Help with BF2 rebooting system..Please?:)

[UttiniDaKilrJawa]

Hi there!!!

Currently my system is as follows:

P4 3 gig processor
Radeon 9800 Pro XT video card
1 GB Memory
Soundblaster Audigy 2 Value Sound Card.
Direct X 9c
ATI 5.7 Drivers with Control Panel, Control Panel not loaded.
Linksys WRT34G Wireless Router.
Norton Anti Virus 2005, disabled for installation/playing BF2
Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard :)

As things stand right now, I cannot play BF2 online. Every time I log on my system does a brief lockup , sometimes makes a cool squealy/comm squelch noise and then begins to reboot. The REALLY interesting thing about this problem is that it occurs ONLY in the multiplayer part of the game. Earlier today I played for about 45 min in single player. Not as much fun as MP, but hey it was an emergency fix.

So far here is the list of things I have tried to rectify this situation:

1.Updated to 5.7 ATI drivers with Catalyst Control Center
2.Rolled back to 5.4 ATI drivers.
3.Re-Updated to 5.7 ATI drivers with Control Panel.
4.Rolled back to 5.4 ATI drivers.
5.Updated to 5.6 ATI drivers with control panel.
6.Uninstalled ATI drivers completely.
7.Re-updated to 5.7 ATI drivers with control panel.
8.Uninstalled ATI drivers completely.
9.Re-Re-Updated to 5.6 ATI drivers with control panel.
10.Uninstalled BF2 completely, deleted folders, etc.
11.Reinstalled BF2 then added the 1.01 update patch.
12.Installed the 1.02 Update patch.
13.Uninstalled BF2 completely deleting all folders once again.
14.Reinstalled BF2.
15.Reinstalled 1.02 patch skipping 1.01.
16.Sobbed uncontrollably due to none of the installs/reinstalls working.
17.Reached down and grabbed a hold.
18.Unstalled ATI drivers completely.
19.Re-Re Updated to 5.7 ATI drivers with control panel.
20.Check Creative Labs for up to date drivers, found I already had them.
21.Reinstalled Direct X 9.0c because it made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
22.Set sound option in game to Software.
23.Set sound option in game to Hardware.
24.Set game resolution to match desktop (1152x864) because I hate that pingy noise.
25. Decreased in game range of view to 80%.
26. All vid settings are on medium with AA disabled.
27. Set router port forwarding to accomidate(sp?) all BF2 ports.
28. Played with USB headset plugged in.
29. Played with USB headset unplugged.
30. Contemplated animal sacrifice to pagan gods to appease the internet demons then reconsidered due to a potential hefty rug cleaning bill.
31. Posted a last ditch, desperate cry for help on the Total BF2 boards.
32. Posted a REALLY last ditch even more desperate cry for help on the 1Up.com forums.

There it is , in a rather large nutshell.

I'd appreciate any help you guys could give me because I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to play online.

Thanks in advance.

UttiniDaKilrJawa

[machstem]

hmmm..

Seems like you tried most everything I would have suggested, regarding the issue.

When it reboots, does it give you a blue screen, and if so, do you know how to set it up in your system properties so that the system does NOT reboot? This will allow you to see where the issue might be. (driver file possibly)

If it's a reboot where the entire system just reboots...umm, I would say it has something to do with the RAM. I don't know why it would only affect you in multiplayer, which makes it a pretty stupid answer. :)

Have you tried running everything on "low graphics settings" and "low audio settings" all at one? You can try adjusting the "connection type" in your setup, change it around, since you seem to be experiencing the issue in multiplayer.

If you set up a local server and connect to it, does it do the same thing?

I hear weird issues from the Audigy 2 series when it comes to EAX support in audio...but not a reboot.

Does DirectX 9.0 diagnostics detect anything abnormal? Are all your "devices" properly detected and installed?

Umm...can't think of anything else at the moment.

[SerbSniper1]

Have the same issue tried everything, it is the game or punkbuster NOT your computer.

[NoSoup4You]

When you say updated drivers for Audigy2 do you mean the regular dirvers? Or the beta ones with OpenAL support for BF2?

[UttiniDaKilrJawa]

Machstem: No blue screens and Dxdiag says everythings a.o.k. Gonna try the low/low solution next. Also, I switched in game between the T1 to the Cable setting that was step 15.5 or so.

SerbSniper: Please don't say that. It will make me cry...I do not wish to cry...crying is bad....Crying Angers the Fillet-O-Fish.

King of Khaos: I looked at the regular drivers, haven't tried the betas. Not a big fan of beta drivers. Never know what bugs may be in them yet.

Thanks for the help all!!!

Keep it coming:)

[NoSoup4You]

I use the beta drivers with OpenAL (thats the only reason they are beta) and they work great.

[BF2_Joe]

I got one for you, get a cheep hard drive,
put it in and reinstall BF2 and all drivers to it then see what happens.
so you don't have to wipe Windows.

[Merlin]

Can you join non-punkbuster servers?

[UttiniDaKilrJawa]

King of Khaos: Hmmmm work great do they? Maybe I'll have to give them a try.

BF2_Joe: Do you mean just adding a 2nd harddrive or do you mean adding a second harddrive with Windows on it and using a secondary boot configuration type thing?

Merlin: Hmmm have not thought of that one at all. I'll have to check my Punkbusteryness after work.

Thanks again everyone:)

[UttiniDaKilrJawa]

Had time before work so I hit the servers real quick.

I jumped on a BF2 non Punkbuster server and played for nearly 20 min. No disconnects , flawless performance, and even a couple armor kills for gits and shiggles.

Then I headed to a Punkbuster server. Did the initial map load, got into the MOS select screen and before I could even select my beloved Anit-Tank Designation (or as I call it ..good ol 0351:) ) I was discon'd and rebooted.

So, it appears that the problem is Punkbuster. Anyone have any tips on how to rectify the situation so I can play on rated Punkbuster servers?

Thanks in advance, as always:)

[Chaintech]

Yes I can fix this. A guy had the same prob that I know. He narrowed it down to punkbuster doing all this, well punkbuster had a part to play. The problem my friend is down to your mobo drivers, they cant cope with punkbuster, u need to go back to an earlier version of your mobo drivers or try the very latest ones. Thats what he did, he went to an older version of mobo drivers and the game runs flawless now.

[UttiniDaKilrJawa]

The Quest is at an end.

Just like to say thanks to everyone that helped me with information about BF2 in the hopes of getting it running.

But it seems my quest for BF2 is at an end.

Earlier today after trying to track down 'updated' mobo drivers and failing miserably I launched my BF2 Install disc at the wall in blind rage. Needless to say the disc did not survive. After that, I then commenced to destroy the rest of the discs, the manual, and the cover to relieve all my built up stress.

Needless to say you won't be seeing me playing this anytime soon on the PC and when I play on the 360 it will be only after I can find a preplayed copy so EA gets none of my cash.

Once again, thanks for the help and hope you guys enjoy BF2 more than I did :)