hl2.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close.

"hl2.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience."

Grrrrrrr, this is really annoying me.

I've had this error since yesterday and today followed the "cleaning windows xp" thread instructions to clear out all the crap on my PC (I had a google redirect virus too which has now thankfully gone).

The error occurs every time I try to open Counter Strike: Source. I see a box saying "Preparing Counterstrike Source.." followed by the error above.

I've tried removing all virus/spyware/malware/etc, defragging my HDD, reinstalling the game and reinstalling steam but still no luck.

Now I turn to you and my fate is in your hands you kind, generous, clever people (flattery helps, right?).


I'm really stuck here so any advice is appreciated - thanks in advance.

 

Still no luck I'm afraid. I should mention that I've googled around for a fix and tried pretty much whatever I could find including setting different launch options.

 

Link to thread in games section:

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=193236