Poisoned77
05-26-2008, 07:48 PM
Guide to Fixing Problems with Minimal Trouble
As with all technology, it is inevitable that you will run into problems when playing Fiesta. Many of these problems aren’t severe and can be fixed by simple methods. it is easy, however, to overestimate the difficulty in fixing a problem and quickly giving yourself to frustration and more trouble. This guide will help you fix common problems, and navigate asking for help on the forum and from the Outspark staff.
A. Diagnosing the source of your problem
First, you would want to ask yourself, “What seems to be the cause of this problem?”
B. First things first- If you are experiencing problems, you may want to check these things.
1. If you are having trouble playing Fiesta, major problems with graphics or lag, check these things first. Do I meet ALL the system requirements for Fiesta? Which can be found HERE (http://fiesta.outspark.com/support/?view=download).
2. Do I have updated graphics drivers, and the latest version of DirectX 9? Both of which can be found HERE (http://fiesta.outspark.com/support/?view=download).
3. Is my internet fast enough to run the game? Is my internet functioning at top speed? Do I have too many programs open?
1. In-game issues/temporary bugs
a. these are issues that are only happening within the game. Glitches, bugs, interface problems, graphics and audio glitches.
2. Connection problems
a. Lag, unable to connect, disconnection, launcher not working, etc.
3. Universal bugs/issues
a. bugs experienced by everyone or a number of people in the game (bugged quests), Xtrap, corrupted files, server downtime, cash shop bugs, etc.
C. Solving the problem of in-game issues
1. Many of the temporary bugs are easily fixed. Here is a list of things to try in succession.
a. Move to another map (often graphics problems will sort themselves out once you move out of the current area.)
b. Re-log (logging out and back in will fix almost any temporary bug)
c. Reinstall (Reinstalling the game is an end all solution if nothing else works)
d. Reboot Computer (if all else fails, restart everything)
e. If nothing else works, you may be experiencing a universal bug, which will be explained later in the guide.
2. For problems with the interface or heads-up display
a. Press esc to pull up the options menu. Select game settings, click ‘reset interface’, and then ‘apply’. This will 90 percent of the time fix an HUD problem.
b. If that fails, this time go to graphic settings, select windowed mode, wait a few seconds for the screen to change. Alternatively, you can change the resolution as well.
c. Re-log
d. Reinstall the game
e. Restart computer
D. Solving Connection problems
1. If you are unable to connect or are getting disconnected to Fiesta, several things may be happening.
a. Your Internet is either running too slow, your bandwidth is not high enough, or it is disconnected from the source (modem, wall plug, cable). Xtrap may be detecting another program that is attempting to tamper or block Fiesta. (firewalls, anti-virus, hacking programs). The servers may be temporarily down, or under maintenance.
b. If your Internet is running too slow first: close any open browser windows.
c. If that hasn’t fixed it, disconnect and reconnect the Internet to your computer.
d. If it still isn’t running fast enough, your Internet may not have enough bandwidth to support a game like Fiesta. You would have to call your ISP and upgrade your Internet speed.
e. If Xtrap is not allowing you to connect, I suggest you try rebooting the Launcher a couple times.
f. Close all other programs besides the launcher, even programs in your systray not essential to running your computer
g. If Xtrap is still detecting some program, you may want to re-install Fiesta, or reboot your computer.
NOTE: Some people recommend turning off your anti-virus software and firewalls. I would not suggest this as your computer is now left open to attack by malware. If you can, open up your anti-virus control panel and set it so it won’t try to scan or hinder Fiesta from operating in any way.
2. If you are not able to log into Fiesta and keep getting error messages, that say you need to check the Outspark log or an upside down ‘?!’, you may have interrupted Fiesta in the process of downloading or applying a patch.
a. If this happens, close the launcher, reopen it, and wait for it to shut itself down again, at which point it will re-open apply the new patch, and in the bottom left-hand corner, a message will say ‘completed updating Fiesta’.
b. If you are still unable to log into Fiesta try re-installing the game, or rebooting your computer.
3. If you are able to log on, and when you get to the server select screen, ‘disconnected from server' appears, you may have tried to log on to Fiesta during a server maintenance or during an unscheduled downtime.
a. Server maintenances always happen on Mondays at 10:00 PDT and last somewhere around 2-3 hours. You just have to wait until Outspark reconnects the servers.
b. If it happens any other time, it is probably an unscheduled downtime, and you will again just have to wait until the staff can re-stabilize the servers.
E. Solving Universal Bugs
1. If after trying everything in the steps above, you are still experiencing problems, you may be experiencing a universal bug. These could be bugged quests, bugs and glitches that everyone experiences at relatively the same time, bugs that don’t go away, etc.
F. Using the Forums to Get Help
1. There are several ways to get help solving a bug.
a. First, search the Troubleshooting (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11) section and the Bug Reporting (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27) or Known Issues (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=90) section. Chances are somebody else has had this problem. To narrow down your search, you can perform a keyword search for threads related to your problem. If no one else has experienced this bug and you absolutely cannot find any related thread, you can create a new thread asking for help from the forum users.
b. Many of us on the forums are willing and able to fix most problems for other users. To attain the best responses, it is best that you explain the problem specifically, provide any screenshots if possible, and post your computer specs.
NOTE: Things not to do when posting a new thread— “OMGGGG, HALP, I dunt kno wats going on!!!1!”.
-OR-
“I hate theis ***** thing, I can’t log in, what the ******* should I do ”.
2. Choosing the right section to post in
a. As you can see, there are many different forum topics. Help threads aren’t always the most appropriate in all of them. You won’t get many answers if you post an Xtrap issue in ‘Fiesta Fan Art’.
b. Most questions about getting along within the game can be posted in the ‘getting started (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=83)’ or ‘gameplay (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=24)’ section.
c. Major problems with the Fiesta program not working correctly should be posted in troubleshooting or bug reporting.
3. Beyond the forums, now what?
a. Contacting the GMs/CSRs—If your question hasn’t been answered, or you have a player to report, a question for the GMs, etc. you can send a private message by clicking the ‘private message’ link in the upper right hand corner. Once you are at your inbox, click on ‘send new message’ over on the left. Type Fiesta_Help in the recipient space, and explain your problem.
b. Contacting Outspark support—If your problem hasn’t been solved, or you are having problems with the Cash Shop, go to the upper right hand corner of your screen, click on the link that says ‘Help’. Here you have accessed Outspark’s Support Center (http://support.outspark.com/). Just like the forums there are several topics of common problems you can review. Find the topic that best fits the problem you are having, click on it, and find the ‘submit a ticket’ button to report the problem to Outspark.
G. Common Sense
1. Read the Forums
a. I know when you are unable to get technology to perform the way you want it to, it can be rather frustrating. And the longer the problem persists, the more frustrated you become, and the more you want your problem solved now. Before you go crazy writing rant threads on the forums, calm down and think. Most everyone on the forum is very willing to help other players, and many other questions have been asked before. Take some time to search the forum for the answer to your question. Read the Fiesta News and Announcements (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=12) for information on upcoming maintenance, or if the servers are down for everybody.
DON’T log on to the forums and immediately post a thread “OMG WHY ARE THE SERVERS NOT WORKING!!!”
H. Final Words
1. Realize that it won’t be the end of the world, everything has a way of sorting itself out in the end, that’s nature’s balance. But most of all, sit back, relax, and enjoy Fiesta!!
-Pois
As with all technology, it is inevitable that you will run into problems when playing Fiesta. Many of these problems aren’t severe and can be fixed by simple methods. it is easy, however, to overestimate the difficulty in fixing a problem and quickly giving yourself to frustration and more trouble. This guide will help you fix common problems, and navigate asking for help on the forum and from the Outspark staff.
A. Diagnosing the source of your problem
First, you would want to ask yourself, “What seems to be the cause of this problem?”
B. First things first- If you are experiencing problems, you may want to check these things.
1. If you are having trouble playing Fiesta, major problems with graphics or lag, check these things first. Do I meet ALL the system requirements for Fiesta? Which can be found HERE (http://fiesta.outspark.com/support/?view=download).
2. Do I have updated graphics drivers, and the latest version of DirectX 9? Both of which can be found HERE (http://fiesta.outspark.com/support/?view=download).
3. Is my internet fast enough to run the game? Is my internet functioning at top speed? Do I have too many programs open?
1. In-game issues/temporary bugs
a. these are issues that are only happening within the game. Glitches, bugs, interface problems, graphics and audio glitches.
2. Connection problems
a. Lag, unable to connect, disconnection, launcher not working, etc.
3. Universal bugs/issues
a. bugs experienced by everyone or a number of people in the game (bugged quests), Xtrap, corrupted files, server downtime, cash shop bugs, etc.
C. Solving the problem of in-game issues
1. Many of the temporary bugs are easily fixed. Here is a list of things to try in succession.
a. Move to another map (often graphics problems will sort themselves out once you move out of the current area.)
b. Re-log (logging out and back in will fix almost any temporary bug)
c. Reinstall (Reinstalling the game is an end all solution if nothing else works)
d. Reboot Computer (if all else fails, restart everything)
e. If nothing else works, you may be experiencing a universal bug, which will be explained later in the guide.
2. For problems with the interface or heads-up display
a. Press esc to pull up the options menu. Select game settings, click ‘reset interface’, and then ‘apply’. This will 90 percent of the time fix an HUD problem.
b. If that fails, this time go to graphic settings, select windowed mode, wait a few seconds for the screen to change. Alternatively, you can change the resolution as well.
c. Re-log
d. Reinstall the game
e. Restart computer
D. Solving Connection problems
1. If you are unable to connect or are getting disconnected to Fiesta, several things may be happening.
a. Your Internet is either running too slow, your bandwidth is not high enough, or it is disconnected from the source (modem, wall plug, cable). Xtrap may be detecting another program that is attempting to tamper or block Fiesta. (firewalls, anti-virus, hacking programs). The servers may be temporarily down, or under maintenance.
b. If your Internet is running too slow first: close any open browser windows.
c. If that hasn’t fixed it, disconnect and reconnect the Internet to your computer.
d. If it still isn’t running fast enough, your Internet may not have enough bandwidth to support a game like Fiesta. You would have to call your ISP and upgrade your Internet speed.
e. If Xtrap is not allowing you to connect, I suggest you try rebooting the Launcher a couple times.
f. Close all other programs besides the launcher, even programs in your systray not essential to running your computer
g. If Xtrap is still detecting some program, you may want to re-install Fiesta, or reboot your computer.
NOTE: Some people recommend turning off your anti-virus software and firewalls. I would not suggest this as your computer is now left open to attack by malware. If you can, open up your anti-virus control panel and set it so it won’t try to scan or hinder Fiesta from operating in any way.
2. If you are not able to log into Fiesta and keep getting error messages, that say you need to check the Outspark log or an upside down ‘?!’, you may have interrupted Fiesta in the process of downloading or applying a patch.
a. If this happens, close the launcher, reopen it, and wait for it to shut itself down again, at which point it will re-open apply the new patch, and in the bottom left-hand corner, a message will say ‘completed updating Fiesta’.
b. If you are still unable to log into Fiesta try re-installing the game, or rebooting your computer.
3. If you are able to log on, and when you get to the server select screen, ‘disconnected from server' appears, you may have tried to log on to Fiesta during a server maintenance or during an unscheduled downtime.
a. Server maintenances always happen on Mondays at 10:00 PDT and last somewhere around 2-3 hours. You just have to wait until Outspark reconnects the servers.
b. If it happens any other time, it is probably an unscheduled downtime, and you will again just have to wait until the staff can re-stabilize the servers.
E. Solving Universal Bugs
1. If after trying everything in the steps above, you are still experiencing problems, you may be experiencing a universal bug. These could be bugged quests, bugs and glitches that everyone experiences at relatively the same time, bugs that don’t go away, etc.
F. Using the Forums to Get Help
1. There are several ways to get help solving a bug.
a. First, search the Troubleshooting (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11) section and the Bug Reporting (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27) or Known Issues (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=90) section. Chances are somebody else has had this problem. To narrow down your search, you can perform a keyword search for threads related to your problem. If no one else has experienced this bug and you absolutely cannot find any related thread, you can create a new thread asking for help from the forum users.
b. Many of us on the forums are willing and able to fix most problems for other users. To attain the best responses, it is best that you explain the problem specifically, provide any screenshots if possible, and post your computer specs.
NOTE: Things not to do when posting a new thread— “OMGGGG, HALP, I dunt kno wats going on!!!1!”.
-OR-
“I hate theis ***** thing, I can’t log in, what the ******* should I do ”.
2. Choosing the right section to post in
a. As you can see, there are many different forum topics. Help threads aren’t always the most appropriate in all of them. You won’t get many answers if you post an Xtrap issue in ‘Fiesta Fan Art’.
b. Most questions about getting along within the game can be posted in the ‘getting started (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=83)’ or ‘gameplay (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=24)’ section.
c. Major problems with the Fiesta program not working correctly should be posted in troubleshooting or bug reporting.
3. Beyond the forums, now what?
a. Contacting the GMs/CSRs—If your question hasn’t been answered, or you have a player to report, a question for the GMs, etc. you can send a private message by clicking the ‘private message’ link in the upper right hand corner. Once you are at your inbox, click on ‘send new message’ over on the left. Type Fiesta_Help in the recipient space, and explain your problem.
b. Contacting Outspark support—If your problem hasn’t been solved, or you are having problems with the Cash Shop, go to the upper right hand corner of your screen, click on the link that says ‘Help’. Here you have accessed Outspark’s Support Center (http://support.outspark.com/). Just like the forums there are several topics of common problems you can review. Find the topic that best fits the problem you are having, click on it, and find the ‘submit a ticket’ button to report the problem to Outspark.
G. Common Sense
1. Read the Forums
a. I know when you are unable to get technology to perform the way you want it to, it can be rather frustrating. And the longer the problem persists, the more frustrated you become, and the more you want your problem solved now. Before you go crazy writing rant threads on the forums, calm down and think. Most everyone on the forum is very willing to help other players, and many other questions have been asked before. Take some time to search the forum for the answer to your question. Read the Fiesta News and Announcements (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=12) for information on upcoming maintenance, or if the servers are down for everybody.
DON’T log on to the forums and immediately post a thread “OMG WHY ARE THE SERVERS NOT WORKING!!!”
H. Final Words
1. Realize that it won’t be the end of the world, everything has a way of sorting itself out in the end, that’s nature’s balance. But most of all, sit back, relax, and enjoy Fiesta!!
-Pois