Yet another connection problem!

[MrTomRobs]

Evening all!

At university i don't have any problems with my connection for PR, but at home, my connection drops out every 10 mins or so, regardless of the server or the map i am on. It will just show a message saying there is a problem with your connection for about 25 seconds or so, then drop out, saying your connection to the server has been lost.

I've tried that fix where you press escape, leave it for a second then press it again, but that hasn't worked for me in the 4 or so times i've tried it.

I don't really know where to start to fix this - i can't see it being a problem with a firewall or anything seeing as i can play perfectly fine at uni, and even at home it will play the map for about 10 mins or so before this happens...

Any solutions would be appreciated!

Many thanks!

[Sgt.BountyOrig]

Have been having a similar problem, its across the BF2 Spectrum with BF2142 Included.

After about 2 minutes, I will get a 2 second freeze and then be shown the multiplayer server list with a dialog box saying 'Your connection to the server has been lost'

My problem has only cropped up after a reset on my router I did to uninstall a faulty site blocker (Which was altering some connection settings)

[MrTomRobs]

Slightly off topic - I live about 30 miles from you...

But yeah, i've not installed any software since coming back home, so i'm not sure at all what the problem could be.

If it helps, i'm using a ZyXel 1570hun router, not quite sure if anyone's got any similar problems with it. I'm also with TalkTalk in case its something to do with ISP

[thepalerider]

Connection lost usually points to PunkBuster/firewall.
Work through this list:

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.

W7 users = In services ( inside the 'log on' tab) check box which states ?Allow this service to interact with the desktop.

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


Good luck

[Sgt.BountyOrig]

To no avail im afraid, still happening for me in the same manner

[MrTomRobs]

I've applied the changes but i've not been able to test their outcome yet, i'll report back when i do

[thepalerider]

Sgt.BountyOrig,

Corrupted packet flow error will pop up when your packets(game data to the server) are consistently getting delayed or dropped. There is some tolerance on the server, light packet loss will make your game jumpy due to your not getting on time game data. Too much packet loss and your dropped.

Some routers with 'packet inspection' turned on can also trigger a disconnect when game data or voip traffic triggers a false "ping flood"attack and the router shuts down needed ports cutting off packet flow to protect your network,.
So try turning packet inspection off to see if that helps.
If you have a busy network you can also get dropped if your packets are consistently getting delayed due to high traffic.( your ping jumps way up from time to time)
You can check your ping with a free tool like Plotter Freeware 1.1
Always download from sites you know and trust.
Always scan new downloads before you run them as well.
If your running Xp you can tune up your internet connection with TCP Optimizer to maximize throughput.
check out speed guides web site
click here to use their TCP/IP Analyzer
results will show if you can improve throughput.

Having a router like D-links gamers lounge, that can prioritize traffic( they call it GameFuel), can make a night and day difference.
This GameFuel improves your online gaming experience by ensuring that your game traffic is prioritized over other network traffic, such as FTP or Web. This is of course much more helpful on networks with more than one user, but if you like to download bit torret or other large files in the background while gaming you'll be glad you have one that can prioritize or 'shape' traffic.

So the question is where is the bottle neck? Is it inside the network (your PC to your router) or outside (modem to game server)
Inside a better router should help.
Outside improved throughput should help

[Cognaman]

thepalerider;1578727']Connection lost usually points to PunkBuster/firewall.
Work through this list:

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.


W7 users = In services ( inside the 'log on' tab) check box which states ?Allow this service to interact with the desktop.

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


Good luck

for me this check doesn't work (Win 7 x64) and I'm sure I don't lost any connection with my provider because I'm in TS and sometimes in Mumble and I odn't see any disconnection error
That's happen after I installed the service pack 1

[MrTomRobs]

Have tried the first repair attempt - no difference. About to try the second one and see if that helps any. Will report back.

ROBSEDIT:
Had a look around my router for a packet inspection option and there is none. My ping is absolutely perfect according to pingtest.net and my bandwidth is brilliant.

It only happens in online servers, and i can play for as long as i like in offline or Local servers. When the message comes up, its really sudden and there is no indication as to when it will appear. Like i've said, its only every 10 mins or so, then the message will pop up (in white text, i know it can come up in yellow) and then disconnect me, saying that my connection to the server has been lost.

My router is a ZyXel P660HW T1-v2 and i'm with TalkTalk in the Flintshire area, but i doubt that has anything to do with it. I've got a PS3 which i'm online with and i don't get any such problems.

[thepalerider]

Try this test the both of you. Place a shortcut for 'services' on your desktop.
Path:Control Panel\Administrative Tools\services
Before starting PR, start 'services' and scroll down to PnkBstrA.
You won't see PB B yet in till PR/BF2 starts.
Start PR,When you get to the online game browser then Alt-tab out.
You should now see PnkBstrB
Make sure each instance is set to restart, then leaving services running, go back to PR and play a game. If you get a disconnect, Alt-tab out and check PnkBstrB in services. Is it running? No then right click on PnkBstrB and choose restart.
Reconnect to PR. You should be able to play the rest of the night.

Good luck hope it helps

[Cognaman]

Try this test the both of you. Place a shortcut for 'services' on your desktop.
Path:Control Panel\Administrative Tools\services
Before starting PR, start 'services' and scroll down to PnkBstrA.
You won't see PB B yet in till PR/BF2 starts.
Start PR,When you get to the online game browser then Alt-tab out.
You should now see PnkBstrB
Make sure each instance is set to restart, then leaving services running, go back to PR and play a game. If you get a disconnect, Alt-tab out and check PnkBstrB in services. Is it running? No then right click on PnkBstrB and choose restart.
Reconnect to PR. You should be able to play the rest of the night.

Good luck hope it helps

Both service are in execution and works.. but server disconnect again the same me... only online I have this problem and only PR....BF2 works without any pbl

[MrTomRobs]

Tried it again and I've just had another disconnect. This time after no more than a minute. Starting to take the piss a bit now.

[thepalerider]

You guys running any Apps in the background like 'Fraps' or Xfire?
What anti virus do you use?
Connect PC wireless or wired?

[Sgt.BountyOrig]

Didnt get much out of that last one.

Only running mumble in the background.
Using microsoft security essentials.
And my ethernet cable runs through a wireless router, but then another wire comes out and into my PC.

I Have tried direct connection with no luck.

The strange thing is.. this all worked fine before.

[Cognaman]

You guys running any Apps in the background like 'Fraps' or Xfire?

No, only Teamspeak 3

What anti virus do you use?

Nod32

Connect PC wireless or wired?

Cable with 60mb connection sharing at home... but I told you before: with BF2 vanilla no problem.. and before SP1 of windows 7 I didn't have any problem... the time of disconnection is random.... last time happena after 30 minutes and I was very happy.... during the game... because I had think was fixed.... but nothing Started again in random mode... minim time 1 minute max time 30 minutes




p.s. just to be precise... my job is TCP IP System analyst... and it's not about my connection problems... maybe can to be win.. because i work with Cisco IOS and I'm not really expert about Microzzoz system

[MrTomRobs]

All i'm using is Mumble in the background. I use AVG Free for my AV, and i'm on a wireless connection. The thing is though, it works perfectly at my uni house, never drops out and i even get a decent ping considering i'm in aber, which is miles away from everywhere...

The problem only happens when i'm at home home using my ZyXel router. Don't know if that's the problem or not.

[thepalerider]

You guys sure when you get disconnected PnkBstrB is still running and all 3 instances are still set to auto-restart?
When is the last time you ran PBsetup to update Punkbuster (first thing you should do when you have a disconnect out of the blue)

Check your router's logs for "**UDP Flood to Host**" or similar warnings ( from:router / connection problem / voip / multiple lan players) Check if your router has "IP Flood Detection" enabled. If so turn it off.

Make sure these ports are open on your router
(my router 'D-link Gamers lounge' auto opens these ports for BF2)

TCP
80,Battle recorder port
4711,Remote console
29900,Client+Server
29901,Client Not in use yet
29920,Server Standard Port
28910, Client
44301= PnkBstrA
45301= PnkBstrB

UDP
1500 - 4999,General use
16567,Game port
27900,Stats port
29900,Gamespy port
29910,gamespy port
27901,Stats port
44301 = PnkBstrA,
45301 = PnkBstrB,
55123,VOIP ports
55124,VOIP ports
55215,VOIP ports



Not sure what ports (TCP/UDP)
port for PnkBstrA = 44301
port for PnkBstrB = 45301
should be, so opened for both

I'll try to think of something else, but anyone reading this thread feel free to jump in with new ideas.
Good luck

[MrTomRobs]

thepalerider;1579742']You guys sure when you get disconnected PnkBstrB is still running and all 3 instances are still set to auto-restart?
When is the last time you ran PBsetup to update Punkbuster (first thing you should do when you have a disconnect out of the blue)

Check your router's logs for "**UDP Flood to Host**" or similar warnings ( from:router / connection problem / voip / multiple lan players) Check if your router has "IP Flood Detection" enabled. If so turn it off.

Make sure these ports are open on your router
(my router 'D-link Gamers lounge' auto opens these ports for BF2)

TCP
80,Battle recorder port
4711,Remote console
29900,Client+Server
29901,Client Not in use yet
29920,Server Standard Port
28910, Client
44301= PnkBstrA
45301= PnkBstrB

UDP
1500 - 4999,General use
16567,Game port
27900,Stats port
29900,Gamespy port
29910,gamespy port
27901,Stats port
44301 = PnkBstrA,
45301 = PnkBstrB,
55123,VOIP ports
55124,VOIP ports
55215,VOIP ports



Not sure what ports (TCP/UDP)
port for PnkBstrA = 44301
port for PnkBstrB = 45301
should be, so opened for both

I'll try to think of something else, but anyone reading this thread feel free to jump in with new ideas.
Good luck

Cheers for all the help so far mate, i really appreciate it. Checked punkbuster for updates and its been up to date all this time as far as i'm aware, just tried to update it and it said there were no updates available.

I'll have a look at the router logs and report back tomorrow.

[Soppa]

At university i don't have any problems with my connection for PR, but at home, my connection drops out every 10 mins or so, regardless of the server or the map i am on. It will just show a message saying there is a problem with your connection for about 25 seconds or so, then drop out, saying your connection to the server has been lost.

This is very common on wlans. Are you using wireless lan at home?
If you do, try to update your wlan router/ap from manufacturer site.
If it wont help, try to set lower fixed connection speed, like 11Mbit (b) or 54Mbit (n).

[Cognaman]

This is very common on wlans. Are you using wireless lan at home?

Mixed... half lan and half wifi in my flat but the computer I use to play is in LAN and I tried with FIX IP and DHCP

If you do, try to update your wlan router/ap from manufacturer site.

It's update at last firmware

If it wont help, try to set lower fixed connection speed, like 11Mbit (b) or 54Mbit (n).

In game? But it's too strange... I played well untill 3 weeks ago And why BF2 works 100% without any problems?

About Punkbuster I did it the the installation and also the upgrade with the Evenbalance software


P.S. I don't if it's important or not... but I don't have also any problems with EA download manager game (BFBC 2 and MOH)