Punkbuster Error: MD5Tool Mismatch Troubleshooting

[umop-3p!sdn]

As far as the versions of BF2.exe and the 1.41 patch, I have installed these from the BF2 Complete Collection, it comes with the latest patch on the DVD. IIRC most of the creation dates, save for a few, were indeed still pretty old and are likely the exact same files as you have. Just to clarify that it likely isn't because of your older product version ...

Does anyone know where the path information for the mapfiles comes into play? I've only briefly noodled with changing locations and found that it seems to akways look it the originally installed folder. Reason I ask is, besides writing a script that will copy fresh map versions at execution, I was playing with the idea of putting them on optical storage, but again, I have only begun to play with ways around downloading a new map every time it finds one that got smacked.

It'd be lovely if someone could answer some of Kilroys basic questions ...
I have a gut feeling that this is read/write error only, perhaps even something stupid between virtual memory and and a TEMP folder ... it would be so nice to peg the exact cause, instead of only having a storage-heavy workaround.

[Sturnn]

something tells me...PR is kicking people out of servers due to this but also probably because most mods come with errors don't they?. i mean im not saying PR is complete 100% but...i bet its still in the stages of getting better etc..but if this error is cos of this...its annoying me cos...i really like playing PR and for some reason all the servers have this, kinda protection thing...theres nothing wrong with my shaders and it works perfectly in BF2...unless its telling me i need a new pc =/.

[Perpetrator]

I've also been having this problem, but for client_shaders.zip I tried replacing this with the backup one which is in the PR folder, because that is probably what its for, but to no avail. It's really starting to tick me off, because i used to play PR a lot, but now i can only go 10 minutes which is enough time to get going in a good squad, then i'm kicked.

[kilroy0097]

I have sent an email with a whole lot of information as well as MD5 files and DxDiag file to people at PunkBuster in attempt to find a solution to all of this. Cross your fingers something comes out of it.

[DHoff]

I have sent an email with a whole lot of information as well as MD5 files and DxDiag file to people at PunkBuster in attempt to find a solution to all of this. Cross your fingers something comes out of it.

That's good to hear. Because I'm tired of being kicked all the time from this MD5 file.

I just want to play.

[kilroy0097]

I said I emailed Punk Buster Support on this issue and they have responded. This is the copy of my email and then their response.

My first email:

To whom is concerns,

I am an avid player of the BF2 mod Project Reality and since the update
of Punkbuster on April 1st I have been receiving constant kicks from PB
on MD5Tool Mismatch. Files have included :
*MD5Tool Mismatch: mods\bf2\shaders_client.zip (len=204
**mods\bf2\Levels\Dalian_plant\client.zip (len=204
**mods\bf2\Levels\Mashtuur_City\client.zip (len=204
**mods\bf2\Levels\Operation_Clean_Sweep\client.zip (len=204 *

I have attempted a large number of fixes have a very long thread on the
PR Mod forums discussing my trials and tribulations.
https://www.realitymod.com/forum/f27-pr ... t-zip.html

I have no other recourse at this time to solve this issue and I turn to
your team to see if there is any possible solution. I have attached a
MF2-MD5-Files.zip file which includes a folder with 10 different
instances of the MD5 creation file using your md5gen1.5.zip and
md5tool.exe. Each file is preceded by a number showing the order in
which I created all 10 groups.

I have also included my DxDiag.txt file which should tell you just about
everything you need to know about the hardware of my computer and
drivers used in case that would help.

=======

For your further information on attempted fixes for this I have included
a number of summary below:

shaders_client.zip - I ended up fixing this by copying the
shaders_client.zip file from the \mods\pr\ folder and replacing the
shaders_client.zip file in the \mods\bf2\ with it. This error never
came back after this fix.

Note: I noticed that in the BF2_Universal_1.41l file used to update Punk
Buster on servers that on the first line of the pr.md5 file you have the
following, "// !!! Disable md5-check for shaders_client.zip in
psb/bf2.md5 if you use psb/pr.md5 !!!" would failure to do this result
in the shaders_client.zip Mismatch error and then be unknowingly solved
by replacing the file with the one from the pr mod?

Map_Name\client.zip - All files related to map names were fixed
temporarily by replacing the client.zip file with the identical file
from another player's installation. The PB error comes back every time
after about 4 to 8 hours of game play. You are able to fixed it again by
copying over it again with the same file I received from another player.
However it will always come back.

Desperate for a solution I attempted a massive fix operation for the
game and PB. Which in the end worked for about 8 hours of game play and
then resulted in another PB kick due to MD5 Mismatch. It is a very long
summary. It is a copy and paste from my post on the PR Mod forums here:
https://www.realitymod.com/forum/f27-pr ... post653667

Edit: SNIP removing the summary which is already earlier in this thread

I hope there is a solution found.

Thank you

Their response:

Are you sure you downloaded version 0.756? You are missing certain files
that should be installed with it. These are the ones you are missing:

mods\pr\pr.exe
mods\pr\common_client_patch.zip
mods\pr\menu\menu_client_patch.zip
mods\pr\objects\objects_client_patch.zip
mods\pr\levels\operation_archer\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\operation_archer\Objects_client.zip
mods\pr\common_server_patch.zip
mods\pr\menu\menu_server_patch.zip
mods\pr\objects\objects_server_patch.zip
mods\pr\levels\operation_archer\server.zip


For these files:
mods\bf2\shaders_client.zip
mods\bf2\Levels\Dalian_plant\client.zip
mods\bf2\Levels\Mashtuur_City\client.zip
mods\bf2\Levels\Operation_Clean_Sweep\client.zip

I compared your MD5 hashes of these files to my files and they are the exact same. Most likely, the server you are playing on has some different MD5 checks. Especially for the shaders_client.zip files, they most likely didn't disable the check in bf2.md5 for the regular BF2 file. You will most likely need to talk to the servers you are playing on and asking them some questions like what MD5 checks are they using. And if they are using our newest configs, are they following the instructions correctly for using the PR checks.

My response to them:

Hello and thank you for your quick reply.

I double checked the files you say are missing and I have confirmed that they exist in my directories and the files do have data in them. So I'm not sure why they appeared to be missing for you. Perhaps for some reason the MD5 hash was not created for them even though I ran it 10 times to be certain.

I will pass along the information on the second set of files and how they match MD5 wise with yours. Since so many people do in fact have issues on the Tactical Gamers (TG) server it may very well be that their server Punk Buster MD5 compare files are incorrect in some way. Why that would be I don't know.

Thank you once again for giving feedback on this. This issue is driving be nuts as an IT Professional. As much checking and research as I have done this issue should not be continuing as it has been.

Let me get back with you if I have more information on this.

And that is where we stand so far. I will post more information as it comes to me. I am currently waiting for TG Admins to respond to my request for information on this issue.

[arn354]

Are you sure you downloaded version 0.756? You are missing certain files
that should be installed with it. These are the ones you are missing:

mods\pr\pr.exe
mods\pr\common_client_patch.zip
mods\pr\menu\menu_client_patch.zip
mods\pr\objects\objects_client_patch.zip
mods\pr\levels\operation_archer\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\operation_archer\Objects_client.zip
mods\pr\common_server_patch.zip
mods\pr\menu\menu_server_patch.zip
mods\pr\objects\objects_server_patch.zip
mods\pr\levels\operation_archer\server.zip

You didn't use the updated code for the core.bat - so maps new in 0.756 or files new in 0.756 are missing in all of your created hashes. Apart from that all your hashes are correct so far.

changes to core.bat

Code: Select all

IF EXIST mods\pr (GOTO pr) else (GOTO prend)

:p r
ECHO Create pr.md5...

FOR %%f IN (
mods\pr\pr.exe 
mods\pr\*.con
mods\pr\ingame.mep
mods\pr\*_client.zip
mods\pr\*_client_patch.zip 
mods\pr\menu\*_client.zip
mods\pr\menu\*_client_patch.zip 
mods\pr\objects\*_client.zip
mods\pr\objects\*_client_patch.zip 
mods\pr\levels\7gates\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\al_kufrah_oilfield\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\albasrah\client.zip 
mods\pr\levels\albasrah\objects_client.zip
mods\pr\levels\assault_on_mestia\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\battle_for_qinling\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\bi_ming\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\ejod_desert_6\client.zip 
mods\pr\levels\ejod_desert_6\objects_client.zip
mods\pr\levels\fools_road\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\hills_of_hamgyong\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\jabal\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\kashan_desert\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\operation_archer\client.zip 
mods\pr\levels\operation_archer\Objects_client.zip 
mods\pr\levels\operation_ghost_train\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\qwai1\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\road_to_kyongan_ni\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\sunset_city\client.zip
mods\pr\levels\sunset_city\objects_client.zip
mods\pr\*_server.zip
mods\pr\*_server_patch.zip 
mods\pr\menu\*_server.zip
mods\pr\menu\*_server_patch.zip
mods\pr\objects\*_server.zip
mods\pr\objects\*_server_patch.zip 
mods\pr\levels\7gates\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\al_kufrah_oilfield\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\albasrah\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\assault_on_mestia\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\battle_for_qinling\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\bi_ming\server.zip 
mods\pr\levels\daqing_oilfields\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\ejod_desert_6\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\fools_road\server.zip 
mods\pr\levels\gulf_of_oman\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\hills_of_hamgyong\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\jabal\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\kashan_desert\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\operation_archer\server.zip 
mods\pr\levels\operation_ghost_train\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\qwai1\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\road_to_kyongan_ni\server.zip
mods\pr\levels\sunset_city\server.zip 
mods\pr\levels\zatar_wetlands\server.zip
) DO MD5TOOL %%f 0 %%~zf >NUL:
FOR /F "tokens=1,2,4*" %%i IN (pbsvuser.cfg) DO ECHO %%i %%j "%1" %%k %%l >>pr.md5
DEL pbsvuser.cfg
:p rend

[gamerwiz09]

Wow. Hey, first off, thanks for being so involved and persistent in trying to find a solution for this problem, Killroy. Hopefully we will find one soon. Until then, I am still having fun playing on TTP server. (Of course, I have to see if the fixes supplied in my other thread work before I start REALLY having fun with VOIP. )

Arm, I don't understand what you mean by your response. Care to explain?

[kilroy0097]

gamerwiz09 - What he's talking about is the core.bat file that is part of the md5 hash creation .bat that punk buster has on their site to test your md5 hash for your files. It's advanced stuff so you can email your hash to PB people and they can compare files. However the version I have, even though I just downloaded it, for some reason isn't checking certain files that are new in .756 and hence I was seen as missing files. As shown in my post with their email in it. So Arm was correcting the core.bat file by showing what I'm missing so I can edit it.

This is not your usual arm chair technical support

[gamerwiz09]

This is not your usual arm chair technical support

Ha, ya, no joke.
??:

[kilroy0097]

From the TG Admins for their PR Server...

The shaders file check is indeed disabled for BF2. There has to be something strange on your end, as 99% of the rest of the TG population is able to connect.

We'll continue working on the problem, but I need more ideas..

Here is the pbsvuser.cfg file:

// PunksBusted: PunksBusted.com- in Partnership with 24-play.com
// Respected Admins: Respected Admins
//
// PB server manual: PunkBuster For Server Administrators

pb_sv_taskempty // PB tasks, clean slate
pb_sv_md5toolempty // MD5Tool hashes, clean slate

pb_sv_load psb/pbsvuser.cfg // This will load PunksBusted.com- in Partnership with 24-play.com NOT_FOUND md5tool checks
pb_sv_load psb/spam.cfg // Contains "spam" messages to visitors - check the file for more details

pb_sv_task 60 3600 pb_sv_load psb/reloadbans.cfg // Reloads the ban list hourly, useful if you're using Auto-MBL
pb_sv_task 7200 7200 pb_sv_NewLog // Close current and open new PB Server Log file
pb_sv_load psb/randomss.cfg // randomises PBSS locations
pb_sv_load psb/protected.cfg // Load protected tags

pb_sv_load psb/stock.md5 // Load MD5Tool checks for core files

// Choose the mod that you are running on the server - we will issue new .md5 files for
// main mod releases to check maps etc

pb_sv_load psb/bf2.md5 // Stock BF2 maps + mod
// pb_sv_load psb/bf2sf.md5 // BF2: Special Forces
// pb_sv_load psb/bf2ef.md5 // Euro Forces
// pb_sv_load psb/bf2af.md5 // Armored Fury

// pb_sv_load psb/poe2.md5 // Point of Existence 2 v2.1
// pb_sv_load psb/bf2pro.md5 // BF2Pro v1.5
pb_sv_load psb/pr.md5 // Project Reality v0.758
// pb_sv_load psb/fh2.md5 // Forgotten Hope 2 v2.0
// pb_sv_load psb/aix.md5 // Allied Intent Xtended v1.0

// end mods

pb_sv_load restricted.cfg // Loads private restricted file checks, if the file exists. Contact your ladder for assistance.

So the only other recourse I have is to run Memtest86 (gotten from Memtest86.com - Memory Diagnostic) on all my sticks of RAM and see if any of them are faulty. Since my MD5 generations are fine when the game is not playing I need to see what they are when they are playing.

arn354 suggested that I do the MD5 generations while playing on a map without Punkbuster and see if the load of the game causes some kind of fault in memory access. I'll do 5 runs of the MD5 generations and compare.

If something is odd then I'll go ahead and do memtest on each of my 4 DDR400 mem sticks individually and see if any of them are hosed.

If everything checks out after that then I truly have only two other recourses. Either reformat and reinstall everything including the OS and see if that fixes my issue or buy a new computer. One is a huge hassle and the other costs a buttload of money. *crossing fingers*

[gamerwiz09]

I wouldnt be supprised if it was memory, what with my **** 4yr old computer and a variety of different sticks within.

[lol2be4]

i have the same md5 problem to, and i dont know what to do, because i realy like the game and i was playing it for 2 mond's without problems, and now i'm getting switched out every game

[MrCipher]

Wow, thanks for your diligence Killroy. I too have these same issues. And I can guarantee that it is nothing to do with hardware issues on the local computer, as mine is only 3 months old. I also know for a fact that I have no hidden software issues, as I am anal about what does and doesn't get installed on my computer, and do weekly checks for malware. With so many people having this issue, and on the TG server specifically, obviously it is either an issue with PR or with the server itself. It would be great if this could actually be resolved.

[SemperFuzz]

ok, so i am finally turned onto PR and i spend all day loading the new mod and the everything in order. I play for one day on the 20th and return on the 24th and i get kicked because of this MD5 Shader error from punkbuster!

Pretty Sad since i thought i was going to enjoy this mod.

Something stupid happened on the 21st-24th that caused this lame error.

Please fix so i can try again.

Thanks and Semper fi

[arn354]

Moderators - please close that topic.

One and forever:

It is no problem with PR itself.
It is no problem with Punkbuster itself.
It is no problem with the md5checks from punksbusted.

If that would be the case - no one at all would be able to play.

Even if you get a brand new computer - it is possible you don't get 100% working hardware.

How many times i heard that everyone cares about their computer and they have for sure nothing wrong on their computer - just to find out afterwards that all those statements just were not true.

I fixed the md5problem on more then 10 computers of prplayers - all of them told: for sure nothing wrong with my computer.
All of them got calm and small like a ant - after 10 minutes of a remotesession.

Ah - and just for the record - all of them are now able to play PR normally - different bf2-versions (bf2-only, bf2&SF, bf2 EA-Downloader, bf2 EA-Store, bf2 complete Collection) and different operating systems (W2000, XP Home, XP Pro, Vista Home, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate,...).

As long you don't accept that the problem is on your end - you will never solve that.

[MrCipher]

Moderators - please close that topic.

One and forever:

It is no problem with PR itself.
It is no problem with Punkbuster itself.
It is no problem with the md5checks from punksbusted.

If that would be the case - no one at all would be able to play.

Even if you get a brand new computer - it is possible you don't get 100% working hardware.

How many times i heard that everyone cares about their computer and they have for sure nothing wrong on their computer - just to find out afterwards that all those statements just were not true.

I fixed the md5problem on more then 10 computers of prplayers - all of them told: for sure nothing wrong with my computer.
All of them got calm and small like a ant - after 10 minutes of a remotesession.

Ah - and just for the record - all of them are now able to play PR normally - different bf2-versions (bf2-only, bf2&SF, bf2 EA-Downloader, bf2 EA-Store, bf2 complete Collection) and different operating systems (W2000, XP Home, XP Pro, Vista Home, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate,...).

As long you don't accept that the problem is on your end - you will never solve that.

While it's nice for you to try and get all elitist, your still full of it. For so many people to have the exact same issue, and many times on the exact same server; something HAS to be messing up with either the server or PR. Not everyone is going to have the same problem with their computer, or the same piece of malware. So while you can sit here and try to talk down to everyone, why don't you try thinking some. If the dev's don't want bugs reported, then why are these forums here?

[Ghostinthedarkness]

what causes the MD5 Tool Mismatch for levels, i got kicked from a Qwai River map for "MD5 Tool Mismatch bf2/pr/levels/mestia or something to that effect. first time it ever happened to me

[Perpetrator]

Moderators - please close that topic.

One and forever:

It is no problem with PR itself.
It is no problem with Punkbuster itself.
It is no problem with the md5checks from punksbusted.

If that would be the case - no one at all would be able to play.

Even if you get a brand new computer - it is possible you don't get 100% working hardware.

How many times i heard that everyone cares about their computer and they have for sure nothing wrong on their computer - just to find out afterwards that all those statements just were not true.

I fixed the md5problem on more then 10 computers of prplayers - all of them told: for sure nothing wrong with my computer.
All of them got calm and small like a ant - after 10 minutes of a remotesession.

Ah - and just for the record - all of them are now able to play PR normally - different bf2-versions (bf2-only, bf2&SF, bf2 EA-Downloader, bf2 EA-Store, bf2 complete Collection) and different operating systems (W2000, XP Home, XP Pro, Vista Home, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate,...).

As long you don't accept that the problem is on your end - you will never solve that.

Learn english. Seriously. Also, you're an elitist twat. Leave this thread for people who can think critically, and try to solve the problem, instead of talking down to us like you know everything.

[Dutch(CAN)]

There is no reason to insult arn354 guys.

My problem is the same, however. I think what some people fail to consider is that not all of us know how to even remotely program. There is no way in hell I will go into a program and change things. I'll just screw it up.

I have installed the game as directed.

I have deleted and reloaded the game as shown here in this thread.

I wouldn't have the slightest clue if some piece of hardware was running incorrectly.

Every other game or program I've ever loaded onto my computers has either worked or not. Not this something in between.

I hate to say it, because I love this mod, if this can't be fixed, I'll have to hang it up. Every other game I have works.

I am not a programmer. I fthat's what it takes to play this game, then have fun boys with a dwindling playership.