Problem starting a PBEM game of WinSP:MBT

Chipmunk · 09-26-2007, 12:46 PM,

I've just encountered a weird problem trying to start a PBEM game of MBT. I started the game and did my purchases and then sent the file off to my opponent. When I try to load the file he sent back I'm not being given any option to deploy my units. Instead the only option available is to start turn 1, and if I choose this the game begins with my units all deployed lined up along the map edge. Anyone know why I might have lost my deployment phase and how I can get it back?

Weasel · 09-26-2007, 12:58 PM,

Don't know why it happens, but it has happened to me about 3 times in my 350+ games. All you can do is restart.

Sucks huh.

Chipmunk · 09-26-2007, 01:03 PM,

Yeah that sucks, but thanks for the prompt reply Weasel.

Vesku · 09-26-2007, 03:57 PM,

That just happened to me last week, good to know that it's not just me.

Greybeard · 09-27-2007, 07:18 AM,

Peek Wrote:I've just encountered a weird problem trying to start a PBEM game of MBT. I started the game and did my purchases and then sent the file off to my opponent. When I try to load the file he sent back I'm not being given any option to deploy my units. Instead the only option available is to start turn 1, and if I choose this the game begins with my units all deployed lined up along the map edge. Anyone know why I might have lost my deployment phase and how I can get it back?

Hello Peek,

Wow - would you believe I know why this happens?

Here's what is happening.. when player 2 has finished deploying his units he is wanting to check to see if the game is ready to go to player 1... so before the zip file is created, player 2 opens the game.. and of course doesn't know player 1's password.. so player 2 uses the 'esc' or 'enter' key to cycle thru the 3 password entry attempts.. password of course fails and the game closes..

What player 2 doesn't realize is that he has just hosed player 1.. there seems to be a bug that if the password fails for player 1's deployment opportunity, the game quits the deployment as if player 1 is done.. and auto-saves the game ready for player 1 to start his turn. When player 1 gets to the game, he finds that there is no deployment opportunity, and all his units are lined up along the edge of the map ready to move for turn 1..

So here's the fix.. (well maybe not the fix - but here's what needs to happen for every new game setup)

when player 2 is done deploying.. immediately save the game files in a zip file ready to send to player 1.. DO NOT open the game on player 1's password entry screen before saving those files. If you do it by mistake.. DON'T make the password fail to exit the game.. use 'ctl-alt-del' and close the game from the task manager.

Player 1: if you get a game that is ready for you to deploy.. enter your password - go the the deployment menu and exit the game from there (do not use 'quit deploy'). DO NOT make the password fail, otherwise when you attempt to open the game for deployment, you'll find that you are starting turn 1, with no ability to deploy. Now if you still have the files - reload them and start deploying..

Finally - If player 2 has managed to hose-up player 1's deployment ability.. simply send the original files to him (you know - the ones that player one sent when he was done purchasing at the game set-up).. and make him go thru the headache of purchasing/deploying again..

And send this explanation to help him not hose you up..

:)

-Greybeard

Weasel · 09-27-2007, 07:22 AM,

Hi Steve; Good explanation but I have a question. I tried before sending the original once the P1 couldn't deploy, but the game just kept bypassing which to me indicates a problem with P1. Anyway, if it happens again I will do as you say.

Greybeard · 09-27-2007, 07:33 AM,

Hello Chris,

Only thing that I can think of is that your opponent kept opening the game after his re-deployment to make sure he'd finished - and in the process continued to fail the password again for P1 - thus hosing the game with each attempt..

Only time I've ever seen this happen is when player 2 fails-out P1's password..

Had an opponent once where I purchased 3 times, sent files to P2, and rec'd files I couldn't deploy.. gave up as a bad go.. then with me as player 2 I did it to someone else.. the grey mess between my ears started making creaking sounds (happens with old age when little used items begin to wake up).. and I started exploring reasons.. then finally figured out what was going on..

this isn't new to WinMBT - it's been around since the last DOS version was released..

Thought it was common knowledge - apparently not..

OOPs..

-Steve

Chipmunk · 09-27-2007, 10:58 AM,

Greybeard Wrote:Finally - If player 2 has managed to hose-up player 1's deployment ability.. simply send the original files to him (you know - the ones that player one sent when he was done purchasing at the game set-up).. and make him go thru the headache of purchasing/deploying again..

D'oh, that seems so obvious now. Unfortunately it didn't a couple hours ago when I was redoing my purchases lol.

Thanks for the advice though Greybeard, it's very much appreciated.