UPDATED 05 MAY 2020

Due to numerous new threads littering GBH concerning Expanding Fronts issues, I'm making this thread dedicated to troubleshooting the various problems users have been experiencing with the Beta. Any issues you come across should be posted here.

NOTE: This thread is for problems pertaining to the mod's performance. Suggestions concerning balance, new units/features, or any other questions/comments should be posted in the main EF thread

Frequently Asked Questions:

The installer does not work or gives me an error.
Download the manual installation archive instead. Installation is a very simple process, and instructions are included with the download.


Attempting to launch the game gives the following error: "The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000007b)."
Install Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 available at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=48145
(If the link doesn't work, try copy-pasting into your browser)


Attempting to launch the game gives the following error: "The program can't start because VCRYNTIME140.dll is missing from your computer."
Install Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 (x86 version) available at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=48145
(If the link doesn't work, try copy-pasting into your browser)


I do not see some of the new features of the mod (Larger maps, etc).
Some additional features of the mod must be enabled via the Configuration tool.


How can I lock my cursor in window mode?
Set "UseCursorClip=1" in wndmode.ini within the Game directory.


How do I change my resolution?
The Configurator tool will allow you to select your preferred resolution. Ensure that the in-game resolution option is set to its highest available setting for resolutions greater than 1280x1024.


My game only displays in the corner of the screen, and the rest of the screen appears pink.
Ensure that the in-game resolution option is set to its highest available setting.


My game is randomly crashing.
Disable DSound Hook in the Configurator if you are experiencing crashes.


How do I access the configuration tool?
The option to open the configuration tool should appear each time you run battlegrounds_x2.exe. If it does not, either hold SHIFT while launching the game or open configurator.exe, located in SWGB's Game folder.


I do not see any changes when I run the game.
Ensure that all files are installed to their proper location and that you are running the 'Battlegrounds_X2.exe' file to launch the mod.


My colors are glitched; there are red/green pixels all over the screen.
To fix this issue, download the DirectDraw fix from aok.heavengames.com, and apply it to your Battlegrounds_x2.exe file.


The user interface is missing and appears only magenta (purple/pink colored).
Install Expanding Fronts on a clean installation of the game. Installing Expanding Fronts with the "All in One patch," or other widescreen-enabling mods may cause this error.

Online matches frequently go out of sync.
Ensure that all players are using the same version of the mod and that all files are properly installed.


I want to play through GameRanger, but I cannot select Battlegrounds_x2 as my game.
To play through GameRanger, move or rename your normal Battlegrounds_x1.exe file. Once moved, rename your Battlegrounds_x2.exe to x1. GameRanger should now detect this as your game. Be sure to return the files to their proper names/places when finished playing.


The screen is too big with widescreen patch enabled, the lower part of the screen is cut off.
If you have your Windows DPI scaling set to above 100%, this will occur. Disable high DPI scaling within the battlegrounds_x2.exe properties window. (Compatibility -> "Disable scaling on high DPI screens". In Windows 10: Compatibility -> Change High DPI Settings -> "Override high DPI scaling behavior" performed by "Application").


I am experiencing problems with pathfinding, or object placement issues on large maps.
Large map support is still experimental, and using sizes larger than 255x255 may have unpredictable results


I can’t find buttons in the interface such as formations, stances, or flares.
Click the + button next to the mini-map to enable advanced UI commands.


I'm experiencing other issues (such as missing graphics).
The mod may not be installed correctly. Try installing the base game and Expanding Fronts to a location outside of Program Files, in a directory where a standard, non-elevated Windows user is allowed to write to.

This list will be updated as more issues arise.

[This message has been edited by Gen_Rhys_Dallows (edited 05-12-2020 @ 07:37 AM).]