Guide: How to Update Aion for Open Beta

[Aion Bunny]

How to update Aion for Open Beta
Written for the NA/EU release

Last Updated: 16 September 2009

Introduction:

I have made a first attempt at compiling a "how to" guide to explain what previous closed beta testers should be doing when they upgrade from the closed beta Aion client (version 1.0.2.14) to the open beta Aion client (version 1.5.0.5). I initially started writing this to help my friends who were getting confused, however I wondered if it might be helpful to others to have.

The aim of this guide is to explain how the "recommended update method" works, as provided by NCSoft via BitTorrent and Fileplanet. It should be understood that it is not recommended to use the NCSoft Launcher itself to obtain the full patch as doing so appears to be unreliable. I have probably missed things, so please help me check this for accuracy and correct it where need be, particularly as we get more information. Thank you in advance


How to update Aion for Open Beta:
If you have previously taken part in the Closed Beta events and you wish to take part in the next Open Beta event between 6-13 September, or the live game launch, then you will need to update your Aion game client. The following instructions have been provided to assist you with the update process.

0. Before You Start

• Make sure you do not have the NCSoft Launcher running.
• If you have previously tried to update your game client to version 1.5.0 via the NCSoft Launcher and have given up on it, or encountered issues, then you will need to locate and delete the file called "C:\Program Files\NCSoft\Aion\Aion_Main_1.0.2.14To1.5.0.1.ncpa tch" before you begin the steps in this guide. You will end up with another copy of this file when you are finished step 3 of this guide, however if you have one of these files to start with it may cause the patcher to fail so it is recommended to check for the file before you start.
• Make sure you have version 1.0.2.14 installed on your machine. You can check your local version in the NCSoft Launcher by selecting "Properties" from the drop down menu next to your Aion installation.

1. Download the Patcher File
There are two ways to download the patcher file, both provided directly by NCSoft:

BitTorrent Method (recommended):

• Download and install a copy of Vuze, or use your favourite BitTorrent client.
• Download a copy of the BitTorrent patch provided by NCSoft (takes a few seconds)
• Drag & Drop the torrent file into your "Downloading" window in Vuze and let it download.
• You will know the torrent has finished downloading when the file called "Aion_CBT_OBT_installer.zip" moves automatically into your "Unwatched" folder.

Note: The torrent download may take a few hours to complete, depending on the number of seeds available.

FilePlanet Method:

• Download a copy of the Fileplanet patch provided by NCSoft.

Note: You will need to be registered and logged into Fileplanet to download the file.

2. Extract and run the Patcher

• Locate the downloaded file called "Aion_CBT_OBT_installer.zip" on your computer.
• Extract the zip file (it doesn't matter where to) and open the folder called "Aion_CBT_OBT_installer"
• Double click on the file called "setup.exe"

Note: If you used Vuze to download the patcher file, the zip file is usually found in the location "C:\Documents and Settings\User\My Documents\Azureus Downloads\Aion_CBT_OBT_installer.zip". If you have trouble locating the file, simply right click on the file name in your Vuze window and select "Show in Explorer"

3. Follow the instructions in the Patcher

Note: Make sure you do not have the NCSoft Launcher already open before you start this section.

After you double click on "setup.exe" the a window will appear welcoming you to the Aion OBT Patcher. Click "Next"


A window will appear asking you to agree to the Terms of the License Agreements. Select "I accept the terms of the license agreements" and click "Next".


At this point an error may appear saying that Aion isn't installed on your computer. Just click "OK"


You may then be required to browse to the location of your Aion (or AionEU) folder. This is normally found in the location "C:\Program Files\NCSoft\Aion"


A confirmation screen will appear saying you are ready to install the OBT Patcher. Click "Install".

During the installation a small window will appear on the bottom right. Installation may take 5-10 minutes depending on the speed of your system.


A screen will appear saying setup is almost complete. Make sure you tick "Start the NCSoft Launcher" then click "Finish".


If you are applying the patch before 31 August, please follow steps 4-7.

If you are applying the patch on/after 31 August, please skip to steps 6-7.

4. Starting the NCSoft Launcher.
This step only applies if you are applying the patch before 31 August. If not, please skip to step 6.

• If you selected "Start the NCSoft Launcher" during the last step of the Patcher installation, the launcher should automtatically start itself and begin to update.
• Do not touch anything after the NCSoft Launcher loads. Just wait and it will do what it needs to do.
• After a few minutes you will reveive a message saying "You're Prepatched!". Click "Ok", close the launcher then head to step 5.
  

5. Do not try to load the game until 31 August.
This step only applies if you are applying the patch before 31 August. If not, please skip to step 6.

• The patcher specifically says that the 1.5.0 patch will be applied on 31 August to your local game client. It is therefore recommended that you do not try to initialise or load Aion until 31 August 2009.
• If you try to load the game before 31 August you will likely receive errors and may end up deleting your patch file by accident. This is believed to be because the server version is 1.5.0 whereas the launcher will detect that you still have 1.0.2 and try to update your game (over and over) which may lead to your installation becoming corrupt. Please do not do this as puts strain on the NCSoft server and can cause other more serious errors with your installation.

6. Once your computer calendar reaches 31 August.

From within the NCSoft Launcher select "Check for Updates" from the drop down menu against your Aion installation.


After a few minutes you should receive a message in the botttom right corner of your screen telling you that a patch is ready to apply. You can either click on the message to start applying the patch or click on the "Update" button on the launcher.


The launcher will first examine the patch file. Even though the window says it is "Downloading 3038.7MB" don't be fooled, it is not downloading anything. If you read the small text on the line below you will see it is just examining your patch file.


The launcher progress window will then change to say "Updating Aion". This will take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on the speed of your system.


When the update is finished another window will appear on the bottom right telling you that the update has been applied.

Note: If you receive an error after you click "check for updates" then your Aion installation will turn "red". If this happens don't worry, it just means the NCSoft patch server wasn't ready for you. Try again in a few minutes.

7. Check that you are ready for Open Beta.

• When the patch has finished applying, and also updated for the most recent smaller patch via the launcher, you should then be able to check the "properties" of your Aion installation from within the NCSoft Launcher. The version of your local game client should match the server (version 1.5.0.5).
• You should then launch the game and make sure you can get yourself through to the "login" screen without any issues. If you reach this point then you are good to go for the Open Beta and the Live Game.

Note: There is a known issue with loading Gameguard for the 1.5 Open Beta client which causes Internet Explorer to open a webpage telling you about Gameguard error 124, 153. This isn't a serious issue and there is no need to be concerned by it, as it will not prevent you from playing Aion.

~~ Still need help? ~~
If you are a previous closed beta tester and you need more help updating your game client,
please try raising a support ticket with NCSoft Technical Support,
and try searching these forums for an answer to your question,
and/or ask for help in the Questions and Answers forum (rules & regulations apply).

[Thetan]

Great guide, should be very useful. A few other issues people may come across:

GameGuard error 320: Game guard server side issues, usually maintenance. Don't worry about it, just retry later. Although you really shouldn't be seeing this unless you're trying to login, which isn't recommended until the 31st.

GameGuard error 340: GameGuard isn't connecting properly, try disabling your firewalls and/or antivirus. If you have Kapersky, you probably need to uninstall it all-together. I know, it's ridiculous, but this is what I've seen happen.

If you're curious whether your patch has been properly recognized by the launcher, simply Right-Click Aion in the launcher, select properties, and hopefully you see a screen similiar to the one attached. You may also check in your NCSoft/Aion folder... you'll see a Version config setting, open it and it should read 1.0.2.14 still. However, there will also be an Aion_Main_1.0.2.14to1.5.0.1.ncpatch file, about 3.1gigs in size.

[CiCi]

nice guide... 8)

thetan...i have everything you have and also i have the same screenie you have...but one is different...

i have no Aion_Main_1.0.2.14to1.5.0.1.ncpatch file ><

i have a Aion_Main_1.0.2.14_repair.ncpatch type: NCPATCH FILE 27.5kb is size

what have i done wrong...im scared ><

[jordenfruitbat]

CiCi i have that to which is worrying me :/

[CiCi]

jorden hehhee im scared...lets hug ><

seriously..have we done something wrong?? /crys

ps i have a kidney infection atm and i really dont need this poo....its not helping :P

[jordenfruitbat]

aww , i just hope it will fix itself when the rest of the patch comes out on erm the 31st :/

[CiCi]

Originally Posted by jordenfruitbat

aww , i just hope it will fix itself when the rest of the patch comes out on erm the 31st :/

aye i was just thinking myself of waiting till 31st and hope for the best..but why is ours different...><

why cant it be simples..you think the easiest way would be using launcher..but oh no lol...doesnt help im not a tech or pc head..and any problems i just crumble and feel like crying

[Thetan]

Have both of you downloaded the patch through FP or torrent, or used the launcher? And did anything unusual happen in the launcher (sudden finish, any messages, etc)?

[jordenfruitbat]

we used the launcher i just left it there and i dont know if anything unusual happend cus i walked away and came back later :'(

[CiCi]

i also used launcher...and the silly bugger i am i decided to stop it and go watch tv...then decided to try again..all i get is im *ready to play*
BUT then i decided to try and open game..and now i get gameguard error 320

edit...i read somewhere that trying to repair will help...so i did..and i got *url error* yesterday..><

[jordenfruitbat]

i had the game guard error 320 but its gone away now S:, i tried to repair to and got that stupid url error i hope we dont have to redownload all of this -_-

[Aion Bunny]

If you guys didn't follow the method described in this guide then....well I guess this kinda isn't the place to be posting. By trying to download the entire patch via the NCsoft Launcher you've basically made a perfect example of how not to update your game client from CB to OB lol.

I think you're best to wait until the 31st and see what happens, but I would recommend starting another thread for your specific problems as they don't relate to this guide.

[CiCi]

aion bunny.... im sorry for messing up your post.,..but i didnt realise i wasnt allowed to post my problem in here..thought this place was here to help ..even with guides ><

at the time i wasnt aware there was issues with the nc launcher and i thought it would be the easier option since i hate fileplanet and i have no idea how to use torrents..now i do...i will solves the problem out myself

and i started having these problems early on yesterday and you guide wasnt even there then .. /cry

[jordenfruitbat]

im trying the torrent method now and its just as slow as the launcher :/

[nacixems]

thanks for the post. worked just like you said. now to wait until the 31st