i copied the materials folder into the hl2 folder and that got rid of my problem so thanx a lot. i really don't want to be annoying but, it came up with yet another problem, maybe the same type of solution, i don't know...,
"unable to load manifest file 'scripts/surface properties_mainfest.txt'"

i think i tried a notmine file with this and i got the above error.

i can play the actual game but anything that i try to play using the hammer gives me that error.

there is no materials folder in the hl 2 folder...

im not too sure how to try to play other maps than my own... but i expect that they would work.

it's in
c/program files/valve/steam/steamApps/source Materials/hl2/materials/console/background01.vft

why? i don't know how to chang it and it started out setup like that.

so i made a map for half life 2 on the hammer editor and then i tried to play it, but there is an error,
"can't find background image'materials/console/background01.vtf'"
i checked this folder and the file is there and it's in vtf format.
is there some way to change the background or even fix this or am i really just screwed?