Taking 30 minutes to connect

[SilentGamer]

I'm currently typing this while at-tabbed out of downloading the files as I usually do to get onto the server. The thing that isn't quite so everyday (in fact that has only just started happening in the last few hours) is that it's taking a very long time. I'm talking well over half an hour as opposed to the usual 1-5 minutes. I am wondering if it's a Steam thing, as I am aware that there is a lot of traffic because of the insane offers they've uploaded and some of their server's have crashed with the pressure.

The download is currently at three quarters. I have attempted to join a few minutes prior but the first time it managed to reach sending client info it errored on me and the next time I abandoned it when it simply ceased to do anything. I've been de-fragmenting and doing anything that I possibly can to increase speed.

Perhaps I should add I've recently bought many of the Half Life games today. I have installed Half Life 2, but not the others, they were downloading but are all paused now. So it can't possibly be them.

I would appreciate some help.

Thank you

Yours sincerely,

SilentGamer