[READ FIRST] Common Issues and Solutions
[Copied from the official C&C forums] Last updated 07/05 '13 Most of this is meant for the First Decade and original versions but a lot of this should apply to The Ultimate Collection too. TO KEEP...
Forum Discussion
Red Alert 3
[Copied frome here - all credit to apt.pupil]
Ok. i am building this thread here as a point of reference to anyone who has an issue that has been dealt with by the volunteers who dedicate time in this board to help others out. If you have anything to add, just ask me, and i will add it. I will also add new solutions on here more regularly
Also note that in some tech support answers, there are solutions for 64 bit Operating Systems. This is no indicator that EA supports 64 bit Operating Systems in their game, it just means someone else has encountered this problem in the past and has found a solution on their own
Custom Maps problems.
Refer to this post here on CnCLabs.
1.12 keyboard bug
Originally Posted by apt.pupil
Problem: Keyboard shortcuts become totally unresponsive
Solution: i Alt+Tab out of the game, then back in.
i know it is 5 seconds of the game you are not being fully attentive, but it sure is better than not playing using hotkeys
Solution: i Alt+Tab out of the game, then back in.
i know it is 5 seconds of the game you are not being fully attentive, but it sure is better than not playing using hotkeys
splash screen loading issues
Originally Posted by apt.pupil
Problem: There is issues with the game freezing/crashing on the splash screen. Common error with steam games
Solution:
for 32 bit OS:
splash screen issue fixed
Solution:
for 32 bit OS:
- open up this sequence of folders: C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\Red alert 3\Data\Movies
- Then delete or rename this file: RA3_EA_logo.vp6
- open up this sequence of folders: C:\Program Files(x86)\Electronic Arts\Red alert 3\Data\Movies
- Then delete or rename this file: RA3_EA_logo.vp6
splash screen issue fixed
here is a video tutorial on removing the splash screen
I have installed Red Alert 3, but i can not locate my registry key
Originally Posted by apt.pupil
This is mainly for the people who have issues with their serial key. not so common issue, but here is a solution anyway:
the key for the game is in regedit
to open this, press both the windows key and the r button, and type in "regedit", then press enter.
then you need to open up HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
for a 64 bit OS, you then need to open up Wow6432Node/
then(for both 64 and 32 bit) open up Electronic Arts\ Electronic Arts\Red Alert 3\Ergc
the key will look like this:
Name: (Default)
Type: REG_SZ
Data: (this is your serial key)
the key for the game is in regedit
to open this, press both the windows key and the r button, and type in "regedit", then press enter.
then you need to open up HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
for a 64 bit OS, you then need to open up Wow6432Node/
then(for both 64 and 32 bit) open up Electronic Arts\ Electronic Arts\Red Alert 3\Ergc
the key will look like this:
Name: (Default)
Type: REG_SZ
Data: (this is your serial key)
UPDATE: i have now done a youtube video:
Connectivity and internet issues
Originally Posted by apt.pupil
XP USERS
click on start menu
open the run command
in the run window, type " cmd "
in the command prompt window(it has a black backround with plain white text) type " ipconfig/all "
it will come with a bunch of results- what you want to see is your IP address.
type the IP address as you see it on the window- into your internet browser. do not worry about the http://www. part- since this will make your browser think you are looking for this on the internet.
the page that open up is your modem/ router configuration page. From here details will always differ for different modems/routers- but i will do my best to tell you where to look.
we are trying to go into UPnP(User Plug n Play), firewall, or port settings. this will generally be displayed somewhere in the main menu.
in there click on "create a new application" sometimes you may need to set the modem/router to allow for these, otherwise it will be set by default.
name the new application Red Alert 3 and below you will find port configurations. i will now describe to you what you need to enter.
port type: UDP
port range(the port number to and from fields will need to be filled with this): 8088 to 28088
click add(not save)
port type: TCP
port range: 28910 to 28910
click add
port type: TCP
port range: 29900 to 29901
click add and then click the save button.
you have now created permissions for the game to use the required ports for online gameplay. next step is to add this game to the excepted applications list. and to do this- you will need to highlight the application you made and set it to the list of allowed applications.
congratulations XP users- you now have configured your modem/ router to allow you to play Red Alert 3.
VISTA USERS
Vista users can do something similar, however there is a different path.
for the sake of getting this done quickly- you need to press the windows key(the one on your keyboard that has a representative image of windows) and the " r " key at the same time.
this opens the run dialogue. simply follow the rest of the XP instructions and you are set to go.
NB: some modems/routers allow for what is called a DMZ(De Militarized Zone) what this does is set your modem to allow all applications to access all modem/ router ports.
For the sake of security- i DO NOT recommend this, since it means backdoor trojans and other nasties will have an all- access pass to do all sorts of evil things to your computer. If you have DMZ activated- turn this off. There are also reports of not being able to connect to online games still after setting your modem as a DMZ.
NB: Vista users may find that the UAC(User Account Control) will also block the games access to online play. It may also stop the game from running, requiring you to start the game up again. To remedy this- you either need to be an administrator or have access to one. open the run command, and enter " msconfig " and before you press enter- make sure the text below the line you are typing into says "run as administrator". press enter. in this- you will find a program you should get to know and love- since this controls most of the basic windows admin controls- including which programs start up on computer boot. you need to go into the tools tab and scroll down to Disable UAC. highlight and click the launch button( a shame it is not a big red button tbh). reboot your pc and then open the windows security settings and select the "do not notify me of security problems" to get rid of vistas incessant nagging. To enable UAC and protect your computer from hidden intrustions again- go through the same process, but launch the enable UAC command
if you have any further questions, please post them here
for the people who want to know what the ports they are opening are responsible for, then read below:
TCP 3783 (Voice Chat Port)
TCP 4321 (Mangler Servers)
TCP 28900 (Master Server List Request)
TCP 29900 (GP Connection Manager)
TCP 29901 (GP Search Manager)
UDP 6500 (Query Port)
UDP 6515 (Dplay UDP)
UDP 13139 (Custom UDP Pings)
UDP 27900 (Master Server UDP Heartbeat)
click on start menu
open the run command
in the run window, type " cmd "
in the command prompt window(it has a black backround with plain white text) type " ipconfig/all "
it will come with a bunch of results- what you want to see is your IP address.
type the IP address as you see it on the window- into your internet browser. do not worry about the http://www. part- since this will make your browser think you are looking for this on the internet.
the page that open up is your modem/ router configuration page. From here details will always differ for different modems/routers- but i will do my best to tell you where to look.
we are trying to go into UPnP(User Plug n Play), firewall, or port settings. this will generally be displayed somewhere in the main menu.
in there click on "create a new application" sometimes you may need to set the modem/router to allow for these, otherwise it will be set by default.
name the new application Red Alert 3 and below you will find port configurations. i will now describe to you what you need to enter.
port type: UDP
port range(the port number to and from fields will need to be filled with this): 8088 to 28088
click add(not save)
port type: TCP
port range: 28910 to 28910
click add
port type: TCP
port range: 29900 to 29901
click add and then click the save button.
you have now created permissions for the game to use the required ports for online gameplay. next step is to add this game to the excepted applications list. and to do this- you will need to highlight the application you made and set it to the list of allowed applications.
congratulations XP users- you now have configured your modem/ router to allow you to play Red Alert 3.
VISTA USERS
Vista users can do something similar, however there is a different path.
for the sake of getting this done quickly- you need to press the windows key(the one on your keyboard that has a representative image of windows) and the " r " key at the same time.
this opens the run dialogue. simply follow the rest of the XP instructions and you are set to go.
NB: some modems/routers allow for what is called a DMZ(De Militarized Zone) what this does is set your modem to allow all applications to access all modem/ router ports.
For the sake of security- i DO NOT recommend this, since it means backdoor trojans and other nasties will have an all- access pass to do all sorts of evil things to your computer. If you have DMZ activated- turn this off. There are also reports of not being able to connect to online games still after setting your modem as a DMZ.
NB: Vista users may find that the UAC(User Account Control) will also block the games access to online play. It may also stop the game from running, requiring you to start the game up again. To remedy this- you either need to be an administrator or have access to one. open the run command, and enter " msconfig " and before you press enter- make sure the text below the line you are typing into says "run as administrator". press enter. in this- you will find a program you should get to know and love- since this controls most of the basic windows admin controls- including which programs start up on computer boot. you need to go into the tools tab and scroll down to Disable UAC. highlight and click the launch button( a shame it is not a big red button tbh). reboot your pc and then open the windows security settings and select the "do not notify me of security problems" to get rid of vistas incessant nagging. To enable UAC and protect your computer from hidden intrustions again- go through the same process, but launch the enable UAC command
if you have any further questions, please post them here
for the people who want to know what the ports they are opening are responsible for, then read below:
TCP 3783 (Voice Chat Port)
TCP 4321 (Mangler Servers)
TCP 28900 (Master Server List Request)
TCP 29900 (GP Connection Manager)
TCP 29901 (GP Search Manager)
UDP 6500 (Query Port)
UDP 6515 (Dplay UDP)
UDP 13139 (Custom UDP Pings)
UDP 27900 (Master Server UDP Heartbeat)
how to reset the network IP address shown in the game’s network settings
- Hold the windows key on your keyboard and press the r button.
- In the run dialog box, type %APPDATA% and press enter.
- This works for both – XP and Vista.
Go into the Red Alert 3 folder.
When in that folder you'll see the Options.ini file, open it.
Search for:
GameSpyIPAddress = xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (naturally there are other numbers)
To reset the routing for RA3 change these numbers to
0.0.0.0
Or simply remove the whole line.
Save and exit the file and online should work.
Mouse unresponsive or disappears during gameplay
solution: This appears to be related to your version of the .net framework being out of date. This is not an essential update, so it is not the first thing people think of to update, if at all.
how to check your version of .net framework:
- Press Windows Key + R
- Typeand press enterCode:
regedit
- Open the following folders in the windows Registry Editor
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
- SOFTWARE
- Microsoft
- Windows
- CurrentVersion
- Internet Settings
- 5.0
- User Agent
- Post Platform
And tell me the bottom .NET version number. I will place an image of what it should look like:
Currently the latest version of the microsoft .net framework is 4.0. It is a free download, and you can grab it here.
If that fails, a second solution is to go into your mouse options in the game and disable the mouse trails. Your mouse may disappear if you enable mouse trails, because windows will try and put trails on the in- game cursor when that isnt possible.
Video Issues
Originally Posted by stanash
I was having issues with the blank screen right after the splash screen, and could not, for the life of me, figure it out. Called EA Tech support, and they couldn't either. On a whim, I removed the movies from the data/movie directory, and the game worked great. Not seeing this as a good solution, I decided to replace my sound card (it's good, but lack of drivers that truly support Vista was a hindrance, and left me suspicious of the stability of the hardware.
I got the SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium, and went through the process of installing, updating, etc. I replaced the movies back in the proper directory, and everything works great now.
I suggest that people look at your sound card. If it's on board, or old, or a no-name brand, you might look for drivers, or a new card.
This was a thread related to my problem...
http://forums.commandandconquer.com/.../list/195.page
I got the SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium, and went through the process of installing, updating, etc. I replaced the movies back in the proper directory, and everything works great now.
I suggest that people look at your sound card. If it's on board, or old, or a no-name brand, you might look for drivers, or a new card.
This was a thread related to my problem...
http://forums.commandandconquer.com/.../list/195.page
Game performance slow/crashing
Originally Posted by apt.pupil
This can be indicative of not enough available RAM on your computer, or heavy use of page files. Recommended solution is to reduce the number of backround tasks, consulting this thread will give you advice on how to shut down backround tasks.
For more tips on how to make the most of your available RAM, consult this thread i made a while ago and archived on this website
For more tips on how to make the most of your available RAM, consult this thread i made a while ago and archived on this website
Account Issues?
Originally Posted by apt.pupil
I am sorry, there is nothing we can do to help you here. any issues related to your account are best dealt with by logging into http://support.ea.com/ and posting a request ticket there. They make a concerted effort to reply within 24 hours, and in my experiences, they respond within a few hours
Originally Posted by apt.pupil
got a new one for here. though it is more for people who are wanting to find out latency.
i only just discovered these just recently, so while i am running some tests myself.
IP addresses Red Alert 3 connects to
how to deauthorise a game installation:
i only just discovered these just recently, so while i am running some tests myself.
IP addresses Red Alert 3 connects to
Originally Posted by apt.pupil
The purpose of this bubble is for the people who are experiencing latency issues- basically to find out if you are lagging:
these are the following IP addresses EA uses for the Gamespy Server- which you are connecting to:
To find out if you are lagging online, you simply need to ping these IP addresses. Doing this is very simple and can be done on any OS without extra software, but following my usual traditions, i will only give windows instructions:
-Press windows Key + R
-Type "cmd" and press enter
-you will then see an ugly black box with white text and a blinking white line. this is the guts of windows- underneath the flashy mouse interface, known as the command prompt window. Type in ping *
In English, a ping is a command to your computer to send a packet of data to another computer connected to the internet, and then to get it back again. The time is measured in milliseconds- or thousandths of a second. the lower the ping score, the better.
a packet of data sent by the windows command prompt is 32 bytes of data. it sends 4 packets, and the time taken for each four packets is then calculated. results should look somewhat like this:
(image is being created. posting this midway to prevent data loss)
then simply check the total ping times for each of the listed IP addresses.
a ping time of less than 30ms to each server is ideal.
these are the following IP addresses EA uses for the Gamespy Server- which you are connecting to:
- 203.166.93.50
- 211.233.72.38
- 159.153.224.10
- 211.72.252.17
To find out if you are lagging online, you simply need to ping these IP addresses. Doing this is very simple and can be done on any OS without extra software, but following my usual traditions, i will only give windows instructions:
-Press windows Key + R
-Type "cmd" and press enter
-you will then see an ugly black box with white text and a blinking white line. this is the guts of windows- underneath the flashy mouse interface, known as the command prompt window. Type in ping *
In English, a ping is a command to your computer to send a packet of data to another computer connected to the internet, and then to get it back again. The time is measured in milliseconds- or thousandths of a second. the lower the ping score, the better.
a packet of data sent by the windows command prompt is 32 bytes of data. it sends 4 packets, and the time taken for each four packets is then calculated. results should look somewhat like this:
(image is being created. posting this midway to prevent data loss)
then simply check the total ping times for each of the listed IP addresses.
a ping time of less than 30ms to each server is ideal.
Originally Posted by apt.pupil
-First of all, make sure you have patch 1.05 or higher installed(if you don't have it installed, download and install the latest patch from this link)
-open up the Red Alert 3 Control Center(if you don't know where that is- then press windows key + R and type the following in the inverted brackets:<RA3.exe -ui>
-click the Deauthorize button.
-open up the Red Alert 3 Control Center(if you don't know where that is- then press windows key + R and type the following in the inverted brackets:<RA3.exe -ui>
-click the Deauthorize button.
Awesome compilation, awesome thread.
Here's to everyone finding help in your messages sending some love your way. 🙂
