Beginners FAQ
Gameguard FAQ
Technical FAQ

By Sonora, TBreeden & Xautos.

Mod Edit - the new thread for the PT FAQ is at http://forums.aeriagames.com/viewtopic.php?t=56409 - it will be updated and maintained from there. - Thanks!

Beginners FAQ By Xautos.

What is this game:
This game is called Project-Torque. it is a racing game meant for the MMO genre.

So what do i do now, now that i've found the game:
Register yourself on the site and follow instructions. After that, download the game from the main web page, once downloaded, extract the game into the folders and then launch the game launcher.

Why is this game downloading updates and why is it when it gets the end there are more updates:
The game has been through Closed Beta, Open Beta and now its been released. all the patches have been included so there are no unexpected surprises within the game. and that is also why there are more updates behind the 100% marker.

Now ive gotten through the updates, what next:
press 'Start game' button at the bottom middle of the screen in the launcher window. while that button has been pressed there are more updates to follow, dont be alarmed its GameGuard, a game secuirty program used on most MMO games.

i've passed the updates and what not, where do i go from here:
log into your account and right after you logged in, you are then in a car selection screen, there are 4 cars here (starter cars). each car has its advantages and weaknesses.

Lion Sedan-
long wheelbase, bigger turning circle
Good top speed, around 105mph which is around 200kph.
less responsive which means its a little more clumsy in the corners.

Kawana K-660-
Short wheelbase, smaller turning circle
Below average top speed, 90mph which is around 185kph.
very responsive, which means its a very grippy car in the corners.

Corus S3-
Short wheelbase, medium turning circle
OK top speed, 97mph which is around 195kph.
half responsive, which means its a compromise between grip and speed.

Miyato Wizz-
Very short wheelbase, very high turning circle.
good top speed, 115mph which is around 225kph.
Ultra responsive, which means you need to be careful when hitting bumps, the car is prone to fishtailing everywhere.

Ok now i have my car, and changed its colors. right after i passed the tutorial with ease, now what do i do next:
you can practice if you wish, or take a look in the shops.
Most players go straight to 'play', and then play the 'Amateur Vs.' server on the left side.

Now im in the lobby what do i do from here:
Enter into races by double clicking the open servers in the grey bars and green car icon. if its in red and red car icon, you can not enter in this server.

Now im in a server what happens next:
once you have entered the room, look around the screen, at the top is your stats and what track the host has chosen, on the left to middle is everyone else and their cars just below that is the chat bar, on the right is the track information. just below that is your backpack and at the bottom, there is a ready button in the bottom left corner. right next to that is the second countdown until in game when the host has pressed ready. backpack icon, kick icon(host only option) and the right side is exit button.

when everyone has a green tick on their icons you press ready.

I've just got in a race and finished it, the car handling is terrible it understeers in all the corners, did i do anything wrong:
Make sure switch your skill card to the 4 star card which disallows in game steering aids.

Ive just had a race and got all three helmets the same color, and ive entered on a podium with 3 avatars holding bottles of champagne, am i supposed to be doing something here:
Yes, after the count down, just shake the mouse about on the desk very quickly in order for the champagne to come out of the bottle.

I have just entered the shop, what is all this:
you buy stuff here when you have enough RP (racing points). you can buy accessories for your cars, like bumpers, rear wings and exhausts etc. and you can buy car upgrades, like tires, engines and suspension etc.
Buy your items and go racing.

i have just bought 2 bumpers, is there a quick way of changing bumpers:
Yes there is, there is a garage icon in the main chat lobby(bottom of the screen), click it and then goto body parts and bumpers. then change the bumpers around.

Ok ive just reached the end of F-V, what the heck happens next:
You need to buy a license card from the shop, once you got the card, you must go through the practice stage before you can do the real thing. once you have completed the test and passed you then move up another level and are allow to buy other stuff.

I dont understand this rating system:
the rating system is based on stats, calculations and where you finish, it will not take into account your car or level.

Gameguard FAQ by Tbreeden.

Q: What is nProtect GameGuard?
A: nProtect GameGuard is a game security program that can defend from game hacks or hacking (anti-cheat).

Q: My Antivirus / malware protection is blocking or giving me a warning when I try to run the game. Is nProtect GameGuard infected, a virus or malware?
A: No, it is clean but because of its behavior (the way it detects cheats/hacks) it can appear to function like a virus or malware program and test false positive by some software.

Q: How do I get my AntiVirus / malware software to allow GameGuard to function?
A: Unfortunately this varies based on your program. Generally you need to look into the programs settings, and first unblock the program if its been blocked, then look for a trusted applications list and if its available an exclusion list for folders. Add your project torque folder to the exclustion list and project torque.exe to the trusted applications. If you use KAV make sure that you also check the option to allow Compatibility mode for programs that have their own self protection.

Q: GameGuard closes the game with a notification that a hacking tool was found in the system.
A: Cheating tools as well as virus or spy-ware can cause the game not to run properly.
Try to scan the PC with up-to-date anti-virus and ad-ware scanners.

Q: It says GameGuard failed to update. What do I do? (Error code: 380)
A: Try deleting the GameGuard folder from your Project Torque directory then run the Project Torque client.
If you are using a firewall please check the settings to see that GameGuard is not blocked.
Try restarting the PC.

Q: It takes too long to load the game, and at last, displays Error code 114 and game is closed.
A: 1) There could be a program that might be taking up too much CPU resource. Or, the video driver or sound driver might be out of date. Please scan for any virus and spy-ware, and update all drivers to the most recent versions. 2) You might be running an anti-virus software that is too heavy for the particular system (Norton, McAfee, VirusBuster, etc.) Please open the settings of the application, and disable any unnecessary features like internet monitoring, outlook monitoring, script monitoring.

Q: GameGuard update is not working and Error code 124, 150, or 153 is displayed.
A: Try deleting the GameGuard folder from your Project Torque directory then run the Project Torque client.

Q: The game would not run, and Error code 100 is displayed.
A: Computer may be infected with virus. Please update the anti-virus and rescan.
If the error code 100 persists to appear, it might be an undetectable virus. Please try with another AV.

Q: GameGuard is not initiated, and Error code 360 pops up.
A: In windows explorer right click on hard disk drive and scan disk for errors.
Delete GameGuard folder from the game directory and run Project Torque client.

Q: GameGuard is not initiated, and Error code 361 pops up.
A: GameGuard did not update properly. Please check the internet settings, network, and see if any security programs are running or not. Also check if you need to get authorized before connecting to the internet.

Q: GameGuard update has stopped and Error code 350 pops up.
A: Cancel button has been pressed or it could also be slow update due to insufficient network bandwidth. Also FTP or HTTP connection could be blocked. Try pressing "Retry" button. If all else fails delete the GameGuard folder from the game directory and rerun the Project Torque client.

Technical FAQ by TBreeden.

Q: What are the minimum system requirements?
A: http://project-torque.aeriagames.com/info/sysreq

Q: How much does it cost to play?
A: There is no monthly cost. All of Aeria Games are free to play for registered members (registration is free).
Register here: http://login.aeriagames.com/user/register

Q: Where can I download the game?
A: You can download the project torque client from here: http://project-torque.aeriagames.com/download

Q: Ok I registered and downloaded/updated but I am having trouble logging in, something about access denied or incorrect password?
A: Sometimes the server gets backed up and it takes some time for newly created accounts to become active. Sometimes logging in to the website/forums and going to edit profile then changing your password will help.

Q: I use Windows Vista is there anything special I must do to play?
A: I am not a Vista user but I have heard you should right click the install file and click run as admin. You also need to right click and run the game as admin. If you still have problems you may need to run the game in XP compatibility mode.

Q: I get error code 801 (Old client version) what is wrong?
A: Try clearing your browser cache, and if you are behind a proxy you might have to play around with some settings or wait 24-48 hours for the cached information to clear/reset and then try again. Gazob listed some information/advice about proxies a couple posts down in this thread here:
http://forums.aeriagames.com/viewtopic.php?t=40236

Q: What is the ELO Ranking System?
A: The ELO Ranking System is a skill based rating that has replaced the old odds system. Oddlogic wrote a good article on this so I'm going to just link to his thread where you can read up on it in more detail:
http://forums.aeriagames.com/viewtopic.php?p=280464

Q: Can I name my player/driver something different than my Aeria username?
A: Currently no. If you have not already registered make sure when you do your username with Aeria is what you want to be known by in the game. Update: According to the Open Beta newsletter this is going to be an upcoming feature!

Q: Why do 4 of the 5 servers show up as full?
A: There is only one server open currently which is Phoebus.
The other 4 are closed and show up as being full. Subtropolis is normally open but has been closed with no ETA for return at this time.

Q: Will there be a future database wipe and if so when?
A: No further wipes are expected.

Q: What is an Item Mall and how do I buy stuff from it?
A: It is a in game shop where you can buy various things (cars, sponsor girls etc) to enhance your gameplay. You will be able to purchase from it using Aeria Points.

Q: What are Aeria Points (AP) and how do I get them?
A: Aeria Points or AP is the currency needed to purchase from the Item Mall.
You can buy them from the Aeria Store: https://billing.aeriagames.com/fillup/payment_select.asp

Q: Will the Item Mall be the only way to improve my gameplay?
A: No you will not be forced to use the Item Mall.
It will be an alternative method for people to enchance their gameplay.

Q: I am using a router/firewall and can not connect to the server. What can I do?
A: Most likely your router/firewall does not support uPnP (automatic port forwarding). Read your manual on how to web interface with your router or if it came with software try that, and find the persistant port forwarding section. Create a rule for UDP for the following port range 12321-12329. A rule for UDP for the same port range may be required for some firewalls, such as Comodo, that are rule based and strict in protection.

You might also try this website for help:
http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm
Select your router from the list, then click Default Guide link.
It should then show you a walkthru for setting up your router.

Q: I can't find how to connect to my router can you give the default method to see if it will work for me?
A: In internet explorer copy and paste this url:
http://192.168.2.1/

That is the default for connecting with most routers, it may not work for all. By default the password will be "admin" or "administrator" without the quotes or there may not be a default set at all in which case you just leave it blank and press ok/enter. If none of that works, you will need to contact your router manufacturer for support or find your manuals or if your router came with software try that to interface with it.

Once into the router setup, go thru all the available options till you find port forward/persistant port forwarding. Make sure to set the protocol to UDP and not TCP and then set the port range and you may need to set your ip there as well so it can forward the ports properly. You can find your ip by going to Start -> Settings -> Network Connections -> Double Click your Local Area Network adapter -> Click Support tab. You may also see a gateway there, which should be your connection to the router, which if the default I listed above doesnt match would be the number you would need to replace with yours instead.

Q: I use a Logitech G15 keyboard (or other input device that has software for advanced macros) but the advanced features do not work. Is there a solution?
A: Not that I know of, GameGuard detects macro software and blocks it from functioning to prevent cheating in the game.

Q: I use Speedfan but when I load project torque the sensors are not able to function. Why is this happening?
A: This is a side effect of GameGuard, it blocks the program from functioning correctly.

Q: Sometimes when I try to run the game I get errors or it does not load at all. What can be cause?
A: This is a tough one, there are quite a few possibilities. One thing to check is that DEP is not turned on for all programs, it should be set to essential programs/files only. You can check this by going to Start button, then click control panel then click system, then click advanced tab, then click the settings button in the performance box area then click the Data Execution Prevention tab and click the appropriate radio button. Other things to check include verifying that all your drivers, dx9.0c, and java is all up to date. Also if you use Omega Drivers, Multires, ATI Tray Tools, Rivatuner or any 3rd party tool that controls your fresh rate, disable or uninstall them as they are known to cause similar problems.

Q: When I try to run the game I get an error that am unable to connect to a server or it trys to connect but it just sits at the menu and never connects. Any idea what the problem could be?
A: This is just one possibility, alt-tab to your desktop and look to see if your antivirus/malware/firewall has asked you if you want to allow the program to run or has given you a message the program was blocked etc. If it has blocked the pogram open up the software that blocked it and remove the block and add the game to the allow or exclusion list and try again.

Q: I get text that is garbled, or no text at all. What could be the cause?
A: This is just one possibility, make sure that your video card / drivers are set to 32 bit color and not 16 bit. Otherwise verify all your drivers are up to date and you have the latest dx9.0c and java installed.

Q: Where can I find the latest java version?
A: www.java.com (latest should be version 6 update 3)

Q: Where can I find the latest dx9.0c?
A: Latest version should be dated 10/25/2007 and is called DirectX Nov 2007 redist. It can be found here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1a2393c0-1b2f-428e-bd79-02df977d17b8&DisplayLang=en

Q: Where can I get the latest video card drivers?
A: Nvidia (forceware 163.71): http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp
ATI (Catalyst 7.10): http://ati.amd.com/support/driver.html

Q: I have a dual core PC and my performance seems like it should be better. Any ideas?
A: Make sure you have done the Windows Update and have all the available hotfixes installed. Specifically make sure you have this hotfix installed (WORKS FOR AMD & INTEL): http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896256 and if you have an AMD dual core there is a download from AMD that may help called the dual core optimizer and there is also a special amd dual core driver (AMD ONLY. DO NOT USE FOR INTEL CPUS): http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_871_13118,00.html and more info on proper AMD dual core installation can be found here: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=81429

Q: I'm getting studdering or low framerate and have already lowered all my in game settings but it still doesn't help. Is there anything else I can do?
A: If you have ATI or Nvidia control panels you can look inside them and verify that you have Vsync OFF, AA/AF OFF and that most of the settings say Performance or High Performance and Not Quality or High Quality. Also you can try running the game in a lower screen resolution.

Q: I tried turning down all my game settings but my framerate still isn't playable or the game does not support my video card so I'm looking to upgrade. Where is a good resource to compare video cards?
A: There are a few good places. My favorite is the Tom's Hardware chart:
http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html

Q: I have a good video card but I want to update my processor/cpu. Does Tom's have a chart for that?
A: Sure does. http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu_2007.html

Q: My connection seems laggy. Is there anything I can do to improve it?
A: There are a few programs that have internet connection optimizers. Some are only trial versions like XP Smoker Pro or TuneUp Utilities 2007 but you can use them to optimize the connect and the changes will remain even after your free trial is over. You can get the trial for XP Smoker Pro here: http://www.xp-smoker.com/xpsmokerpro.html or TuneUp Utilies here: http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/

Q: There are so many in game options and often the descriptions are not enough for me to know what they do or what to set them to. Is there anywhere I can find out more information on them?
A: Yes there are some decent descriptions here: http://project-torque.aeriagames.com/info/options

Q: My mouse keeps shifting gears and is really messing me up. Is there anyway to disable that function?
A: Yes there is, the feature is called Virtual Gearshift and is in the in game options, simply set it to OFF.

Q: My vehicle brakes or messes with my steering when I do not want it to. I was told to turn helpers off for better control of my vehicle. How do I do that?
A: First there are game helpers in the options menu then there is the Skill Cards which you can change in your backpack. Generally this reference is in regards to the Skill Card. In the Main Menu select Practice mode, once in the practice mode menu click on your backpack in the lower left hand corner. You will see the skill cards, click on the Expert Card (the one with the most stars on it) and then hit OK. Now on to the game helpers, these are labeled as Steering and Throttle. If you want the most control of your vehicle you want Steering in the 70-100% range (lower percentages make the car very hard to steer). The throttle control is suppose to control how much you want to drift (its not a throttle that is always active). I have not done much research or testing with the drifting/throttle and its likely you would need to adjust it based on your car type so I can not make a recommendation on what to set it to.

Q: Can I change between MPH & KPH?
A: Not that I know of, at least not currently.

Q: I noticed in my error.log there are alot of these errors:

Cannot duplicate res.type 0 (id=0x00000000)!
class_Sound::CreateFX(): createSound(buffer=0A0FB008,mode=00000812,exinfo=0012EA24) returned code 24, so...
cannot create SFX sound.rpk (bufsize=13400)

Q: Is there anyway for me to fix it?
A: These errors are known to the people at Aeria Games and they are looking into them, currently there is no known fix however (at least that I know of). I receive these errors myself and as far as I can tell they are not problematic to gameplay.

Q: Can I add my own music to the game?
A: Yes. Using windows explorer locate your Project Torque installation directory.
For example: C:\Games\Project Torque\
Inside you will find a folder called music and within this folder should be some subfolders.
Copy your own music files into the mymusic subfolder.
Then in the game options under sound settings click music scheme, set to mymusic, then click apply.
Supported file formats: OGG, MP3, WAV

Navigation keys in the game:
----------------------------
',' - Previous track
'.' - Next track
'Num-' - Volume down
'Num+' - Volume up

Q: Is there anyway for me to voice chat with my friends or clan?
A: Yes! Aeria Games has a dedicated Ventrilo Server.
First you need to download Ventrilo here:
http://ventrilo.com/download.php
Note: make sure you get the windows 32bit (client), version 2.3.0
After you install Ventrilo here is the server information needed to connect:
Server IP: 72.51.37.162
Port: 6071

Q: Is Project Torque Xfire compatible?
A: Yes. As of Xfire 1.82 Project Torque is supported (partially).
You can get Xfire here: http://www.xfire.com/download/

Q: I have a technical problem not listed in this guide and need help. What should I do?
A: First you need to make a dxdiag.txt file by doing the following.
Click the windows start button, then click run and type dxdiag then click ok. After the tool finishes loading, click the Save All Information button and save the file. Locate it, open it, and highlight/copy the information.
Then create a new post in the Project Torque / Technical Problems forum and describe the problem and paste the information that you copied from the dxdiag to the post. Depending on the problem you may also be asked to open and copy/paste the information from your .log files that are located in your Project Torque folder.

Q: My game says "Old version"
A: Some ISP's use some kind of "internet caching", you will have to wait 24-48 hours until this "cache" disappears, and the game will recognise the new version and will update accordingly.

Great Work guys!

Posting in a Legendary thread.

/locked

Locking this thread and here is the URL to the new FAQ maintained by others from the community: http://forums.aeriagames.com/viewtopic.php?t=56409 - so be sure to look there for all the scoop!!

Have Fun!!
Doobius