ARMA2 & OA's Steam Thread: All Steam Q's/discussions go here [covered by Dwarden]

[bEjaC 10]

I recently changed Steam from being installed on my PC to being installed on my external HD, I didn't redownload anything and simply copied the 'steamapps' (games) folder into the install on the external.

Basically, now that it's no longer on my PC, Combined Ops mode isn't recognizing Arma 2's campaign/scenarios etc. however, Arma 2 alone plays fine.

I would fix this myself but frankly, I don't know how OA and Arma 2 link together.

[TechnoTerrorist303 10]

I recently changed Steam from being installed on my PC to being installed on my external HD, I didn't redownload anything and simply copied the 'steamapps' (games) folder into the install on the external.

Basically, now that it's no longer on my PC, Combined Ops mode isn't recognizing Arma 2's campaign/scenarios etc. however, Arma 2 alone plays fine.

I would fix this myself but frankly, I don't know how OA and Arma 2 link together.

I really really hope for your sake that you've got either an E-SATA or USB 3 interface for your external drive otherwise it's going to be VERY slow. I'm not 100% sure on how steam works but simply moving the folder for something isn't the same as moving the install, you may find you'll need to edit the windows registry to alter the location of where it thinks arma 2 is.

As I understand it Steam installs A2 and OA in seperate directories so telling steam to run OA in CO mode won't work as it no longer knows where arma 2 is. A workaround would be to copy the addons folder out of your arma 2 directory into your operation arrowhead directory. You'll need to re-do this every time steam updates your games though. If you do this then running OA will automatically load the a2 content as well.

[DragonSpawn 10]

I bought Combined Operations two days ago, installed OA to play with my friends, but I can't because when I try to join a multiplayer server it just makes me sit around a bit with no options, and then boots me telling me my CD key is bad. At first we thought it was due to the fact that my friend was running CO, and I OA since the original ArmA2 had not finished downloading/installing yet, however even after both running OA, redownloading BattlEye, running Steam as administrator, and verifying my game cache several times it still refuses to allow me to play. I've searched for people who had similar problems, and the closest I found was something about a batch of unregistered Australian keys, and I'm not Australian. I'd really appreciate help with this, as the only other thing Google is turning out is annoying links to keygens.

I'm also fairly certain Steam hasn't updated OA, as it rarely does so with any game, and the only "patch" I've gotten was one little 14MB packet Steam downloaded after verifying my game cache.

Edited January 18, 2011 by DragonSpawn

[bEjaC 10]

I really really hope for your sake that you've got either an E-SATA or USB 3 interface for your external drive otherwise it's going to be VERY slow. I'm not 100% sure on how steam works but simply moving the folder for something isn't the same as moving the install, you may find you'll need to edit the windows registry to alter the location of where it thinks arma 2 is.

As I understand it Steam installs A2 and OA in seperate directories so telling steam to run OA in CO mode won't work as it no longer knows where arma 2 is. A workaround would be to copy the addons folder out of your arma 2 directory into your operation arrowhead directory. You'll need to re-do this every time steam updates your games though. If you do this then running OA will automatically load the a2 content as well.

Thanks, did the trick, I haven't gotten any slow downs so far, it all seems to run smooth if not slightly better. Regarding editing the registry, could I simply redownload both games to fix this?

Do appreciate the reply and thanks again.

[cotabucky 10]

Hello,All. Running under STEAM I have options to run"OA,and ARMA2" in windowed mode My problem is getting "Combined Ops" to run in windowed mode.I can start OA and it works fine in windowed mode except I can't get the content from the old arma2 and that keeps my edited missions from being able to be loaded.

Combined Ops works fine,I just want it windowed to make for easier editing.

Again "arma2,British,PMC,and OA run in windowed mode fine but for some reason I can't figure out how to get combined ops running windowed ): Thanks for any help

Edited January 23, 2011 by cotabucky

[cotabucky 10]

Hello,All. Running under STEAM I have options to run"OA,and ARMA2" in windowed mode My problem is getting "Combined Ops" to run in windowed mode.I can start OA and it works fine in windowed mode except I can't get the content from the old arma2 and that keeps my edited missions from being able to be loaded.

Combined Ops works fine,I just want it windowed to make for easier editing.

Again "arma2,British,PMC,and OA run in windowed mode fine but for some reason I can't figure out how to get combined ops running windowed ): Thanks for any help

Never mind ,I'm slow, :j: My Buddy explained the windowed mode in the "ingame interface resolution" in the graphics settings :) . That was incredibly easy .Now I can edit with multiple sources of Scripting/editing info .Thankyou windows and Bohemia ;)

[DieselJC 196]

Does anyone hasve issues with missing or deleted files??? I cant get online because the servers are telling me i am missing files...havent modded anything made any missions or anything..downloaded thie game and battleeye and thats it...getting very very frustrated...the game i have is stock from steam...I am getting this error when i try and join servers..

"You cannot play/edit this missionit is dependent on content that has been deleted caweapons_ammoboxes CAwheeled_LAV CAWater cawater_fregata..

Any help at all would be appreciated..hate to think I spent $40 on a game i cant play online.

JC

[-EI-Crazycow 10]

Crazycow;1813187']Hi' date='

Please help me to solve this matter, I'm going crazy and can't understand why...

One of my clan member bought A2 and then A2 OA via Steam,

Installed A2, then Installed A2 OA

After checked that everything is set to run as admin, and nothing like firewall mess with A2 and OA

Launch A2

Launch A2 OA

Launch A2 OA CO via Steam launch menu. (the popup that appears after double click on desktop "Launch Arma 2 OA" icon )

All seems ok, current updated version, try to join server, ok he can choose a role in the briefing room, press ok, receiving mission data, and then:

Red Chain, no message received from server until it disconnect and back again on server list.

Please help me to keep my friend Eddy active player on A2 OA![/quote']

So, any idea? Any suggestions? Someone encounter the same problem?

[Posta 10]

Crazycow;1842217']So' date=' any idea? Any suggestions? Someone encounter the same problem?[/quote']

I doesn't even need to use Steam to play the game. I'm using Spirited Machine's ArmA II Launcher. And my steps were something like this:

Installed and PLAYED Arma II

Installed and PLAYED Arma II: OA

PLAYED Arma II: CO through Steam. (Right click in Steam & CO.)

I had some troubles with online gaming though. Resolved it by installing BattleEye again.

So, try that launcher:

http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=8241

And install BE again.

Worth a try! :)

[reapernz 10]

Can someone plz help me , i`m trying to run Arma2 Combined Operations dedicated server with steam ver PLZ HELP .

[Posta 10]

Can someone plz help me , i`m trying to run Arma2 Combined Operations dedicated server with steam ver PLZ HELP .

Zeus community have a guide for setting up a dedicated server. Read it, it's pretty easy and works for the Steam version. ArmA II Launcher by Spirited Machine is a great tool when it comes to creating shortcuts for the mods. If you don't want to manually edit the shortcuts.

You don't need Steam to run ArmA II anyway. Not for sp, not for mp and not for dedicated servers. Only for installation and first time playing.

[charliemilk 10]

Hi, Please Please help me,

I bought Combined Operations and BAF from Steam at Xmas, in Steam Library there is only the option for Arrowhead and BAF, this works fine, but multiplayer games dont work cos they are missing ARAM II data. I verify the GCF Cache for 'ArmA 2 Operation Arrowhead', and 'ArmA 2 British Armed Forces' entries in Library list" (this is after i load steam as admin) . but there is no 'ARMA2' file to choose to verify. Looking at my steam library, its just not there. I right clicked on Arrowhead and chose combined operations, then what looks like a DOS box appears for a split second then disappears and nothing else happens.

On multi player games the steam version does not acknowledge the fact that I have ARMA 2 (Which comes with Combined Operations, here is Steam link for what i purchased:- http://store.steampowered.com/sub/4639/) therefore it thinks the ARMA2 content is missing and that only the Operation Arrowhead content is available, so single player, and more importantly for me, multiplayer games that require content from ARMA2 are not an option.

I'm not sure what all of it means, but to me it looks like its trying to load ARMA2 files as well as ARMA2:Operation Arrowhead, but failing to find the ARMA II Content. Have I actually got the ARMA2 content? It was supposed to come as part of the Combined Operations (Which is just ARAM2+ARMA2:Operation Arrowhead). If you check the forums it seems a lot of Steam Customers who have purchased via Steam are having the same problem.

I've spent over 8 hours trawling through forums and there is a lot of unhappy Steam customers and a huge amount of confusion, I think most steam Customers assume they have ARMA2, but infact they may not have it iether.. One solution that a steam user found was to buy a boxed version of ARMA2, and install this along with his Combined Operations download from steam (which should have already contained ARMA2). BUT there is no way I'm paying for the same game twice! I'm willing to try anything that does not cost me any more money or much more time.

****UPDATE, I checked and there are only keys for ARMA2:Operation Arrowhead and ARMA2:British Combined Forces, Which again leads me to believe that ARMA2 is missing

I'm really pissed off. I've spent too much time trying to sort something out, I think Steam and or Bohemia need to stop acting like a bunch of crooks, and spend some money to get it sorted out. Looking at the problems on this forum and other forums you think I'll ever buy a Bohemia game ever again, not a chance. To Bohemia Devs, if the boxed versions work fine then Steam have made you look like a bunch of fucking useless clowns. And cost you future business.

Edited January 31, 2011 by charliemilk
Sorry for my anger showing.

[Posta 10]

I don't know for sure but have you downloaded both ArmA 2 AND ArmA 2: OA?

In my Steam Library they show up as two different games. One for ArmA 2 and one for OA that is.

The CO is just another shortcut loading both games.

(I didn't read your whole wall of text)

[charliemilk 10]

I don't know for sure but have you downloaded both ArmA 2 AND ArmA 2: OA?

In my Steam Library they show up as two different games. One for ArmA 2 and one for OA that is.

The CO is just another shortcut loading both games.

(I didn't read your whole wall of text)

Thanks for replying,

But theres no option to download ARMA2 anywhere? I pretty sure, they've only given me Operation Arrowhead, but I still see the option for Combined Operations if I right click on Arrowhead. (Although Combined Ops does nothing) I emailed Steam support but they just fobbed me off with 'verify game cache'. And then said contact the publisher, and thats it.

The level of frustration I'm at right now is through the roof, I gave up booze for the new year, but I'm about to go out and buy a litre of Rum in a few minutes to try and calm the fuck down.

[Dwarden 1124]

Thanks for replying,

But theres no option to download ARMA2 anywhere? I pretty sure, they've only given me Operation Arrowhead, but I still see the option for Combined Operations if I right click on Arrowhead. (Although Combined Ops does nothing) I emailed Steam support but they just fobbed me off with 'verify game cache'. And then said contact the publisher, and thats it.

The level of frustration I'm at right now is through the roof, I gave up booze for the new year, but I'm about to go out and buy a litre of Rum in a few minutes to try and calm the fuck down.

You must own both ARMA 2 and ARMA 2: OA for the option to work

ARMA 2 needs to be ran once before it works

if You own A2: OA only then launch A2: CO will not work

[charliemilk 10]

You must own both ARMA 2 and ARMA 2: OA for the option to work

ARMA 2 needs to be ran once before it works

if You own A2: OA only then launch A2: CO will not work

I think thats where the confusion is then. Thank you. I dont need RUM now. You saved me from a slippery path :bounce3:

I'll get ARMA 2 now (I thought it came with Combined Ops) DOH!

[Posta 10]

I think thats where the confusion is then. Thank you. I dont need RUM now. You saved me from a slippery path :bounce3:

I'll get ARMA 2 now (I thought it came with Combined Ops) DOH!

Don't pay for it again though. :)

[zigzag 0]

If you bought Combined Operations you should have both Arma2 and Arma2:OA.

Combined Operations means that both games are combined together.

[charliemilk 10]

I just spent 5 hours and £19.99 downloading ARMA2 so that Combined ops works, (all i wanna do is play online..) it downloaded i clicked play and it would not play, so i closed steam and reloaded as admin, and tried again, it started downloading from scratch, but seems faster? I have no idea whats going on now. I hate Steam, and I HATE BIStudio.

I've now spent over £50. If i knew where the studios was based I'd come to see the Boss to explain my frustrations (in a civil way, I'm in no way an aggressive person)).

I hope he and his family had a great xmas with my money... If yr looking Mr CEO.... Pull yr thumb out yr arse and talk to steam and fix something. OR MAKE YOUR OWN VERSION OF STEAM!"!!!!! THE COMUNNITY DOES NOT LIKE/WANT STEAM. If we get all content direct from u, then more $$$ to you, no disk, no box, no shipping, distributer, no middle men.. etc. Its about time yr company grew up and stopped living in the middle ages! (sorry for being angry, but when i spend money on a game I expect it to work when i click 'play'...... if only with this car wreck of a game.

---------- Post added at 11:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 PM ----------

It took about 10mins to download again so i guess all the content was already there?

and it worked apart from the music that was too load and distorted on my X-Fi. Anyway, gonna try multi player now.

but i have such a bitter taste in my mouth that i dont even know if i'll enjoy this lump of **** anymore. Still angry, out of pocket, wasted several hours.

confusing addons/stand alones/ lite?/ have to spend £9.99 to buy textures in BAF?!?!? The whole buisness model must have been fuelled on a one night coke induced evening in Vegas.

Not being funny but whoever makes the top end decisions has been trying to live a real life 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'

BOSS MAN, you have a hard core dedicated community here, so why play stupid 'corporate games with us all. Get the whole thing back in-house and distribute disk and/or download from yr own site. If You do, I'll support you all the way mate!

TYPE a 1 after me if you agree?!?

[zigzag 0]

(in a civil way, I'm in no way an aggressive person)).

Are you sure :)

I hope he and his family had a great xmas with my money... If yr looking Mr CEO.... Pull yr thumb out yr arse and talk to steam and fix something. OR MAKE YOUR OWN VERSION OF STEAM!"!!!!! THE COMUNNITY DOES NOT LIKE/WANT STEAM. If we get all content direct from u, then more $$$ to you, no disk, no box, no shipping, distributer, no middle men.. etc. Its about time yr company grew up and stopped living in the middle ages! (sorry for being angry, but when i spend money on a game I expect it to work when i click 'play'...... if only with this car wreck of a game.

I have not have a singel problem with steam, but I do feel for you.

If you would have looked around abit before you bought it from steam you would have seen that BIS has exactly what you are yelling about, it is called sprocket, click the picture in the upper right corner of this forum.

Edit: The BAF lite DLC is an exellent idea, everyone has the DLC and can play it online together, but if you pay for it you will have the real thing.

Edited January 31, 2011 by zigzag

[Darkangel101 10]

Arma 2 operation arrowhead doesn't detect arma 2 in the expansions. This is my short cut i have now "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steam\steamapps\common\arma 2 operation arrowhead\ArmA2OA.exe"

Any way to get it so it will run arma 2 and i know about you go into steam right click and hit run arma 2 CO but i need a short cut to it

[Dwarden 1124]

if you own ARMA 2 also on STEAM you need start STEAM via "run as administrator"

and then RUN ONCE game ARMA 2 before using the A2:CO mode ...

[Darkangel101 10]

thanks its working

[Sabertooth007 10]

Maybe this is the best place to post this,

I currently own Arma 2 and Operation Arrowhead from Steam.

I purchased PMC and BAF from Direct2drive

I know that PMC from d2d will not install with the steam version (didn't see the note).

but I cannot find there or on this site whether or not the Direct2Drive version of British Armed Forces will work with the Steam version or if I have to also buy BAF from Steam (since some post I read says depending on the retailers you can mix and match).

If I can are there any special installation instructions, like has to be installed into Steam folder somewhere, etc.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Dwarden 1124]

this is quite interesting to hear as both DLCs frp, any source shall install to any A2:OA version

as long it's key and path are correctly inside windows registry

same rules for STEAM version apply like for starting ARMA 2,

You need run ARMA 2: OA once before trying install any DLC