Starting VBS4

After installing VBS4 with appropriate licensing, you are ready to run it.

VBS4 provides the following primary methods to start the application:

  • Use VBS Launcher, a utility specifically designed to enable you to launch VBS4 using Presets or custom startup parameters, and also to launch VBS4 on other computers on your network.

    For more information, see VBS Launcher in the VBS4 Administrator Manual.

  • Start VBS4 with a Command Line.

    For more information, see Starting with a Command Line.

  • Use Desktop Shortcuts available as an option to add during installation.

    You can also create Custom Desktop Shortcuts.

All these methods can use custom startup parameters. For more information, see Command Line and Launcher Options in the VBS4 Administrator Manual.

WARNING

VBS4 is a Client-Server application and all VBS4 instances must specify their VBS4 Configuration.

In VBS Launcher, in the VBS4 > Basic tab, select the VBS4 Configuration to use:

  • VBS4 Online

    Starts VBS4 Clients connected to a VBS World Server hosting the Whole-Earth Terrain and a Dedicated Server.

    Click Refresh, and select or input the IP Address of the VBS World Server.

  • VBS4 Offline

    Starts VBS4 Clients without a connection to VBS World Server.

    To connect to a Dedicated Server, click Refresh, and select or input the IP Address of the Dedicated Server.

  • VBS4 Dedicated Server

    Starts VBS4 as a Dedicated Server to act as the simulation host when a connection to a VBS World Server is not required.

The primary decision when starting VBS4 is whether start as an Administrator or as a User. For more information, see Administrator and User Modes.

VBS4 creates Profiles for each user containing their settings and preferences. For more information, see Profiles.

WARNING

VBS4 does support multiple instances running on the same computer. However, it is not recommended due to its effect on performance.

Starting with a Command Line

You can start VBS4 using a Command Prompt console window.

Follow these steps:

  1. Open a Windows Command Prompt.

  2. Run the VBS4 executable, adding the startup parameters you require. For example:

    C:\>Program Files\Bohemia Interactive Simulations\VBS4\VBS4.exe -admin -window -forceSimul

For details of the available startup parameters, see Command Line and Launcher Options in the VBS4 Administrator Manual.

Administrator and User Modes

Start VBS4 in either Administrator or User mode (not to be confused with Windows administrator / user modes). Administrator mode enables full access to video, audio, and difficulty settings and has a more advanced setup interface.

To start VBS4 in Administrator mode, the -admin command line option is required (or start VBS4 using the Administrator shortcut). For a full list of command line options, see Command Line and Launcher Options in the VBS4 Administrator Manual.

NOTE The Editor in Prepare Mode is only available if VBS4 is started in Administrator mode. In User mode during a Scenario, the Command and Control (C2) View is available instead of the Editor. Also, User mode does not allow you to change video, simulation, or localization options.

WARNING The concept behind Administrator and User modes is to prevent users from changing key configuration settings and speed up the process of getting a scenario started (without users spending time on customizations).

Profiles

A VBS4 profile stores all relevant information for a particular user, including:

  • Options configuration settings
  • Keyboard settings, custom key controls
  • Editable missions
  • Overlays
  • AAR and in-game video recordings
NOTE

VBS4 uses a single profile file for all users:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\VBS4\Settings\VBS4.USER.xml

WARNING Deleting a profile also removes all associated saved games and custom created missions assigned to the deleted profile.

Custom Desktop Shortcuts

If you chose the Desktop Shortcuts option during installation, you can use them to start VBS4.

You can also create custom shortcuts to start VBS4 using specific startup parameters:

Follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the VBS4 installation folder with Windows File Explorer.
  2. Right-click the executable file, VBS4.exe, and select Create Shortcut.
  3. Right-click the Shortcut and select Cut, and then right-click in your Desktop and select Paste.
  4. Right-click the Shortcut and select Properties.

  5. In the Target input add startup parameters to the Target path.

    For example, C:\VBS_Installation\VBS4.exe -admin -window -forceSimul

    For more information about the available startup parameters, see Command Line and Launcher Options in the VBS4 Administrator Manual.

  6. Click OK.
  7. Right-click the Shortcut and select Rename to apply a suitable name to your custom Shortcut.

Windows saves the Shortcut. Double-click the Shortcut to start VBS4 with the specified parameters.