This is a problem with the programs avaliable in steam from Valve(HL2, HL, Counter Strike).

Here is the help I have received from the technical support team of valve.

Initial question

Quote :

"Initial connection to steam is fine. Load CS Source. finds around 5 servers. then finds 2 or 3 after 5 seconds and contunies to find 2-3 every 5 seconds afterward. When I enter a game it does 1 of 2 things. 1: server info page comes up and ping goes from normal to over 1000 then back down. Try to join and it stops on Parcing game info. if I alt/tab out of game, it forces the game to connect breifly and move the progress bar. 2: skips server info page and goes straight to parcing game info stopping point. What I have done to fix this: Uninstalled Norton systemworks. I pass all tests on support page. deleted files in steam directory suggested on help page. Note, CS:Source works when I uninstall it and reinstall it. Then after I turn on cpu the next day it has the aformentioned errors. It seems that alt tabing jerks the game into connecting to server briefly, so its not a certain server problem. I have also disabled Windows Firewall and problem persists."

First Response no help

Quote :

"Hello, The issue you have described is most likely being caused by firewall or router restrictions preventing the normal operation of the Steam client application. Please follow the instructions below to configure your network for the use of Steam: Configure your Software Firewall Verify that you have the following applications in your firewall exceptions lists in order to avoid the most common connection errors: STEAMINSTALL.EXE STEAM.EXE HL.EXE HL2.EXE To open and access Windows Firewall: 1) Click Start and then click CONTROL PANEL 2) In the control panel, click WINDOWS SECURITY CENTER 3) Click WINDOWS FIREWALL To add a program to the Windows Firewall exceptions list: Go to the EXCEPTIONS tab, under PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, select the check box for the program or service that you want to allow, and then click OK. If you are using a different firewall application, you will need to visit your firewall application's website in order to find out how to access and add to the exception lists. Configure your Router Please follow the link below for more information on the ports required for Steam: Title: Required Ports for Steam URL: http://support.steampowered.com/cgi-bin/steampowered.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=11#ports The typical router address is http://192.168.1.1 and more often than not you can enter this address into your web browser to access your router's configuration utility. Connecting from a Network DeMilitarized Zone Steam currently does not support operation through a network DMZ. If your machine is currently in a network DMZ, you will need to reconfigure your network to play through Steam. If you encounter any further difficulties connecting to Steam after observing the recommended procedures listed above, please let us know."

Its not an issue with the wireless connection.

Second response

Quote :

"Hello, This would still be a connectivity issue. Some sort of firewall, router, or AV software would be interfering with Steams connectivity on the following ports: UDP 1200 (used for friends service) UDP 27000 to 27015 inclusive TCP 27020 to 27050 inclusive"

I did that and they confirmed what I did looks correct VIA screen shot. Now they say I should do the following.

Quote :

"Hello, This does look correct, if you are still having trouble you may want to back up your router settings, then update the firmware. We have seen reports of this correcting the issue with various router/modem combos."

How do I do this, and if you know what the problem might be that would be great too.

8/23/2006 3:17:01 PM

Questions

1) Do you or your roommates have bittorrent going. even toggled can cause issues. I'll explain if that's a possibility
2) Check to make sure the ports are open on your firewall. They do NOT need to be fowarded unless people are connecting to your server. inclusive means all the ports from 2700-27015. Most routers have built in ranges that you can put in IF you are using a firewall.

The only AV programs I've seen that cause issues is Nortons (not the symantec from http://www.ncsu.edu/virus/). I'm talking "Norton's family craptastic system".

The above 2 are the most common.

8/23/2006 3:49:53 PM

None of us are using bittorrent.

I uninstalled Norton craptastic and installed NCSU's version.

I have never had a problem through NCSU's internet connection, or the connections at previous apartments or at home

8/23/2006 8:31:09 PM

are you conencted via dsl modem, cable modem, or 'free high speed' at your complex

8/23/2006 9:54:54 PM

wireless cable modem from timewarner set up with timewarner

8/23/2006 10:03:37 PM