Vista - hl2.exe has stopped working

getting this problem when tryin to start tf2 or hl2, anyone else getting this problem? i tried doin the stuff steam says, but so far hasnt worked. tf2 won't even start, whereas hl2 will get to the beginning loading screen before you get to the main window then freeze. any help would be appreciated.

what have you tried already??
you need to tell me so that we dont do the same steps over again...
have you tried compatibility mode???

don't believe so, tried running in admin mode, which is about all i got from steams way of fixing it, this happened back when i first got my new computer but i just uninstalled and reinstalled steam and it worked if i remember, but i dont want to have to do that again.

aka im open for suggestions hell even if ive done it before ill try it again ha.

have you tried this??
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_...8296-VSOM-8056

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_...6218-USFX-5568

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_...5688-IFHZ-2170
i believe this last one is what you followed..

well i tried all of those, and ive still got the problem. i should probly point out that i just installed tf2, but have had hl2 since it came out. so i dont think i need to return tf2 to its original install state, having installed it like 3 days ago. im verifying the gcf cache right now, but i dont htink thats the problem.