Punkbuster

[imported_Whiskey]

As GrossK suggested, if you have an Anti-Virus program running, exit the program completely.

Try then to completely uninstall Punkbuster. Then grabbing a fresh version from the Evenbalance website.

It's worth the pain, long-run to keep trying and get this working, even if it's frustrating now. The longer the game is out, the more hax will be around, and you'll start hating non-PB servers too. PB is always a bit finicky, but most folks eventually find the issue and solve it. Keep trying. :)

[jeremy_]

Hi Whiskey, that exe is the same one which is on the CoD4 disk. I installed punkbuster using it and ran the test, which passed no problem. I also used the pbsetup.exe from evenbalance to upgrade punkbuster and then tested it again. It passed again. But I am still getting kicked after approximately 1 minute.

I think I'm having the same issue as you.
Do me a favor, start your own server, open the console and tell me what you see in regards to punkbuster.

This is a copy of a support ticket I sent to evenbalance, take a look at the screenshot below and let me know if you are getting the same message when hosting a server.


Getting dropped from any and all CoD 4 servers after roughly a minute of play.

The message tells me to update my punkbuster, but as you can see from the screenshots I patched together, when pbsetup is run I'm showing the most current version and I'm told all updates have been applied.

I've also tried the manual update method, same result when connecting to servers.

I tried running my own listen server so as to see what messages were displayed in the console, as you will see in the screenshot there seems to be some download/communication error regarding the "pbag".

I am not running a software firewall, Windows (Vista x64) firewall is disabled, and I am not behind a router.

I also tested this from a clean Windows format/install and a fresh game reinstall.

The game was working fine Friday, the problem seems to have started for me with the 12/08/2007 update.

Error message(s)

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/4146/pbrp7.jpg

[Kow]

I started my own server and within a minute I got a continuously looping failure message in the console, not the same as your one though. It was the same one I always get: Service communication failure: punkbstrB.exe initialisation failed.

I've just been playing the multiplayer on Crysis, which also uses punkbuster and I haven't had any problems.

Ok, I've found the problem. It was the firewall after all. It didn't make any difference last time I tried it but I checked in the server mode and it sent and received data correctly with the firewall off. This doesn't really solve the problem though as I am not prepared to leave it off and as I said, other games using punkbuster work with the firewall on, so there must be some kind of fix for it.

[GrossKopf]

Ok, I've found the problem. It was the firewall after all. It didn't make any difference last time I tried it but I checked in the server mode and it sent and received data correctly with the firewall off. This doesn't really solve the problem though as I am not prepared to leave it off and as I said, other games using punkbuster work with the firewall on, so there must be some kind of fix for it.

Is COD 4 in the exceptions list for your firewall? What firewall are you using?

[Kow]

Panda. Yes, CoD4 and punkbuster A and B are all in the exceptions list. I wonder how safe it is to leave the firewall off for extended periods.

[GrossKopf]

Panda. Yes, CoD4 and punkbuster A and B are all in the exceptions list. I wonder how safe it is to leave the firewall off for extended periods.

Maybe disable Panda and try Windows firewall? I use that and I have never had any problems with any games or PB being blocked.

[Kow]

Ok, I finally solved the damn problem. When setting up, punkbuster only set its firewall exceptions to inbound. For some reason this didn't affect the test results, which showed both sending and receiving to be ok, but it meant that in-game it couldn't send and receive information. By going into the firewall settings and manually setting them to both inbound and outbound I solved the problem. I didn't realise this would work and was only messing about with it as a last resort. Anyway, pathetic non-cheating scores here I come! :yay:

[LasermanX]

I know some people get kicked from our server for Rigid errors,

r_lodscaledrigid 1
r_lodscaleskinned 1

is what is required.

[Kingkat54]

I am also having problems with PB. However, my message is:

RESTRICTION:Service Communication Failure PnkBstr A.exe

Now what the heck is that? Just started today.
I had Panda turned off as well. This is getting a little frustrating too.

[imported_Whiskey]

I am also having problems with PB. However, my message is:

RESTRICTION:Service Communication Failure PnkBstr A.exe

Now what the heck is that? Just started today.
I had Panda turned off as well. This is getting a little frustrating too.

Sounds like an automatic update from PB didn't work or apply itself properly to your PC. Try to do it manually if you haven't already.

[Kingkat54]

Does that mean I need to go to the PB site?

I'll see if I can get an update. Thankyou Whiskey............


Just ran the app from evenbalance. Perhaps that will fix it.

Thanks again.................:)

Just played a HC game........seems fixed. Thanks again...........

[David369]

Ok, I finally solved the damn problem. When setting up, punkbuster only set its firewall exceptions to inbound. For some reason this didn't affect the test results, which showed both sending and receiving to be ok, but it meant that in-game it couldn't send and receive information. By going into the firewall settings and manually setting them to both inbound and outbound I solved the problem. I didn't realise this would work and was only messing about with it as a last resort. Anyway, pathetic non-cheating scores here I come! :yay:

First of all Thank you very much Kow for posting that solution! I had the same exact problem even with everything updated, but it's all good now. You saved me from doing all kinds of weird stuff like updating firmware drivers on my Linksys wireless router. Thanks again

For me it was the Norton Internet Security firewall causing the problem. Even though it was set to allow Punkbuster it was only allowing outgoing connections not incoming one's. This is the first time I've had to do that in any punkbuster enabled game. I just set all the pb stuff to allow all, uninstalled/reinstalled pb, and it's running just fine now. :nod:

[Kingkat54]

Generally I play W/O my anti-v on. BUT, I forgot to turn it off......and was gettin kicked. The exe.B (or sumpthun...)

Re-run the PB thingy. Hope it works. Whiskey, could you please put on the site for PB?..........Somehow should be a desk top item that you run and update auto.
Thanks...........

[TSlaw*]

Hey at least you aren't like me. I have to RE-allow Punkbuster through my firewall whenever I change games to another one that uses it. So from BF2 to BF2142 to CoD4 I have to allow Punkbuster A and B though my firewall every time I put in the damn disk. HAHA. It sucks sometimes.

[Kingkat54]

I know..........PB kinda suxorz.........it just a little frustrating.
BTW.........if it ran smoothly.........we wouldn't have much to gripe about! :P