PunkBuster problems: update manually

If PunkBuster has problems, it helps to update the software and the service manually. We'll show you how it's done.

Problem with PunkBuster: Update the program manually

• In some cases the message "PnkBstrB.exe was not found" appears. The associated PunkBuster services were not loaded.
• The problem usually occurs after installing or updating PunkBuster. Simply restart your computer so that the services load.
• If PunkBuster is blocked by your firewall or router, enable the UDP ports 24349, 44301, 45301, 24349 and 24305.

Step 1: remove the old PunkBuster version

1. First, open the path of the game. We use Battlefield 3 as an example. The path here is "C: \ Program Files \ Origin Games \ Battlefield3 \".
2. Find and open the "pbsvc.exe" file and select the "Un-Install / Remove Punkbuster Service" option.
3. If the file is not available, you can download it from the PunkBuster website.
4. Confirm the uninstallation and remove all files from the "pb" folder. Remove only the contained files, not the entire folder.

Step 2: set up PunkBuster again

1. Download and install the latest version of PunkBuster.
2. Once PunkBuster has started, click on the "Add a Game" button at the top and select the right game and the correct path there.
3. Confirm the process with the "Add Game" button and then click on "Update Punkbuster" above.

Step 3: Reinstall PunkBuster services

1. Open the game folder again and start the "pbsvc.exe" file again.
2. If you select the "Install / Re-Install Punkbuster Service" option, the service will be installed again.
3. After a restart, PunkBuster should run flawlessly again. If this is not the case, follow the further instructions.

Start PunkBuster services manually

1. Press the [Windows] and [R] keys simultaneously so that the "Run" window opens.
2. Enter the command "services.msc" and confirm with "OK". Then open the services.
3. Find the "PnkBstrA" service, right-click on it and open the "Properties".
4. The "Start type" should be "Automatic". If the "service status" is not "In progress", click the "Start" button.
5. Close the window with the "OK" button and repeat the process for the "PnkBstrB" service.

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