Portal troubleshooting?

[senorcromas]

Okay, so I just downloaded some sweet free Portal, but I can't play it. I think I went through all the necessary procedures (I.E. getting a steam account, waiting a bit less than an hour altogether for it to download and update), and it didn't alert me to any problems.

it gets as far as the loading screen, then it goes all black.

Is it a problem with my computer, or something? If you couldn't tell, I don't exactly have much experience in PC gaming, so I'm kind of lost. Help?

EDIT: Gonna try re-downloading it. 32 minutes... hooray...

 

[Trivun]

Just saying, but I hope the 'free' Portal was a legitimate copy (like, a gift through Steam or a special offer from Valve or something). Otherwise, prepare to be probated, as the Escapist and many of us in the community frown heavily upon piracy.

Anyhow, I can't really answer your question since I don't have the game myself. However, my best guess would be that there's a fault in the software, in which case reinstalling it won't work. Basically, the file is probably corrupted and you won't be able to play it at all. My advice? Get a proper copy through Steam or from a shop, don't download torrents or anything and expect a working game. That's just pure foolishness.

 

[Sir Kemper]

Just saying, but I hope the 'free' Portal was a legitimate copy (like, a gift through Steam or a special offer from Valve or something). Otherwise, prepare to be probated, as the Escapist and many of us in the community frown heavily upon piracy.

Anyhow, I can't really answer your question since I don't have the game myself. However, my best guess would be that there's a fault in the software, in which case reinstalling it won't work. Basically, the file is probably corrupted and you won't be able to play it at all. My advice? Get a proper copy through Steam or from a shop, don't download torrents or anything and expect a working game. That's just pure foolishness.

It was, Steam is currently celebrateing Steams release on Mac (That sounded...dirty...) via selling portal for free.

 

[Urgh76]

I did the same but mine works fine.

During the download it even said i didnt meet the minimum requirements. but it still works great!

(DAMN TESTCHAMBER 18) [sub]i will not use a walkthrough....[/sub]

 

[senorcromas]

Just saying, but I hope the 'free' Portal was a legitimate copy (like, a gift through Steam or a special offer from Valve or something). Otherwise, prepare to be probated, as the Escapist and many of us in the community frown heavily upon piracy.

Anyhow, I can't really answer your question since I don't have the game myself. However, my best guess would be that there's a fault in the software, in which case reinstalling it won't work. Basically, the file is probably corrupted and you won't be able to play it at all. My advice? Get a proper copy through Steam or from a shop, don't download torrents or anything and expect a working game. That's just pure foolishness.

No, it's the free copy you can get 'till the 24th through Steam...

 

[ThisWasAWaste]

I'd recommend either contacting steam support, or (if you haven't already) make sure your drivers are up to date... out of date drivers cause a majority of issues experienced. Other than that, I have not much to offer (I believe my first suggestion will probably serve you best).

 

[Trivun]

Dammit, why does my laptop have to be out of commission now? Otherwise I would not only already know about this, but also have already taken advantage of it. OP, I apologise profoundley for accusing you of pirating the game. However, my advice still stands, it's most likely a corrupted file. Try redownloading it through Steam or getting in touch with Valve tech support.

 

[psivamp]

Dammit, why does my laptop have to be out of commission now? Otherwise I would not only already know about this, but also have already taken advantage of it. OP, I apologise profoundley for accusing you of pirating the game. However, my advice still stands, it's most likely a corrupted file. Try redownloading it through Steam or getting in touch with Valve tech support.

You don't need a comp capable of running it, just get a Steam acct, run Steam and click the link to get Portal for free...

 

[Trivun]

Dammit, why does my laptop have to be out of commission now? Otherwise I would not only already know about this, but also have already taken advantage of it. OP, I apologise profoundley for accusing you of pirating the game. However, my advice still stands, it's most likely a corrupted file. Try redownloading it through Steam or getting in touch with Valve tech support.

You don't need a comp capable of running it, just get a Steam acct, run Steam and click the link to get Portal for free...

No, I understand that. The problem is I can't download Steam onto the computers I'm using, because they're university computers. My laptop already has Steam on it and I already have an account, but because I was stupid enough to spill water on the keyboard I had to send it off for repairs and I haven't got it back yet. As soon as I get it back I'll take full advantage of this, but I literally can't until my laptop comes back from PC World.

 

[psivamp]

Dammit, why does my laptop have to be out of commission now? Otherwise I would not only already know about this, but also have already taken advantage of it. OP, I apologise profoundley for accusing you of pirating the game. However, my advice still stands, it's most likely a corrupted file. Try redownloading it through Steam or getting in touch with Valve tech support.

You don't need a comp capable of running it, just get a Steam acct, run Steam and click the link to get Portal for free...

Go to the Steam site and try to "buy" Portal and just log in and see if it adds it to your library?
No, I understand that. The problem is I can't download Steam onto the computers I'm using, because they're university computers. My laptop already has Steam on it and I already have an account, but because I was stupid enough to spill water on the keyboard I had to send it off for repairs and I haven't got it back yet. As soon as I get it back I'll take full advantage of this, but I literally can't until my laptop comes back from PC World.

 

[thatstheguy]

I had that problem with my old laptop. Then I got better parts and it worked fine. So the only solution would be to upgrade your PC unless there is more to this then what you've said. Though, since you've said you don't have much interest in PC gaming, I'd suggest you just don't bother with the game.