- Admin
- #1
This guide assumes you have at least basic windows operational skills. You will need to know how to browse hard drives, make folders, copy files, extract files from zip archives, and find your MSC folder.
This guide is for a true HLDS - not a GUI HLDS. You do not need a Steam login to install or run this server. You do not even need to have Steam installed. The total drive space required is about 500MB, including MSC.
Contents
Step 1 - Install the HLDS
Remember to run all executables/batch files in this guide as Administrator
Make a new folder on the root of "C:\HLDS" (you can make it else where, but I recommend a shallow directory, and this is the folder we will reference for the rest of this guide. Do NOT use your Half-Life folder)
- HLDS Framework Install Method One:
Make a folder within your HLDS folder, called "SteamCMD"
Download the Steam Command Tool from here or here.
Extract it to the SteamCMD folder.
Run the steamcmd.exe executable inside - this should bring up a console, which will then download the rest of the SteamCMD software.
Once this is complete, use the following commands in the SteamCMD console:
* Due to SteamCMD being nearly as buggy MSC itself, you may need to repeat this process twice.
Once you're done, type "quit", in the SteamCMD console.
If you want a batch file to easily update the HLDS at any time, create a file called "!update.bat" with the following contents inside your HLDS folder:
- HLDS Framework Install Method Two:
If the above absolutely positively will not work, download a pregenerated HLDS framework from here:
http://www.thothie.com/msc_dev4/HLDS_sans_msc.rar (~28MB)
Unrar that to your c:\hlds\
Run the !update.bat located inside said folder to ensure the HLDS is up to date (as Administrator).
Copy your <your_steam_path>\steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life\valve into the hlds\valve folder. (Or symbolically link it, as described in the next step.)
Step 2 - Add MSC
Copy your MSC folder to c:\HLDS\MSC
Your MSC folder should be in your "Steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life\" folder. If you can't find your MSC folder, you may try using this batch file.
You may also use a fresh MSC install, downloadable on the front page. Remember, however, you'll have to update it with the betapackage by pointing the beta installer at it. (See Step 3)
If you are using the HLDS for local testing, on the same system you intend to play from, you may symbolically link your client folders instead of copying them over (saves space, and having to update two folders). To do so, remove the hlds\valve and hlds\msc folders (should they exist), recreate empty ones of the same names, and then (in Windows7-10) use the following commands at an administrator enabled command prompt:
If you don't feel comfortable using the command prompt, or don't have the mklink command due to Windows variations, you can use the Dlinker UI tool here. The top entry thereof should be pointing to your HLDS\msc or HLDS\valve folders, and the bottom to your related client folders.
After you symbolically link your client folders, run the SteamCMD update again.
Keep in mind that if you symbolically link your client, your server configs and character saves will be in your MSC client folder.
Step 3 - Update Your Server
Remember, that each time you update MSC, you'll need to update your HLDS as well. As always, grab the latest betapackage here. You'll have to manually point the installer at your server's MSC folder (in these examples "c:\hlds\msc") - as it will point itself at your client folder by default. Be sure to close the server and suspend any restarter before updating it.
If you've symbolically linked your client, you can skip this step, and just update said client - though it is a good idea to update the HLDS via SteamCMD with each patch as well.
Step 4 - Add a Restarter
In order to ensure the server will restart in event of crash, you will need to add some sort of program that launches the HLDS, then restarts it when it crashes. There are many methods to deal with this.
- Disable Error Reporting
First, you must disable error reporting. In Windows XP, go to Control Panel->System, click on the [Advanced] tab, then on the "Error Reporting" button. Select the "Disable Error Reporting" option button, uncheck the "But notify me when critical errors occur" checkbox, and click OK.
In Windows Vista or later it's a bit more complicated. Merely disabling error reporting doesn't work, as it cannot be, by default, entirely disabled. You'll have to add the HLDS.exe to the block list, as described in this article:
http://www.exe-error-fixes.com/enable-d ... rfaultexe/
Now, onto the launch and restart methods...
- Batch File Method
This is the simplest, but least effective method. It will restart the server in the event of any crash or close not involving an error window. However, it can't deal with more complex crashes, such as those associated with map transitions, or lock ups. These error reports are internal to the HLDS and cannot be disabled through windows.
To use the batch file method, open Notepad, and paste in the following code:
Save the file as "C:\HLDS\msc.bat" with the quotes. This is the file you will use to start the HLDS.
Let's focus on the line that launches it, as we'll be using it in all three methods:
start /min /wait /ABOVENORMAL hlds.exe -insecure -game msc +maxplayers 6 -port 27016 -noipx -console +exec crashed.cfg
Here's what each part of that does:
start - tells windows to launch the program with the following parameters
/min - Minimizes the console on launch to 'get it out of the way'. If you want the console to be "on top" when it starts or restarts, remove this switch. (note that each switch is separated by a space)
/wait - Tells the batch file to wait until this program stops running.
/ABOVENORMAL - Sets the HLDS.EXE's thread priority. You can change "/abovenormal" switch to "/realtime" if the entire machine is dedicated to the HLDS and nothing else. You can change it to "/belownormal" or "/low" if you are experiencing system lag, but your players may lag as a result. Ommit the switch for the happy medium of "/normal".
hlds.exe - The actual program being launched.
-insecure - Disables Valve anti-cheat to conserve resources. Valve anti-cheat can't assist with MSC, aside from stopping people banned by VAC from joining your server. If you omit this switch, VAC will be enabled.
-num_edicts 1500 - Extends the memory used for edicts, making no-free-edict crashes less likely. This has to be set to 1500 to match the standard MSC client edicts.
-game msc - This two part switch tells HLDS what game to launch.
+maxplayers 6 - Sets the maximum number of players. You can replace +maxplayers 6, with any number you feel is reasonable. Six is generally a good number, however, as more than six players are hard to organize into a transition, and sometimes overpower the maps, in addition to the lag aspect.
-port 27016 - Uses the alternate port, in case you intend to have the client and server on the same box. If someone needs to connect to your server via IP, it will need to be suffixed with :27016. For instance: 69.106.207.51:27016.
-noipx - Saves resources by not loading the obsolete ipx protocol into memory.
-console - Ensures the HLDS console will be available.
+exec crashed.cfg This will cause the server to resume on the map it was on, or the map that was being traveled to, in event of a crash.
There's no need to alter anything else in the batch file.
- Thothie's HLDS Restarter Method
While this is vastly more effective than the batch file method, this program doesn't work for everyone. For some, it works without a hitch, while for others, it can be quite a pain.
When working properly, unlike the batch file method, this program will restart the server in the event of 'hard crash' or complex errors. It also has some extra features to periodically reset the server, to clean up various issues, amongst other things.
You can download the restarter here: http://www.thothie.com/msc_dev4/msc_restarter.zip
May require VS5 libraries located here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/180071 (or here)
Place the executable in your \HLDS folder.
MSC automatically detects and adapts to this program, providing heartbeat functionality - which allows the program to detect lock ups.
The command line you would use is similar to the one described above in the batch file method. However, you would omit the " start /min /wait /ABOVENORMAL " segment. A reasonable example command line is provided with the Autorestarter.
For me, thus far, this restarter has been the most effective method available.
- Server Checker Method
If you are one of the ones for whom this restarter doesn't work smoothly, you can grab Server Checker here:
http://www.dumbclan.co.uk/downloads/ser ... /#download
alt: http://rapidshare.com/files/21448777/Se ... r.rar.html
It has more extensive options than my restarter, can deal with multiple servers, including non-HL servers, and is certainly less buggy. It's a little more likely to be stumped by odd HLDS lockups, but it's still vastly more effective than the batch file method.
- ServerDOC
I do not recommend ServerDOC for MSC, as it does not catch many MSC crashes, and is unnecessarily complicated to use. If you really want to use it, google it.
Step 4 - Configure the Server
Leaving AMX aside, there's only one file you really need to worry about, open it with Notepad:
C:\HLDS\msc\server.cfg
Erase it, paste in this commented code, change options as you see fit:
- Fuznet
If you use Fuznet, please place [FN] in your hostname. Instructions for setting up Fuznet are included in your FN port thread and FN Welcome Conversation. If you wish to add FN capability to a server you can host 24/7, contact @Thothie.
Step 5 - Firewalls and Routers
Firewalls: The following ports need to be open on your software Firewall in order to host the HLDS
(you don't really need to have all these ports open, but this is extreme redundancy):
TCP:
27015 - 27017 (HL Server/Client Ports)
47624 (DirectX Net port)
1300-1400
2300-2400
2790
6003
6500
7001-7002
UDP:
27005
27010-27015
27025
I do not have info for individual software firewalls, consult your documentation or disable them.
Routers: Routers invariably require a rudimentary hardware firewall to function (for some reason no one's bothered developing switching technology to avoid this, over the past decade or so we've been dealing with this crap. Please write your senator). As such, you will need to go through the oft painful process of opening the proper ports on your Router.
To do this, find your Router on THIS LIST, click on it, then click on "Half Life Steam" link found on the resulting page. For some of you, this may mean tweaking windows networking settings, and rebooting, sometimes repeatedly - however, all the info you need should be there.
If your Router or Gateway is not in that list, you will have to contact the manufacturer.
Got a Linksys router? Sucks to be you, but take a look at this Steam article, it may help.
Options: Adding Admins
Create a file in the MSC folder called "admins.txt" with notepad, and add the full STEAM ID's of your admins.
You can add comments to the admins.txt file by prefixing a line with "//"
You can give individual admins the ability to change vars by adding "cvar" after their Steam id. Cvars can be altered in game by players with admin auth by typing admin_cvar <variable> <value>
You can add full rcon support by adding "rcon" after the Steam id. Rcon commands can be sent in game via the admin_rcon "<command>" all rcon commands must be in "quotes". The primary advantage to this over handing out the rcon is that it prevents rcon sniffing programs.
All designated admins have access to: admin_kick, admin_ban, admin_unban, admin_listbans, admin_map, admin_votemap, admin_say, and admin_vote by default.
Admins can type admin_help in console to see the syntax of all available commands.
Example admins.txt:
Note that you will need to restart the server for any changes to the admins.txt to take effect.
Options: Running HLDS as a Service (Invisible HLDS)
This advantage to running HLDS as a Service is that effectively renders the application invisible and it causes it to use slightly fewer system resources.
The disadvantage is that you can only access the console remotely.
For instructions on setting up HLDS as a service, see the advanced article at:
https://www.msremake.com/threads/how-to-make-an-hlds-dedicated-server-for-ms-c.805/page-4#post-12980
Good luck! If I have more time, I may write some info about optimization and such - but this should get you a functioning server. If you have a high end AMD - it may even function well. In anycase, it will almost certainly run better than mine. ><
If you have problems or further questions, feel free to post them here.
__________________________
Edits:
- 03/31/2006 Various Cleanups
- 04/01/2006 Added link to Wiki cvar list
- 04/01/2006 Expanded prefab server.cfg
- 04/29/2006 Added PvP AMX note to prefab server.cfg
- 05/14/2006 Removed preface
- 05/15/2006 Updated hldsupdatetool link due to valve stupidity
- 09/19/2006 Added uptate your maps section
- 12/05/2006 Mentioned Calruin2/Keledrosprelude2 updates
- 02/08/2007 Updated map update info
- 05/10/2007 Linksys router info
- 11/21/2007 FN restricted notice
- 03/24/2008 Added newer MS vars
- 05/21/2008 Removed AMX info. Added MSC admin_ info, crashed.cfg, and Vista notes
- 12/02/2008 Added steam_appid.txt fix (silly Steam)
- 01/20/2010 HLDS as a service
- 02/08/2010 Vista Error Reporting
- 01/01/2013 Relinked Update Tool to RKS
- 01/20/2013 Changed -num_edicts and made critical
- 03/29/2013 Updated for new SteamCMD nightmare
- 04/03/2013 Restored HLDSUpdateTool info, due to SteamCMD variant rejecting rolled back clients
- 05/28/2014 SteamCMD alternate link, HLDSUpdateTool non-support warning
- 02/22/2015 Another SteamCMD alternate link
- 02/22/2015 Link for VBS5 libraries, for those brave enough to use Thothie's restarter
- 12/17/2016 Added reminder to be sure hlds.exe is run in administrator mode
- 12/19/2017 Added instructions for using symbolic links
- 12/19/2017 Nixed HLDSUpdateTool.exe (dead)
- 12/19/2017 Added updater batch file
- 12/19/2017 Nixed wiki reference (dead)
- 12/19/2017 Changed FN contact info
- 12/19/2017 Added pregenerated framework link
- 12/19/2017 Fixed Running as a Service link
This guide is for a true HLDS - not a GUI HLDS. You do not need a Steam login to install or run this server. You do not even need to have Steam installed. The total drive space required is about 500MB, including MSC.
Contents
- Step 1 - Install the HLDS
Step 2 - Add MSC
Step 3 - Update Your Server
Step 4 - Create a Restarter- - Disable Error Reporting
- Batch File Method
- Thothie's HLDS Restarter Method
- Server Checker Method
Options: Adding Admins
Options: Running HLDS as a Service (Invisible HLDS) - - Disable Error Reporting
Step 1 - Install the HLDS
Remember to run all executables/batch files in this guide as Administrator
Make a new folder on the root of "C:\HLDS" (you can make it else where, but I recommend a shallow directory, and this is the folder we will reference for the rest of this guide. Do NOT use your Half-Life folder)
- HLDS Framework Install Method One:
Make a folder within your HLDS folder, called "SteamCMD"
Download the Steam Command Tool from here or here.
Extract it to the SteamCMD folder.
Run the steamcmd.exe executable inside - this should bring up a console, which will then download the rest of the SteamCMD software.
Once this is complete, use the following commands in the SteamCMD console:
Code:
login anonymous
force_install_dir ..\
app_update 90 -beta beta validate
Once you're done, type "quit", in the SteamCMD console.
If you want a batch file to easily update the HLDS at any time, create a file called "!update.bat" with the following contents inside your HLDS folder:
Code:
@echo off
cd SteamCMD
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ..\ +app_update 90 +quit
- HLDS Framework Install Method Two:
If the above absolutely positively will not work, download a pregenerated HLDS framework from here:
http://www.thothie.com/msc_dev4/HLDS_sans_msc.rar (~28MB)
Unrar that to your c:\hlds\
Run the !update.bat located inside said folder to ensure the HLDS is up to date (as Administrator).
Copy your <your_steam_path>\steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life\valve into the hlds\valve folder. (Or symbolically link it, as described in the next step.)
Step 2 - Add MSC
Copy your MSC folder to c:\HLDS\MSC
Your MSC folder should be in your "Steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life\" folder. If you can't find your MSC folder, you may try using this batch file.
You may also use a fresh MSC install, downloadable on the front page. Remember, however, you'll have to update it with the betapackage by pointing the beta installer at it. (See Step 3)
If you are using the HLDS for local testing, on the same system you intend to play from, you may symbolically link your client folders instead of copying them over (saves space, and having to update two folders). To do so, remove the hlds\valve and hlds\msc folders (should they exist), recreate empty ones of the same names, and then (in Windows7-10) use the following commands at an administrator enabled command prompt:
Code:
mklink /J C:\hlds\msc <your_steam_path>\steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life\msc
mklink /J C:\hlds\valve <your_steam_path>\steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life\valve
After you symbolically link your client folders, run the SteamCMD update again.
Keep in mind that if you symbolically link your client, your server configs and character saves will be in your MSC client folder.
Step 3 - Update Your Server
Remember, that each time you update MSC, you'll need to update your HLDS as well. As always, grab the latest betapackage here. You'll have to manually point the installer at your server's MSC folder (in these examples "c:\hlds\msc") - as it will point itself at your client folder by default. Be sure to close the server and suspend any restarter before updating it.
If you've symbolically linked your client, you can skip this step, and just update said client - though it is a good idea to update the HLDS via SteamCMD with each patch as well.
Step 4 - Add a Restarter
In order to ensure the server will restart in event of crash, you will need to add some sort of program that launches the HLDS, then restarts it when it crashes. There are many methods to deal with this.
- Disable Error Reporting
First, you must disable error reporting. In Windows XP, go to Control Panel->System, click on the [Advanced] tab, then on the "Error Reporting" button. Select the "Disable Error Reporting" option button, uncheck the "But notify me when critical errors occur" checkbox, and click OK.
In Windows Vista or later it's a bit more complicated. Merely disabling error reporting doesn't work, as it cannot be, by default, entirely disabled. You'll have to add the HLDS.exe to the block list, as described in this article:
http://www.exe-error-fixes.com/enable-d ... rfaultexe/
Now, onto the launch and restart methods...
- Batch File Method
This is the simplest, but least effective method. It will restart the server in the event of any crash or close not involving an error window. However, it can't deal with more complex crashes, such as those associated with map transitions, or lock ups. These error reports are internal to the HLDS and cannot be disabled through windows.
To use the batch file method, open Notepad, and paste in the following code:
Code:
@echo off
cls
title MSC HLDS Restarter
echo (%date% %time%) hlds started.
:hlds
start /min /wait /ABOVENORMAL hlds.exe -insecure -num_edicts 1500 -game msc +maxplayers 6 -port 27016 -noipx -console +exec crashed.cfg
echo (%date% %time%) WARNING: hlds closed or crashed, restarting.
goto hlds
Save the file as "C:\HLDS\msc.bat" with the quotes. This is the file you will use to start the HLDS.
Let's focus on the line that launches it, as we'll be using it in all three methods:
start /min /wait /ABOVENORMAL hlds.exe -insecure -game msc +maxplayers 6 -port 27016 -noipx -console +exec crashed.cfg
Here's what each part of that does:
start - tells windows to launch the program with the following parameters
/min - Minimizes the console on launch to 'get it out of the way'. If you want the console to be "on top" when it starts or restarts, remove this switch. (note that each switch is separated by a space)
/wait - Tells the batch file to wait until this program stops running.
/ABOVENORMAL - Sets the HLDS.EXE's thread priority. You can change "/abovenormal" switch to "/realtime" if the entire machine is dedicated to the HLDS and nothing else. You can change it to "/belownormal" or "/low" if you are experiencing system lag, but your players may lag as a result. Ommit the switch for the happy medium of "/normal".
hlds.exe - The actual program being launched.
-insecure - Disables Valve anti-cheat to conserve resources. Valve anti-cheat can't assist with MSC, aside from stopping people banned by VAC from joining your server. If you omit this switch, VAC will be enabled.
-num_edicts 1500 - Extends the memory used for edicts, making no-free-edict crashes less likely. This has to be set to 1500 to match the standard MSC client edicts.
-game msc - This two part switch tells HLDS what game to launch.
+maxplayers 6 - Sets the maximum number of players. You can replace +maxplayers 6, with any number you feel is reasonable. Six is generally a good number, however, as more than six players are hard to organize into a transition, and sometimes overpower the maps, in addition to the lag aspect.
-port 27016 - Uses the alternate port, in case you intend to have the client and server on the same box. If someone needs to connect to your server via IP, it will need to be suffixed with :27016. For instance: 69.106.207.51:27016.
-noipx - Saves resources by not loading the obsolete ipx protocol into memory.
-console - Ensures the HLDS console will be available.
+exec crashed.cfg This will cause the server to resume on the map it was on, or the map that was being traveled to, in event of a crash.
There's no need to alter anything else in the batch file.
- Thothie's HLDS Restarter Method
While this is vastly more effective than the batch file method, this program doesn't work for everyone. For some, it works without a hitch, while for others, it can be quite a pain.
When working properly, unlike the batch file method, this program will restart the server in the event of 'hard crash' or complex errors. It also has some extra features to periodically reset the server, to clean up various issues, amongst other things.
You can download the restarter here: http://www.thothie.com/msc_dev4/msc_restarter.zip
May require VS5 libraries located here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/180071 (or here)
Place the executable in your \HLDS folder.
MSC automatically detects and adapts to this program, providing heartbeat functionality - which allows the program to detect lock ups.
The command line you would use is similar to the one described above in the batch file method. However, you would omit the " start /min /wait /ABOVENORMAL " segment. A reasonable example command line is provided with the Autorestarter.
For me, thus far, this restarter has been the most effective method available.
- Server Checker Method
If you are one of the ones for whom this restarter doesn't work smoothly, you can grab Server Checker here:
http://www.dumbclan.co.uk/downloads/ser ... /#download
alt: http://rapidshare.com/files/21448777/Se ... r.rar.html
It has more extensive options than my restarter, can deal with multiple servers, including non-HL servers, and is certainly less buggy. It's a little more likely to be stumped by odd HLDS lockups, but it's still vastly more effective than the batch file method.
- ServerDOC
I do not recommend ServerDOC for MSC, as it does not catch many MSC crashes, and is unnecessarily complicated to use. If you really want to use it, google it.
Step 4 - Configure the Server
Leaving AMX aside, there's only one file you really need to worry about, open it with Notepad:
C:\HLDS\msc\server.cfg
Erase it, paste in this commented code, change options as you see fit:
Code:
// Name of the server
hostname "Your Server Name Goes here"
// Internet server (1 for LAN)
sv_lan 0
// Cuts down on verbosness of console (saves some memory and CPU time)
developer 0
// Player Vs. Player Settings (0 to disable, 1 only outside towns, 2 PvP anywhere)
ms_pklevel 0
// Number of characters that can be stored by each player on the server
// Set to 0 for client side characters
ms_serverchar 3
// Allow vote kicking (recommend disable, as is buggy)
ms_allowkickvote 0
// Allow voting for time
ms_allowtimevote 1
// Add your rcon password here
rcon_password "mypassword"
// Voice comm settings (hiqh quality)
sv_voiceenable 1
sv_voicequality 5
sv_voicecodec voice_speex
// Allow all players to hear one another, regardless of team
sv_alltalk 1
sv_spectalk 1
// Custom Content Server for fast downloads, Feel free to make your own
sv_downloadurl "http://www.thothie.com/hlserv"
// Disable clients' ability to pause the server
pausable 0
// Player bounding boxes (collisions, not clipping, superfluous)
sv_clienttrace 3.5
// Maximum client movement speed (superfluous)
sv_maxspeed 600
//Newer MSC specific options:
//Server Restart/Reset System
ms_reset_if_empty 0 //reset the server 60 seconds after last person leaves if set to 1
ms_timelimit 20 //change the map to Edana if server is empty this many minutes
//Admin system
ms_admin_contact "[unknown]" //put your e-mail here for clients to reach you
ms_ban_to_cfg 1 //write permanent bans to the server/lisetnserver.cfg in addition to ms_bans.cfg
ms_chatlog 1 //log chat to files
//Vote system
msvote_ban_enable 1 //enable ban vote
msvote_ban_time 60 //length of ban from ban vote
msvote_farm_all_day 0 //allow voting for the map the players are on
msvote_kick_enable 1 //allow kick votes
msvote_map_enable 1 //allow map votes
msvote_map_type "all" //"all" or "root" (root for home towns only)
msvote_pvp_enable 1 //allow voting for PvP (resets after map change or subsequent vote)
- Fuznet
If you use Fuznet, please place [FN] in your hostname. Instructions for setting up Fuznet are included in your FN port thread and FN Welcome Conversation. If you wish to add FN capability to a server you can host 24/7, contact @Thothie.
Step 5 - Firewalls and Routers
Firewalls: The following ports need to be open on your software Firewall in order to host the HLDS
(you don't really need to have all these ports open, but this is extreme redundancy):
TCP:
27015 - 27017 (HL Server/Client Ports)
47624 (DirectX Net port)
1300-1400
2300-2400
2790
6003
6500
7001-7002
UDP:
27005
27010-27015
27025
I do not have info for individual software firewalls, consult your documentation or disable them.
Routers: Routers invariably require a rudimentary hardware firewall to function (for some reason no one's bothered developing switching technology to avoid this, over the past decade or so we've been dealing with this crap. Please write your senator). As such, you will need to go through the oft painful process of opening the proper ports on your Router.
To do this, find your Router on THIS LIST, click on it, then click on "Half Life Steam" link found on the resulting page. For some of you, this may mean tweaking windows networking settings, and rebooting, sometimes repeatedly - however, all the info you need should be there.
If your Router or Gateway is not in that list, you will have to contact the manufacturer.
Got a Linksys router? Sucks to be you, but take a look at this Steam article, it may help.
Options: Adding Admins
Create a file in the MSC folder called "admins.txt" with notepad, and add the full STEAM ID's of your admins.
You can add comments to the admins.txt file by prefixing a line with "//"
You can give individual admins the ability to change vars by adding "cvar" after their Steam id. Cvars can be altered in game by players with admin auth by typing admin_cvar <variable> <value>
You can add full rcon support by adding "rcon" after the Steam id. Rcon commands can be sent in game via the admin_rcon "<command>" all rcon commands must be in "quotes". The primary advantage to this over handing out the rcon is that it prevents rcon sniffing programs.
All designated admins have access to: admin_kick, admin_ban, admin_unban, admin_listbans, admin_map, admin_votemap, admin_say, and admin_vote by default.
Admins can type admin_help in console to see the syntax of all available commands.
Example admins.txt:
Code:
//Jesse
STEAM_0:0:4528764
//James
STEAM_0:1:71483 cvar
//Meowth
STEAM_0:1:633221 rcon
Note that you will need to restart the server for any changes to the admins.txt to take effect.
Options: Running HLDS as a Service (Invisible HLDS)
This advantage to running HLDS as a Service is that effectively renders the application invisible and it causes it to use slightly fewer system resources.
The disadvantage is that you can only access the console remotely.
For instructions on setting up HLDS as a service, see the advanced article at:
https://www.msremake.com/threads/how-to-make-an-hlds-dedicated-server-for-ms-c.805/page-4#post-12980
Good luck! If I have more time, I may write some info about optimization and such - but this should get you a functioning server. If you have a high end AMD - it may even function well. In anycase, it will almost certainly run better than mine. ><
If you have problems or further questions, feel free to post them here.
__________________________
Edits:
- 03/31/2006 Various Cleanups
- 04/01/2006 Added link to Wiki cvar list
- 04/01/2006 Expanded prefab server.cfg
- 04/29/2006 Added PvP AMX note to prefab server.cfg
- 05/14/2006 Removed preface
- 05/15/2006 Updated hldsupdatetool link due to valve stupidity
- 09/19/2006 Added uptate your maps section
- 12/05/2006 Mentioned Calruin2/Keledrosprelude2 updates
- 02/08/2007 Updated map update info
- 05/10/2007 Linksys router info
- 11/21/2007 FN restricted notice
- 03/24/2008 Added newer MS vars
- 05/21/2008 Removed AMX info. Added MSC admin_ info, crashed.cfg, and Vista notes
- 12/02/2008 Added steam_appid.txt fix (silly Steam)
- 01/20/2010 HLDS as a service
- 02/08/2010 Vista Error Reporting
- 01/01/2013 Relinked Update Tool to RKS
- 01/20/2013 Changed -num_edicts and made critical
- 03/29/2013 Updated for new SteamCMD nightmare
- 04/03/2013 Restored HLDSUpdateTool info, due to SteamCMD variant rejecting rolled back clients
- 05/28/2014 SteamCMD alternate link, HLDSUpdateTool non-support warning
- 02/22/2015 Another SteamCMD alternate link
- 02/22/2015 Link for VBS5 libraries, for those brave enough to use Thothie's restarter
- 12/17/2016 Added reminder to be sure hlds.exe is run in administrator mode
- 12/19/2017 Added instructions for using symbolic links
- 12/19/2017 Nixed HLDSUpdateTool.exe (dead)
- 12/19/2017 Added updater batch file
- 12/19/2017 Nixed wiki reference (dead)
- 12/19/2017 Changed FN contact info
- 12/19/2017 Added pregenerated framework link
- 12/19/2017 Fixed Running as a Service link
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