New black screen fix (Multiplayer only)

[.BadBoy]

Full credit to PHP for figuring this out.

Firstly, the CoD2MP_s.exe that Steam downloads is compressed and so this fix won't work with the .exe Steam downloads. You need to replace Steam's CoD2MP_s.exe with the retail version. You will not lose any features by doing this.

You can download retail .exe's from here;
https://1drv.ms/u/s!Am8jhe9O85YIhOJpCtuKg_e06mB6xg?e=AqoZe2

I have also packaged the blackscreen fix in the download above.

Steam downloads the 1.3 patch when installing CoD2 so if using Steam and you're unsure which version of CoD2 you have then it is likely the 1.3 version unless you manually downgraded.

If you don't want to use above .exe's and have the retail version;

Download a HEX editor (I used HxD)
Open CoD2MP_s.exe in the Hex editor
If using 1.0 version, search for this hex pattern;
ff 15 e8 92 55 00 85 c0 74 0b
if using 1.3 version, search for this hex pattern;
ff 15 40 33 59 00 85 c0 74 0b

Replace 74 0b with 90 90 and save.

Black screen issue should be fixed and CoD2 will take 1-5 seconds to launch instead of minutes. You are still required to have a mic plugged in or it will crash.

This is better than the compatibility mode fix because that will make the in-game brightness static.

[BuschUltraLight]

Does this work for windows 11?

[.BadBoy]

Yes it will work with 7/8/10/11.

[Wilslee]

A work around for the microphone, is to disable your microphone input and than right click Cod2mp_s.exe and go to compatibility and make it for Windows XP SP2 and also select run as administator. As disabling microphone input is an administrative command.

And not sure what you mean about the ingame brightness static. I do not have this issue at all. If your referring to the brightness always going back to the same amount after game restart than its as simple as accessing your config_mp.cfg and adjusting your brightness accordingly.

NOTE: /SETA in console is Permanent. /Set is not.

[gocdavies]

i downloaded the file. i removed the org steam CoD2MP_s.exe file. copied the one i downloaded from patched 1.3 file and still does not work. what else do i need to do?

[gocdavies]

help please. how do i get this multiplayer to work

[bender.1]

Thank you so much @.BadBoy!
I can play COD2 again!! :D
It did'nt even start any more, after I changed some RAM bar settings...strange connection yep, still with 16GB RAM left did only start with black screen flickering for 3 seconds, then went back to desktop, no error message.
After exchanging the MP.exe it is like new, starts faster than ever!
That's why I gave you the treasure award! :)

[Mkaan820]

my game is 1.2 and there is no server select option