How do I connect to my shard? An exhaustive tutorial.

[Lichtblitz]

You want to start up a new shard? You want to connect to your shard for the first time? Then this tutorial is just the right thing for you. It will guide you through three simple steps: from editing the server configuration to editing the client configuration to finally getting rid of the client encryption.






1. I have downloaded the RunUO server. What now?
Configuring the server, windows and the router.

Note that Windows Vista and Windows 7 are very protective about the default "Program Files" folder. If you are not experienced with changing access rights you might want to move it into another location to avoid possible future problems. (e.g. "C:\RunUO\")
The following link will direct you to a tutorial for configuring the server:
Shard Connections & Configuring

After starting the server for the first time it will guide you through the process of creating your frist administrator account.







2. My server is now up and running. How do I connect to it?
Configuring the client.

Of course you have to have Ultima Online installed. Note that Kingdom Reborn is not supported by the RunUO server by default. There are other possible clients out there but they too require the Ultima Online data files and are not covered in this tutorial. Make sure that you have a clean Ultima Online installation. If you have played on other shards you might still have their custom map and statics files and you might want to clean those up.
Also note that Windows Vista and Windows 7 are very protective about the default "Program Files" folder. If you are not experienced with changing access rights you might want to install it into another location to avoid possible future problems. (e.g. "C:\UltimaOnline\")

You can get Ultima Online legally and for free from the official site: Ultima Online - Mondain's Legacy
Bear in mind that only a specific range of client versions run smoothly with RunUO. Especially clients with a lower version than 6.0.0.0 or greater than 6.0.5.0 can cause problems with RunUO 2.0. RunUO 1.0 correctly supports clients prior to 6.0.0.0. (Further reading: Client versions, UO expansions and RunUO releases)

After you have installed it you have to configure the client for connecting to your local server:
How to Connect without using UoGateway







3. My server and client are configured but when I try to connect my server complains about me using an encrypted client. What now?
Taking care of client encryption.

There are two different approaches:

Alternative 1: Removing client encryption on the fly.
The best solution here is using Razor ( http://www.runuo.com/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=6 ). Simply install it and start it up. It will then start up UO and remove the client encryption directly from the data stream. No more worrying.

Alternative 2: Patching client encryption.
If you don't want to use Razor or for various other reasons you can patch the client to remove the client encryption for good. There are several tools out there like UORice (link to an updated version: PenUltima Online - View topic - UO_Rice ) or the Ultima Online Client Hacker ( PenUltima Online - View topic - UOCH ( Ultima Online Client Hacker ) ). You typically start them and they will create a patched client for you that has no more client encryption. This file will usually be saved under a different name in the Ultima Unline root folder so that you can update your Ultima Online client at a later time which requires the original files to be in place. Simply start the new file.


Voilà, you're done. Have fun on your shard.

PS: Links might be out of date some day. Just keep looking for the names and you will eventually find the new pages.