Anything basic related to CF errors

After reading so many error threads I had to make a thread about what to do when your Crossfire can't start or doesn't work properly to your expectations.

9 out of 10 times the problem is found at your end instead of z8games end. Therefore you might want to clean up your rig.

( Note: all of the software in this guide are free and can be found via Google. )

First of all, remove your virus-scanner temporarily when you're download/installing Crossfire. Having it set to a 'pause' mode will not guarantee that it will stop blocking certain files from being installed to your computer. The only virus-scanner I know that doesn't block anything related to why your Crossfire doesn't work properly is 'Microsoft Security Essentials'. Personally I don't use a virus-scanner at all but that is up to you and I am not held responsible if something might happen when you download a virus on your PC.

Remove any unwanted software from your Computer via Control Panel uninstall programs.

Configure Msconfig; disable any program that you either don't recognize or use. Youtube or Google 'Msconfig' to learn how to use this tool. Don't be afraid you PC will stop working as I have nothing enabled at the Msconfig, Startup section and my PC works fine.

Msconfig > Services tab, select 'hide all microsoft services' now it will show you your software services. Untick every box if you don't need the program to be active 24/7. Having a box unticked will not stop the program from working. When you need it it will work for you. This only makes sure that it isn't opened already each time you start your computer which causes your computer to run slower.

Add Crossfire, HGWC and Xtrap to your Firewall. There is another guide on this forum to do so I am not going to explain this here.

Port forward Crossfire, HGWC and Xtrap in your router settings. This will make sure no software on your computer will block the connection your PC establishes to the servers. There are plenty guides on Youtube how to Port Forward, the only thing I will give you is the port numbers.

Also if you're wondering what your IP Address is; Open 'cmd' from the search box and write 'ipconfig /all' this will give you the correct information you need.

( Both UDP & TCP )

Crossfire: 13008
Xtrap1: 10009
Xtrap2: 16666

How to do a clean re-install of Crossfire;

Download 'CCleaner', search in google if you don't know what this is.

After uninstalling Crossfire, remove the map in your C: directory and the one in your Documents. Now reboot and run the Registry scan CCleaner offers you. This will make sure there are no leftover files on your PC.

Download and run 'Spybot Search&Destroy' and 'Malwarebytes Anti-Malware' once in a month. After running the scan once you can uninstall them again as it will slow down your computer having it run in the background. These two programs focus on separate things Spyware and Malware which can dramatically slow down your PC.

Update your drivers.

Updating your drivers is quite tricky if you don't know much about computers. There is a program I recommend you use to do this for you. Download 'Driver Booster v2.1' you can find this in google. Here is a license key I am willing to share with you for it to unlock the 'pro' version.

Serial: 2EC72-368A4-5E4E9-D54A1 or 2EC72-368A4-5E4E9-D54A1

Set your power plan to 'High Performance' in the power options via Control Panel.

Remove the 20% Bandwidth Cap for windows users;
Search 'gpedit.msc' computer configuration > administrative templates > Network > QoS Packet scheduler > double click the 'limit reservable bandwidth' set it to enabled and write 0% in the box below. Having it set to disabled or not configured doesn't remove this 20% Cap as windows does this standard.

Run windows update on a weekly basis;

If you're an expert and you want more tips on how to optimize your PC for gaming have a look at this post: http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=327922

Also take time to read this post which will most likely fix basic problems. Don't post a thread if you haven't already tried or read all of the sticky posts on this forum that might help you with your problem.

http://forum.z8games.com/showthread.php?t=52579

If after these steps your Crossfire still has issues, and you know a friend whose Crossfire does work. Ask him to send you his 'Patcher_CF, Cshell.dll, Crossfire.exe,' After replacing these files in your directory the cf_patcher will have to verify your files and/or will fix corrupted files.

Kind regards,

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