BF2 PUNKBUSTER:
First:
Download the PBSetup program and run it. If BF2 is not listed ADD it and then run the update!
PBSetup.exe:
http://www.evenbalance.com/index.php?page=dl-bf2.php(this should download your key-coded *.htm files and updates any PB *.dll's)
Second:If you are still having BF2/PB issues that PBSetup won't fix, try these steps:
1. Delete the BF2..\PB directory it's content and sub-directories and only the "PB" dir under your BF2 dir.
2. Uninstall PB Services from "Control Panel / Add Remove Programs".
3. Delete PBSVC.exe file from C:\Windows\System32.
4. Delete all Pnk*.exe files from C:\Windows\System32.
5. Using "Search for Files" delete any remaining Pnk*.exe files in personal stores or anywhere else the files may be backed-up.
6. Re-Boot and Re-Install PB Services and Re-Boot again.
PB Services:
http://www.evenbalance.com/index.php?page=pbsvcfaq.php7. After re-installing PBServices re-run PBSetup.exe again as described above. (this should download your key-coded *.htm files and updates any *.dll's)
6. Use the GameBooster as it may shutdown un-needed or interfearing services and programs.
7. As described by BunkBuster, make sure the following services aren't running: 3dnasys.exe, Auction Sentry, Bandwith Controller, Countdown! (by ContactPlus), CyberCorder: cybrcrdr.exe, Dell Network Assistant, Desktop Armor, DU Super Controler, DynAdvance Notifier, Evernote, Get Right, Girder 3.2, HDD Life Pro, HpqCmon.exe, HyperSnap, Jot+Notes, Lightning Download, Macro Toolsworks, mIRCStats , NewsLeecher, Paessler Router Traffic Grapher: prtg4.exe, Parent Tools, PRTG Traffic Grapher, SuperUtilities, XP Tools.
8. Also as described by PB, Closing those programs, or any like them that contain user or kernel level debuggers should stop the problem. Installing the latest ForceWare (Mother Board and Video) drivers helped some users too. Also uninstalling the "Nvidia Network Manager" helped some users.
9. Re-Start your BF2 / AIX.
BP Notes: Even with all the steps above, BF2 still may not run and after our entire clan investigating these BF2/PB issues this is the best we have come up with so far. Starting around the 1st of May 2009 Punkbuster updated thier client from 2.150 to 2.181. Reports of ongoing BF2/PB problems with 2.181 have existed ever since. We have tried everything suggested by BP and "then some" to fix BF2/PB 2.181 issues and they still remain. The problems comes and go's without rime or reason. PC' I have working one day won't work the next and then start working again the folowing day, and still other PC's work for hours and stop working while in game... so go figure?!
PunkBuster is a code checking communications program and other communications applications and debuggers can interfear with it. Uninstalling any other Recent Programs, Communications Programs and Debuggers "you have currently" or "have installed recently" may also help as they may also install hooks that use communications services in Windows.