Tips and tweaks

[kregoron]

Tips and tweaks gathered from around the web, most part from sonsofvalour, give them the credit (tho i think they nicked most parts from Battlefieldo board )
 
 
1 - Network / Connection Issues.
2 - Gameplay Tweaks. (BF3 weapons database included in this section)
3 - Game Crash / Install / Stability Issues. (Many fixes for crashes / lockups have been found)
4 - Frame Rate & Performance.
5 - Punkbuster & Kick Issues.
6 - Server Tweaks & Fixes for Admins.
7 - November 22 Patch Issues & Fixes.
 

 
1: Network Tweaks / Connection Issues.
 
Fix Disconnections: (Disconnections immediate or every 10-20 mins)
UPnP - Router:
1. Log into your modem / router.
2. Turn OFF UPNP.
 
Turn off PC UPnP Service:
1. Press: Windows-button (the one between lAlt and lCtrl) + R, a window should pop up.
2. Write: "services.msc" (without the ") then press enter.
3. In the list of services, scroll down to "UPnP Device Host", click it and press "Stop service".
4. Now do the same thing but with the service "SSDP Discovery".
5. Exit the window and go to control panel-> Network and Internet-> Network and Sharing Centre-> Change advanced sharing settings (to the left)-> Under "network discovery" select to turn off network discovery
6. SAVE CHANGE
Firewall Blocking / etc
- Boot MSconfig in start. Disable your Firewall and Anti Virus if its a windows based one. Disable any other process there that might affect you and reboot.
-If game works fine. This means there is some issue with your firewall or Anti virus setup.
 
 
 
ECN Packets has been enabled by a Net Speed Tool
To fix this :
1. open a CMD prompt AS ADMINISTRATOR
2. type "netsh"
3. type "int tcp set global ecncapability=disabled"
ECN packets are Refused by EA. These are FAKE packets to fool the connection.
 
Set BF3 PC in DMZ on your router.
(Note this is not a good idea, as you wont be protected by the routers firewall)
-Note will expose the computer, and the PC will not be protected by the routers firewall.
-Make sure you have your windows firewall enabled.
-This should be a "last resort" measure.
 
 
How to play BF3 with multiple PCs on a LAN with UPnP disabled ?
*Credit goes to P1nchedNerve
(Just a note, I didnt think you could do this with origin like you can with steam, but apparently you can!)
Edit each computers BF3 executable to include the " -port XXXXX" (as long as each PC uses a different port)
Computer A = "C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Battlefield 3\bf3.exe -port 10000"
Computer B = "C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Battlefield 3\bf3.exe -port 10001"
Computer C = "C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Battlefield 3\bf3.exe" -port 10002"
Stuck on Joining Server / Long map load times:
Cause: Bug with x64 OS
Fix: Open / Run regedit.
Navigate to: HKEY LOCAL MACHINE/SOFTWARE/WoW6432Node/EA Games
Change the GDFBinary & InstallDir paths to C:Program Files (x86)Origin GamesBattlefield 3
Try to launch the game and join game servers, and it should work.
 
Battlefield 3 Ports: (may help connection issues)
-If you need help with making exceptions on your firewall(s). Consult the manufacturer.
-If you need help with portforwarding. Please visit www.portforward.com
If you have problems or other issues portforwarding, contact your router manufacturer.
 
PC Ports:
TCP: 80, 443, 9988, 20000-20100, 22990, 17502, 42127
UDP: 3659, 14000-14016, 22990-23006, 25200-25300
 
PS3 Ports:
TCP: 80, 443, 9988, 10000-10100, 17502, 42127
UDP: 3659, 14000-14016
 
Xbox 360 Ports:
TCP: 53, 88, 3074
UDP: 53, 88, 3074
 
Servers Lag:
-Either caused by EA or hosting datacenter. No fix currently.
Update: Developers are working on the issue.
 
 
Battlelog Error: "ERR_LOGIN_DISPLAYTOS"
Cause: A few players are experiencing this. It is a server related issue. There is no fix.
Have to wait for the developers..
 

2: Gameplay Tweaks.
 
Contrast & Lighting too bright !!!!
Fix: Open PROF_SAVE_profile in notepad++
\Documents\Battlefield 3\settings\PROF_SAVE_profile
Change: GstRender.Contrast 0.500000
*Lower the setting to whatever feels right.
 
Mouse is lagging:
Fix: Turn Origin Off in game.
Settings > In Game > Enable Origin In Game.
 
Sluggish / Unresponsive Mouse:
1. Go here: C:\Users\YOU\Documents\Battlefield 3\settings
2. Open PROF_SAVE_profile with notepad++ (can download for free)
3. Change the following variables:
GstInput.MouseSensitivity 0.050000
1st one is the normal mouse sens. USE whatever you like, or keep it the way it is.
 
These can be edited and it may solve the problem.
GstInput.Scheme0Sensitivity 0.000000
GstInput.Scheme1Sensitivity 0.000000
GstInput.Scheme2Sensitivity 0.000000
 
Battlefield 3 Weapons Database:
-We are unsure of its validity, but if correct, it may be incredibly useful for players.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?key=0Ag42gMGK9WrwdHRfa0JhdW9TR1E0bjBueWVSQjc0V0E&f=true&noheader=true&gid=0
 
How can I play Battlefield 3 using my Steam overlay?
- Disable Origin's overlay (click the gear/cog and go to the "in game" settings tab).
- In Steam, add Origin.exe as a non-steam game to your library.
- Launch the Origin shortcut from your Steam library, then launch BF3.
 
Long Map Load Times ?
-Is affecting many users, even those with HDDs in raid 0.
Fix:
Try: Open / Run: regedit.
Navigate to: HKEY LOCAL MACHINE/SOFTWARE/WoW6432Node/EA Games
Change the GDFBinary & InstallDir paths to C:Program Files (x86)Origin GamesBattlefield 3
Try to launch the game and join game servers, and it should work.
 
Alternate Fix: Buy a SSD drive, install BF3 & origin on there.
 
 
 

3: Game Crash / Install / Stability Issues.
 
Realtek Audio Bug:
1) Rigth Click on the Speaker icon.
2) Right click "Speakers" and select properties.
3) Advanced tab (far right)
4) Uncheck "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device".
 
BF3 PC Lockup / Freeze - with looping audio:
Cause: BF3 bug with onboard (motherboard) audio.
Fix: Install a separate soundcard & use that. Disable onboard audio in BIOS.
*Note users on EA UK forums have had success with Creative X-FI cards. (No game freezes)
 
Nvidia 560/570 Freezing / Graphics Issues Fix:
1) Update to LATEST Nvidia Drivers
2) Turn OFF - AA - DEFERED
3) Turn OFF - VSYNC
4) Turn OFF - Motion Blur
 
Nvidia 560 Ti Lockup / Freeze:
1.Go to your card manufacturers website. (E.g. Gigabyte, MSI, Asus etc)
2.Select your card type (E.g. GTX 560Ti)
3.Download the latest BIOS for the card
4.Flash it (Install, it's usually an .exe file)
5.Reboot (Most will prompt you to do it automatically)
6.Frag away.
AMD/ATI 6770m Game Crash with BF3 still running in background (possibly other AMD gfx cards too)
-Load up single player.
-Under options disable Anti Aliasing ( AA deferred )
*Best to disable AA post as well.
-Download the LATEST drivers from your laptops manufacturers site.
-Save & exit.
-Multiplayer should now work. The game shouldnt crash to desktop.
*Can confirm this works as I discovered it while trying to solve the issue with a laptop running BF3.
 
 ASUS G73 Radeon HD58XX Users:
Source: http://battlelog.battlefield.com/bf3/forum/threadview/2832654624706495348/
I found the solution for the problem with G73 from ASUS with ATI RADEON HD5series.
In fact you need to get a proper drivers from ASUS web site and not from AMD ....
Flash you graphics with "93vBIOSa.rar" .... find it on google.
Then deinstall ATI CATALYST preview install. CCLEANER DRIVER SWEEPER.
Install this release of CATALYST.
http://downloads.guru3d.com/downloadget.php?id=2795&file=1&evp=feec49beb63cf6646e7f5f947e9c49ee [downloads.guru3d.com]
And for info..http://forums.amd.com/game/messageview.cfm?catid=264&threadid=149301
 
Graphics Cards Crashing:
-This is common with graphics cards that are factory overclocked or have been overclocked by the user.
-Simple fix is to turn down the MHz (underclock).
*Estimate 40-100 MHz.
-Try turning the frequency down, until you hit a setting where the game runs nicely without lockups/crashes.
 
ASUS Cards - End of round crash issue:
http://battlelog.battlefield.com/bf3/forum/threadview/2832654624708842462/#!/bf3/forum/threadview/2832654624702875874/
PROBLEM: Crashing at the end of every round (BF3.exe has stopped working) just before the scores come up and not being able to play single player.
SOLUTION: If you own an ASUS card (ATi or NV) and you installed the 'Smart Doctor' and/or 'ASUS Gamer' software then this is what's VERY likely causing you end of round crashes. All you need to do is uninstall Smart Doctor and ASUS Gamer, restart your computer and reinstall your video card drivers - that's it!!!
 
New Graphics Settings Not Displaying After Change ?
Press the Windows Key to force the game to Window Mode, click on the game window to go back into the game. New settings should now be applied.
If this doesnt work. Try exiting the game and starting it again.
 
If you are experiencing Battlefield 3 black screen issues:
 
Method 1 (AMD & Nvidia Cards): Update to the latest video card drivers.
Method 2 (If method1 fails):
Nvidia Users: Revert to driver used during BF3 beta.
 
ATI users:
C:\Users\your user name\Documents\Battlefield 3\settings
PROF_SAVE_profile > open in wordpad
Edit to read: GstRender.FullscreenEnabled 0
Edit to read: GstRender.FullscreenScreen 1
Save and set file as read only
 
Start BF3, should start in windowed mode
Go to options > video > change undefined monitor number to "1"
Adjust screen resolution to a resolution LOWER than your default Eyefinity resolution (The one that works for me is 2760x1600) [default is 3308x1920]
Select full screen
Hit apply
 
ORIGIN FIX - "Could Not Activate"
Possible workaround is to delete the BF3 license file to to force a license update.
1. Exit Origin completely. You can do this by right-clicking Origin in your system tray (near the clock) and selecting "Exit"
2. Open Internet Explorer (this will only work with Internet Explorer, not other browsers). Enter the following address into your address bar and press "Enter/Return"
C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EA Services\License
3. Delete the file named either 71067.dlf or 70619 or 71069.dlf
4. Restart your machine.
5. Launch Origin and login to your Origin account.
6. Attempt to launch Battlefield 3
Second Workaround
1. Exit Origin completely. You can do this by right-clicking Origin in your system tray (near the clock) and selecting "Exit"
2. Open Internet Explorer (this will only work with Internet Explorer, not other browsers). Enter the following address into your address bar and press "Enter/Return"
C:\ProgramData\Origin\DownloadCache
3. Delete the files in this directory
4. Restart your machine.
5. Launch Origin and login to your Origin account.
6. Attempt to launch Battlefield 3
 
Crashing:
Try setting the Origin.exe, BF3.exe and your web browser .exe to "Run As Administrator".
 
Battlefield 3 Crashes Upon Launch:
1. Repair your Battlefield 3 installation. To do this, go into your Origin Client, right-click Battlefield 3, and finally click “Repair Install”.
2. Disable SLI or Crossfire (I know you arent going to like that !)
3. Disable anti-aliasing and filtering
4. Disable V-sync
5. Disable background apps, and turn off your anti-virus software
 
Battlelog Issues:
Cause: Plugins / Network settings affecting Battlelogs operation.
Fix(es): Disable Adblocker, NoScript, Lower Firewall Settings, Open closed Ports, Enable / Disable uPnP.
Also disable any unnessesary plugins for your browser.
If all fails. Try a new browser.
Update: Users have reported lots of success with IE9
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/internet-explorer/downloads/ie
 
Battlefield 3 Install Error: “Battlefield 3 (BF3) Install Fails, Cannot Install”
Cause: C++ bug.
FIX: Uninstall both instances (if present) of Micrsoft C++ files on your system.
*These can be reinstalled later after BF3 is installed on the system.
 
 
 
 
Constant Crashing - Partial Fix (high level of success) 32 bit Operating Systems ONLY.
http://battlelog.battlefield.com/bf3/forum/view/2832654624694388054/#!/bf3/forum/threadview/2832654489420350764/1/
What does it help with?
This is not the solution for all crashes. It deals primarily with the crash to desktop that is caused by lack of virtual address space.Due to the unique nature of how addresses are mapped differently on each machine this crash may happen at different places and times of the game, even loading a map, menu or waiting on an AI turn. If you try this fix, and you follow directions properly, and it doesn't help you then your crash is due to something else.
How do I do it?
Follow directions explicitly. I have seen people consistently skip steps or not read the directions properly so it doesn't work for them whne they don't do what it says. it's not as complicated as it sounds, I'm just being thorough.
APPLY THE WORKAROUND (juicy caramel center)
Requirements
Only real requirements is that you have atleast 2GB RAM. You don't need beyond that even though we are allowing addressing up to 2.5 GB. Also following instructions and being somewhat familiar with working with files in windows is required. Make sure you are using Vista SP1 or later. If not then you need this hotfix that fixes a major blunder with Vista address space - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/940105 [support.microsoft.com]
That's all, follow the 3 steps.
 
1) Prepare the operating system to be able to use beyone 2GB address space with a userva of 2.5GB (only 32 bit OS's need to do this): I am purposely using only 2500 for userva for specific reasons and any more will likely not be needed, as a result the kernel will have plenty of space to play in.
 
Windows 7/Windows Vista
* In Windows 7/Vista go to Start menu. Go to Accessories. Locate the command prompt shortcut and hover mouse over it. Right Click on the shortcut then select Run as Administrator.
* In the command prompt type this exactly: bcdedit /set increaseuserva 2500. Then hit enter.
* Make sure you get a message back confirming the change was made. To verify the entry is there you can type just bcdedit, hit enter, and you should see the entry now listed.
* Then close the command prompt. You just told Vista to increase user virtual address (userva) space to 2500MB.
* Changes take effect on reboot but don't reboot yet.
SUMMARY
We extended the user virtual address space in XP, Vista and 7 to 2500MB, so now applications can utilize up to that much if they are set to be Large Address Aware. While some 32 bit games/applications are set, Empire is not.
2) Now reboot the PC because Windows needs to set the userva at 2500 which only happens after startup.
If you skip any step it will not work. When you have rebooted you should be good to go. Run the game as normal with the original game shortcut.
TO UNDO THE CHANGES
For Vista 32 Open command prompt as administrator and type: bcdedit /deletevalue increaseuserva. That deletes the entry.
Reboot and you are back to normal.
 

4: Frame Rate & Performance.
 
Game Stuttering:
-Open your console in BF3 " ~ " key.
-Enter:
RenderDevice.ForceRenderAheadLimit 1
RenderDevice.TripleBufferingEnable 0
Speed Up Map Loading Times:
 
Nvidia Cards:
1) Open up Nvidia Control Panel
2) Click on Manage 3D Settings
3) Click on Program SettingsSelect Battlefield 3 in the drop down box (
**If it's not there click add and find bf3.exe located C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Battlefield 3)
4) Find Threaded optimization
5) Turn On
6) Click Apply
 
AMD/ATI Cards:
1) Download Ati Tray Tools http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=733
2) Install
3) Right click on the icon in the bottom right corner of your screen
4) Click on Tweaks
5) Click on Advanced Tweaks
6) In the drop down box select Multi Threaded SupportChange to 2 or 4
(Depending on how many cores you have on your CPU)
7) Make sure the radio box above is ticked
8 ) Click apply
Maps should now load faster.
 
Sluggish Performance With Smooth Frames ?
-Disable VSYNC.
*Ensure it is set to off on your graphics card.
 
Green Flicker Issue:
-People say that the issue is caused by lack of VRAM.
-BF3 is a VRAM whore.
-Try turning down AA to 2x MSAA, or turning off completely.
 
Extra Game Settings:
-I havent used this yet, apparently its legit.
-Might want to take a look.
http://bf3.realmware.co.uk/settings-editor/
 
Game feels blurry & unresponsive:
- Disable motion blur in your graphics settings
 
Choppy / Stuttering With High End Machines:
 
*Affects Intel i5 & i7 CPUs with Hyper Threading.
*Possible fix for dual-core CPUs also.
Cause: BF3 Bug
 
Fix:
-In BIOS. Disable Hyperthreading.
-If you have a dual core CPU, manually set Affinity in task manager to 1 core.
 
Extra For AMD GFX users:
- Uninstall AMD CAP profiles (Make sure to uninstall the video driver also and clean the registry, reinstall driver when done.)
 
More Frames / Smoother Performance:
*Try updating drivers.
 
 
 
Nvidia Users:
http://www.geforce.com/Drivers
 
AMD/ATI Users:
http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx
 
Punkbuster & Kick Issues:
 
Potential Kick Fix:
For windows7 32 bits users:
1) go to c:\windows\system32
2) scroll down and find PnkBstrA.exe or PnkBstrA application
3) right-click PnkBstrA.exe and choose Properties
4) click the Compatibility tab
5) click the button at the bottom of the window that reads "Change settings for all users"
6) click the checkbox for "Run this program as an administrator" and click apply and Ok
 
for Windows 7 64 bits users:
1) go to c:\windows\syswow64
2) scroll down and find PnkBstrA application
3) right-click PnkBstrA.exe and choose Properties
4) click the Compatibility tab
5) click the button at the bottom of the window that reads "Change settings for all users"
6) at the bottom of the window that reads "Privilege level"
click the checkbox for "Run this program as an administrator" and click apply and Ok
 
Kicked by Administrator on Join:
Cause: Your version of PunkBuster and the Server's are not the same.
Fix: Update Punkbuster and join an updated server. Send a message to whoever owns the server you keep getting kicked on and tell them to update their PunkBuster to the latest version.
Manual PB update tool can be found here:
http://www.evenbalance.com/index.php?page=pbsetup.php
 
Banned by an administrator:
-There appear to be limited PB response messages to the player, or just that the developers got lazy.
 
If you get this message, either:
 
1) An admin has banned you because you have been bad (or the admin is just abusive).
2) It is displayed as the disconnected message for Idle timeout. <- IF you are that, then dont worry. You havent been banned !!!
 
Server Tweaks & Fixes for Administrators:
Server Administration tools:
Our recommended choice of server administration:
Procon. There can only be one....  
http://www.phogue.net/forumvb/forum.php
 
Alternative:
http://bf3cc.com/
 
 
 
Reduce Lag on Server: (also country preference)
 
-Country Kicker plugin for procon.
-Auto kick players from far away countries to prevent higher pings.
-Less high ping players = less lagging game.
 
Q: Why not just use ping kicker ??
A: What if we have people in our own country who get a ping spike ? We dont want them to be kicked !
Rather than running a ping kick. Lets just filter those who will likely have huge ping to us.
 
Download & Install Instructions here:
http://www.phogue.net/forumvb/showthread.php?913-Country-Kicker-Ver-1.0.1.3-22th-Dec/page8
 
Reduce / Avoid Severe Lag & Rubber banding:
 
First Partial Solution:
-Some maps are "bad" maps currently and cause/generate excessive lag compared to other maps.
-Try not to play these if possible.
 
 
"Bad" maps list:
-Caspian Border.
-Highway Tehran.
 
 
Second Partial Solution
-Currently 64p servers lag the most (no surprises there)
-Reducing player slots to 40 appears to reduce the lag by a fair amount. (No idea why 40 is the magic number...... I just report / relay this info).
 
Start the game with LESS players (so people can practice in jets and play around)
-This is for the BF3 server.
-Open startup.txt
-Change / enter in values in bold.
 
 
 
# How many players to start the round (int)
#vars.roundStartPlayerCount "8"
vars.roundStartPlayerCount 1
 
# Minimum players before a current around aborts (int)
#vars.roundRestartPlayerCount "4"
vars.roundRestartPlayerCount 0
 
Improve Server Stability & Slight Lag Reduction:
 
-Try to give it a reboot daily. Its a pain, and you may drop some busy gamers, but it will help prevent the lag.
 
Reduce Server Crashes:
-Try leaving the server settings on the DEFAULT settings.
*Yes its boring, and you probably wont want to do it. But it does help (at least in these early phases) to prevent your server crashing.
Novermber 22 Patch Issues:
 
Battlefield 3 Has Stopped Working - Error:
Windows 7/Windows Vista
1) In Windows 7/Vista go to Start menu. Go to Accessories. Locate the command prompt shortcut and hover mouse over it. Right Click on the shortcut then select Run as Administrator.
2) In CMD Prompt Type:
bcdedit /set increaseuserva 2500
3) Make sure you get a message back confirming the change was made. To verify the entry is there you can type just bcdedit, hit enter, and you should see the entry now listed.
4) Then close the command prompt. You just told W7/Vista to increase user virtual address (userva) space to 2500MB.
5) Reboot PC to make changes come into effect.
To Undo:
Open command prompt as administrator and type:
bcdedit /deletevalue increaseuserva.
Reboot and you are back to normal.

[kregoron]

Tweak guide from nVIDIA, some bits also works on ATI cards
[url]http://www.geforce.com/Optimize/Guides/battlefield-3-tweak-guide

[/URL]

[Snokio]

nice find! :thumb:

[King]

That is a lot, but nothing i need.
Good find though.
I only have 1 problem, getting stuck in the loading screen.

Greets and Thanks king

[kregoron]

That is a lot, but nothing i need.
Good find though.
I only have 1 problem, getting stuck in the loading screen.

Greets and Thanks king

What graphics card do you have dear king

so far ive heard 3 solutions to your issue..

1. ATI users upgrading drivers to 11.11 has seen improvements.

2. Deleting the game installers Cache has helped a few.

3. ALT TAB out of the game as you are getting hte rewards at the end of the round and ALT TAB back in a minute later

[Tutonic]

Fix Disconnections: (Disconnections immediate or every 10-20 mins)
UPnP - Router:
1. Log into your modem / router.
2. Turn OFF UPNP.

FYI, it's worth noting that this could b0rk other applications if you don't have port forwarding set up properly - do so at your own risk.

Set BF3 PC in DMZ on your router.
-Note will expose the computer, and the PC will not be protected by the routers firewall.
-Make sure you have your windows firewall enabled.
-This should be a "last resort" measure.

Don't do this. Ever. You shouldn't be suggesting this - it leaves your PC open to the wild Internet. Get your ports forwarded properly instead, it's more secure.

[kregoron]

FYI, it's worth noting that this could b0rk other applications if you don't have port forwarding set up properly - do so at your own risk.



Don't do this. Ever. You shouldn't be suggesting this - it leaves your PC open to the wild Internet. Get your ports forwarded properly instead, it's more secure.

I didnt say i suggested all of the solutions, and yeah i agree, one should never put ones rig in the DMZ

[King]

What graphics card do you have dear king    i have the ATI radeon HD 4800

so far ive heard 3 solutions to your issue..

1. ATI users upgrading drivers to 11.11 has seen improvements.   i have it

2. Deleting the game installers Cache has helped a few.   where can i find this?

3. ALT TAB out of the game as you are getting hte rewards at the end of the round and ALT TAB back in a minute later

Will try the last one though

[kregoron]

solution two: Settings in origin -> Delete all game installers

[kregoron]

sticky maybe