Server says I need unmodified content. Reinstalled after a HDD crash, still says server requires unmodified content. Is there something I'm missing or is that a different kind of ban?

Hello Dax Corrin,

do you have your game installed on a Solid State Drive now by any chance? That will introduce chances of getting this problem, as you load the map files faster than the server expects you to do it (rudimentary content check but okay back in the day, you could say ).

Kind regards,
Staff Officer S_h_a_r_k_93 

Yes, it is a solid state drive. I had heard the issue was related to the client loading faster than the server during map change and simply re-starting the launch would allow me in. That is obviously not the case. Are there work-arounds?

No you don't have to restart the map load, what you want to do is to alt-tab during the map load: whilst you are on your Desktop (and the game was launched in fullscreen and not in windowed mode) the loading will be almost frozen. Wait a few seconds then alt-tab back into the game and finish the loading, see if you still get kicked.

There is an automatic workaround which is called BF2 MapLoad Delayer (BF2mld); with the bundle you also get a nice PDF that explains how to set it up, otherwise here is a video tutorial for it. To be honest I have the game installed on a Solid State Drive as well but I have never had this problem before.

I guess ... lucky me! Regards,
Staff Officer S_h_a_r_k_93 

EDIT: by the way, while you're at it you may as well participate in this other discussion. :3

I've tried both the alt+tab and the map loader delayer with no success. Same unmodified content issue. Using BF2 hub. Some maps IE co-op server CQbot no issue another coop server also no problem. Raging Angels server no problem, Danger Close Gaming servers also no issue, Alte Garde and LS near 100% rejection. I have added Punkbuster using an older list that allows PB to add the game so no PB kicks after joining. Any other thoughts?

Mate, we've already been over what is causing this issue ... Are you sure that you are playing in fullscreen and not in windowed mode?? Because in windowed mode the alt-tab makes no sense; the game will still draw resources.

If you use the BF2Hub Client to boot the game (you don't need to actually run their client, for your information), can you share a screenshot of how you have configured the "Launcher" tab? Finally, provided that you have followed the PDF guide and configured the Map Load Delayer correctly ... don't you have an Hard Disk in your system? Only an SSD and that's it? No other storage units?

On another note can you just add a comment on this other thread by stating what model of SSD is giving you problems? Thank you very much if you'll do!

Regards,
Staff Officer S_h_a_r_k_93 

Yes, only a solid state drive. Pretty sure i'm not in windowed mode. Alt-tabbbing does seem to stop the map loading process. I give it 10-20 seconds then go back and it hasn't moved map loading bar. then same kick. Will post SSD type in other thread.

Then at this point we can assume that the game files seem to be corrupted or tampered with. Are those rotation servers or 1-map servers? You should try to identify a map where you do not get kicked (in Raging Angels for example), and then try to join the same map on one of our rotation servers (eg. Vehicle Rotation), always whilst performing that trick of waiting alt-tabbed for around 20 seconds just to be sure we're not reintroducing the quirk of loading too fast through the SSD.

You must start the alt-tab when the new map starts the loading process; not right when the match ends as the server keeps running the same map for various seconds (usually 15): it's the moment at the end of a game where you see the a place on the map world, the victory/loss music plays and you see the final tickets in the center. During that time you can stay in the game. The moment you see the briefing menu and the new map starts to load at the bottom, that's when you want to hit Alt+Tab.

Let us know about the map test above, if the server is empty message me on Discord to change the map for the test, once you have found a map that doesn't get you kicked on the other servers (and that we can test in our Vehicle or Infantry Rotations).

Kind regards,
Staff Officer S_h_a_r_k_93