srdcs.exe will not start in windows home server 2003

[Noremac430]

I've installed Windows Home Server 2003 on my older PC, and I figured, Hey, this is a server, why not use it as such...well, I try to run srcds.exe via command prompt, and i get no response.

More specifically, I am trying to run a srcds game server for Team Fortress 2.

To elaborate a little more, when I try and start the server from the command line, I hit enter to execute the command and i get no response at all. No error messages, nothing. It just doesn't do anything. it will show up in my processes list for about 1 second and then disapear.
I have looked at every post in this board that is similar and none of the fixes work.

the command line i use is:

c:\tf\orangebox>srcds.exe -console -game tf +map ctf_2fort -maxplayers 24 -autoupdate
and
c:\tf\orangebox>srcds.exe -console -game tf +map ctf_2fort -maxplayers 24
and
c:\tf\orangebox>srcds.exe -console -game tf +map ctf_2fort

I have used the run as command to ensure that I am running the command prompt as an administrator.

When i first had this problem, i found out that my processor would not support SSE and therefore would not support the game server. I have since replaced the processor with an SSE supported chip and I still have the same problem. I have also reinstalled the WHS OS to make sure there wasn't a corruption in the install.

Any help would be great! Thanks in advance.

PC Specs:
ECS USA Mobo: K7S5A
AMD Athlon XP 2600+
1GB RAM
300GB HDD across 2 IDE HDD's
Most recent BIOS installed and all drivers are current

[Mooga]

update with -verify_all

[Noremac430]

i've done that. This is a fresh install of 2003 as of 11pm last night the ONLY thing installed on the OS is SRCDS. I'll try it again, but as I said, i've done that many many times.

[Noremac430]

*update* ran verify_all. Still no luck :-(

[Noremac430]

*additional update* For testing purposes, I downloaded and installed the Cstrike files/server - it runs like a charm. I'm beginning to think this may still be a hardware issue. This is a headless server so there is no video cards or anything in it. it's just a Mobo/ram/hdd/dvdrom/processor and nothing else. Do i need to install DirectX even though i'm not running a video card?

[Drocona]

Servers don't need graphics cards, the CPU processes the "server graphics".

I don't see why TF2 won't run where css will... has to be a corrupt install or something.

Try deleting the bin folders and the .blob files, then update again with verify_all.

[Spartanfrog]

Or just try a clean install

[gvanlee]

Windows Home server is specifically *not* meant to run any applications other than what's installed when you get it. It could be that the default firewall blocks everything and doesn't allow srcds to run. Also, keep in mind that if you have problems with WHS, you will not be eligible for support if you've installed 3rd party software.

[Noremac430]

Drocona: I tried doing what you suggested, and I still have no luck running srcds. :-(

Gvanlee: I have a thread on the WHS official forums and the M$ guys have said that there is no default configurations that would prevent any type of server from running. They also said that other people are running srcds on WHS's with no problems.

I'm completely stumped on this one. I've been working in tech support since i was 16 for different companies and also running servers on and off for about 2 years and never have I seen a problem this annoying. *sigh*

[Noremac430]

AH HA!! I figured out the problem. Apparently even though my processor supports SSE, my Mobo is not recognizing the SSE support. I am going to flash the bios with the HoneyX bios tonight when i get off work and try it again. I will post again when i complete this process to keep you guys in the loop.

Thanks again for all your help and suggestions!

[Drocona]

Damn, congrats on finding that, that would really be the last thing I'd look for :O

[Noremac430]

Drocona Wrote:Damn, congrats on finding that, that would really be the last thing I'd look for :O

Yea it was on my list of things to check, but I thought that since my processor was updated that it would just WORK.

If someone has older equipment I highly suggest downloading the CPUTEST.exe file from Valve and making sure SSE is being recognized on the machine.

Now for a new problem. I have the server up and running, all my ports forwarded, etc, and I can even see it on the steam server list, but I can't connect. It says Sever is not responding and showing an IP of 0.0.0.0

I"m still digging through the forums for any hints, but hey if you guys can answer me faster, i'm A-OK with that!
.
*******************************************8
Nevermind. I found a post with the answer. Server runs like a dream. Thanks for all your help guys!!!

[Drocona]

Cool, have fun with it

[Coppola36]

If you're experiencing issues with srdcs.exe not starting in Windows Home Server 2003, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. We are offering you to get House bugs and learn things related to your mouth. First, make sure that all system requirements are met and that all updates have been installed. If the issue persists, try disabling any third-party applications that may be interfering with the srdcs.exe process. You may also want to try restarting the server or reinstalling the operating system. If all else fails, consider seeking assistance from a professional technician or support team.