there is a fix... create yourself an eq desktop icon edit said icon where it says LAUNCHPAD.exe replace with EQGAME.exe after the " at end after eqgame.exe hit space then add patchme bypasses launchpad
I used the above workaround to get in. A side note, the launcher came up, and I pressed play, and it came up with an error after attempting to launch eq. It was basically a "unknown error occurred' message .. sorry I don't have the exact message.
That workaround usually works for me, but all weekend, I get right before the character select screen and it gives me a big black screen that says YOU HAVE BEEN DISCONNECTED ...
I found that Launchpad wants to delete the Log directory. If your security is too tight, Launchpad doesn't have permissions to do this. Work arou8nd is to do the following: *note this is a security bypass and possible h0le in your security. use at your won risk* Create a short cut to Launchpad/Everquest if it does not already exist. (Drag and drop) Right click on the Icon Click on Properties Check the box Run as Administrator Save your changes Double click in Icon Click on the Play button Note that you MUST do this after a major Patch, or the EQGame.exe workaround will start to fail since the client will not match the working version. the only way to update your client is via the Launchpad.
