Problems with Punkbuster? Solutions here.

[[R-DEV]fuzzhead]

Punkbuster Problems

Punkbuster can cause problems for a huge range of reasons. If you have certain programs installed punkbuster will kick you for using them.

If you get any message that says ""disallowed program/drive", google the error code number or message and that will be a good indication of telling you whats wrong.

A (mostly) foolproof way to fix your pb issues that aren't related to having disallowed external programs is below:


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Punkbuster Installation (fixes most PB problems)

Important Note: pbsvc installs the punk buster 'engines' or applications. PBsetup installs the files/gas the 'engines run.


1. Download pbsvc (a tool that updates/installs the Punkbuster Services).

2. Start pbsvc installer, you should see options for install, uninstall, test.

3. Run the Uninstaller in pbsvc, this removes all Punkbuster Services from your computer

4. Once the pbsvc Uninstaller completes, navigate to your Battlefield 2 installation directory (default is C:\Program Files\EA Games\Battlefield 2) and delete the pb folder to remove any leftover files.

4. Restart your computer.

5. Run pbsvc again and Re-Install all Punkbuster Serivces, pay attention to any messages that come up during the installation. ( 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 (this is separate from pbsvc, it's a tool that automatically updates your Punkbuster BF2 file).). If your using Vista DO NOT set compatibility to XP, run as admin.

7.Create a pbsvc installer shortcut AND pbsetup program shortcut on your desktop.

8. Run pbsetup (from the shortcut on your desktop) and Add Battlefield 2 if its not already listed, then click on update and let it update the BF2 files, pay attention to any messages that come up during the installation.

9. You should now be fully updated and working, if you still are getting kicked, post your error in this thread.

10. If all that didnt work, some advanced additional steps can be followed here: http://www.realitymod.com/forum/f370...led-fixed.html



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 majority of times, 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

[[R-DEV]fuzzhead]

Common PB Problems:

Windows XP Firewall Blocking Punkbuster
WinXP firewall could be blocking your punkbuster service from running properly. If you suspect this is whats happening, do the following steps:

1)go to Start>Settings>control pannel>fire wall (for windows xp)

2) then go to the firewall list of programs which are allowed to have access on the internet, there will be a list of programs which can access your computer through the web.

3) If punk buster is not on this list, add it by pressing add/browse and go to my computer > C:\program files\EA GAMES\Battlefield 2\pb and there should be something called pnkbstrb.exe

4) This should allow punkbuster to run with windows firewall, try to connect to a PR server now.

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PB Error: "Restriction: Disallowed Program/Driver (125083)"

This kick is usually caused by one of the following programs running. Disabling/Closing them should stop the kick.

• Ventrilo Chat Overlay
• Team Speak Overlay
• DxTweaker
• ATI Tray Tools (depends on version)
• Game Accelerator (uninstall, then reboot)
• Mumble Overlay
• EVGA Precision tool
• Steam Overlay

If your running Steam Overlay, follow these steps:

* Open Steam
* Go to File > Settings > Ingame tab
* Uncheck the "Enable Steam Community In-Game" checkbox
* Press OK
* Restart Steam

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[HMARS]

I, too, am having the pnkbstrB heartbeat problem. I have tried everything that has been suggested and then some, and have yet to find a solution. Even playing with firewall and all antivirus off doesn't help. Reinstalling doesn't help. Updating doesn't help. I get approximately 75 seconds of playtime and then am dumped back to the server browser with the aforementioned kick message.

[Redamare]

Originally Posted by ApaD

So now I have Windows 7 and I get kicked by pnkbstrB.exe Heartbeat stopped.

I'm under the impression that you should check so that pnkbstrA.exe is running before BF2 is started, and that pnkbstrA.exe starts pnkbstrB.exe.

So to the question: How do you get pnkbstrA.exe to start before BF2, starting the .exe alone doesn't hold it up. I've tried pbsvc.exe (+ tests without errors) and pbsetup.exe updated to date.

I am Having the same problem .. It also sort of started when i upgraded to Windows 7 and found out that my video card wasnt compatable ( SO i upgraded to EVGA 512mb DDR5....
When i started playing PR my game would lagg out and then get a punk buster kick for one of sevral warnings...

the first what is Quoted above.. the 2nd loosing key packets, 3. pnkbstrB.exe initalization Failed. 4communication faulure pnkbstrB.exe and thats it ... thats a substancial amount of warnings if i would say so my self ^_^ ....

it COULD deffinatly be the issue that PR or Punkbuster is non compatable to Windows 7 .. even though i ran them through compatability mode :P...... i feel sorta in a hole at the moment trying to pick away at trying to get the programs working correctly...

One thing i pick up on is During my Quest was .... when i install pnkbstr svc .. when it goes through the checklist saying .. PnkbstrB.exe and A.exe exceptionaly allowed it says in blue writing . NO .. from what i have seen it is suposed to say YES .. so im debaiting copying a PnkbstrA.exe and B.exe .Dll file into the system32 folder.. by running everything through the system 32 folder i am not sure if it will all communicate correctly... so i am still testing it out. Right now i am feeling like i am In big trouble getting Punkbuster working right.. i Might just Install a 2nd OS (XP) Back in to my computer and split the harddrive so when ever i wanna play PR all i have to do is Switch to XP mode and play ...then switch back to 7 mode when i am doing everthing else...... ( Ghetto rigged to its max)

SO if anyone has windows 7 and has project reality working correctly please send me a message and respond to this issue

[MANBEARPIG™]

Well I'm also having the same problems as most of you are, I get the
" Restriction: Disallowed Program/Driver (125083)" I installed the latest punkbuster, i have no problem playing BF2, it's only on PR, and i really wanna play this mod, it looks amazing but i get kicked within a minute, i have no idea what can be causing this problem, i checked my firewall and it's on allow BF2, Im running windows 7 Ultimate x64, has anyone found a solution to this problem, or may have some helpful info that might lead up to a solution please message me...

[[R-DEV]fuzzhead]

Punkbuster is kicking you for having Steam overlay(shift+tab) most likely. Could also be some other program that is running "on top" of Battlefield. There is no way of actually finding out what 125083 means since punkbuster aren't sharing their error codes with anyone. I am guessing you haven't been kicked before because the server you have played on before haven't had punkbuster enabled

On steam, go to file > settings > ingame tab > untick enable steam community in-game.

[HunterMed]

I often get kicked for "Punkbuster heartbeat stopped".

Usually it happens like this:
Loading map.
Joining the game - no lag at all so far.
Selecting spawnpoint and spawning -> Extreme Lag!! 1-2 minutes! picture freezes nearly -> Menu Screen with warning "kicked because of PB heartbeat stopped".

Joining server again and then working fine - lag again when spawning but no kick usually.


When is PB sending the clientinfo (or when I am "checked" by the server if my PB is running correctly)?
Is there a way to send that info before spawning?

Looks like this "kick" is somehow connected to my system being too much loading PR stuff while spawning and sending my PB info?

[Kirra]

Originally Posted by HunterMed

I often get kicked for "Punkbuster heartbeat stopped".

Usually it happens like this:
Loading map.
Joining the game - no lag at all so far.
Selecting spawnpoint and spawning -> Extreme Lag!! 1-2 minutes! picture freezes nearly -> Menu Screen with warning "kicked because of PB heartbeat stopped".

Joining server again and then working fine - lag again when spawning but no kick usually.


When is PB sending the clientinfo (or when I am "checked" by the server if my PB is running correctly)?
Is there a way to send that info before spawning?

Looks like this "kick" is somehow connected to my system being too much loading PR stuff while spawning and sending my PB info?

Is there any fix for this? A friend of mine can't play PR at all because of this crap.

[[R-COM]SnipingCoward]

http://www.realitymod.com/forum/f27-...tion-lost.html

[turnpipe]

I disabled norton internet security and restart punk A and B for my situation.