Team Fortress 2 error Results in super ping/lag Help Please

[hamiltonbrba]

Particles: Missing 'particles/custom_particles500.pcf'

This is the error I get all the time, but after the "custom_particles" the numbers go from 001 to 500 so it'd be all the way down my developers console in red text.

Please what does it mean, and how do I fix it ?

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Also, if you want an idea of the difference in lag:

Before error --> (5-30) ping

After error --> (600-1700) ping [this includes the same problems I get in L4D]

[loopyman]

If this is a client issue then it isn't a problem with srcds. Ive never had a problem with missing files that couldn't be fixed with reinstalling the game or verifying game integrity.

[Beaverbeliever]

That kind of error wouldn't affect ping. I am wondering if the connection you are on is having issues, because that is the only reason pings would jump up so high.

[loopyman]

It could be an addon.