Starting a Server

[AdrianD]

I need a recent guide to starting a server. I followed the guide written last april and it did not work. Is there an up-to-date guide for this?

Please help.

[Kingly_Krab]

I believe this (http://www.eqemulator.net/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=WindowsServerSetupGuide) is one of the most recent.

[AdrianD]

Thanks, I think I used that guide before and the database had changed since. That's where my problem was. I will try it all again and see what happens.

Also, is using some VM-Ware better than trying to do this in windows?

[DrakePhoenix]

I haven't had too much trouble with the guide here (http://www.eqemulator.net/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=WindowsServerSetupGuide) (the same one Kingly_Krab linked to) and here (https://github.com/EQEmu/Server/wiki/Public-EQEmulator-Server-Setup-Guide-%28Windows-32-bit%2C-No-Webserver%29) (same guide, two locations, different formatting, some minor updates to the second one). But the database setup information is incorrect for both of them because PEQ changed the way they handle database releases.

Basically, you can follow the guide for steps 1-3, and for steps 5+, but for step 4 you need to make some changes. Also, while you can download the quests files from the source given in the first guide (or at least you could back in late January), you can also get them from the PEQ database site (see below). I personally recommend using the PEQ site.

If all you want is the basic PEQ database (no bot support, and no private login server support), then you need to go to the new location for PEQ database dumps here (http://peqtgc.com/releases) and download the database archive package. Unpack the package and you should have 5 files: eqtime.cfg, drop_system.sql, peqbeta*.sql, source_views.sql, and user_tables*.sql. If you have a prior database in place and you want to clear it, use the drop_system file, but for a brand new database you don't need it. The eqtime.cfg file should be copied into your server folder ("C:\EQ\EQEmuServer" in the guide). Then source in the peqbeta*.sql file and the user_tables*.sql file. I found with the 01/24/2014 release that both of them had a CREATE query for the spells_global table, and you only need one. This may have been fixed, but if not, it could throw an error or a warning depending on the way you source in the files. The source_views file will allow you to create view methods in your database. I don't think the views are required, at least I haven't run into any problems with not using them.

That should be all you need to set up a basic database for a public server, so you can move on to step 5 in the guide(s).

Now if you want to enable bots, and/or if you want to run your own private login server, then you'll need additional database tables that are not maintained by PEQ. To get these, for the time being at least, you need to retrieve the old database SVN just as the guide tells you to. But in this case, once you've retrieved the SVN you only need to source in the load_bots.sql and/or load_login.sql files. These will source in the additional sql files necessary to set up the database tables for those subsystems. You should not need to do any database updates.

Now if you want to run your own login server, you'll also need to setup table entries for the tbl* tables in the database, but I'm not going to go over that here, especially since I'm not sure my method is correct or best or optimal (although it does work).


Having never used VM-Ware, I can't speak to that question, but I hope the information above will help you get things working for a windows server setup.

Good Luck,
Drake Phoenix

[AdrianD]

I appreciate that. I will definitely give that a shot.

[AdrianD]

I'm stuck at the security settings for MySQL. Since I reinstalled MySQL it remembered my old PW which I can't find. I would post a pic but I'm not sure how.

After step 5 of the SQL install, it asks to reconfigure or remove the instance before step 6. I imagine this is because it was previously installed. I will choose to remove this and see what happens when I install it again.

UPDATE: After uninstall... Same step, slightly different, just like the steps in the guide but... it's asking me for a current password. What would that be?

UPDATE:

'Step 3: Getting and compiling the C++ source code

#6 - unzip the dependencies'

? what dependencies? where are they? the guide needs to be specific, especially for dummies...

Step 3:

'Click on Configure.

In the next dialogue that says 'Specify the generator for this project', select 'Visual Studio 11'. Click on Finish.

Some messages should appear in the lower window with hopefully no errors.'

? - Guess what, there were errors; The guide doesn't say what to do if there are errors - "error in configuration process, project files may be invalid"

from cmakeerror - The imported project "C:\Microsoft.Cpp.Default.props" was not found. Confirm that the path in the <Import> declaration is correct, and that the file exists on disk.

I also noticed in CMake the ' CMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX c:/program files (x86)/EQEmu ' doesn't exist when I look for it in windows explorer.

I'm definitely stopping here until I get some help.

Please assist with these steps if you have any knowledge.

[AdrianD]

Bumped for editing.

[Maze_EQ]

Just stop.

If you can't compile this, which is easier than logging into the game, you shouldn't run a server.

Use google, common sense, and intelligence.

I know exactly what you're doing wrong, it's around here on the forums.

Search is your friend.

[AdrianD]

That helped how?

It didn't.

If you have some knowledge that I don't, you should share it or stfu.

I've done quite a bit of searching here and elsewhere so I... ask the community!

What a novel idea!

[jsr]

If you're having issues getting the mysql root password, you can follow this guide to reset it.

https://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.0/en/resetting-permissions.html

If you've downloaded everything and can't find dependencies you probably just need to have a good look through everything you've downloaded.


And don't worry about Maze, working on a helpdesk makes some people grumpy and unhelpful ;-). If you're clear enough about where you're having trouble you should be able to get help here. It helps if you reference the guide you're using, and the discrete steps you've taken prior to getting stuck.

[AdrianD]

I'm still stuck on the installation of MYSQL 5.1.

I get to the very last step and hit execute and nothing happens.

' MSQL Server Instance Configuration Wizard (Not Responding) '

I followed everything up to that point and found my old PW.

[Maze_EQ]

I'm still stuck on the installation of MYSQL 5.1.

I get to the very last step and hit execute and nothing happens.

' MSQL Server Instance Configuration Wizard (Not Responding) '

I followed everything up to that point and found my old PW.

Have you tried uninstalling MySQL, deleting C:\ProgramData\MySQL, and then deleting the C:\program files\mysql folder, rebooting, reinstalling.

[DrakePhoenix]

Maze's suggestion about uninstalling, deleting all data, and reinstalling isn't a bad one. This would also clear out your old password data for the root password too, since that's stored in the database itself that is maintained in the Program Data folder. However, please also note that the location for the database data files may be somewhere other than the location he gave. If you can't find it at C:\Program Data\MySQL, then check your my.ini file (before you uninstall) and look for the datadir value. I beleive the default on Windows 7 is C:\Users\<usename>\AppData\Roaming\MySQL.

Another option, instead of installing regular MySQL as instructed by the guide, you could download and install XAMPP instead (or a similar all-in-one web server package utility, there are a few). If you want that to work correctly, it would be best to completely uninstall MySQL and remove the MySQL data files as Maze suggested, so it isn't a bad idea to stick with regular MySQL for now.

As for the configuration wizard not responding, keep in mind that windows has a screwy idea of what "not responding" actually means. I cannot tell you how many times I've had windows flag a program as "Not Responding", but the program is still using varrying levels of CPU resources, memory usage for the program keeps changing, and if left alone the program eventually finishes whatever it was doing and continues on happily as though nothing was ever wrong. The reason being... nothing was ever wrong. Windows just can be idiotic about it sometimes. Try deleting out your MySQL data files, at the Program Data or AppData directory, or wherever the my.ini file says it is (and if you still have trouble finding it, then do a search in windows explorer or whatever file explorer program you use for a folder named "MySQL" and it should be the one that is *not* the program installation directory), then fully uninstall MySQL (if the uninstaller says it has stopped responding, just wait for a few minutes or even up to 10, and failing that consider trying Revo Uninstaller to uninstall it), then try installing again.

As for the dependencies that you're looking for, keep in mind that the second version of the guide still has some considerable formatting issues (as warned at the top of the guide). Immediately under where it says "6. unzip the dependencies" it tells you to download the dependencies, but the section of text is unindented and the link is non-functional there. Try instead going back to the other version of the guide at eqemulator.net (the one Kingly_Krab linked to, the same one that is the first one I linked to) and go to step 3.1 "Install some other required files" and you should find the link you need for that download.

So get those dependencies, and unzip them as the guide says to, and assuming you've gotten MySQL installed then try CMake again and see if you still get errors. If you still have problems, then come back and we can work from there.

Good Luck,
Drake Phoenix

[AdrianD]

Thanks a bunch for that.

I put it down for a while out of frustration but, I've built up some tolerance since and I will give it another shot soon.

Regards

[AdrianD]

Hello,

I restarted the process again from the beginning after reinstalling Windows 7 ultimate. All went well up to the Cmake portion (step 3 in both linked guides) where errors occurred again.



http://s1055.photobucket.com/user/sprucecln/media/cmakeerrors_zps5d61c03e.png.html?sort=3&o=0



Error logs:

<< 1st

Compiling the C compiler identification source file "CMakeCCompilerId.c" failed.
Compiler:
Build flags:
Id flags:

The output was:
1
Microsoft (R) Build Engine version 4.0.30319.18408
[Microsoft .NET Framework, version 4.0.30319.18408]
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Build started 3/12/2014 5:10:45 AM.
Project "C:\EQ\Source\Build\CMakeFiles\2.8.12.2\CompilerIdC \CompilerIdC.vcxproj" on node 1 (default targets).
C:\EQ\Source\Build\CMakeFiles\2.8.12.2\CompilerIdC \CompilerIdC.vcxproj(14,3): error MSB4019: The imported project "C:\Microsoft.Cpp.Default.props" was not found. Confirm that the path in the <Import> declaration is correct, and that the file exists on disk.
Done Building Project "C:\EQ\Source\Build\CMakeFiles\2.8.12.2\CompilerIdC \CompilerIdC.vcxproj" (default targets) -- FAILED.

Build FAILED.

"C:\EQ\Source\Build\CMakeFiles\2.8.12.2\CompilerIdC \CompilerIdC.vcxproj" (default target) (1) ->
C:\EQ\Source\Build\CMakeFiles\2.8.12.2\CompilerIdC \CompilerIdC.vcxproj(14,3): error MSB4019: The imported project "C:\Microsoft.Cpp.Default.props" was not found. Confirm that the path in the <Import> declaration is correct, and that the file exists on disk.

0 Warning(s)
1 Error(s)

Time Elapsed 00:00:00.70


Checking whether the C compiler is IAR using "" did not match "IAR .+ Compiler":
Compiling the CXX compiler identification source file "CMakeCXXCompilerId.cpp" failed.
Compiler:
Build flags:
Id flags:

The output was:
1
Microsoft (R) Build Engine version 4.0.30319.18408
[Microsoft .NET Framework, version 4.0.30319.18408]
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Build started 3/12/2014 5:10:46 AM.
Project "C:\EQ\Source\Build\CMakeFiles\2.8.12.2\CompilerIdC XX\CompilerIdCXX.vcxproj" on node 1 (default targets).
C:\EQ\Source\Build\CMakeFiles\2.8.12.2\CompilerIdC XX\CompilerIdCXX.vcxproj(14,3): error MSB4019: The imported project "C:\Microsoft.Cpp.Default.props" was not found. Confirm that the path in the <Import> declaration is correct, and that the file exists on disk.
Done Building Project "C:\EQ\Source\Build\CMakeFiles\2.8.12.2\CompilerIdC XX\CompilerIdCXX.vcxproj" (default targets) -- FAILED.

Build FAILED.

"C:\EQ\Source\Build\CMakeFiles\2.8.12.2\CompilerIdC XX\CompilerIdCXX.vcxproj" (default target) (1) ->
C:\EQ\Source\Build\CMakeFiles\2.8.12.2\CompilerIdC XX\CompilerIdCXX.vcxproj(14,3): error MSB4019: The imported project "C:\Microsoft.Cpp.Default.props" was not found. Confirm that the path in the <Import> declaration is correct, and that the file exists on disk.

0 Warning(s)
1 Error(s)

Time Elapsed 00:00:00.34


Checking whether the CXX compiler is IAR using "" did not match "IAR .+ Compiler":
Determining if files stdint.h exist failed with the following output:

Source:
/* */
#include <stdint.h>


int main(){return 0;}


<< 2nd

The system is: Windows - 6.1 - AMD64


Please tell me what I need to do.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[AdrianD]

Seemed to be a version of VS that caused the issue. Deleted cache (whatever that does) and reconfigured with changing the generator to VS2013 version.

Since at the beginning of this guide it states to follow every line to a 'T', this direction should be modified accordingly.

[sorvani]

Are you using VS express 2012 or 2013? You probably selected the wrong compiler in your cmake setup

Edit did not see your lastly first. The guide says to select the version for your compiler.

[AdrianD]

Got it up and running, finally.

I'm able to log in and run around, kill stuff, loot stuff, do trades, hand-ins, group plus others can log in from outside the network.

Ooc and pms (tells) are not enabled although I believe that is because of the config and the ip associated. Which leads me to another question. Will I need a static IP so others can consistently login? If so, how can I acquire one?

Many steps in the 'guide' were incorrect for my situation. I'm tempted to compile and update for a new guide so everyone that attempts this in the future can avoid the frustration and hours of wasted time 'searching' and asking 'stupid' questions of those with the right eye color.

[AdrianD]

I sourced the three .sql's recommended by drakephoenix namely, peqbeta*.sql file and the user_tables*.sql along with source_views. Do I need to source anything else as it recommends from the old guide, ie. 'updates' as read from the guide?

Additionally, when I went into qeynos, I noticed I couldn't do some simple old-world noob quests upon hailing. Anything related to the database that would change this?

Also, how can I change major aspects of the server such as locking expansions and content or, maybe more appropriately, where do I find the file to change? I found the lists, https://code.google.com/p/projecteqemu/source/browse/trunk/EQEmuServer/common/ruletypes.h and http://www.eqemulator.net/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=ServerVariables#current and need to know what to do next.

Lastly, the daily download... what do I do with the files? like how... I've seen instructions on this before but, my recent searches have been fruitless.

Please advise.

[sorvani]

Did you compile with Lua enabled? If not you will not be able to do much of anything in Qeynos as that zone's quest files are mostly converted to Lua from Perl.

[AdrianD]

Not that I'm aware of. That was a detail I didn't pick up on.

How can I remedy this?

[rhyotte]

Cool to hear Lua is catching up.

[AdrianD]

Can someone tell me about Lua? As in, do I need to download it and configure it in a specific manner?

[Uleat]

Make sure that you have the proper dependencies installed in your source folder.

Probably easiest to just delete the 'Build' folder, and then re-run cmake..enabling everything that you had before plus the Lua checkbox.
You will need to recompile the entire solution and copy those files to your server directory. (In cmake, after selecting the options, you
will hit configure. Most likely, there will still be one red line left meaning there was a change to the options, so you will hit configure a second
time. Once there is no red left, click generate.)

Copy the 'lua_modules' folder from your quests download into your server directory (like you did with the 'plugins' folder.)

(perl = 'plugins'; lua = 'lua_modules')

Copy the 'lua51.dll' file from your '\<dependencies>\luaj_[ver]\bin\' folder to your server directory.


If I'm not mistaken or missing anything, that should enable lua support for your server.

[sorvani]

Correct Uleat

[AdrianD]

Thanks guys.

I assume I will go back to *step three* and 'Use CMake to build the required Visual Studio Solution and Project files' of the outdated guide after deleting and remaking the build folder, then follow your additional instructions.

Will give it a shot momentarily.

[AdrianD]

It's been a little over a week since I was first able to see my server in the 'server select' screen and log in the server. I've been learning about the database and trying to figure out the quest system since.

I've spent many hours altering 'npc_types' and spawn information. I've altered a total of nine zones as of this writing. I learning some basic query commands to assist. Some zones had massive overhauls while others just a few omissions. It's very time consuming.

I've tinkered around with about 25% of the tables and I have a decent understanding of the connections between them. For example, I have made it so a new character will enter their home city rather than the 'Mines' and PoK stones are 'disabled'.

Some of the rule_values and/or variables seem to cause problems of various magnitudes. It seems some of the values in the variables table aren't used.

A short while ago, I enabled the old-world quest system. Getting more to the point: I have noticed zone times have increased since this enabling. Is this normal? It wasn't a completely controlled environment to allow myself to pinpoint it so, I couldn't.

I had changed the rule_name 'Zone:AutoShutdownDelay' in the rule_values table to a much higher number. This seemingly made the client crash anytime I zoned. Is there a way to keep zones persistent if the server is on and is this reasonable? Is it even possible (reasonable) for any EQ emulator?

I am also having major 'hopping' issues. Any zone with uneven terrain has this issue. I noticed this on p99 at different times and understand some of this is virtually unavoidable but, I would like to improve it. I read something about having the proper map files. Should I purge my current map files and SVN new ones? Will this have an effect on my already altered content? Will this solve the hopping problem or are there other things I should look at, like some of the rule_values?

Finally, if I redo the entire server configuration from step one, can I insert the current database? For that matter, can I have multiple databases and change the database depending on need?

Many more questions I won't ask yet. I don't wish to test the patience of the 'community'.

Thanks

[dagulus2]

I am also having major 'hopping' issues. Any zone with uneven terrain has this issue. I noticed this on p99 at different times and understand some of this is virtually unavoidable but, I would like to improve it. I read something about having the proper map files. Should I purge my current map files and SVN new ones? Will this have an effect on my already altered content? Will this solve the hopping problem or are there other things I should look at, like some of the rule_values?

Try using the following:

Map:FixPathingZWHenLoading - true
Map:FixPathingZAtWaypoints - true
Map:FixPathingZWhenMoving - true
Map:FixPathingZOnSendTo - true

Map:FixPathingZMaxDeltaSendTo - 12.0
Map:FixPathingZMaxDeltaLoading - 12.0
Map:FixPathingZMaxDeltaMoving - 12.0
Map:FixPathingZMaxDeltaWaypoint - 12.0

Map:FindBestZHeightAdjust - 2

[Uleat]

You may also want to check to see whether there are maps for the zones you are experiencing this in.

(I seem to remember that the RoF client tended to show other clients 'bouncing' at times..npcs were fine, thoguh..not sure if that was ever looked at.)

[AdrianD]

Applied the changes and as soon as I can login I will observe.

Thanks bro.

[AdrianD]

Hello,

The pathing issue seems to have been fixed. I can attack mobs on hills and there is very little hopping from my initial observation. I'm not sure if this is because I 'reinstalled' everything and/or changed the settings suggested above.

I am still receiving zone errors each time I zone. Path File ./Maps/qeynos2.path failed to load.

Is this something I can fix?

Also, from a previous post..

I had changed the rule_name 'Zone:AutoShutdownDelay' in the
rule_values table to a much higher number.
This seemingly made the client crash anytime I zoned.
Is there a way to keep zones persistent if the server is on and is this reasonable?
Is it even possible (reasonable) for any EQ emulator?

Thank you.

[Yummy]

Awesome. I am having similar issues. Give it a try this weekend.

Thank you for asking the question Adrian.