CD Key Errors

[asddan]

Here is a general outline for the cd key system, this will come into play in the error message section below. I'm going to use a lot of abbreviations here because this information is not really necessary, but someone might be interested =).

1. A client connects to a MP server.

2. The client's encrypted cd key is sent to the cd authorization server in Montreal to check against the database. A return message is sent back to the client.

3. The MP server that the client joined sends another check to the authorization server with the client's encrypted key. A return message is sent back to the server, and then on to the client. This server check is done so that ranking information is double checked against the client and servers to prevent cheating. If any of you were wondering why your wins/losses were not being recorded, it's probably because the server is not doing the cd-check properly because of bandwidth caps.

Any problem in this system will return a specific error message, which are listed below.

Error Messages.

CD-key server not responding, please try again later.

This error message happens when (for any reason) the client machine cannot connect with the cd authorization server in Montreal. The most common cause of this error message is a blocked port. More on that below.

You are not authorized to play on this game server.

This error message is caused by the MP server rejecting your cd key as invalid, or the MP server is not able to connect to the cd-authorization server. If this happens occasionally, the most likely cause is that those servers are saturating their bandwidth and cannot send the cd check. Try a different server.

Invalid CD Key.

This error message indicates that your cd-key has been rejected by the cd-key authorization server. Please double check and make sure that you entered the cd key properly. CD keys must be entered in the following form:

RVS-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

The characters "O", "I", "S", and "Z" are not used in the 'XXXX' portion of the key, so make sure that everything is correct.

Your CD Key is already being used.

This error message indicates one of two things:

1. If you are on a LAN and another machine on your network is currently playing RVS, you will need to manually change the port that RVS uses to connect to the cd-authorization server. To do this, under the "[R6GameService.R6GSServers]" heading, locate the entry for "m_iCDKeyClientPort=5777" Each computer on the LAN will need to have a unique port number after the 'equals' sign. For example, if you had three computers on the network, you could leave one computer using the port 5777, one using 5776, and the third using 5775.

2. You cd key is actually being used by another player. Please contact the support office listed in your manual.

Connecting to the CD Key Server.

If you are having problems connecting to the cd-authorization server, please look over these troubleshooting tips.

1. Please make sure that you have the latest firmware installed for your router or DSL modem. The router's manufacturer of your ISP will be the best place to look for this update. I cannot stress enough how important this step is, and there is no convenient way for use to check this over the phone or message boards.

2. Please make sure that the following ports are open or forewarded correctly:

Outgoing:
216.98.52.30 UDP 44000
216.98.50.30 UDP 44000

Incoming:
UDP 5777(client)
UDP 5778 (server)

The incoming ports are modifiable in the Ravenshield.ini.file.

If you are unsure about how to go about this with your particular router, please contact the router manufacturer.

3. If you have multiple devices bound to the same ethernet card, this will cause problems with the cd-authorization system. For example, if you have a PPP device and a VPN device active, the cd-authorization server will not connect properly. For more information, contact your ISP.