STEAM GAMES CRASHING? - MY FIX.

[Score Fingers.]

I have RARELY have had to ever delect and reinstall any applications on my mac.
Steam seems to be the sole exception in the last 8 years.

PROBLEMS:
TF2
PORTAL (1 & 2)
basically every steam game I own and use via steam crashing soon after launch and establishing a network play connection.

I've applied all the updates, sent in reports, complaints and asked for assistance but it' all fell on deaf ears for over the last month.


What I eventually did was:
1. Make a backup of all my purchases via the steam app. (under account)
2. Re-confirm my user name and passwords for steam via email.
3. Use AppDelete to remove all the steam app files cleanly
http://www.reggieashworth.com/appdelete
4. Download ONYX and used it to clean up the system (logs, caches and everything else other than what I wanted to keep -browser bookmarks & history)
http://www.titanium.free.fr/download.php
5. Restarted the mac (reset the PRAM CMD+option+p+r hold on restart for 2 chimes) for good measure.

6. Downladed the steam installer .dmg
7. Signed back into my steam account, restored from my backup files
8. Redownlaoded Valve games. (TF2 & PORTAL)

I've been playing for the last day with about 4 sessions... no crashes.


Clearly the problem was with the steam application itself
either the various patches didn't install properly, corruption or something introduced into the support files was causing the problem.

I'm posting this so that others can follow the steps and fix their crashes ( I hope) since this seems to be a widespread problem that's not being delt with by valve.

IF this works for you, feel free to buy me a crate key or something (I'll take metal too ) ;D
I would have gladly done it if I had found someone to fix my monthlong crashing frustrations. THANKS!

[sri oskari]

Hey, thanks for the tip! But, sorry, it didn't solve my crashing Valve games (HL2, Portal). After the loading screen the crash gives the same libtier0.dylib image not found report as before after the latest update two weeks ago.

I've also sent enquiries to Steam but have got no reply. Some service, huh? I'm new to Steam but am a bit stunned by this total silence from them, although based on other comments it seems normal, but I wouldn't want to get used to it.

[Score Fingers.]

Yeah I totally understand.

After a week of silence after sending in my help request I got this from Steam:
(I hope it helps you)


Hello,

A staff member has replied to your question:

Hello,

Thank you for contacting Steam Support.

We apologize about the long delay.

Please note: You are receiving this message because you categorized your question under Steam client Crashes or Network/Connection Issues/Gamer Server Issues.
edit as needed



For PC Users:

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:

The \Steamapps\ folder and Steam.exe (this file is listed as an application and features the black 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.


For Mac Users:

Please exit Steam and go to the folder Users/[username]/Library/Application Support/Steam

Delete all of the files in this folder except for SteamApps.

Restart your computer.

Launch Steam and re-test the issue.

Note: This process will not affect your currently installed games.

Note: If you are using Lion please do the following to enable your Library folder:

1. Open Terminal
2. Type chflags nohidden ~/Library
3. Close Terminal

You should see the Library folder available through the Go menu on the menu bar while holding down the option key.

If the issue persists, make sure your network is optimized for Steam:

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.

[sri oskari]

Thanks. I now actually got that same message, and did as was suggested, but the problem persists. Steam updated today, but also didn't fix the crashing. I'm playing the games now on Win 7 via Bootcamp, not an optimal solution, but it does soothe relating to this issue...

[waffle]

when all my workshop items finish downloading they sometimes lock up my pc and sometimes crash the game and my steam always crashes when my games crash

[chapelmeyer30]

My fix was simply just update the network driver and it has ran great ever since.

[TBE]

Score, I can't figure out how to navigate it.. I need help.