I am using hijacks very first crack he posted, with Win Xp and SP2! Since using this crack I have always played in Offline Mode and have never again let it connect to Steam to Update! And so far absolutely no problems with the game or Crack. (And I finished the game today)
To whoever asked about how to stop Steam from starting when windows starts (Cant remember who asked this) but there must be a way of stopping it as it doesnt start when I start my system.
To whoever asked about the shortcut on the Desktop? I start Hl2 from a shortcut on Desktop (but then mine hasnt been updated!) I actually copied the shortcut that installed originally on the desktop from the retail version and changed the properties to point to and start Hijacks exe! That way the icon still looks the same as the original.
And one last thing the game finishes with...................................

Just teasin!