PunkBuster Troubleshooting Guide

[ShadeShooter]

Listen up Soldiers!

If you are experiencing any issues with PunkBuster we have set up a simple list of troubleshooting tips for you to try.

If these troubleshooting tips do not work please send a ticket to EvenBalance Directly.

To submit a ticket to Evenbalance head on over Here

Try to provide them with as much information as you can:

• System Specifications
• Router Model
• ISP (Internet Service Provider)
• Firewall/Anti-Virus Software
• Any PunkBuster log files you have (Log files are located in "C:\Windows\System32\logfiles\punkbuster\")
  There should be 2 log files called "PnkBstrA.log" and "PnkBstrB.log", these contain valuable information for discovering the cause of any issues.
  

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1. If you’re running Windows Vista/7, make sure you run your browser as admin, otherwise some installation steps may fail.
2. There have been instances where PunkBuster didn’t install correctly. After you have installed BF Play4Free, make sure PunkBuster was also installed.
3. Try manually updating PunkBuster.
4. Certain firewall/security applications are known to cause issues with the PunkBuster service, these include but are not limited to Panda, Comodo, Kaspersky, Threatfire, Spyware Doctor.
   These applications can block communication with the PunkBuster services if they are not correctly set-up. This means that the firewall software needs to be configured to allow these communications. In order to do that you will need to make sure that rules have been created in your firewall software to allow PnkBstrB.exe and PnkBstrA.exe permission to access the internet. Both of these files are located in the "C:\Windows\system32" folder.
5. Another possibility for PunkBuster issues is an outdated certificate database:
   Since PunkBuster services are digitally signed, if your computer has not been updated with recent certificates, it's possible the services will fail to load. Most of the time a simple Windows Update will insure that your computer is using the latest certificates. More information about these certificates can be found Here
   

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1. Find your Battlefield Play4Free game directory (Default is C:\Program Files\EA Games\Battlefield Play4Free)
2. Find the PB folder and double click pbsvc_p4f.exe (For Win 7/Vista users, right click and select run as admin)
3. A screen will pop up asking you to either Install/Reinstall services or uninstall. Select the install/reinstall option and click next.
4. Accept and agree to the EULA and allow PunkBuster to start updating. Follow instructions where necessary.