Troubleshooting
A game is missing
Section titled “A game is missing”Restart WarHQ after installing or updating a WDS title. If the game still does not appear, open the game once from its normal shortcut so Windows and the game installer finish writing their settings.
A turn imported to the wrong place
Section titled “A turn imported to the wrong place”Open PBEM Box and check the file history for the match. If needed, import the file again and choose the intended destination game. You can edit Copy to before clicking Import.
WarHQ says the destination file already exists
Section titled “WarHQ says the destination file already exists”Choose Overwrite only if you are sure the existing file should be replaced. Choose the option to go back if you want to change the destination filename first.
Drag and drop does not start an import
Section titled “Drag and drop does not start an import”Use PBEM Box for the clearest drop feedback. Drag one supported file at a time. WarHQ accepts .bte and .cpf PBEM files.
If the green drop overlay does not appear in PBEM Box, confirm that the file extension is supported and that you are not dragging a folder or multiple files.
The watch folder did not start an import
Section titled “The watch folder did not start an import”Open Preferences > PBEM and confirm that folder monitoring is enabled and the folder path still exists. WarHQ watches only that one folder, not subfolders.
The watch folder reacts to new or updated .bte and .cpf files. Existing files already sitting in the folder are not imported automatically, so use Import Turn for those.
If the file just downloaded, give it a moment. WarHQ waits until the file is readable and stable before opening PBEM Box.
The opponent is not detected
Section titled “The opponent is not detected”Open Opponents in PBEM Box and confirm the opponent has the right email address and filename aliases. If the name in the save filename is shortened, add that shortened value as an alias.
You can also assign the opponent during import. Choose an existing opponent or choose New when WarHQ asks.
Email drafts open in the wrong app
Section titled “Email drafts open in the wrong app”WarHQ asks Windows to open your default mail handler. Check Windows default apps and make sure your preferred mail client is assigned for email links.
No email app opens
Section titled “No email app opens”WarHQ uses Windows mailto: handling for PBEM Box email drafts. If no app opens, set a default email app in Windows settings and try again.
The draft opens without an attachment
Section titled “The draft opens without an attachment”This is expected for PBEM Box. Windows mailto: links can fill in recipient, subject, and message text, but they cannot attach files reliably.
WarHQ helps by copying the completed turn file to the clipboard and opening File Explorer with the file selected. Paste the file into the draft or drag it from Explorer into your email app.
The file was not copied or Explorer did not open
Section titled “The file was not copied or Explorer did not open”Check Preferences > PBEM. The clipboard helper and Explorer helper can be disabled there.
WarHQ also shows status in the active WarHQ or PBEM Box window when these helpers run.
WarHQ does not prompt after I finish a turn
Section titled “WarHQ does not prompt after I finish a turn”Launch the game from PBEM Box when you want automatic completed-turn detection. WarHQ watches for updated turn files after the WDS game exits.
If you opened the game outside WarHQ, return to PBEM Box and refresh the list. You can still prepare or send the turn manually from your email app.
WarMatch cannot connect
Section titled “WarMatch cannot connect”Check your internet connection, sign out and back in, then try again. If the service is temporarily unavailable, local launching and PBEM Box workflows can still be used.
Reporting an issue
Section titled “Reporting an issue”Email makingwargames@gmail.com or post in the WarHQ Discord. Include the WarHQ version, Windows version, the WDS game title involved, and the exact steps that led to the problem.