Steam Client Won't Open :: Help and Tips

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Dean Nov 6, 2014 @ 3:25pm

Steam Client Won't Open

Edit 3: May 27, 2016 -- Another fix that seems to be working for those where steam fails to load.

Originally posted by Hiroshima:
FIX:
1. Open Task Manager.
2. Scroll to Steam Client Bootstrapper
3. End task.
4. Try opening steam again.
5. Enjoy

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Edit 2: August 9, 2015 -- For the people who have this issue and don't have a restore point, Alias11 may have a fix for you:

"If you run it in compatibility mode it seems to work, including starting a game.
(Right click Steam -> Properties -> Compatibility tab -> Run this program in compatibility mode for -> Windows 7)
What has likely happened, is we all updated Windows 7 to W7 Service pack 1. There is some sort of incompatibility without reinstalling I assume, so you must run it in compatibility mode for W7 without the service pack. "

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Edit 1: Nov 19, 2014 -- I ended up fixing my issue a while ago. It had nothing to do with Steam but it was my computer. I had run a bunch of Windows Automatic updates the night before and I guess something was conflicting with Steam.

I ran a system restore to right before I ran the updates and everything worked again.

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When I try to open the steam client (normally or in admin) the first screen I see pops up for one second and says "Updating Steam - Verifying Installation" and then after that the standard "Connecting steam account: ____" window.

Although after this, nothing happens. When I check my System Processes I see "steamerrorreporter.exe *32" for less than a minute before it disappears but no notification from windows or from the steam client that there is an error. Also there are no other steam related processes here that I can end process (Steam.exe).

I see that only 59 of 62 US servers are online and I live in Canada so it possible this is what is affecting me? It seems this would be odd though because it doesn't even give me the option to play offline or anything at all, just doesn't even open.

Edit: I tried restarting my computer and it's the same issue but now this first screen that pops up stays up for nearly 30 seconds and says "Updating Steam - Checking for available updates..." and then does the same thing as before from this point.

Last edited by Dean; May 27, 2016 @ 12:51am

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Showing 1-15 of 39 comments

WhereIsBusmin Nov 6, 2014 @ 6:15pm

Originally posted by Dean:
When I try to open the steam client (normally or in admin) the first screen I see pops up for one second and says "Updating Steam - Verifying Installation" and then after that the standard "Connecting steam account: ____" window.

Although after this, nothing happens. When I check my System Processes I see "steamerrorreporter.exe *32" for less than a minute before it disappears but no notification from windows or from the steam client that there is an error. Also there are no other steam related processes here that I can end process (Steam.exe).

I see that only 59 of 62 US servers are online and I live in Canada so it possible this is what is affecting me? It seems this would be odd though because it doesn't even give me the option to play offline or anything at all, just doesn't even open.

Edit: I tried restarting my computer and it's the same issue but now this first screen that pops up stays up for nearly 30 seconds and says "Updating Steam - Checking for available updates..." and then does the same thing as before from this point.

If this hasn't been resolved yet, give this a try: Steam Support > How to remove and refresh your Steam files

2 Laserdisc Copies of Toy Story Nov 19, 2014 @ 6:42am

I'm having the same exact problem and so far i have tried restarting the computer the recommendation above re installing all steam files deleting and re installing steam multiple times and i even made sure it had nothing to do with my drivers. But i live in the US so i don't see how the servers would affect me. Someone please help.

Leandor Nov 19, 2014 @ 7:21am

I have the same problem, but nothing make it work, so...

Dean Nov 19, 2014 @ 1:38pm

I ended up fixing my issue a while ago. It had nothing to do with Steam but it was my computer. I had run a bunch of Windows Automatic updates the night before and I guess something was conflicting with Steam.

I ran a system restore to right before I ran the updates and everything worked again.

crunchyfrog Nov 19, 2014 @ 1:56pm

Originally posted by Mostly❤Harmless #HypeTrain:
I'm having the same exact problem and so far i have tried restarting the computer the recommendation above re installing all steam files deleting and re installing steam multiple times and i even made sure it had nothing to do with my drivers. But i live in the US so i don't see how the servers would affect me. Someone please help.

Firstly, note that being in the US is largely irrelevant to the server issues. It can be worse, and not better.

I guess you're assuming Valve's American so you should be OK? I'm afraid it just doesn't work like that. If you're in the US it can make the problem WORSE though, as there can be congestion when there's a lot of people on (and accounts have shot up recently).

SO you could try changing region (if you can get that far) - you are often better choosing a region on the other side of the world as they will predominantly be asleep.

But it's most likely going to be something like the user above - changes to something which is conflicting and preventing access. Try looking at your antivirus suite to see if Steam's suddenly been blocked access. Alterntaively, have you updated anything else or added anything else recently (check any auto updates too)'

marshmallow Nov 19, 2014 @ 2:01pm

just try again

DeDeLux Jun 5, 2015 @ 5:56pm

im mad i cant fix this euther

Oswaldito<3 Jun 6, 2015 @ 5:29pm

Launch the Steam Installer and select "Repair", then just wait. I had the same problem and i fixed it with the repair option in the installer. Tell me if you fixed the problem.

Last edited by Oswaldito<3; Jun 6, 2015 @ 5:32pm

DookieBandit Jun 13, 2015 @ 12:18pm

i have the same problem, i need help with this

Dor Jun 18, 2015 @ 2:34am

Same problem here, after a Windows update. How can I solve it if I don't have a previous restore point?

#10

crunchyfrog Jun 19, 2015 @ 8:47am

Originally posted by Dor:
Same problem here, after a Windows update. How can I solve it if I don't have a previous restore point?

Did you read the whole thread?

Have you actually established that it's not some other issue than net congestion?

If you have and it all boils to down the current install in some way, if you don't have a restore point there is only one alternative and you can probably guess what it is - a complete reinstall.

This is why restore points are important. I suggest you set them up for the future

#11

Trash Jul 12, 2015 @ 3:40pm

So, I made mine to run after having the same issue.

If you run it in compatibility mode it seems to work, including starting a game.
(Right click Steam -> Properties -> Compatibility tab -> Run this program in compatibility mode for -> Windows 7)
What has likely happened, is we all updated Windows 7 to W7 Service pack 1. There is some sort of incompatibility without reinstalling I assume, so you must run it in compatibility mode for W7 without the service pack.

Hope this helps someone.

#12