How to Install a Client and Connect to a MekWars Server

MekWars comes in a zip file. You should use an appropriate unzipping utility to extract the files.

[Hint] Make sure that you keep the directory structure in the zip file. If you are using WinZip, you should make sure that the "Use Folder Names" checkbox is checked.

[Note] The different Servers use their own clients and should be unzipped on separate folders. You can´t correctly connect to MMNet using the Shack´s client, for example.

Running MekWars

Java programs run in their own environment, called the Java Runtime Environment. Most modern systems have one installed by default.

If you have the Sun JRE installed, double-click MekWarsClient.jar to start. Here is what the icon might look like. Note that if you have the "Hide extensions for known file types" option enabled in windows, it will not have the .jar extension shown.

You may also use the startclient.bat icon, common to many clients. If you can't make either of these options work for you, see the Installing or Updating Java section.

Many graphical OSes, such as Mac OS X, allow you to double-click the .jar file to launch MekWars. If this doesn't work, try running it from the command line.

To do this using Sun Java, or most other implementaions, navigate to the directory containing the .jar file and run:

 java -jar MekWarsClient.jar

If none of the above options work for you, see the the Installing or Updating Java section.

You should discover a splash screen with a connection window describing username, password, IP address, chat and data ports. You'll only need to fill the username field, leaving default values for others fields.

It is common that an box opens asking if you want to update. Just answer yes and wait until the login screen opens itself again. You should now be able to enroll in the campaign.