I know this may sound a little dumb, but it will save a lot of time.
Everyone should use the SEARCH feature. Chances are, your question has been asked before and it has been answered.
Use the built in search: UnrealAdmin.org Search
Google's Search Engine:
Google
Be creative with the keywords you are searching, if nothing comes up. Try to drop some keywords. If too many responses come up, try do drop some of the more common words.
Read the manual/readme:
Guys it's created for a reason. All to often do I get asked questions that have clearly already been answered in the manual or readme. Things such as what a certain setting does, how to install, where to install, how to add, etc... Most ALL of these types of questions are included in the manual. Read it. Read all of it. Most are not that long.
How to ask for help:
If you still can't find your problem be searching or reading the manual, then it's possible you could have a unique problem. Since it may be unique, you need to tell us what makes your install/setup unique as well.
Provide as much information about your setup as possible. There is no such thing as too much information. The more information you provide, the less chance we'll have to ask
you questions. Thus the faster you'll get the help you are seeking.
Things to include:- Post your server.log/ucc.log or other log file from the time you are having the problem. If the log file is large, zip it up and upload it to a web server.
- Let us know your platform. (Windows, Linux)
- Hardware information. (List important details about the server you are hosting the game server on. CPU speed, total system RAM, if you don't know. Don't worry.)
- Configuration settings. (Post your ini files. Be sure you remove any sensitive passwords. Remember, if you are having a problem with UTDC, then post the UnrealTournament.ini and the ActionMan.ini files so we can see your settings)
Let us know what you are doing when the error occurs. If you've installed something recently, that could potentially be the problem. Be it a hardware upgrade, software update, new mutator/mod installed. Anything can potentially conflict with a problem you've suddenly started having. Very seldom is it just a coincidence.
Check your post/thread frequently. There may be more information needed. if you find the solution to the problem, then please put it in a reply. Share with us your solutions. Others may have similar problems and will be able to learn from you later.
Remember if you make a post asking for help, then we are going to assume you've tried most of the solutions already. We need to know why your problem is specific, that you feel you need to ask questions. So providing as much information as you can, can and will help us, help you.
How to help:
I really feel this needs to be touched upon as well. Simply because all too often I see people who try to help, but end up making the person with problems ask more unknown questions and/or get confused.
If someone is here asking questions, chances are they do not know much. So giving them a generic answer/tip may not be the solution. This works both ways. We ask them to give us a much information, so lets give them just as much information regarding there problem as well.