City Of Heroes: Halloween on Test...again!

How to get on the test server (and char copy tool)

What is a test server?

It's your chance to preview upcoming changes and updates and provide feedback to the developers.

The test server is set up specifically for the testing of updates *before* they are incorporated into the game itself. Players can login, preview/test the planned new features, fixes, changes, tweaks and offer up bug reports or suggestions.

How does a test server differ from a "live" server?

Due to the nature and purpose of a test server, the operative word to keep in mind is "temporary."

· Content and characters could be wiped at anytime as game specific updates and changes are published, tested and removed.

· Players can expect lower levels of support, since the bulk of this service is centered around our live servers.

· Normal bug reporting and petitions will be handled a bit differently, as all issues need to be given more time for in-depth study, review and reproduction.

Here's how to install the test server client:

1. Go the folder containing your City of Heroes folder (by default, this will be C:Program Files).

2. Create a new folder called 'CoHTest' (C:Program FilesCoHTest for a default install).

3. Copy the contents of your existing City of Heroes folder into the CoHTest folder.

4. Make a shortcut to the CohUpdater.exe file in the CoHTest folder and place it on your desktop.

5. Right-click the shortcut, and select 'Properties'. In the 'Target' text window, add [space]-test to the end of the line. The resulting 'Target' should look like this (assuming you installed City of Heroes in the default directory):

"C:Program FilesCoHTestCohUpdater.exe" -test

(Note: the quote marks are normal.)

6. Run the shortcut. You will be asked if you want to install the test client to the default directory. If the folder shown is correct (C:Program FilesCoHTest by default), click 'Yes'. If you have installed to a different folder, click 'No' and select the appropriate location - be aware that you need to select the folder containing the CoHTest folder, not the CoHTest folder itself (so, for example, if you installed City of Heroes to C:GamesCity of Heroes and have created C:GamesCoHTest, select C:Games and click 'Okay'). Check that the folder shown in the pop-up window is correct, then click 'Yes'.

7. The updater will check the game files and download any new ones necessary for the Test Server. From now on, you can play on the Test Server by running the shortcut - you might want to rename it to something like 'CoH Test Server' so you don't get it confused with the shortcut you use to start the live version of the game.

Please note: The test client does not include an uninstall program. To remove it, you will have to delete it manually.

Additional Information:

· If you uninstall the normal game client, it will remove the "CohUpdater.exe" file. If you plan to remove the normal game client but continue to use the test client, be sure to make a copy of this file first.

Link to the Character Copy Tool to transfer your character to the test server.

https://secure.cityofheroes.com/cgi-bin/coh_transfer.pl

Use your City of Heroes login name and password to login.

After you login, you will be able to select the server and character you wish to copy to the test server. It will take several moments, but the character will copy. At this point you will be able to play the test server.

NOTE - Those who have just restarted their accounts may experience a delay or wait of up to 24 hours to be able to copy a character to the test server.

After you copy your character to the test server, you should be able to play the test client. Before you can play however, you will have to run the new shortcut you created to the cohupdater. You can copy the shortcut you created to the desktop by dragging and dropping it from the City of Heroes folder to the desktop. You will have to run this shortcut each time you wish to use the test server. Enjoy playing!