Test Server Quick Start Guide

How to set up your computer so you can get on the Test Server

Step 1. Copy CoH directory

First, you can't use your current CoH directory to run the test server, so you need to copy all it's contents into a new directory.

It's easy to do in windows, just right click on the directory where you installed City of Heroes and choose copy, then choose paste. Rename this new directory so it doesn't get confused with your main install. 

Step 2 Create a new desktop shortcut

OK, to run on the test server it is necessary to create a new desktop shortcut to the new directory you just created. Change the Target to the path to your new test directory and add ' -test' to the end after the last ".  [DON'T FORGET to include a space before '-test']. Also, change the "Start in" path to that same new test directory.

Step 3 Delete the Coh.checksum file

Here is what the file list looks like in the CoH directories.

Delete the file named 'Coh.checksum'.  This file is used to verify that all the files in the directory are current. We want to force the CoH updater to get the most current information so that the updater will download only the files necessary instead of the full 1.1Gb for the game. 

Step 4 Run the Test Server Connection

Click on the new desktop shortcut. It should bring up the following window. 

It should start running the checksumming to verify files, then it will download the file manifest. At this point if any patches need to be downloaded they will begin. Patch files normally are in the range of  1-50Mb.  If the program wants to download the full install, go back and delete the Coh.checksum file again and rerun the shortcut.

Step 5 Log In to the Test Server

You login to the test server using your normal Account Name and Password

Once you log in you will get the following window, click on 'Training Room' and welcome to the Test Server!  You can create new characters on the Test Server or you can copy any of your existing heroes over using CoH's Copy Tool . Copying existing toons to try new powers before respecing or leveling is a good way to decide if a new power is right for you!