Returning to the game: q about servers and mods

[FS~Daedalus]

Hi Sir Arthur, welcome!

It depends on the game-version of the server(s) you wish to join, but most of the online-servers already use the latest game-version. A few are still running 4.10.1m but sooner or later they will update to 4.11.1m too.
So you need to patch your game all the way up to the latest version (4.11.1m) in the correct order.

Links:
- 4.08m can be found on your IL2 1946 game-dvd
- 4.09m also download and install the skins409m.exe
- 4.10m
- 4.10.1m
- 4.11m
- 4.11.1m

Make sure not to download and install the dedicated server version of these patches!
Always check the install-directory when installing a patch so that the patches install into your IL-2 game-folder. Start the game after each patch and check the game version (lower left corner of the loading-screen) to see if the patch installed correctly.
If you have enough free space on your harddrive I recommend to make a backup-copy of the game-folder after patching so that you don't have to reinstall the game and all the patches again when you need a fresh and clean installation of IL-2 1946 v4.11.1m (to install mods/modpacks for example). You can have as many copies of this folder as you like.

[Bolelas]

Very nice post and info, mr FS. at the begining i didnt knew what was dedicated server for , and once i install them. just one thing: when i buyed my 1946( fisical disc, not online purchase), it came with 4.07m. but it will be easy for Sir Arthur to find 4.08m, i think in this forum, or Daidalos team room.

By the way... how does dedicated server works, and what kind of hardware software you need? What options on the game settings they have that normal player doesnt? Just curious. Thank you.

[JtD]

While the game installs as 4.07, you should still have the 4.08 patch on the same DVD.

[FS~Daedalus]

The dedicated server version is for setting up an IL2 server, those who want to play on that server then need the same game-version patched with the client-version of the patch. The server-version does not require special hardware, its just not the patch you want to install unless you run a game-server.

If Sir Arthur purchased IL-2 via steam all patches should be available there I suppose. All that is needed in addition is a hotfix for the steam-variant, fixing some issue with briefing-screen if I am right...
If he purchased the DVD the patch is in a folder on that DVD. It does not install automatically, it needs to be installed manually after the game has been installed.