Has anyone come across the C++ runtime error when using the online version of Counterstrike Condition Zero, specifically when installing the Steam program? The message is "Runtime error, C:\Program files\Valve\Steam\Steam.exe has requested the runtime to terminate it in an unusual way." It occurs first when the automatic online updating after installation is taking place. Then it occurs every time the PC is rebooted because Steam.exe runs on startup - it stops when Steam is disabled but the online game can't be played. It seems to be specific to Windows ME judging by the messages on the game site's forums. So far, removing, regcleaning and reinstalling has been tried. So has adaware and spybot - no spyware. No trojans, viruses etc. Removal of antivirus and firewall software has also been tried. Running it with all background programs turned off has been tried. Updating video drivers has also been tried. The current version of Direct X 9.0b is in use. The support section of the manufacturer has been no help at all. My own theory is that there is a fault in the programming of Steam itself, but I'm open to suggestions or similar experiences. Thanks - from my son! Been away a while but back now so will start posting again. Trev

Good to see ya back. Haven't a clue what to say about the problem in hand that you haven't already alluded to though. :) Everything I read pretty much backs up what you've already said and done. If you haven't already, I'd drop this in the gaming forum too. When I get a little spare surfing time, I'll have another look around see what's for digging up. It's annoying because you can split the error message down and google it and you get plenty of hits, but not for the error message in it's entirety (I found a few - without replies). See the IDIOT walk See the idiot TALK WaLk IdIoT WaLk

Thanks Viking. We have found a workaround but not a solution and my son has notified the tech support people of the workaround. When Steam updates itself online (it is the online gaming program) and crashes with the runtime error, it leaves a program called SteamTemp.exe in its own directory, among all the other files. If we run Steamtemp.exe it continues to update and allows registration for online gaming. To play the game online you have to keep running the temp executable, rather than the installed one from the desktop icon, so we have made a new desktop shortcut to the temp program. Bad programming, Sierra and Valve! By the way, I shouldn't be saying "we" because he (15) discovered it all himself after a couple of days of extreme frustration......chip off the old..... :) I'm going to post a link to this thread in the gaming forum.