Still can't play HL2DM

Steam keeps disconnecting me from any server i'm on within 5 minutes of play, with the error "could not establish connection to Steam VAC servers." When I start up Steam, I'm connected no problem. Then after I connect to a server, my friends list gets kicked offline and says "No Connection" at the bottom, then I'm kicked from the server within a few minutes with that error. I contacted steam but they have failed to respond yet. I talked to Obsession today, and he's having the same exact issue, except it crashes the game for him.

You're supposed to turn off your hacks before you get on. Duh.

First, are you using a router? It could be something with port forwarding, but that would be the long shot. Second, what anti-virus are you using?

First, are you using a router? It could be something with port forwarding, but that would be the long shot. Second, what anti-virus are you using?

I already forwarded all the ports required for steam that they told me in the FAQ, then I opened a ticket with them.

I have AVG Internet Security. Never had a problem till the UI update. A few friends are having the same issue.

You're supposed to turn off your hacks before you get on. Duh.

I already tried that

Steam hates DMZ configurations so either set it to your computer or disable it...

OK literally JUST got an email from them, this is what they said:

Hello,

A staff member has replied to your question:

Hello Thecrimsonstar, Thank you for contacting Steam Support. Please follow the instructions linked below to run an msinfo32 report and attach it to this ticket so we may further diagnose the issue: Title: How to run and submit MSINFO32 Reports URL: http://support.steampowered.com/kb_arti ... -WTZN-9132 NOTE: Please make sure your Operating System is fully updated before running this report. http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

I did what was said, and just sent them the email. Awaiting a reply.

In the meantime, I would try opening up AVG and adding an exemption for HL2DM.

it auto-added when i first opened it up. It's on the exemption list and set for "allow all" for hl2.exe

Ok they got back to me again:

Hello Thecrimsonstar, Thank you for taking the time to report this issue. We are aware of the problem and are investigating the issue further. For news regarding the latest updates and patches, please check the SteamPowered News page: http://store.steampowered.com/news/ For now, the issue may be avoidable by disabling the Steam Community overlay and signing out of the friends system while playing. We appreciate your patience.

I had thought of trying that...lol. never did. I'll try it now and see if it helps; hopefully a client update will be released soon to fix this.