Steam Client won't open after verifying installation [but is open in task manager]

[Rolutav]

So let's review all the information for this problem [Currently Known].

Steam will show a window [for a second] that reads "Verifying Installation", then it will close.
Steam will be open in the background/in the task manager.
You can't play any games, open any apps, nor open any Steam window
Trying to end Steam through the task manager will/won't work, as it will keep steam.exe open [No matter if you try to close it through CMD or through processes in the task manager]

Restarting the PC doesn't fix this problem.

Disabling any AntiVirus software [Windows 10 Pro Security] during any of these methods
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𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀. 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀. 𝗡𝗼𝘁. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸.

Opening the steam client through these methods:
• Letting it startup automatically
• Taskbar/Start Menu/Desktop Shortcuts
• Right-clicking open/double-clicking steam.exe in it's file [Not the Shortcut]
• Running in admin mode
• Running in compatibility mode
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𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀. 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀. 𝗡𝗼𝘁. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸.

Opening CMD [admin mode only] and running the following:
• SFC /scannow
• DISM /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth
• netsh winsock reset
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𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀. 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀. 𝗡𝗼𝘁. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸.

Removing ALL files except for:
• Steamapps
• Steam.exe
Then opening steam.exe [Before restarting the PC], it will reinstall steam and it will work until the PC restarts, which it will then continue to do the same problem again.

[Restarting the PC will do nothing, as it keeps Steam "deleted" until you reinstall it again, which the same problem will happen again until the PC restarts]
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𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀. 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀. 𝗡𝗼𝘁. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸.

Completely uninstalling Steam in this method [Keeping all games in the process]:
• Move "Steamapps" to a different location
• Uninstall Steam through: Settings>apps>uninstall [or through the control panel]
• Remove the folder "Steam" from "Program Files"
• [Before or after restart] Reinstall Steam via it's install file from the official website
• Open Steam settings>Downloads>Steam Libraries and detect the libraries
Or
• Letting Steam detect each game individually

This will work for a day, a few days or even a week. But the problem will always come back
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𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀. 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀. 𝗡𝗼𝘁. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸.



I'm sick and tired of not being able to play games when I get home from work. I'm even more upset that I don't know the cause. So please, help me find the problem [or problems], so I [as well as others] can avoid/know how to take care of this in the future.

To help, I can disclose what games I currently have installed, as well as apps/software.

[Dr.Shadowds 🐉]

Is this a HDD it on? If yes defrag HDD.

Check drive health to ensure there no major issues for it, such as bad sectors, or errors. Can use crystal disk info.

Do you use any apps that run on background that manages data traffic, or file and permissions?

Do you use any mods for client?

[Rolutav]

I'm defragging the HDD that has Steam games on it now

I don't want to install 3rd party applications to my PC with it already having problems.

Can you be specific on those apps and give some examples?

Mods for Steam? No. For a game? Yes [Team Fortress 2, none are harmful nor run in the background]

[Dr.Shadowds 🐉]

Publicado originalmente por Rolutav:

I'm defragging the HDD that has Steam games on it now

I don't want to install 3rd party applications to my PC with it already having problems.

Can you be specific on those apps and give some examples?

Mods for Steam? No. For a game? Yes [Team Fortress 2, none are harmful nor run in the background]

If Steam client is on HDD then yes defrag it.

You don't need to install crystal disk info, download zip version as it a portal app, all have to do is unzip, and run app, no installation at all.

For apps I refer if causing issues, it can vary what you have running, as 3rd party apps you install that either manager your network traffic, or messing with file, and permissions, these apps are not something that comes with windows os if that help you understand.

By mod client I actually meant if you alter your client, if not then don't worry about it, as this has nothing to do with games.

[pashtet]

OMG)))))

[Rolutav]

Somethings to note:
I have wallpaper engine and it runs even before Steam starts-up

I use an app called "ICUE" for physical hardware lighting, it's not starting up when the PC turns on nor does it even show an option for startup anymore

The game that has had a consistent basis of this problem occurring, is The Cycle: Frontier