http://forum.eagames.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=286294
Battlefield 2 Community Technical FAQ by Warlord2000ad @ EAUK Games Forum
Having trouble with Battlefield 2 Yes, Then try reading below to see if it can help fix some of your problems!
Contents
General Battlefield 2 Issues
1. Memory Sanity Errors
2. If you don't have a microphone, and your getting connection problems at the start of round
3. All Radio Voices in English
4. Modified Content Error
5. How do i see my in game Frames per Second
6. CD/DVD drive not recognising disc
7. Battlefield 2 Play Now Shortcut
8. Can't uninstall/re-install BF2 (includes EF)
9. Cannot move once server loaded
10. Key is already assigned, Duplicate Control already in use
11. I hear a Crackling Sound whilst playing the game
12. Increase ingame FPS past 100
13. Getting BF2 to work with All Seeing Eye
14. Getting BF2 to work with Xfire
15. What Ports do i need open for Battlefield 2
16. Getting Joystick POV Working
General Special Forces Issues
1. CDkeycheck.exe error when installing/playing
2. Can't uninstall/re-install SF.
3. Mods/bf2/shaders/lightning.fx not found
General Booster Pack Issues
1. It stays i have not brought Euro Forces, but i have!
Account Issues
1. PC Freezes of Connecting to Account Server
2. I have forgotten my password
3. I need to change my User-name
4. I need to Change by password/email address on my account
5. My Stats are all messed up!
6. I earned x points or badges, they not showing in BFHQ
7. I got my missing medals, but i have not been promoted
8. How do i delete my account
9. Connection Refused at login to account server
10. Taking along time to login
Patch Issues
1. What Order do i Install patches?
2. Patching Failed
3. Not Enough Space
Performance Issues
1. Lag or Constant Disconnects from the Sever
2. Slow/Stuttering performance in Battlefield 2
3. Possible Improvement Fix for BF2/PB (inc ingame browser)
4. AMD Dual Core Fix
Crash to Desktop Issues
1. Crash to Desktop on starting Battlefield 2
2. Crash to Desktop on Joining a online Server.
CDKEY Issues
1. Invalid CDKEY when trying to join a server
2. I've lost my CDKEY
EA Downloader Issues
1. "CORE" Error is displayed when starting EA Downloader
2. I paid for my Game, but its not showing up for download in the EA Downloader
3. Workaround for using on a non Windows XP Operating System
4. Unable to authenticate download
5. EA Desktop Client has encountered a problem and needs to close
6. How to backup SF/EF/AF Downloads
Punkbuster Issues
1. How to Update PunkBuster
2. Reduce the Number of Punkbuster Checks
3. Inadequate O/S Admin Privileges Error
Problem not listed, Help!
If your problem has not been listed above, read this section on common list of solutions to try to see if it will resolve your issue.
Community Recommend Maintenance Programs
1. Adware/Spyware Tools
2. Defrag Tools
3. Registry Tools
4. Diagnostic Tools
5. Anti-Virus
6. Firewall
7. Graphic Card Drivers
Useful BF2 Links
Some useful links related to BF2
Solution Explanations
Quick explanation about some of the more well used solutions for those that are interested.
Official EA Support
See End of Post
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Warlord's Warnings wrote:
WARNINGS
In parts of this FAQ it does mention changing files, this can cause unwanted problems if done incorrect and some still even if done correctly. Therefore you should always back up files before editing. One reason why you move your Battlefield 2 Folder from My Documents to your Desktop, instead of deleting it. If anything in the FAQ requires you to change a file, first back it up somewhere safe so you can replace it if necessary!
The Main warning, Registry editing can be dangerous so as with everything, you should make a backup before changing it! To do so, open RegEdit, by type in regedit in the run box from the start menu. Then click file|export, save the file somewhere save with a suitable name, this is a backup of your registry.
In addition on some Windows operating systems you may create a System Restore Point. by going to Start Menu|All Programs|Accessories|System Tools|System Restore
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General Battlefield 2 Issues
Problem - Memory Sanity Errors
Cause - Serial-ATA drives and Wrong Drivers
Fix - The "Memory Sanity" error seems to be being caused by Serial-ATA drives not having the correct motherboard drivers installed. Please check your drivers if you are having this problem. This is the only known fix but i do have reason to believe it does not always help, if so you could have faulty RAM, try running a program called Memtest86 to test your ram for errors. Also try removing a stick of RAM from the machine to see if it helps running on just 1 stick of RAM.
Problem - If you don't have a microphone, and your getting connection problems at the start of round
Cause - No Microphone
Fix - Will happen on servers with VOIP enabled. Turn off your VOIP, in BF2 Audio Options.
Problem - All Radio Voices in English
Cause - Option in Battlefield 2
Fix - Should be a simple fix, go into your Battlefield 2 Audio Options, and uncheck English only voices.
Problem - Modified Content Error
Cause - Your Battlefield 2 Files differ in some way than the servers
Fix - Few things to try and get this Fixed.
1. Move your Battlefield 2 folder from My Documents to your Desktop
2. Make sure you have the latest battlefield 2 patch installed
3. Try and update PunkBuster, to do so use the program, pbsetup, found at this website
4. Try re-downloading the latest patch from a different website and install it again, maybe several times tyring each time to see if it has worked.
5. Do a manual uninstall of battlefield 2, instructions on how to do this can be found here
Then reinstall Battlefield 2 and apply the latest Full Patch.
6. You could have faulty RAM, try running a program called Memtest86 to test your ram for errors. Also try removing a stick of RAM from the machine to see if it helps running on just 1 stick of RAM.
Problem - How do i see my in game Frames per Second
Cause - n/a
Fix - There is a in-game command to show your FPS, Press ` key (next to number 1) type in, renderer.drawfps 1
(Don't forget the space.) Alternatively you can use a 3rd party program called FRAPS.
Problem - CD/DVD drive not recognising disc:
Cause - Mostly likely Nforce4
Fix - nforce IDE SW Driver issue, either clean Hard-Drive of nforce drivers, install new and select 'No' when prompted to install the IDE SW Driver or if you go into your device manager and click on IDE ATA/ATAPI CONTROLLER, most likely under here anyone with an NFORCE 1, 2, 3, 4 board will have Nvidia Nforce* ATA CONTROLLER - pick update driver and pick NO and pick Install from List then DON'T SEARCH and in the list you should see all the Nvidia items and STANDARD DUAL CHANNEL PCI IDE CONTROLLER. Choose STANDARD DUAL CHANNEL PCI IDE CONTROLLER and you should be good to go.
If it does not show in the Window then you can UNCHECK Show Compatible and then you'll see the Standard on the left choose this and that's it
Problem - Battlefield 2 Play Now Shortcut
Cause - n/a
Fix - Not a fix, just a warning. never use this shortcut, not only does it search for a server straight away in many cases a empty server. It can lead to battlefield 2 been very slow to load up. just use the normal Battlefield 2 shortcut to play the game.
Problem - Can't uninstall/re-install BF2 (includes Booster Packs)
Cause - Unknown
Fix - Only advice that can be given is to do a manual uninstall, full instructions on how to do this can be found Here
Problem - Cannot move once server loaded
Cause - No Controls Setup/ Corrupted Control.con file
Fix - Nice easy fix for this, load BF2, goto Options, controls. Then reset all controls to defualt. This will rebuild your control.con file and allow you to move and do stuff ingame again.
Problem - Key is already assigned, Duplicate Control already in use
Cause - Key may be in use, or BF2 Glitch
Fix - 2 fixes. Either reset controls to defualt and try again. If after a few attempts that fails, Edit the control.con file manually. You may find reading this useful to help you manually edit the file Manually Editing Control.con File .
Problem - I hear a Crackling Sound whilst playing the game
Cause - Sound Driver / Directx
Fix - First try updating Directx from the Microsoft website.
If that does not help and on a audigy card, try using the driver from here
Choose number 2 for the openal support
Then copy ct_oal.dll and openal32.dll from the windows/system32 folder into C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\Battlefield 2 folder. Then rename the bf2openal.dll driver to e.g. bf2openal.orig and rename openal32.dll to bf2openal.dll.
Another solution is;
If you are experiencing this issue there may be a corruption with one of the Punkbuster update files. Some users have had success in replacing the corrupted file.
First you will need to click on the pbcl.dll file and download it to your desktop.
Next you will need to replace this file with the one in your Punkbuster folder. To do this:
Double click on My Computer.
Double click on the C: drive.
Next open Program Files folder.
Next open EA Games folder.
Next open Battlefield 2 folder.
Next open the bp folder.
Right click on the pbcl.dll and select rename.
Rename this file to pbclbackup.dll.
Download this File, save it to yourdesktop
Next drag and drop the pbcl.dll from your desktop into this folder.
Once this is done restart your game and try again.
Also see Solutions,
Punkbuster Issues| How to update Punkbuster
As completeing this may help also.
Problem - Increase ingame FPS past 100
Cause - BF2 coded limit
Fix - Press the ` key, (next to the 1 key, and above tab)
Type in renderer.drawfps to see your fps, (optional)
to unlock the FPS, type in game.lockFps 0
Problem - Getting BF2 to work with All Seeing Eye
Cause - BF2 coded limit
Fix - Go to your ASE directory (default C:\Program Files\The All-Seeing Eye) and open up filters.txt. Search for "battlefield 2" and here's what you should have:
Code:
Battlefield 2
ServerType: GS
RegKey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Electronic Arts\EA GAMES\Battlefield 2\INSTALLDIR
ExeName: BF2.EXE
JoinTemplate: {EXEPATH} +restart 1 +joinServer {ip} +port {port} [ +password "{PASSWORD}"]
HostTemplate: {EXEPATH} +restart 1 +hostServer 1
Now, change the JoinTemplate line to this:
Code:
JoinTemplate: {EXEPATH} +joinServer {ip} +port {port} +username yourusername +playerPassword yourpassword [ +password "{PASSWORD}"]
Note that what you did was remove the +restart 1 and added +username yourusername +playerPassword yourpassword, of course replacing yourusername and yourpassword with your, um, username and password.
Once you join a server through ASE, you will bypass the login menu for BF2 and the game might seem to freeze for a bit with the EA message. Just wait a few seconds and BF2 should start loading your new map!
Note : that a filters update in ASE will clear your modifications.
Problem - Getting BF2 to work with Xfire
Cause - BF2 coded limit
Fix - Close Xfire (system tray > click right on Xfire icon > exit).
Go to the Xfire directory (probably c:\program files\xfire)
Open the file xfire_games.ini in Notepad
Search for the line LongName=Battlefield 2
A few lines below that line you'll see Launch=%UA_LAUNCHER_EXE_PATH% +menu 1 +fullscreen 1 %UA_LAUNCHER_NETWORK_ARGS%
Change this to Launch=%UA_LAUNCHER_EXE_PATH% +menu 1 +username yourusername +playerPassword yourpassword +fullscreen 1 %UA_LAUNCHER_NETWORK_ARGS%
So if your username is "tpfguy" and your password is "teamplay", it should be Launch=%UA_LAUNCHER_EXE_PATH% +menu 1 +username tpfguy +playerPassword teamplay +fullscreen 1 %UA_LAUNCHER_NETWORK_ARGS%
Problem - What Ports do i need open for Battlefield 2
Cause - Firewall
Fix - Battlefield 2 Account Creation
NOTE: In order to create a Battlefield 2 multiplayer account, you must have the following ports open in your firewall.
Client Ports:
UDP 27900
UDP/TCP 29900
TCP 80
TCP 4711
TCP 29901
UDP 1500-4999
UDP/TCP 1024-1124
UDP 28910
UDP 16567
UDP 55123-55125
Hosting a Battlefield 2 Server
In order to host a Battlefield 2 server, you must have the following ports open in your firewall.
Server Ports:
UDP 27900
UDP/TCP 29900
TCP 80
TCP 4711
UDP 27901
UDP 1500-4999
UDP/TCP 1024-1124
UDP 29900
UDP/TCP 27900
UDP 16567
UDP 55123-55125
Problem - Getting Joystick POV Working
Cause - n/a
Fix - Read this http://www.totalbf2.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72603, if the post is missing/deleted read below.
To download some of these files, you will need to be logged in at the TBF2 Forums.
JoyToKey:
A hard to find 3rd party application which can give all sorts of insane new functionality (most notably - mouse movement/button) to your joystick...ANY joystick. The original author's website no longer exists, at least not in English anyway. So here is the only most recent English support mirror I can find: here
With JoyToKey, you only have to move the hatswitch for mouse looking..you don't have to hold down any other key or joystick button. You basically achieve the effect that should have originally been included.
That is what makes my method so sweet
If anybody wants the latest version of the program (3.7.9), there is a mirror here: Download jtk379en.zip
If you do not want to set the application up yourself, then download my collection of configuration files, shortcuts, and a batch file to get it all running: Download JoyToKey.zip
1. Copy contents of JoyToKey.zip to C:\Program Files\JoyToKey
2. Run JoyToKey.bat
When you launch the included .bat file, it will launch 2 instances of JoyToKey to your tray with the full setup. I have included the 2 config files I use with my MS Sidewinder Precision 2 to achieve the one-motion mouselook. You can check them out to see how I did it, or you can ask here and I can help. All I had to do was load 2 instances of JoyToKey and set each instance to use one of the 2 configs so that both configs are running simultaneously. It may sound a little confusing, but this is already done for you if you installed my config files.
You'll also notice that I have it set up so that you can use the Commo rose and voice communication while flying Nice added bonus
Hold down button 5 to:
-use the hatswitch to change camera views and change jet weapon loadouts
-use button 6 to eject
-use button 7 to voip chat with squad.
Hold down button 8 to:
-use the hatswitch for the commo rose
-use button 1 (trigger) to select the command.
Here are config files specific to the Logitech 3D Pro joystick (thanks to RingMasTeR): 3DPro_Config.zip
If you have multiple joystick devices and need to change your joystick ID numbers around so that your main joystick is detected as 'Joystick 1', then download this app: JoyIDsInstall.exe
And for anybody wondering...for my personal setup, I use a modified version of what I have posted above. I have been tweaking over the past year and I have found my best setup. It's quite complicated:
http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/7950/joystick0mm.jpg
Files
JoyToKey.zip
3DPro_Config.zip
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General Special Forces Issues
Problem - CDkeycheck.exe error when installing/playing
Cause - bad File
Fix - Download this http://files.ea.com/downloads/eacore/BF2SFRegFix.zip and make sure EADownloader isn't open, then re-install BF2/SF with the latest patch.
Problem - Can't uninstall/re-install SF.
Cause - Unknown
Fix - Only advice that can be given is to do a manual uninstall, full instructions on how to do this can be found Here
Problem - Mods/bf2/shaders/lightning.fx not found
Cause - Possible bad install/patch
Fix - First Try applying the latest full patch from here
If that doesn't work, Move your BF2 folder from my documents and put it on your desktop and repatch. If that still fails, goto;
C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\Battlefield 2\mods\bf2
Exact Shaders_client.zip into the
C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\Battlefield 2\mods\bf2\shaders
Folder and see if that helps.
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General Booster Pack Issues
Problem - It stays i have not brought Euro Forces, but i have!
Cause - Need to Assign Euro Forces to Your account.
Fix - Detailed Diagrams Here
You need to open EA Downloader, click on Euro Forces, then Click on Change gamespy Nickname. In The following screen that appears, enter in the name your Battlefield 2 Account which you would like to play Euro Forces on. There is a limit to the number of times you can change the account Euro Forces is assigned to per week.
If on WIN2K and hence the downloader does not work try this Link
Click on the link that says 'Edit GameSpy Nickname', log in with your EA.COM account that you used to buy EF and change the BF2 login to whatever you like.
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Account Issues
Problem - PC Freezes of Connecting to Account Server
Cause - Firewall
Fix - Either disable your firewall(s) or allow BF2 to have internet access. Zone-Alarm is notorious for been the cause of this as its allow/deny message is hidden under Battlefield 2 where you cannot accept it.
Problem - I have forgotten my password
Cause - ...
Fix - If you go to www.gamespyid.com, you should be able to use your log-in details to retrieve your password (more details soon)
Problem - I need to change my User-name
Cause - Many
Fix - None, the user-name is not changeable, from the 1.03 patch and onwards it is possible to add a prefix but your user-name cannot be changed, without starting a new account.
Problem - I need to Change by password/email address on my account
Cause - Many
Fix - Go to www.gamespyid.com and log-in to that website with your battlefield 2 log-in details. You will be able to use that website to update your account details including email address and password.
Problem - My Stats are all messed up! - Example
Cause - Usually just a glitch in Battlefield 2
Fix - Restart Battlefield 2, this usually fixes this problem, if not move your Battlefield 2 folder from my documents and put it on your desktop. Reload Battlefield 2, retrieve your account and see if your stats are now correct.
If not, it may be a matter of waiting a while as the stats server may be down.
Problem - I earned x points or badges, they not showing in BFHQ
Cause - Lag, server failed to report them, slow updates
Fix - There is no fix, you basically have to wait. If you have not received the missing stats within one week then the server you played on failed to report them to EA and hence you will not get them, an annoying issue indeed but the situation has improved vastly since the release of Battlefield 2.
Problem - I got my missing medals, but i have not been promoted
Cause - Many
Fix - The ranks in Battlefield 2 are not progress as it has been put. You earn your rank based on your points and medals at that time, you will then only next be promoted when you reach the next point bracket. For example, if you are a Master Sergeant and earn the missing awards required for First Sergeant, upon getting them you will not be promoted. The next promotion would be at Master Gunnery Sergeant (50,000 points), but if you have the needed badges you would be Sergeant Major. For more information on Ranks visit - Ubar Ranks at BF2S
Problem -How do i delete my account
Cause - n/a
Fix - You can delete the profile from your computer by selecting the account at the login screen and pressing delete.
However if you want to delete it some the gamespy system there is a untested method you can try.
1. Open up Gamespy Arcade and click login wizard.
2. Then put in you various details for you BF2 account
3. It should show you the account name etc
4. Select it and click next and login
5. Then logout and select your account/profile form the drop down menu
6. Then click in top left of screen Gamespy/Delete Profile
7. Fill out the stuff and it should delete you BF2 account and your various Gamespy accounts.
Problem - Connection Refused at Login to account server
Cause - Access blocked
Fix - First thing to check is your firewall and anti-virus and make sure they are allowing the connection. You can try disabling them for a short period of time to see if it allows the connection. If not re-enable them.
This issue might be your ISP switch/routing may be blocking access to www.gamespyarcade.com, if this is the case you may need to ring your ISP to check this.
Problem - Taking along time to login
Cause - Many
Fix - First of it could be slow internet connection or a problem with the account server. However try this to see if it reduces the login time. Go to C:\Documents and Settings\username*\My Documents\Battlefield 2\Profiles\000*, In there find the file called general.con and make a copy of it on your desktop as a backup. Now open the general.con file in my documents with notepad, and delete all server-history and server-filter.
GeneralSettings.setServerFilter ""
GeneralSettings.addServerHistory
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Patch Issues
Problem - What Order do i Install patches?
Cause - N/a
Fix - Going as 1.4 is the current patch you do as follows for the simplest route;
Battlefield 2
Special Forces
1.4 Full Patch
Euro Forces
1.4 Full Patch
Armoured Fury
1.4 Full Patch
Please ignore expansions and booster packs you do not have, in addition the reason for the 1.4 Full patch been installed twice is that, before you can install Euro Forces you must have the 1.2 patch or higher, but since the 1.4 Patch fixes bugs in Euro Forces its necessary to reapply it after a Euro Force install, as the Euro Force install will override fixes from the first 1.4 Patch install.
Problem - Patching Failed
Cause - System Dependant
Fix - The Exact cause is not really known in most cases, some people have more success in patching when using the FULL patches instead of the Incremental ones. In addition, the patch may be corrupt when downloaded so if you have problems try downloading it from several different sites to see if it works with any of them.
You could have faulty RAM, try running a program called Memtest86 to test your ram for errors. Also try removing a stick of RAM from the machine to see if it helps running on just 1 stick of RAM.
There is a possible fix Here which you may wish to try.
Additional information can be found here
It may be caused due to lack of space on the hardrive, look at the next Problem/fix below in bold labeled "Not Enough Space"
The following solutions came from www.totalbf2.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13224" target="_blank">http://www.totalbf2.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13224 , More may become available in due time on that forum.
Check BF2 InstallDir is setup correctly
1.Go To Start > Run > Type "regedit" (without quotes)
2. Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Electronic Arts\EA Games\Battlefield 2
3. Then right click on the right hand window and go on NEW string value,then enter InstallDir for the string name and for the value enter D:\GAMES\Battlefield 2 (If String already exists, just edit the current one)
Or where ever you have BF2 Installed.
Another thing to try is
Execute Patcher, Choose language, wait for welcome screen, don't hit continue.
go to your documents folder and to this location:
c:\documents\YOUR USERNAME\local settings\temp
and look for a folder which looks like {BLAH....} lots of numbers and chars. Go into that folder structure and copy the files in it (e.g. patch.exe, all the files) to a folder where you can execute them (e.g. create a dir named C:\temp)
then open a commandpromt (type "cmd" in run/execute at startmenu) and go to your new created folder with the patchdata. Execute the with the following line (edit to your installfolder location of course):
patch.exe "c:\FolderWhereBF 2Is"
Problem - Not Enough Space
Cause - Need more space on your System Drive
Fix - The patches now require roughly 3GB of free space on your Hard-Drive, it will not usually look where Battlefield 2 is installed but on the drive where your operating system is installed.
But there's a workaround, (Important, Before changing the registry, read Warlord's Warnings just below the contents page at the top of this FAQ)
Open regedit.exe and search for this key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ProgramFilesDir
It points to "C:\Program Files" by default. If you change the value to "E:\Program Files", the patch will look for 3000 MB free space on drive E instead of C.
So Change it to look on a Hard Drive that has enough space for the patch to run. After the patch is completed, change the registry key back to what it was before you edited it.
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Performance Issues
Problem - Lag or Constant Disconnects from the Sever
Cause - System Dependant
Fix - Since this is system dependant or could be cause by several issues, i will list possible fixes.
1. If running a Dual Core processor, load up Battlefield 2, press alt-tab to go to your desktop. Open up task Manger by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL Once! Then right click on BF2.exe and set its Affinity to 0, Basically this tells it to use only processor 0, not 0 and 1.
2. Go to your BF2 Audio options, and disable VOIP. This can help in some cases.
3. Run Adware/Spyware Scans on your PC to remove unwanted software running in the background. Recommended tools for this are;
Adaware
Spyboy : Search & Destroy
Windows Defender
Spyware Blaster
4. Check your firewalls are not the cause of the problem. Try disabling them such as Windows Firewall, Zone-alarm, and ones inbuilt into Anti-Virus programs. You could also try disabling your Anti-Virus as well to see if it increases performance. This should only be done as a test to see if it helps and that if the Firewall/Anti-Virus is the cause of the problem, once you have tried it remember to turn your firewall/anti-virus back on.
5. If on a Wireless router try plugging it directly into the internet, to see if your lag is been cause by a bad router or interference.
6. In BF2 Audio Options, try running software mode instead of hardware mode.
7. if on a wireless connection this may make it better/worse, or do no change.
Once a connection is established go to run and type "services.msc". Scroll down until you see "Wireless Zero Configuration" and click stop.
8. Try updating PunkBuster, Use the program, pbsetup, found at this website to update Punkbuster
9. Change your BF2.exe file and rename it to BF.exe, or basically something different than BF2.exe (Update shortcuts if necessary) On some systems this can provide a performance increase as the graphic card will treat it as a normal game and not run any special optimizations which can actually reduce performance
10. Reduce number of PunkBuster checks
To do this you need to:
1. OK, the first step is very simple, join any BF2 online server which is running Punkbuster, preferably a ranked one.
2. Once you are in, and re-spawned somewhere, press the ` key. This key is located on most keyboards above the tab key and to the left of the 1 key
3. Once you have pressed this, a large white box should drop down with a load of text in it. Type pb_sleep 500 and hit the enter key
4. Once you have done this, make sure the box is still up and type pb_writecfg to save your settings
11. [Advanced Users Only] - (Important, Before changing msconfig startup or services, read Warlord's Warnings just below the contents page at the top of this FAQ) Type in msconfig in the run box, and disable unnecessary start up items to try and free up more ram/CPU, this can be more effective than using task manger to close them after start up. In addition check your services in Control Panel|Administrative Tools|Services and use this guide to determine what is/not needed. Do note that editing services is about as bad as editing the registry so use extreme cation!!!
Also you can disable the Windows XP visuals to reduce ram/CPU usage, although Windows will look more like Windows 98 you may want to try it.
Right click on My Computer|Properties|Advanced|Performance|Settings for Best performance. This disables all the neat Windows XP looks and makes the PC that little bit faster.
11. You could try upgrading your internet to a faster speed, or connect to servers closer to your location
Problem - Slow/Stuttering performance in Battlefield 2
Cause - Several possible Causes
Fix - This can be caused by several things so here are a list of things to try and improve its performance.
1. Check that your PC can handle Battlefield 2 at your current settings. Graphical lag can often be caused by not having enough RAM to play the game.
Low Settings - 1GB Ram
Med Settings - 1.5GB Ram
High Settings - 2GB Ram
In Addition you will need a processor and graphic card capable of handling the game at the higher settings.
So try lowering your settings to see if performance improves.
2. De-frag your Hard-Drive
3. Try cleaning out your shaders and cache, to do this, go to C:\Documents and Settings\username*\My Documents\Battlefield 2\mods\bf2 and delete the shaders,
next go to C:\Documents and Settings\username*\My Documents\Battlefield 2\LogoCache and delete the cache.
Try Battlefield 2 again to see if it is better, if not, move your battlefield 2 folder from my documents to your desktop, this put the game onto default settings, as well as cleaning out its cache and shaders again.
4. Run Adware/Spyware Scans on your PC to remove unwanted software running in the background. Recommended tools for this are;
Adaware
Spyboy : Search & Destroy
Windows Defender
Spyware Blaster
5. Use this Program - PCI Latency Tool. Download and install it. Use it to try setting your graphic card latency to 64 or 128 if it is at a higher number. This can help Improve performance on some systems.
6. Use task Manger to close down unnecessary background tasks, also turn off/disable you anti-virus and firewalls to see if they are the cause of the problem.
7. Re-Install the latest version of Directx from the Microsoft Website, then move your battlefield 2 folder from my documents to your desktop, and see if it helps.
8. Use Driver Cleaner to remove your old graphic card drivers and install a new set for your graphic card, then move your battlefield 2 folder from my documents to your desktop, and see if it helps.
9. Check the bios to see if you have given the correct about of Memory to the AGP slot if on a AGP card, i.e. 256mb of Memory if its a 256MB card. On some systems this may help on others, it may not help but just use up more RAM.
10. In BF2 Audio Options, try running software mode instead of hardware mode.
Problem - Possible Improvement Fix for BF2/PB (inc ingame server browser)
Cause - Bad PB File
Fix - Just something to try to see if it helps
Make a backup of your current pbcl.dll in the BF2/pb folder, and then replace the file with this one:
http://web1.evenbalance.com/downloads/bf2/pbcl.dll
May address several performance issues
Problem - AMD Dual Core Fix
Cause - BF2 not supporting Dual cores
Fix - Go Here and download the AMD Dual-Core Optimizer , Released June 2006.
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Crash to Desktop Issues
Problem - Crash to Desktop on starting Battlefield 2
Cause - Several Possible Causes
Fix - There is no fix known to work for everyone, merely a list of possible things to try to resolve the issue;
1. Rename the Movies folder in your Battlefield 2\mods\bf2 folder to Movies2, to skip the start up Movies which can be the cause of the Problem.
2. Move your Battlefield 2 folder in My documents and put it on your desktop. When loading BF2 Again it should force it to create a new one using default settings.
3.Go here
C:\Documents and Settings\Username\My Documents\Battlefield 2\Profiles\0001
and here
C:\Documents and Settings\Username\My Documents\Battlefield 2\Profiles\0001\Defualt
Or get there from using my documents on desktop.
Open the video.con file with notepad and change the line
VideoSettings.setResolution ????x?????@??Hz (???? are your settings)
to
VideoSettings.setResolution 800x600@60Hz
4. Check you have no software forcing a set refresh rate, if you do disable it.
5. If on a AGP card, try running at 4x speed instead of 8x speed. I believe ATI users can change this in there ATI control panel, or use the ATI panel in display settings. You can access display settings by right clicking on your desktop, then clicking properties.
For Nvidia users it may be necessary to set it in the bios.
By doing this the loss of FPS is very small, but you can significantly improve the systems stability
6. Check on your graphic card control panel that everything is set to application controlled to see if it helps.
7. Re-Install the latest version of Directx from the Microsoft Website
8. Use Driver Cleaner to erase your old Graphic Card drivers, then update to a more recent or stable version of graphic card drivers for your graphic card.
9. A new Idea from the EA US BF2 Forums, is to goto
C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\Battlefield 2\mods\bf2\Settings
Open up VideoDefault.con with notepad, and set
renderer.setFullScreen 0
renderer.allowAllRefreshRates 0
to
renderer.setFullScreen 1
renderer.allowAllRefreshRates 1
Do the same with C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\Battlefield 2\xpack\bf2\Settings VideoDefault.con if you have Special Forces.
Problem - Crash to Desktop on Joining a online Server.
Cause - No CDKEY in Registry / Uninstalling BF1942 on a system that has BF2 on it.
Fix - If you have the Uninstalling BF1942 issue, skip this bit and read the part below.
Use battlefield2_code.exe to re-enter your CDKEY, this can be located in the support folder of where you installed battlefield 2 on your Hard-Drive.
After re-entering your CDKEY you must then reapply the latest patch in order for it to be encrypted into the registry.
This Program can also be used.
If you have the Uninstalling BF1942 issue, read on from here.
You must remove BF2 manually and reinstall it. Here's how: (modified slightly from EA's instructions to preserve settings/config):
Save your settings/configs:
* Open My Documents, rename "Battlefield 2" folder to "Battlefield 2 previous"
Delete the game files:
* Find your installation of Battlefield 2 (default: c:\Program Files\EA Games\Battlefield 2) and delete it.
Remove registry entries:
1. Click on the Start button.
2. Click on Run.
3. Type regedit in the text field.
4. Click File and then choose Export.
5. Name the file Backup and make sure the Export Range is set to All.
6. Click Save; you will now be returned to the Registry Editor window.
7. Click the plus sign next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
8. Click the plus sign next to Software.
9. Click the plus sign next to DICE.
10. Right-click on the Battlefield 2 folder and choose Delete.
11. Click the plus sign next to Electronic Arts.
12. Right-click and choose Delete on any Battlefield 2 folders.
13. Click the plus sign next to Microsoft.
14. Click the plus sign next to Windows.
15. Click the plus sign next to CurrentVersion.
16. Click the plus sign next to Uninstall.
17. Right-click on the key named {04858915-9F49-4B2A-AED4-DC49A7DE6A7B} and choose Delete.
18. A Confirm Key Delete window will appear, choose Yes.
19. Close the WindowsRegistry Editor.
Battlefield 2 is now completely removed from your system.
Re-installation:
1. Reinstall Battlefield 2
2. Apply latest patch
3. Open My Documents, Rename "Battlefield 2" folder to "Battlefield 2 old" (this is the freshly installed settings directory which you may want to keep just in case).
4. Rename "Battlefield 2 previous" (your settings before BF2 stopped working) to "Battlefield 2"
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CDKEY Issues
Problem - Invalid CDKEY when trying to join a server
Cause - Unencrypted CDKEY or bad Key
Fix - First Try this Program
If that does not help, Use battlefield2_code.exe to re-enter your CDKEY, this can be located in the support folder of where you installed battlefield 2 on your Hard-Drive.
After re-entering your CDKEY you must then reapply the latest patch in order for it to be encrypted into the registry.
Problem - I've lost my CDKEY
Cause - ...
Fix - There is a way for you to get a new CD Key/CD Disk. All you need to do is to call EA Support on 0870 243 2435 (thats if you are in the UK). If you are not in the UK then please follow this link to find your local EA Support Center.
In addition have your Battlefield 2 CD at the ready, as there is a number on the CD which you can tell the tech support team and they should be able to retrieve your CDKEY from that.
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EA Downloader Issues
Problem - "CORE" Error is displayed when starting EA Downloader
Cause - Internet Explorer 7 Beta / Old Drivers
Fix - You must uninstall Internet Explorer 7 Beta, as only Internet Explorer 6 is supported by EA Downloader.
To do this,
Open Control Panel
Open Add/Remove Programs
Click "Show Updates" at the top
Scroll down the list and Find Internet Explorer 7,
Uninstall it.
It has been reported that old Motherboard drivers can cause issues as well. Update your Motherboard drivers (Bios, Chipset etc) and see if it helps. In addtion you can also update you other drivers for say sound, graphics card whilst you are at it
Problem - I paid for my Game, but its not showing up for download in the EA Downloader
Cause - Ordering Error
Fix - This is a very rare error, and can only be addressed buy the official EA tech support staff. Please check the details on how to contact them at the bottom of this post.
Problem - Workaround for using on a non Windows XP Operating System
Cause - n/a
Fix - Ok folks...it's long and messy but at least it works !
1. On a computer with XP, download EF.
2. Once done, hit the 'Install Now' button in EF. This will decrypt the downloaded files.
3. Once you see the 'Choose install language' screen don't continue with the install.
4. If you go to \\Program Files\Electronic Arts\EA Downloader\cache\*EA LOGIN*\eagamesbf2-2006online_map_contentbf2euro\
you'll find the setup files for EF. Copy these to a CD/DVD/USB key (352mb].
5. Copy the files to your W2K machine and install EF
6. Browse to this web address
Click on the link that says 'Edit GameSpy Nickname', log in with your EA.COM account that you used to buy EF and change the BF2 login to whatever you like.
7. Play EF
NOTE :
a) You need access to a PC with XP so you can download and install the EA Downloader.
b) This PC with XP doesn't need to have BF2 installed.
c) You don't need the E-AD to change the login associated with EF as all it does is open up a webapage. The Downloader is just a 'front' for IE6.
d) I hope I haven't forgotten anything but if it doesn't work then just reply !
Problem - Unable to authenticate download
Cause - Anti-Piracy measure
Fix - If you get this error "Unable to authenticate. Please try again, if the problem continues then server might be unavailable try again later"
Then wait 48 hours from the last time you had it before trying again,
Problem - EA Desktop Client has encountered a problem and needs to close
Cause - Unknown
Fix - No real fix, but something to try to see if it works for you.
Log out of the internet (may need to plug it out from the PC physically)
Install EA Downloader
Run the Downloader, hopefully you will not get a error, but may take some time to load. Enter your username and password, You will get a server unavailable message. Now, reconnect to the internet. Then it should log you in ok.
Problem - How to backup SF/EF/AF Downloads
Cause - n/a
Fix - Use this to backup your EAD Downloads, as there is a limit of 10 downloads per product. Also saves you having to redownload them everytime.
Goto where you installed EAD and look in the cache, i.e.
C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\EA Downloader\cache
Backup those folders in the cache as they are your downloads. DO not edit the folder names or anything. Back them up where you like usb pen, CD, DVD etc.
When you next reinstall EAD, just put your backed up folders back in the cache.
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Punkbuster Issues
Problem - How to Update PunkBuster
Cause - n/a
Fix - Use the program, pbsetup, found at this website
Problem - Reduce the Number of Punkbuster Checks
Cause - n/a
Fix - Punkbuster, as you probably know, is the anti cheating software which comes bundled with BF2 and is required to play on all ranked servers and most public servers. Punkbuster scans your hard-drive for problems every 20 seconds. As you may have guessed, this causes a lot of lag. What we are going to do in this fix is to increase the amount of time in between punkbuster checks to 500 seconds (the maximum amount so don't try anything higher). By the way, in case you were worried, this is 100% safe with punkbuster, and will NOT cause any problems with Punkbuster thinking you are a cheater. Punkbuster even recommends this fix on their website.
To do this you need to:
1. Ok, the first step is very simple, join any BF2 online server which is running punkbuster, preferably a ranked one.
2. Once you are in, and respawned somewhere, press the ` key. This key is located on most keyboards above the tab key and to the left of the 1 key
3. Once you have pressed this, a large white box should drop down with a load of text in it. Type pb_sleep 500 and hit the enter key
4. Once you have done this, make sure the box is still up and type pb_writecfg to save your settings
Problem - Inaduquate O/S Admin Privileges Error
Cause - Limited Windows Account
Fix - You need to play Battlefield 2 on a Windows Account that has administrator privileges.
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Problem not listed, Help!
So you worked your way down to here, got a problem and its not listed above. First thing to check is EA Support to see if it is listed over there, if not. try these below to see if it resolves the issue.
1. Move your Battlefield 2 folder from My Documents and place it on your Desktop
2. Re-apply the latest Full Battlefield 2 Patch
3. Try disabling your firewall/anti-virus and try playing again to see if the problem has stopped, if not re-enable your firewall/anti-virus as its not advisable to leave yourself unprotected.
4. Re-Add your CD-KEY by using battlefield2_code.exe located in your Battlefield 2 support folder. After re-adding your cdkey run this program or reapply the latest full Battlefield 2 patch.
5. Battlefield 2 is memory heavy, lots of reading/writing so faulty RAM can easily cause Battlefield 2 problems, try running Memtest86 to check your RAM for errors, in addition you can try taking out RAM and have just one stick in the machine to see if it helps, or move them around the RAM slots.
6. Do a manual uninstall of Battlefield 2 (and Specail Forces) and reinstall Battlefield 2 then apply the latest patch, see if you still have the issue.
7. Use Driver Cleaner to remove old graphic card drivers, and install a more stable graphic card driver.
8. Update as many drivers as possible. Although usually your Motherboard (Bios, Chipset, etc), Video and sound drivers are most important. There shouldn't be much harm if nto improvement in updating other along the way.
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Community Recommend Maintenance Programs
A small list of maintenance tools, recommended by the community to help not just improve Battlefield 2 performance but overall PC performance as well.
Adware/Spyware Tools
Adaware (Free)
Spybot : Search & Destroy (Free)
Windows Defender (Free)
Spyware Blaster (Free)
Defrag Tools
Diskeeper (Pay)
Perfect Disk (Pay)
Registry Tools
Registry Mechanic (Pay)
Registry TuneUp (Pay)
Registry Compactor (Pay)
Diagnostic Tools
Memtest86 (Free)
Driver Cleaner (Free)
PC Pitstop (Free online diagnostic scan)
Anti-Virus
AVG Free Edition (Free)
Avast (Free)
Trend Micro onlien Scan (Free)
Firewall
Zone Alarm Free (Free)
Graphic Card Drivers
ATI Drivers
Nvidia Drivers
Omega Custom Nvidia/ATI Drivers
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Useful BF2 Links
Weapon Comparison Website
The infantry weapons guide
BF2 Tweak Guide
Battlefield 2 Optimization Guide
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Solution Explanations
Some information on how some of the more well used solutions work.
Why reading your CDKEY can help, well basically a lot of stuff can depend on it, enough that if you don't have one in your registry the game will crash if you join a Multiplayer server.
A commonly used fix is moving/deleting your Battlefield 2 folder from My Documents. This is a good solution as in here is stored your settings and cache. if you delete/move it then starting Battlefield 2 cause the game to create a new one, completely new and on default game settings. As some settings especially resolution and refresh rate can cause problems, as well as corrupt files can do some damage to.
Lowering your AGP speed to 4x from 8x can help increase stability, no need for the full reason why but it does help with minimal loss to FPS as 8x is about 5-15% faster than 4x
PCI Latency, why does lowering it on the graphic card help. basically it stops it hogging all the time and taking it away from other demanding hardware, reducing it can reduce FPS i guess, but if you have a problem with other hardware been blocked out this will actually increase FPS overall or not give much of a change. Set your graphic card to 64 or 128 latency.
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Troubleshooting & Fixing BF2 Issues
Posted - 08/25/2006 : 11:20:42
