Venting about Valve

[Imperioratorex Caprae]

The money is sure as shit gone from my bank account, and Steam won't allow me to re-download a game I've already paid for for free, BECUZ DAT WOOD BEE SMARRT.

I don't know what weird version of Steam you are using but I can download my games as many times as I want. If a game is already downloaded you can verify its contents have downloaded correctly.

I am sensing a big PEBKAC error here.

PEBKAC is a virus no removal tool can solve.

So true, so true. Lucky for those of us in IT though, as it means there will always be jobs available. Until the computers learn to manage themselves, and then SKYNET!

Actually my job at present is a 3 day seminar on how to combat the PEBKAC virus. So far its turning out well teaching novice users the ins and outs of basic PC maintenance and how not to be afraid to tinker with your machine and how to troubleshoot your PC without having to call tech support. Sure it might seem I'm putting myself out of the tech business but it actually is more profitable to teach a user to think for themselves than have to fix the same damn problem every few weeks.

 

[UberNoodle]

I have to say, why does my retail copy of Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition NEED me to make a steam account, bullshit, I bought it retail so I could avoid the mess of an installation that is steam...

I really don't see the problem. If you weren't 'forced' to use Steam, you'd be forced to use SecuROM or some root kit or some other useless security system which serves no actual purpose to you. Instead, by being 'forced' to install Steam, you are also being 'forced' to install a top quality, stable, useful and convenient download platform which integrates gaming with social and game management features, 'forcing' you to perhaps eventually have several games in the same place with unified social connectivity and easy upgrading and DLC management.

 

[AwesomeWunderbar]

I will admit that steam is bad for stuff like this. I bought the Sims 3 from them and it won't work on my computer so after trying everything I found and contacting EA, I contacted Steam asking for a refund. They refused. No reason given, just refusal.

Well, sorry Steam. It's not my fault you sold me a game that doesn't work.

Did you consider that you should have made sure your PC could run it before purchasing it? 'Cause it is probably your computer, and that is definitely not refund-worthy.

Yes I did. My computer met with all the standards. And it was not my computer because what I need to do to fix it was delete some corrupt files that came with the game but it wouldn't let me do that without deleting the whole game.

If my computer is up to the standers but the game won't work for some other reason I think I am entitled to a refund. I'm not trying to blame Steam for the problem, I just think they shouldn't refuse my request for a refund without giving a reason whatsoever.

Steam does allow you to edit files all you want. I am running San Andreas Multiplayer on Steam. Just go into the folder in Steamapps, and delete the corrupt files, then validate game-cache and Steam will pick up the files, and ONLY the files that are missing.

But the thing is, the files I have to delete aren't in that folder. There in a folder in My Documents. And we I delete them, they just come back the moment I try and start the game.

 

[AwesomeWunderbar]

If you bought it then you should've gotten a receipt to print out or have it in your transactions history. If it's nowhere to be found in your library, open a ticket and contact customer support. I know we gamers have a bad rap for being petty and loose with expletives, but $10 hardly seems worth a vent post and obligatory death threat.

I will admit that steam is bad for stuff like this. I bought the Sims 3 from them and it won't work on my computer so after trying everything I found and contacting EA, I contacted Steam asking for a refund. They refused. No reason given, just refusal.

Well, sorry Steam. It's not my fault you sold me a game that doesn't work.

That's not a problem with steam or ea, it's a problem with your computer and the developers, sims 3 works fine on my computer but othergames don't because not wert game works on every computer. Steam can't give out refunds for stuff like that. They wouldn't of refunded anyone in the whole rage shot because it was not their problem.

See but that the thing, it's not my computer. I checked to make sure I could run it. I do that with all games because of issues like this. It was a problem with the game files that I could not fix. I probably should have been more specific, sorry, I can understand why you would think this. But even if it's not Steams fault they still sold me a faulty game that I can't play for reasons I can't fix. I'm not being to unreasonable when I ask for a refund.

Also, isn't EA the developers of the sims? Forgive me if I'm wrong that's just what I thought...

Oh, that's easily solved, its happened to me quite a lot. You have to right click the game, go to properties, then find the option to validate game cache. Then you pick tha and steam will find the missing files and redownlod them and only them. It'll be about 100mb at most, so it's not that bad. That mist of been the reason steam refused a refund, because the fix is so easy. Hope it works though, if not something else is wrong, and you can pm me and I'll try find a fix. Also, the sims are developed by a developer called the sims studio, I dont think ea itself makes any games.

Super! Thanks! I'll re-download it and see if this works. But Steam should have at least told me how to fix it instead of just refusing my refund. But Thanks!

 

[Twilight_guy]

1. Call customer support
2. Tell them about problem
3. Get money back
4. ???
5. NOT PROFIT SINCE YOU GOT BACK MONEY THAT WAS LOST!!!

End result:

Luckily you got upset over something fixable. Of course if that doesn't work, you could always slash Gabe's tires. That works for me.

 

[Dr Jones]

But the thing is, the files I have to delete aren't in that folder. There in a folder in My Documents. And we I delete them, they just come back the moment I try and start the game.

Well.. Yeah, those files are necessary for the game, and they come back every time you launch the game, as they check for files in My Documents in a lot of games (though I don't see why you should delete anything there, as all the data files are in Steamapps, my documents usually just contain saves).

 

[Elate]

Guys, as much as I've appreciated the help (and I most certainly have - after spending so many years on Youtube it's refreshing to see such kindness from internet users), nothing is working. I'm serious, nothing any of you recommended has worked. Again, it's not in the library, it's not hidden behind any filters, I can NOT redownload, and Steam will NOT pay attention to my cries for help.

Furthermore, without wanting to sound rude, I would also point out that I actually didn't ask for help, though again, I really, really do appreciate everyone's generosity.

Just because they didn't respond in a day is no reason to get your panties in a twist, if all else fails just give them a ring. Seriously, steam support are possibly the best bunch I've ever had to deal with.

One of my friends accidentally bought a 4-pack, steam had no reason to help him, he'd bought it, no error on their end, yet they went through the lengthy process of getting him a full refund for 3 of those games (Which is difficult since the 4-packs are managed differently.)