Combat Flight Simulator 3: "Your game version is incompatible with the server's version (protocol mismatch)" error message when you try to join a multiplayer game (831359)

RESOLUTION

Use the methods in the order that they appear.

Method 1: Change Host

If you have the latest update installed, join a game where the host has the latest update installed. If the issue continues to occur, go to Method 2.

Method 2: Download and Install Update

To resolve this issue, obtain and install the latest Combat Flight Simulator 3 update. To do this, visit the following Microsoft Web site: If the issue continues to occur, go to Method 3.

Method 3: Clean Installation

Use the following procedures to clean boot the computer, remove the game, reinstall the game, and then install the update.

Restart Your Computer By Using a Clean Boot Procedure

When you start Microsoft Windows, typically there are a number of programs that start automatically and run in the background that may interfere with the game. These programs may include antivirus and system utility programs. When you perform a clean boot, you prevent these programs from starting automatically.

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.

To restart your computer by using a clean boot procedure, follow these steps if you are using Microsoft Windows XP:

Note You may experience a temporary loss of some services functionality when you follow these steps. Restoring the settings restores the functionality, but the original error message or behavior may return as a result.

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type msconfig, and then click OK.
3. On the General tab, click Selective Startup.
4. Under Selective Startup, click to clear the following check boxes:
   • Process SYSTEM.INI File
   • Process WIN.INI File
   • Load Startup Items
5. On the Services tab, click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box, and then click Disable All.
6. Click OK, and then click Restart.

To perform a clean boot operation, click the Play button to view this streaming media demonstration.
To return from a clean boot state, click the Play button to view this streaming media demonstration.
For additional information or to view steps for other operating systems, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Remove the Game

To remove the game, follow these steps.

Note Because there are several versions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your computer. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

1. To prevent the game from starting automatically, press and hold down the SHIFT key, and then insert the game disc in the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
2. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
3. Double-click Add or Remove Programs.
4. Click the game, and then click Change/Remove.
5. Click Uninstall.
6. When you are prompted to confirm that you want to remove the game, click Yes.
7. Follow the prompts to remove the game.

Reinstall the Game

Insert the game disc in your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then follow the directions on the screen to install the game.

Install the Game Update

Follow the directions in Method 2.