Well Raver .. You have a problem
- You see, yeah, you DO have to uninstall Steam and remove ALL files .. You can prolly get windows to do the job by using your add/remove program-list .. That usually removes all plugins and so on, so IF you do this, be aware that you also need to reinstall all maps, all sounds, skins, models etc etc.. And also, you have to start over with Half Life 2 and what ever games you have going on @ Steam ..
- I've been there a couple of times myself due to different reasons, and that's the mainreason for why I haven't succesfully completed HL2 yet .. I simply can't arse myself enough to start over again, for like, 3rd. time !
And also, once all this is done, and you wanna reinstall Steam, you ALSO have to update all your games @ Steam before they're ready to launch .. So, you're prolly looking at somewhat like LOADS of hours .. Gl ^^