2 problems: Heartbeat and Connection lost

[thegamerofdoom]

First off, I am not very...advanced when it comes to computers. If you need more information than what I give, just say so, and how I can go about getting it (such as if I need to look in a file or something like that.)

My first, and most common problem, is whenever I try to connect to a server. The map will fully load, and it will bring me back to the server selection screen saying "Connection to the server has been lost." This happens almost every time. I have tried turning off my firewall, but all that did was lead to my second problem...

Occasionally, I will get an error when trying to join a game about Punkbuster and "heartbeats" stopping. The map will, like earlier, load all the way, and take me to the server selection screen, then this comes up. I am clueless as to what this means (as I said, not good with computers beyond using web browsers.). I've heard that running a diagnostic on PB might solve this, but I don't know where I could find PB on my computer, though I plan to look for a bit after I post this.

Additional information: I am running Window's XP: Media Edition. Just installed PR, maps, and the patch last night. I can run practically every other game (other than America's Army 3) perfectly fine.

Again, I'm not great with computers, so don't be too harsh. Any help will be appreciated.

[thepalerider]

Punk Buster not updated:
Before you go online to join a server
you should:

1. Download pbsvc
2. Start pbsvc installer, you should see options for install, uninstall, test.
3. Run the Uninstaller, then delete the PB folder to remove any leftover files.
4. Restart your computer.
5. reinstall punk buster files with pbsvc( if your using Vista DO NOT set compatibility to XP, run as admin ok)
6. After pcsvc installs, click the "test" option to check the punk buster install you just did.
5. Make sure it comes back "all green"
6.Download pbsetup(pbsvc DOES NOT install pbsetup.
If your using Vista DO NOT set compatibility to XP, run as admin ok)
7.Create a pbsvc installer shortcut AND pbsetup program shortcut on your desktop.
8.Run pbsetup (from the shortcut on your desktop) add BF2 to the games list, then hit update."

(pbsvc installs the punk buster 'engines' or applications.
PBsetup installs the files/gas the 'engines run)

Check Punkbuster B is set to auto re-start.

Open your Control Panel. Go to Administrative Services. Click on Services while PR is running. Select Punkbuster B, right click, select properties, select the recovery tab and make sure they all say "Restart the service" for all three dropdowns. You can do the same for PB A, but generally speaking, it's the B client that stops responding. Any time you update PB, you may need to re-do this step.

Firewall not set up (open) for BF2 and punk buster
UPDATE YOUR FIREWALL

Make sure your firewall has permission for:

BF2.EXE
PBSETUP.EXE
(search for your location)

PNKBSTRA.EXE
path:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSWOW64\PNKBSTRA.EXE
or (not 100% sure but for 32 bit O/S I think it's)C:\WINDOWS\SYSWOW32\PNKBSTRA.EXE
PnkBstrB.exe
path:
"C:\Users"your user name here"\AppData\Roaming\PnkBstrB.exe"
Don't forget to open for BF2VoipServer as well:
C/Program Files/EA Games/Battlefield 2/BF2VoipServer.exe


Hope it helps