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[PC] General Network Troubleshooting

BY 2K Mike

PUBLISHED:

UPDATED:

If you are experiencing disconnections, performance issues (lag), or other error messages when connecting or playing online modes in a 2K title, please refer to the connection troubleshooting below:

 

NOTE: If you are experiencing an "EFEAB30C" or "4B538E50" error code which prevents you from accessing any or all NBA 2K online features, please refer to this article: https://support.2k.com/hc/articles/10851976320531 

 

Troubleshooting connection issues on Windows:

  1. Make sure that your games are excluded in Windows' Firewall or any other Firewall application you may have, as well as your antivirus scanner(s). If you're not sure, you can also try temporarily disabling both Firewall and Antivirus scanner as a test. Don't forget to re-enable them afterwards to keep your computer safe!
  2. Make sure that you are not currently using any VPN (Virtual Private Network) software, as this will affect your connection.
  3. Change your DNS (Domain Name System) to use Google's Public DNS.
  • To do so:
    • On your keyboard, press the Windows key + R.
    • Type "ncpa.cpl" and press enter to open the Network Connections.
    • Right click your active connection, then Properties.
    • Find the line called "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" or "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)"
    • Click once to select it, then click on the Properties button.
    • Select "Use the following DNS Server addresses"
    • For Preferred DNS Server, type: 8.8.8.8 (IPv4) or 2001:4860:4860::8888 (IPv6) 
    • For Alternate DNS Server, type: 8.8.4.4 (IPv4) or 2001:4860:4860::8844 (IPv6)
    • Apply the settings.

NOTE: To revert these changes, simply select "Obtain DNS server address automatically". This will make use of the DNS server automatically chosen by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

1. Flush your DNS Cache.

  • Here's how:
    • On your keyboard, press the Windows key + R.
    • Type "cmd" and press enter to open the Command Prompt.
    • Type without quotation marks "ipconfig /flushdns"

2. Update your Network Drivers.

  • To do so:
    • On your keyboard, press the Windows key + R.
    • Type "devmgmt.msc" and press enter to open the Device Manager.
    • Under "Network adapters," right click the adapter that you are using and select "Update Driver."

3. (Windows 10 users only). Windows 10 allows users to download (and upload) updates from other Windows 10 users either locally on your network or over the internet using Peer-to-Peer connections. This can potentially cause some network connection issues.

  • Here's how to disable this:
    • Click on the Windows' Start button, then the Settings button (cogwheel icon).
    • Select the "Updates & Security" tile.
    • Under "Windows Update," click on "Advanced options."
    • Click on "Choose how updates are delivered."
    • Set the option to "Off."

 

Troubleshooting connection issues with your Router:

  • Verify that other devices on your network can connect to the internet.
  • Disconnect your router and modem for 60 seconds from the power outlet, then reconnect them to the outlet.

NOTE: It may take a few minutes for your internet connection to be restored while the modem fetches all of its information from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

  • Your connection strength can depend on how busy your network is. If you are on a college campus or on a home network that makes heavy usage of streaming services (Netflix, Twitch, etc.), downloading large files over the internet or playing other online video games, then you are more at risk of experiencing disconnection issues. If that's the case, try playing online when fewer people or family members are using the internet.
  • Certain features on your router can also impact performances. Here are a few that you can try disabling (or enabling):

NOTE: If modifying these settings makes no difference on your game performance, then it is recommended to return them to their default settings.

    • Dynamic Packet Filtering / Stateful Inspection
    • Quality of Service (QoS)
    • UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
    • Some routers have specialized settings for gaming. You can look at your router's manual for more information.
    • You can also try connecting your computer directly to the modem instead of the router. Here's how:

WARNING: Other devices on your network will not be able to connect to the internet during this test.

NOTE: The steps below must be followed in order to ensure proper connectivity.

  1. Disconnect your router and modem from the power outlet.
  2. Disconnect your router from the modem.
  3. Wait 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Connect your modem to the power outlet.
  5. Connect your computer to your modem directly via an Ethernet cable.
  6. Play your 2K title and see if you'll experience any connection issues.

To undo this setup:

  1. Disconnect the modem from the power outlet.
  2. Disconnect your computer from the modem.
  3. Wait 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Connect your router and modem to the power outlet and connect the router to the modem.
  5. Don't forget to re-connect your computer to your router.
  6. Test the devices on your network to make sure that they can access the internet.

If you have followed our entire article and continue to experience some disconnections, lag or error messages in your 2K title, then send us a support ticket by clicking "Submit a request" in the top right corner of this page or by clicking here and include the following information:

  • Your Region (State/Region/Province, Country)
  • The name of your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  • A screenshot of the error message that you receive. Make sure that the message is readable in the screenshot.
  • A screenshot of your SpeedTest's results: https://beta.speedtest.net/ 
  • Finally, a screenshot of WhatsMyIP's results: https://www.whatsmyip.org/ 

With all this information, one of our agents will investigate and see what we can do to assist you!