Handshake failed - Punk Buster

[Juicetin]

That was reaaallly weird... it randomly started working again...not that i'm complaining. here's the story, in the morning i decided to check if there were any updates for pb on pbsetup.exe hoping that it will fix the problem, and there was. after it finished downloading i went out for a couple of hours and when i came back, i loaded up PR logged on, tried joining a game, and pow! it worked! maybe punkbuster just put on a new update to fix it? or am i just lucky, or unlucky in some cases? eh, well i hope this has helped someone, or anyone.

[LekyIRL]

I'm running PB v1.744,it seems to be working.

Worked yesterday,I'll try it today.

[Juicetin]

I'm running the same version.

[Marine94]

Bump. I have this problem. Can anybody give me a fix?

[thepalerider]

Run the test!

Originally Posted by thepalerider

All thou it's been said many times before,
Update your punk buster with pbsvc

pdsvc installs/uninstalls pbsetup and can test your punk buster installation for problems.

pbsetup lets you easily update your punk buster files

make a shortcut for both on your desktop.


Here's what punk buster has to say on their web site about "handshaking failed"or "Losing Key Packets":

""Since the new components have been installed, I now get kicked from PunkBuster servers for "handshaking failed" or "Losing Key Packets", how can I fix that?"

Some other software programs such as virus scanners, firewalls and Internet security software packages are suspicious of any new services and kernel drivers when they are first released. Some of these will block our new components thereby causing the "Losing Key Packets" kicking. Until these various packages are updated to correctly identify PnkBstrA.exe, PnkBstrB.exe, and PnkBstrK.sys as components of the PunkBuster Anti-Cheat System, players who experience PunkBuster kicks due to these conflicts need to either manually adjust the settings of the other software running on their system or disable the other software while playing on PunkBuster enabled servers. The new PunkBuster components make use of network resources and also frequently update files in the Windows system folders. This activity triggers warnings or blocks by some other security programs, some of which consider all unknown programs as threats or malware. Our new components are simply extensions of the existing PunkBuster system using new services and kernel software drivers, and are each signed with Verisign / Authenticode digital signatures for verifiable authenticity purposes. Most major security packages do not block our new components; users with other software that causes these conflicts should contact the vendor of their security package and request an update to correct this conflict."



Hope it helps

[Salmik]

I'm having the same handshaking failed error and I've tried everything but nothing seems to help. Now I found out that PnkbstrB isn't in my list of services (Control panel -> administrative tools -> services). How can I add it there if possible?

[thepalerider]

I believe punk buster puts a temp copy of PnkBstrB.exe
the "AppData" folder (it's a hidden folder)right before the map load, so you won't see it unless you Alt +tab out mid game and look.

Again run the pb test with pbsvc
if it isn't all green
use pbsvc to uninstall punk buster files
It is recommended that you restart your system after you install/uninstall programs
to ensure all installed components, files and registry entries are correctly installed or removed.
reinstall punk buster files with pbsvc( if your using Vista DO NOT set compatibility to XP, run as admin ok)
pbsvc DOES NOT install pbsetup.
You will need to download pbsetup as well.
(again if your using Vista DO NOT set compatibility to XP, run as admin ok)
run pbsetup to update your games that use pb

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

rerun test
all green your good to go

if not:

Make sure your firewall has permission for:

PBSETUP.EXE
(search for your location)

PNKBSTRA.EXE
path(64bit O/S):
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"

I copied the PnkBstrB.exe name and location from the pbsvc "test'. The text of the test is behind the results window that pops up after the test. Use the copy button and save it to a text file for future reference.

Hope it helps

[lord rifle]

Originally Posted by [R-PUB]MrD

http://www.evenbalance.com/downloads/pbsvc/pbsvc.exe


download that and install/run. it should resolve the issue

i did this and it works great -while it works. i now have to redo this approx. once a week. each time i re-install it though PR works perfectly again and im happy

[[BF2]Bonsai]

Originally Posted by thepalerider

I believe punk buster puts a temp copy of PnkBstrB.exe
the "AppData" folder (it's a hidden folder)right before the map load, so you won't see it unless you Alt +tab out mid game and look.

Again run the pb test
if it isn't all green
use pbsvc to uninstall punk buster
reboot to be on the safe side
reinstall pbsetup with pbsvc
run pbsetup to update your games that use pb

rerun test
all green your good to go

if not:

Make sure your firewall has permission for:

PBSETUP.EXE
(search for your location)

PNKBSTRA.EXE
path:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSWOW64\PNKBSTRA.EXE

PnkBstrB.exe
path:
"C:\Users\"your user name here"\AppData\Roaming\PnkBstrB.exe"

I copied the PnkBstrB.exe name and location from the pbsvc "test'. The text of the test is behind the results window that pops up after the test. Use the copy button and save it to a text file for future reference.

Hope it helps

...worked for me.

[oblivion618]

Like most people even reinstalling PB completely didnt work for me. However I found a way that makes it work (however this must be repeated everytime you want to start up PR / BF2)

1) Uninstall PB Service using PBSVC

2) Delete PB folder from your BF2 folder (in C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\Battlefield 2)

3) Install PB Service using PBSVC

4) Update you BF2 PB using PBSetup

5) Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services -> Right-Click on PnkBstrB -> Properties -> Recovery -> Replace all "Take No Actions" with "Restart the Service"

6) Play BF2 / PR

REPEAT STEPS 1 - 5 BEFORE STARTING BF2 / PR IN THE FUTURE EVERYTIME