DayZ Mod Troubleshooting

[helpthedeadwalk 179]

**__Arma2/Arma2 Operation Arrowhead/DayZ Mod VANILLA-BASED server connection troubleshooting based on info from VinylJunkie of Europa__**
(non-vanilla based servers such as epoch have requirements and different connection methods)

**INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS**
For a NEW install, do the following:
**1) ALWAYS run STEAM as ADMINISTRATOR**
>> If you don't, You may get a "Session Lost" error.

**2) Download and install Arma 2 and Arma 2 Operation Arrowhead from STEAM**

**3) Start Arma 2 and Arma 2 Operation Arrowhead once time each to the lobby then exit**
>> This is neccesary to make sure both games initialize properly and to setup BattlEye
>> To make them load faster, add these launchparameters: -noSplash -skipIntro

**5) Download and install DayZ Mod from STEAM**
>>This is necessary because STEAM will ultimately run DayZ Mod and so it needs to have downloaded it to know the location.
>>Even if you will ultimately use DayZLauncher, you MUST download DayZ Mod via STEAM at least once.

**4) Launch using the Arma 2: DayZ Mod link in STEAM**
>> Do not use the Arma 2 OA link for VANILLA-BASED servers (you would use this for others, such as epoch)
>> You will see the server browser and you can filter on various categories. You may need to wait a few seconds, maybe change the ping limit and refresh again.**4a
>> Alternatively, you can use DayZLauncher @ dzlauncher.eu. You need version 0.1.3.4 or higher (click "Update Launcher" if needed). Go into settings and make sure to check the box "Launch DayZMod as Steam App".
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**BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING**
**1) Did you run STEAM as ADMINISTRATOR?**

**2) Do you have Arma2, Arma2 Operation Arrowhead and DayZ Mod?**
>> Check STEAM->LIBRARY. If not, Arma2 and Arma2 Operation Arrowhead are usually on sale for a few dollars. DayZ Mod is FREE!
>> Optionally, you can install Arma2: Private Military Company and Arma2: Britsh Armed Forces to get some better looking textures.

**3) Do you have the right versions of Arma2, Arma2 Operation Arrowhead and DayZ Mod?**
>> Check STEAM->LIBRARY. Right lick on each one, select PROPERTIES, then the BETAS tab. They should all say "None - Opt out of all beta programs".
>> The ONLY exception to this rule might be when DayZ Mod releases a new version and you need to select an old one TEMPORARILY until a server updates.

**4) Did you launch Arma2 and Arma2 Operation Arrowhead at least once to the game lobby?**

**5) Did you launch using the using the Arma2: DayZ Mod link?**
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**ERRORS MESSAGES and OTHER ISSUES**
**1) Are you getting the message "Session Lost"?**
>> Did you run STEAM as ADMINISTRATOR?
>> Are you using DayZLauncher?  Make sure to check the box "Launch DayZMod as Steam App".

**2) Are you getting the message "You were kicked off the game"?**
>> Do you have an AddOns folder in your Arma 2 OA folder?
>> If so, remove it. Back in the day players were told to copy their Arma 2 Addons in to the Arma 2 OA folder. 
>> Your Arma 2 OA folder is probably located here: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Arma 2 Operation Arrowhead
>> There is suppose to be an Addons folder in the Expansion folder, don't delete that.
>> If you don't have an AddOns folder located in your Arma 2 OA folder, don't worry about it.

**3) Is your game hanging during load, possibly at "waiting for host" or "reading mission"?**
**3a) Are you getting an error message about missing files?**
>> Verify your local Arma2, Arma2OA and DayZ Mod files within STEAM
>> STEAM LIBRARY->Arma2->Local Files tab->Verify Integrity of Game Files
>> STEAM LIBRARY->Arma 2 Operation Arrowhead->Local Files tab->Verify Integrity of Game Files
>> STEAM LIBRARY->Arma 2 DayZ Mod->Local Files tab->Verify Integrity of Game Files

**4) Are you getting kicked immediately after joining?**
>> Make sure you have the correct version of DayZ Mod installed.
>> Make sure you do not have other mods loaded. Having other mods loaded may results in a BattlEye kick.
>> If you are using STEAM, uncheck mods like epoch, overpoch, etc OR use dayzlauncher OR create a simple .BAT file

**5) Is your game still not working?**
>> Delete any locally cached mission files - C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application Data\ArmA 2\MPMissionsCache\*.pbo

Those are all typical errors and resolutions, but arma2 is finicky. Follow the suggestions listed above and then reboot the PC.
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**REINSTALLATION**
Finally, if none of those things help, then your should reinstall  Arma 2 and Arma 2 Operation Arrowhead
**1) Remove and re-download Arma 2 and Arma 2 Operation Arrowhead from STEAM.**
>> Make sure the files are deleted

**2) Remove and re-download DayZ Mod**

**3) Follow the INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
 

I also post this at helpthedeadwalk.wordpress.com and discord.me/tdr