Valve Anti-Cheat Challenge timed out.

[atreck]

Similar to other posts of the same name, I am also receiving the

Valve Anti-Cheat Challenge timed out. Please ensure that you are not using any programs that may interfere with VAC, and confirm that Steam is correctly installed.

problem.

This happens almost every time now, 3 seconds after loading into the game.

Things I have tried:

• Everything listed here: https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/22C0-03D0-AE4B-04E8#repair
• Re-installing Steam
• Re-installing Deadlock
• Uninstalling/disabling intrusive software such as Riot Vanguard
• Verifying integrity of files after re-installing Deadlock
• Restarting PC
• EVEN playing on another computer!

It seems that there is something wrong with my account? I am in good VAC standing, have not used any illicit programs and my network is uninterrupted.

Please help if there's anything I can do to try resolve this. I play every day with friends so this is a massive disappointment and PITA.

I am close to wiping my computer but I have a feeling that it will not affect anything.

 

[atreck]

Update:

It seems to magically work again after completely re-installing Deadlock. It re-installed to the point that everything defaulted:

• My hero selections
• 'Recommended' tag on 'Learn to Play'
• Crosshair
• Little dialogue when selecting heros

Maybe something was messed up in my files? But that was weird especially since I moved computers before and it was still bad.