 A bad connection to a multiplayer game can cause pauses, lag and boot outs of all kinds. Now these same problems can be caused by improper set up on your computer, or by not meeting the optimum specs for the game. It is beyond the scope of this page to provide computer setup help, so, read your manuals and set your computer up accordingly. In addition to the readme file that comes with the patch, there is now a manual available for download at the RedBaronPlayers site. You can find the answers to many set up related problems in the faq there, or get your question answered in the forum. A great resource of general computer knowledge and trouble shooting tips is The PC Guide.
In general, if you can run the single player game smoothly, problems in mp are caused by your connection or by the server you are playing on. The first thing we need to do is test the connection and find out where the problem areas are.I use the freeware UOTrace utility. UOTrace was originally written for use with Ultima Online servers, but it can be easily adapted for use for RB3D and other servers. Since the utility comes with no instructions, I've included a readme file with an explanation of it's use. Download UOTrace (43.5K).
- Create a shortcut to UOTRACE.EXE and put the shortcut where it will be handy - WARNING: don't use the menu item - UPDATE SERVER LIST - it will overwrite the rb addresses and set up the ultima servers. - Read the readmeRB.txt file that was extracted with the UOTrace.exe file. - Bring down the "Options" menu and make sure there's a checkmark next to "Advanced" - I have already mapped the main WON servers and meta servers and they are available in the pull down menu. - Hit the traceroute button - Pushing the poll button after a trace will run a continous traceroute and average the pings and packet loss. Pushing the same button again will stop the poll. If your traces show most of your high pings and packet loss to be on the exodus.net and sierra servers, WON is interested in your data. Read the section of the readme file on collecting data for won. Dynamix rep Tyler Hart and Paul Quinn, the sysop@won.net have taken an active interest in the data collected and seem committed to fixing problems on their end.If the high pings and packet loss are on your end of the connection, go to 3Finger's Net Tweaks page and read: "The Internet And How It Affects Your Online Game Play" and "How to Get Good Pings". For general info on tweaking modems and dealing with bad premises wiring check out Curt's High Speed Modem FAQ . I hope this page has been a help to you. See you in the cyber skies, S! WWDart jfleming@mindspring.com Wing Walker Tactical Fighter Wing |