus is likely obliterating the download or your firewall is doing it. Aka UNINSTALL ALL your anti-virus products bcause something is killing the download which is why you're getting error 53s

Support can't help with local problems. Find out whta is causing the download to be corrupted on your local end.

You also seem to be confused that 'providing appropriate troubleshooting steps' means they are 'bots'. They give you those instructions because that's what you're supposed to do.

[TEConnor]

saturo,
Thanks. I agree, seems like a local issue that only emerged after installing Win10. So, maybe?, a windows/steam issue. Tried all the anti-virus, firewall, etc fixes. Provided them with my msconfig, etc. Not much more to do except abandon Steam. Oh well...Re: bots, well, yeah, I was being tongue-in-cheek, so to be more accurate, Steam Support did not respond with any helpful or tailored information, generally, and gave the impression that they were 'bots.' Thanks for the help, regardless.

[Satoru]

Post EVERYTHING from

Steam->Help->System Information

AND I MEAN EVERYTHING

You've likely got something blocking it causing the Error 53s, especially if those issue persist across reboots/reinsalls of the OS.

[TEConnor]

Well after a nice message (thanks kind stranger) I just figured it out. It was a drive issue. Long story short: I tried that early on (reformatting all and reinstalling on a fresh drive) but I probably didn't give that the full nelson in terms of disabling firewalls/anti-virus/etc. So, I ruled that out and went back to using the large exFAT drive I use on my Hackintosh for general data. That was the mistake. I swapped out onto an NTFS and now things work IF I ensure that all the ports for Steam are available (which is like an S-ton of ports, btw). So, thanks for the help all. I'm still incredibly disappointed in the organization, the lack of response, the lack of service, and the generally minimal (as in, here is a grain of rice for your famine) help from Steam "Support". In the end, this would have been (as I suspected) a solvable issue with even simple communication from Steam Support, but instead they have decided that service is not their business. Shame on them.