I've had this problem for a long time, and now with the upcoming release of BF3, I want to play BF2, specifically PR, again. I reinstalled it, and now I can't join a server without being kicked in seconds for PnkbstrB.exe Heartbeats Stopped.
At first we thought it was our USB headset on our old computer, when we took it out it would work fine, but now it crashes either way ever since we built this computer. It's really annoying because I don't want to hook up our old computer just to play it. I really want to play BF2 again because it was an awesome game but it makes me sad that Evilbalance had to screw it up just like every other game that had Punkbuster.
Try completely turning off all firewalls. If that won't work, try connecting your computer directly to the modem, bypassing the router.
Run in compatibility, turn off steam, update/downgrade/adjust drivers
Try turning off the 'in-game steam community' thingy, that happened to me before. Hope this helps.
I used to get odd kicks in APB too but updating PB stopped them from occurring.
[url]http://evenbalance.com/index.php?page=pbsetup.php[/url]
Choose your OS
Select BF2
Update PB
Okay, I can't join a single fucking server. When I join it locks for a few seconds then says "Your connection to the server has been lost" or "Your CD-Key is not valid" which is bullshit because I have the legit CD key from 2005 when it was bought.
[QUOTE=xxncxx;29915563]Okay, I can't join a single fucking server. When I join it locks for a few seconds then says "Your connection to the server has been lost" or "Your CD-Key is not valid" which is bullshit because I have the legit CD key from 2005 when it was bought.[/QUOTE]
I remember you have to click yes on somthing that pops up before you start the game. I had the same problem. Fucking punkbuster
[QUOTE=xxncxx;29915563]Okay, I can't join a single fucking server. When I join it locks for a few seconds then says "Your connection to the server has been lost" or "Your CD-Key is not valid" which is bullshit because I have the legit CD key from 2005 when it was bought.[/QUOTE]
Have you tried PBsetup yet? I had that exact same problem. Also, check which PB applications are running in your task manager. I think you should have 2 running at all times, even when you're not in game. There's also a problem where PB instances from other games conflict with older instances of PB for games life BF2.
I had to do this exact same thing for the exact same game to help my friend out a month ago. Sat at his computer for 2 hours doing trial and error bullshit until it eventually worked.