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Difference between revisions of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(added seriesbox)
m (Robot: Cosmetic changes)
Line 4: Line 4:
 
|developer      = [[Wikipedia:Infinity Ward|Infinity Ward]]<br />[[Wikipedia:Sledgehammer Games|Sledgehammer Games]]
 
|developer      = [[Wikipedia:Infinity Ward|Infinity Ward]]<br />[[Wikipedia:Sledgehammer Games|Sledgehammer Games]]
 
|publisher      = [[Wikipedia:Activision|Activision]]  
 
|publisher      = [[Wikipedia:Activision|Activision]]  
|engine        = IW Engine 5<br/>[[Quake III Arena]] id Tech 3
+
|engine        = IW Engine 5<br />[[Quake III Arena]] id Tech 3
|release dates  = <sup>NA</sup> November 8, 2011<br/><sup>EU</sup> November 8, 2011
+
|release dates  = <sup>NA</sup> November 8, 2011<br /><sup>EU</sup> November 8, 2011
 
|steam          = 115300
 
|steam          = 115300
 
|gog            =
 
|gog            =
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{:Call of Duty (series)}}
 
{{:Call of Duty (series)}}
==Version Differences==
+
== Version Differences ==
 
Modern Warfare 3 uses Steamworks, meaning all versions of the game including those from retail and digital distribution channels all require and register on Steam.
 
Modern Warfare 3 uses Steamworks, meaning all versions of the game including those from retail and digital distribution channels all require and register on Steam.
  
==General Crashing Problems==
+
== General Crashing Problems ==
  
===Black Screen on Start-up===
+
=== Black Screen on Start-up ===
 
With some users, a black screen will display on start-up, though game music can be heard in the background. This is caused by a collision with the Mumble voice client. Within Mumble, be sure to disable the in-game overlay, and this will solve the problem.
 
With some users, a black screen will display on start-up, though game music can be heard in the background. This is caused by a collision with the Mumble voice client. Within Mumble, be sure to disable the in-game overlay, and this will solve the problem.
  
===PC Crashing/Freezing in game===
+
=== PC Crashing/Freezing in game ===
 
Disable Steam community in-game.
 
Disable Steam community in-game.
 
Run <code>dxsetup.exe</code> located in <pre>C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\call of duty modern warfare 3\RedistDirectX\</pre>
 
Run <code>dxsetup.exe</code> located in <pre>C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\call of duty modern warfare 3\RedistDirectX\</pre>
  
====Game Freezes during the Intro Video====
+
==== Game Freezes during the Intro Video ====
 
Verify the integrity of your Steam game cache.
 
Verify the integrity of your Steam game cache.
 
Update DirectX and GPU drivers.
 
Update DirectX and GPU drivers.
 
You can also try going to your MW3 installation folder{{where?}} and delete the file called: “ModernWarfare3.bik” as this is the video file that is causing most of the lock up during start-ups. Pretty straightforward, but this tip has already fixed the problem for many people.
 
You can also try going to your MW3 installation folder{{where?}} and delete the file called: “ModernWarfare3.bik” as this is the video file that is causing most of the lock up during start-ups. Pretty straightforward, but this tip has already fixed the problem for many people.
  
===Crash to Desktop===
+
=== Crash to Desktop ===
 
If you’re game randomly crashes upon launching the game, ensure or try the following:
 
If you’re game randomly crashes upon launching the game, ensure or try the following:
 
Update DirectX and GPU drivers.
 
Update DirectX and GPU drivers.
Line 50: Line 50:
 
Reduce the Hardware acceleration to Basic, the 2nd notch from the left.
 
Reduce the Hardware acceleration to Basic, the 2nd notch from the left.
  
===DirectX error while loading===
+
=== DirectX error while loading ===
 
Change texture quality to automatic.
 
Change texture quality to automatic.
  
===Cannot Install===
+
=== Cannot Install ===
  
 
This is a Microsoft C++ bug so the quick fix is to de-install your C++ files. If you see 2 instances of Microsoft C++, de-install both of them; and don’t worry, they are easy to reinstall. There are also a couple workarounds online if you don’t want to de-install them.
 
This is a Microsoft C++ bug so the quick fix is to de-install your C++ files. If you see 2 instances of Microsoft C++, de-install both of them; and don’t worry, they are easy to reinstall. There are also a couple workarounds online if you don’t want to de-install them.
  
====Failed to run install script====
+
==== Failed to run install script ====
 
This is a common problem on Windows 7.
 
This is a common problem on Windows 7.
  
Line 71: Line 71:
 
At the end of the installation process, Steam will connect on Internet to download a small update which should take no more than few minutes.
 
At the end of the installation process, Steam will connect on Internet to download a small update which should take no more than few minutes.
  
==Graphical issues==
+
== Graphical issues ==
  
===Multiple monitor problems===
+
=== Multiple monitor problems ===
 
A common problem when playing on multiple screens. For now, the solution is to unplug other monitors and play on single screen. If that doesn’t work, try playing in windowed mode.
 
A common problem when playing on multiple screens. For now, the solution is to unplug other monitors and play on single screen. If that doesn’t work, try playing in windowed mode.
  
===nVidia Optimus===
+
=== nVidia Optimus ===
 
If you’re using a newer laptop that’s using an nVidia Optimus card, try checking your Optimus settings.
 
If you’re using a newer laptop that’s using an nVidia Optimus card, try checking your Optimus settings.
 
* Open the “nVidia Control Panel” from your start menu.
 
* Open the “nVidia Control Panel” from your start menu.
Line 89: Line 89:
 
* Launch the game.
 
* Launch the game.
  
===Low frame rate===
+
=== Low frame rate ===
 
Disable V-SYNC and Anti-Aliasing on codmw3.exe after enable/force Anti-Aliasing on AMD Vision Engine Control Center (AMD/ATI) or Nvidia Control Panel. Finally enable/force Triple Buffering and VSYNC on D3DOverrider.
 
Disable V-SYNC and Anti-Aliasing on codmw3.exe after enable/force Anti-Aliasing on AMD Vision Engine Control Center (AMD/ATI) or Nvidia Control Panel. Finally enable/force Triple Buffering and VSYNC on D3DOverrider.
  
 
Alternatively, press Ctrl+Alt+Del to bring up the Task Manager, go to processes, select the game’s respective exe file and set priority above normal or higher. You must do this every time you play the game.
 
Alternatively, press Ctrl+Alt+Del to bring up the Task Manager, go to processes, select the game’s respective exe file and set priority above normal or higher. You must do this every time you play the game.
  
===Fuzzy Textures===
+
=== Fuzzy Textures ===
 
Set Image Quality to "Native", as "Extra" up-scales the textures resulting in poor image quality.  
 
Set Image Quality to "Native", as "Extra" up-scales the textures resulting in poor image quality.  
  
===Wide-screen Fix===
+
=== Wide-screen Fix ===
 
*[http://www.widescreenfixer.org/ Widescreen Fixer] - Modern Warfare 3 is reported to cooperate well with this application.
 
*[http://www.widescreenfixer.org/ Widescreen Fixer] - Modern Warfare 3 is reported to cooperate well with this application.
  
===DirectX 9 Compatibility With Older Video Cards===
+
=== DirectX 9 Compatibility With Older Video Cards ===
 
Appended the game laucher with <code>-dx9</code> to force DirectX 9 compatibility mode.
 
Appended the game laucher with <code>-dx9</code> to force DirectX 9 compatibility mode.
  
Line 109: Line 109:
 
<pre>C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\call of duty modern warfare 3\players2\config_mp.cfg</pre>
 
<pre>C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\call of duty modern warfare 3\players2\config_mp.cfg</pre>
  
===DirectX error while loading===
+
=== DirectX error while loading ===
 
Change texture quality to automatic.
 
Change texture quality to automatic.
  
==Audio issues==
+
== Audio issues ==
  
===Audio issues===
+
=== Audio issues ===
 
Windows 7 and Windows Vista:
 
Windows 7 and Windows Vista:
 
Update sound card drivers; set volume to maximum.
 
Update sound card drivers; set volume to maximum.
Line 123: Line 123:
 
Reduce hardware acceleration, or set your speakers to Stereo.
 
Reduce hardware acceleration, or set your speakers to Stereo.
  
====DirectX====
+
==== DirectX ====
 
<code>C:\Windows\system32\XAudio2_1.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error.</code>
 
<code>C:\Windows\system32\XAudio2_1.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error.</code>
  
Line 130: Line 130:
 
<pre>"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -install D:</pre>{{why?}}
 
<pre>"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -install D:</pre>{{why?}}
  
==Control issues==
+
== Control issues ==
  
===Mouse problems===
+
=== Mouse problems ===
 
Shut down any software used for the mouse.
 
Shut down any software used for the mouse.
  
 
Also try a lower polling rate if the mouse has this function.
 
Also try a lower polling rate if the mouse has this function.
  
===Controller===
+
=== Controller ===
 
Game pad controllers are not supported by Modern Warfare 3. Please check our [[:Category: Controller|controller page]] for information about how to hack controller support into the game.
 
Game pad controllers are not supported by Modern Warfare 3. Please check our [[:Category: Controller|controller page]] for information about how to hack controller support into the game.
  
==Other issues==
+
== Other issues ==
  
===RELIABLE COMMAND BUFFER OVERFLOW===
+
=== RELIABLE COMMAND BUFFER OVERFLOW ===
 
Go through the building on the right with the broken glass, and stay in there until the end of the offices, and it will auto save.
 
Go through the building on the right with the broken glass, and stay in there until the end of the offices, and it will auto save.
  
===Rank problems===
+
=== Rank problems ===
 
MW3 will soon restore them using their cloud backup. However you will lose all progress so far. The developers are working to stabilize this issue.
 
MW3 will soon restore them using their cloud backup. However you will lose all progress so far. The developers are working to stabilize this issue.
  
===Steam Error – 55: This game is currently unavailable. Please try again at another time.===
+
=== Steam Error – 55: This game is currently unavailable. Please try again at another time. ===
 
Restart Steam or the computer.
 
Restart Steam or the computer.
  
===DLC content is required. Required map (map name) is missing or damaged.===
+
=== DLC content is required. Required map (map name) is missing or damaged. ===
 
Make sure both the single player and multi player versions of the game are installed, and do a [http://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Steam#Verify_Integrity_Of_Game_Cache file integrity check].
 
Make sure both the single player and multi player versions of the game are installed, and do a [http://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Steam#Verify_Integrity_Of_Game_Cache file integrity check].
 
If the problem persists, reinstall the game while the anti-virus is turned off.
 
If the problem persists, reinstall the game while the anti-virus is turned off.
  
==Graphical Tweaks==
+
== Graphical Tweaks ==
===Field of Vision (FOV) Fix===
+
=== Field of Vision (FOV) Fix ===
 
*[http://www.mapmodnews.com/article.php/Modern-Warfare-3-FoV-Changer-MP FOV Changer] - Can adjust your field of view well beyond the game's default of 65. Thus far use has not resulted in a VAC ban for users.
 
*[http://www.mapmodnews.com/article.php/Modern-Warfare-3-FoV-Changer-MP FOV Changer] - Can adjust your field of view well beyond the game's default of 65. Thus far use has not resulted in a VAC ban for users.
  
==Save Game Data==
+
== Save Game Data ==
===Configuration===
+
=== Configuration ===
 
The player configuration text files can be found inside of the Steam structure, at:
 
The player configuration text files can be found inside of the Steam structure, at:
 
<pre>C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\call of duty modern warfare 3\players2\</pre>
 
<pre>C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\call of duty modern warfare 3\players2\</pre>
Line 168: Line 168:
 
*config_mp.cfg for multi-player.
 
*config_mp.cfg for multi-player.
  
==Network==
+
== Network ==
 
Port 3074 (UDP) must be open to join and host multi-player games. Unlike [[Call of Duty: Black Ops|Black Ops]], the game does not support automatic port assignment through [[Universal Plug and Play|UPnP]].
 
Port 3074 (UDP) must be open to join and host multi-player games. Unlike [[Call of Duty: Black Ops|Black Ops]], the game does not support automatic port assignment through [[Universal Plug and Play|UPnP]].
  
 
Users may opt to host their own dedicated, unranked multi-player servers as an alternative to the ranked matchmaking. This requires the hosting computer to have a sufficient processor and a minimum bandwidth, and the game to be installed. The server is launched from <code>iw5mp_server.exe</code> and can be configured with the play list recipes and <code>server.cfg</code> in the admin folder. In order to join dedicated servers, the option must be enabled from the in-game menu under the Dedicated Server category. You may list game servers using Steam's Server list function, and view the status of any server through the Join Game dialogue, or use the in-game server browser found under the Servers menu.
 
Users may opt to host their own dedicated, unranked multi-player servers as an alternative to the ranked matchmaking. This requires the hosting computer to have a sufficient processor and a minimum bandwidth, and the game to be installed. The server is launched from <code>iw5mp_server.exe</code> and can be configured with the play list recipes and <code>server.cfg</code> in the admin folder. In order to join dedicated servers, the option must be enabled from the in-game menu under the Dedicated Server category. You may list game servers using Steam's Server list function, and view the status of any server through the Join Game dialogue, or use the in-game server browser found under the Servers menu.
  
==Utilities==
+
== Utilities ==
 
*[http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2226491 MW3 Configuration Utility] - advanced mouse and graphics settings utility.
 
*[http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2226491 MW3 Configuration Utility] - advanced mouse and graphics settings utility.
 
*[http://mel-green.com/2011/11/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-multiple-profiles/ Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Multiple Profiles] - allows user to hack in the feature of multiple profiles (managed in a utility external to the game).
 
*[http://mel-green.com/2011/11/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-multiple-profiles/ Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Multiple Profiles] - allows user to hack in the feature of multiple profiles (managed in a utility external to the game).
  
==Additional Links==
+
== Additional Links ==
 
* [http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/12/02/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-tweaks-guide/ PCGamer Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Tweaks Guide]
 
* [http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/12/02/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-tweaks-guide/ PCGamer Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Tweaks Guide]
 
* [http://crashfixes.com/fixing-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-cod-mw3-pc-crashes-crash-to-desktop-errors-freezing-cannot-install-black-screen-no-sound-and-poor-fps/2/]
 
* [http://crashfixes.com/fixing-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-cod-mw3-pc-crashes-crash-to-desktop-errors-freezing-cannot-install-black-screen-no-sound-and-poor-fps/2/]
  
==System Requirements==
+
== System Requirements ==
 
{{SysReq
 
{{SysReq
 
|minOS = Windows XP
 
|minOS = Windows XP
Line 198: Line 198:
 
}}
 
}}
  
==See Also==
+
== See Also ==
*[[Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare]]
+
* [[Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare]]
*[[Call of Duty: Black Ops]]
+
* [[Call of Duty: Black Ops]]
  
[[Category: Game]]
+
[[Category:Game]]
 
[[Category:Windows]]
 
[[Category:Windows]]

Revision as of 17:16, 12 September 2012

Template:Infobox Call of Duty (series)

Version Differences

Modern Warfare 3 uses Steamworks, meaning all versions of the game including those from retail and digital distribution channels all require and register on Steam.

General Crashing Problems

Black Screen on Start-up

With some users, a black screen will display on start-up, though game music can be heard in the background. This is caused by a collision with the Mumble voice client. Within Mumble, be sure to disable the in-game overlay, and this will solve the problem.

PC Crashing/Freezing in game

Disable Steam community in-game.

Run dxsetup.exe located in

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\call of duty modern warfare 3\RedistDirectX\

Game Freezes during the Intro Video

Verify the integrity of your Steam game cache. Update DirectX and GPU drivers. You can also try going to your MW3 installation folderTemplate:Where? and delete the file called: “ModernWarfare3.bik” as this is the video file that is causing most of the lock up during start-ups. Pretty straightforward, but this tip has already fixed the problem for many people.

Crash to Desktop

If you’re game randomly crashes upon launching the game, ensure or try the following: Update DirectX and GPU drivers. Turn off SLI / Crossfire. Try using only one GPU first (turn the other one off via your graphics control panel). Disable anti-aliasing and filtering. Disable V-sync. Disable background applications; turn off your anti-virus software. First, try setting your desktop to a resolution of 1024×768, 32 bit True Color. All background applications should be shut down prior to running the game. Go to the Start bar and select Run. (If you are on Vista or Windows 7, hit the Windows key and the R key at the same time) In the Run window, type in msconfig and hit enter. Once the utility comes up, go to the Start-up tab and hit the Disable All button. Next go to the Services tab and check the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check-box and then hit the Disable All button. Hit the OK button and close the utility, and restart your computer when prompted to.

Windows XP:

Turn your sound acceleration down.

Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Volume > Speaker settings > Advanced button > Performance Reduce the Hardware acceleration to Basic, the 2nd notch from the left.

DirectX error while loading

Change texture quality to automatic.

Cannot Install

This is a Microsoft C++ bug so the quick fix is to de-install your C++ files. If you see 2 instances of Microsoft C++, de-install both of them; and don’t worry, they are easy to reinstall. There are also a couple workarounds online if you don’t want to de-install them.

Failed to run install script

This is a common problem on Windows 7.

Locate setup.exe for Call of Duty: MW3 and Run as Administrator

  • In Steam, go to your library and right-click on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
  • Now insert Disk 1 into your DVD drive and close Steam (File, Exit).
  • Go to the Start Menu and either click Run (Windows XP) type Run into the Search box (Windows Vista)and click Run.
  • In the window Run box enter the following:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steam.exe -install D:
  • Press OK. Steam should now start the installation from Disk 1 and will ask for Disk 2 a bit later on.

At the end of the installation process, Steam will connect on Internet to download a small update which should take no more than few minutes.

Graphical issues

Multiple monitor problems

A common problem when playing on multiple screens. For now, the solution is to unplug other monitors and play on single screen. If that doesn’t work, try playing in windowed mode.

nVidia Optimus

If you’re using a newer laptop that’s using an nVidia Optimus card, try checking your Optimus settings.

  • Open the “nVidia Control Panel” from your start menu.
  • On the left hand side, under “Select a task…”
  • Open the “3D Settings” tree, and select “Manage 3D Settings”
  • On the right hand panel, click the “Program Settings” tab.
Under '1': Select a program…”, click “Add”, navigate to your installation folder and navigate to the application / exe file.
Under '2': Select the preferred graphics…”, choose “High-performance NVIDIA processor”
  • Click “Apply”.
  • Launch the game.

Low frame rate

Disable V-SYNC and Anti-Aliasing on codmw3.exe after enable/force Anti-Aliasing on AMD Vision Engine Control Center (AMD/ATI) or Nvidia Control Panel. Finally enable/force Triple Buffering and VSYNC on D3DOverrider.

Alternatively, press Ctrl+Alt+Del to bring up the Task Manager, go to processes, select the game’s respective exe file and set priority above normal or higher. You must do this every time you play the game.

Fuzzy Textures

Set Image Quality to "Native", as "Extra" up-scales the textures resulting in poor image quality.

Wide-screen Fix

  • Widescreen Fixer - Modern Warfare 3 is reported to cooperate well with this application.

DirectX 9 Compatibility With Older Video Cards

Appended the game laucher with -dx9 to force DirectX 9 compatibility mode.

"seta rRendererPreference "Shader model 2.0"" in the player config for single player or multi-player respectively.

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\call of duty modern warfare 3\players2\config.cfg
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\call of duty modern warfare 3\players2\config_mp.cfg

DirectX error while loading

Change texture quality to automatic.

Audio issues

Audio issues

Windows 7 and Windows Vista: Update sound card drivers; set volume to maximum.

Another tip you could try is to go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound > Communications Tab then select the Do Nothing radio button to permanently fix this issue.

Windows XP users: Reduce hardware acceleration, or set your speakers to Stereo.

DirectX

C:\Windows\system32\XAudio2_1.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error.

Type this command into Run:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -install D:

Template:Why?

Control issues

Mouse problems

Shut down any software used for the mouse.

Also try a lower polling rate if the mouse has this function.

Controller

Game pad controllers are not supported by Modern Warfare 3. Please check our controller page for information about how to hack controller support into the game.

Other issues

RELIABLE COMMAND BUFFER OVERFLOW

Go through the building on the right with the broken glass, and stay in there until the end of the offices, and it will auto save.

Rank problems

MW3 will soon restore them using their cloud backup. However you will lose all progress so far. The developers are working to stabilize this issue.

Steam Error – 55: This game is currently unavailable. Please try again at another time.

Restart Steam or the computer.

DLC content is required. Required map (map name) is missing or damaged.

Make sure both the single player and multi player versions of the game are installed, and do a file integrity check. If the problem persists, reinstall the game while the anti-virus is turned off.

Graphical Tweaks

Field of Vision (FOV) Fix

  • FOV Changer - Can adjust your field of view well beyond the game's default of 65. Thus far use has not resulted in a VAC ban for users.

Save Game Data

Configuration

The player configuration text files can be found inside of the Steam structure, at:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\call of duty modern warfare 3\players2\

The files are:

  • config.cfg for singleplayer
  • config_mp.cfg for multi-player.

Network

Port 3074 (UDP) must be open to join and host multi-player games. Unlike Black Ops, the game does not support automatic port assignment through UPnP.

Users may opt to host their own dedicated, unranked multi-player servers as an alternative to the ranked matchmaking. This requires the hosting computer to have a sufficient processor and a minimum bandwidth, and the game to be installed. The server is launched from iw5mp_server.exe and can be configured with the play list recipes and server.cfg in the admin folder. In order to join dedicated servers, the option must be enabled from the in-game menu under the Dedicated Server category. You may list game servers using Steam's Server list function, and view the status of any server through the Join Game dialogue, or use the in-game server browser found under the Servers menu.

Utilities

Additional Links

System Requirements

Template:SysReq

See Also