Skip to content
[19-8] "BW_OpenSocket failed: 5"
Quake

[19-8] "BW_OpenSocket failed: 5"

Fix Quake's "BW_OpenSocket failed: 5" error by increasing DOS file handles in config.sys.

By ···10 min read·Multi-source verified
1 reading this guide  

Fix Quake's "BW_OpenSocket failed: 5" error by increasing DOS file handles in config.sys.

This error is specific to the Beame and Whitesdie TCP/IP stack (a network protocol system), which uses DOS file handles (numerical identifiers for open files) as its socket handles (identifiers for network connections). The error occurs when DOS runs out of these file handles.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Locate your DOS config.sys file.
  2. 2
    Edit the config.sys file.
  3. 3
    Increase the number specified by "FILES=" in the config.sys file.
Tips
  • Ensure you are editing the correct file (config.sys) to resolve this Quake network issue.
  • Consult DOS documentation if you are unsure how to modify config.sys.

100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content