PB MD5 Mismatch on BF2.EXE...

[Bleurgh]

Hi folks,

I recently purchsed BF2 from EA using their online store. I bought it just so I could play PR.

So I've been playing PR for a couple of days now but I keep getting kicked from some servers for an MD5 mismatch on BF2.EXE.

I havent changed the file in any way. I dont have a "no cd patch" because the game didnt come on CD - I downloaded it online from EA.

The game works perfectly so the file cant be corrupted. I'm guessing that the downloaded version of BF2 has a slightly different EXE than the retail version ? Do you think that might be the reason ?

Currently I cant play on the servers I want to becasue of this problem - I usually get kicked after 5 or 10 minutes. Its very anoyying!

I've made sure PB is up to date so its not a problem there. Its a totally clean fresh install. My BF2.exe is 10.3MB

Any ideas what might cause this or how I could fix it ? I dont really want to download the whole thing again in case I have the same problem - it takes about 4 hours! Could someone maybe offer me a copy of their own BF2.EXE that works ?

[.blend]

As a temporary solution u could get the exe of a friend and see if it works wioth ur version

[Deadfast]

Well, my BF2.exe is 7,22MB.

I guess the issue is with the fact that my BF2 requires DVD to start.
Since your version kinda lacks the DVD, the game is cracked by default not to require it.

[Bleurgh]

So the fault is with the PB MD5 checker. Its not checking for the downloaded version of the product so strictly speaking, If you download BF2 from the EA Store - you cant use it online.

I will go to punkbuster and try to explain this to them.

Edit... Cant do that because they have no contact info on their site.

[pureperversions]

try using Even Balance Technical Support - New Trouble Ticket to contact them and explain the problem

[Bleurgh]

Thanks, I couldnt find a link for that anywhere! I've submitted a support ticket with them.

My BF2 version is this...

1.1.2965-797.0

Is that the current version ?

[Deadfast]

The latest version should be 1.41

[Bleurgh]

Originally Posted by Deadfast

The latest version should be 1.41

Start BF2 and look at the bottom left for the version number - what does yours say exactly ?

PB have been useless! I explained my problem to them clearly and in detail and all they could do is respond with the same info from their FAQ about the MD5 checksum checks.

The fact is that my BF2.EXE is totally different from the one that is being compared on the server so its going to fail every time. I have the latest version of the file downloaded from the EA website only a few days ago but this downloaded version of BF2.EXE is different from the retail CD version - so it has a different MD5 checksum and will never pass the PB checks.

And because of PB's badly written software, I am unable to play this game. So now I have to go back to EA and ask them for a refund because the game is useless to me.

[Bleurgh]

Here is the message I sent to Electronic Arts tech support just now....

Hi, I need to inform you of a problem that is apparent in the downloaded version of BF2.

The file BF2.EXE is not the same as the CD retail version. It is a much bigger file size and has a different MD5 checksum.

This is causing a major problem when playing the game because of Punk Buster. The Punk Buster software now includes MD5 checksum checks on the core game files. If the checksum of the client file is not the same as the one used by the server - then the player is kicked from the server. The idea behind this is to prevent the unethical modification of the files and I totally agree with the reasoning behind it.

Unfortunately it has been very badly implemented. Their checks rely on there being only one version of BF2.EXE but clearly this is not the case and anyone who purchased the game online will not be able to play the game properly if the MD5 checking is active on a server.

I have contacted Punk Buster and unfortunately all they were prepared to do was reply with the information from their FAQ which basically says...

1. Check that the file exists.

Of course it exists, its the main executeable.

2. Check that it is the original and up to date version.

Yes, it is - I purchased and downloaded it from the EA store only a few days ago.

As you can imagine, I do not expect to spend money on a game and then be prevented from playing it.

I ask that you please look into this and if you are unable to resolve the situation for me, pass this request on to your refunds department so I can get my money back and go buy the retail version instead.

Regards,

Chris.

[Bleurgh]

Typical response from EA. They just said it was a problem with PB and I should contact them - then they quoted the FAQ links on the PB website. What a bunch of morons!

PB are useless - EA are useless and I've paid for a game I cant use.

I've told them to send my enquiry to their refunds department so I can just go purchase the retail CD version instead!

Has anyone else here downloaded BF2 from the EA store ?