PDA

View Full Version : Fresh tips to avoid CTD while playing SH4 MP


ddrgn
07-01-2009, 02:34 AM
Fresh tips for a long and successful, crash free SH4 multiplayer experience (ubi server problems aside).

Again not much of a poster but have a few tips on how to have, a minimal crashing SH4 multiplayer mission with your buds, and also in the hopes more folks will get on the SH4 MP bandwagon, as myself can attest too having had many hours of crash free and smooth sailing on SH4 MP missions with friends.

1) Read fixes already posted in this forum, opening ports etc...

2)The Host "must" disable windows key, if you're the host or other player for that matter , accidentally hitting the windows key, or alt-tabbing out of the game will end or crash the mission. It will not continue if host hits start button or alt-tabs. Here is a link to disable the key, and yes you will have to enter this in manually. The copy and paste feature in the default reg-editor does not work. Use notepad and count out the letters and numbers there. Do it if your the host! No matter how good your hand-eye coordination is!

>>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/216893 (applies to all windows os, incl vista)

3) Host should run a dual or quad core set up with at least 2 gigs (should be 4gigs). It's not the ability for the PC to run the game that counts, it's the ability of the PC to run stable while running the game, especially if you're the host.

4) Odd bug I have found after many hours of SH4 play. The rudder amidships key " ' " if used while using scopes, and if hit at the same time as lock "l" key will crash the game. Disable the amidships key via the commands config file and get used to using the compass to straighten the boat.

5) Host should have a stable and fast connection (pretty obvious but hey, should be mentioned).

I think a lot of crashes in game are because of the above mentioned problems which are hard to notice, and with the windows key probably to embarrassing to admit ;) Maybe listing these things will save a few MP games in the future from suffering a CTD just before a coordinated attack.

I will have some more to add later, but this is a good start... Anyone else have fresh tips on how to keep things smooth in SH4 MP, lets hear it!

Good hunting!

-depthdragon

ddrgn
07-01-2009, 04:04 PM
One addition to this would be:

6) For mission editors to take the time to play through their newly minted missions as to avoid any CTD caused by the mission itself. Ideally, all targets should be placed within the 40km radar radius of the lead submarine. This will avoid extended CPU problems loading new units after an hour or two of game play.

-depthdragon

Graf Paper
07-07-2009, 11:15 AM
Sage advice, depthdragon! :know:

Thank you for sharing these tips with the community. We need more like you that care enough to get involved here in the Multiplayer forums. :yep:

After others have had a chance to contribute to this thread, this might just deserve a sticky for posterity, so those SH4 fans yet to be will have this info within easy reach.

Letum
07-07-2009, 02:38 PM
Letum's tips to prevent CTDs:

If running windows XP disable those information baloons that pop up in the taskbar. To do this see the bottom of my post.
Close down all programs you are not using. EndItAll (http://www.docsdownloads.com/enditall-1.htm) is a good program to help with this.
If you are not playing online, disconnect your PC and turn off any anti-virus or firewalls.
Be very careful when doing anything above. If you don't know what you are doing and the effects it will have, then don't do it. Any changes you make are at your own risk.


Disableing pop-up Baloons (XP ONLY).
Pop-up Baloons caused crashes on SH3 for me every time one popped up. To fix this:

Copy the following into notepad...

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\... ntVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"EnableBalloonTips"=dword:00000000

...and save the file as disableballoons.reg
Double-click on that disableballoons.reg, restart your computer and no more balloons
The above changes fixed all my crashes and SH3 runs very stable for me now.

ddrgn
07-08-2009, 03:44 AM
Sage advice, depthdragon! :know:

Thank you for sharing these tips with the community. We need more like you that care enough to get involved here in the Multiplayer forums. :yep:

After others have had a chance to contribute to this thread, this might just deserve a sticky for posterity, so those SH4 fans yet to be will have this info within easy reach.


Indeed, felt I needed to share as SH4 MP is fun and too bad not as many people play as SH3 ;] I like playing both tbh...

I will add more info in the future I'm sure.

Graf Paper
07-08-2009, 04:24 PM
I also like playing both SH3 and SH4. However, I am far more comfortable and familiar with the SH3 GUI. I have yet to really get the hang of all those icons you have to click in SH4, so my skills as a Fleet Boat captain leaves something to be desired! :haha:

Let's keep those tips and tricks rolling in! :up: