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CoD4x (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare)

You must own Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare on Steam. Install it first, then follow this guide.

CoD4x (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare) — Windows Setup

Read this first

  • You must own Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare on Steam and have it installed.
  • Make sure your game is patched to 1.7 (Steam is already 1.7). CoD4x requires 1.7/1.7.568.

Official releases and support: https://cod4x.ovh/t/cod4x-releases/24

1) Locate your game folder

Default Steam path (yours may differ):

  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Call of Duty 4

Some installs may show as:

  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare

You’re looking for the folder that contains iw3mp.exe and main/.

2) Choose how to install CoD4x

There are two supported client options. The launcher is the easiest and includes an auto‑updater; the manual ZIP is for power users.

  • Recommended: CoD4x Launcher installer (21.3)

    • Download: CoD4x_21_3.exe (linked from the releases page above)
    • What it does: Installs the CoD4x client and adds an auto‑updater.

  • Manual: Client ZIP (21.1)

    • Download: cod4x_client_21_1.zip (linked from the releases page above)
    • What it does: You extract files into your game folder yourself.

Note: Exact version numbers on the forum may change over time; always prefer the latest client on that page.

3A) Install via CoD4x Launcher (recommended)

  1. Run CoD4x_21_3.exe.
  2. When prompted, point it at your CoD4 game folder (from Step 1).
  3. Let it finish; it will install and configure the CoD4x client.
  4. Use the CoD4x launcher to start Multiplayer and keep updates automatic.

3B) Manual install via ZIP

  1. Open cod4x_client_21_1.zip.
  2. Extract all contents directly into your CoD4 game folder (Step 1).
    • When asked to overwrite/replace files, choose “Yes” for existing multiplayer files.
  3. Launch Multiplayer using the CoD4x‑provided executable (or run iw3mp.exe if the CoD4x files replaced it).

If Windows SmartScreen or your antivirus prompts you, choose “More info” → “Run anyway” and add an allow‑list exception. CoD4x is widely used in the community, but security tools may flag modded binaries.

4) Join servers

  • In‑game server browser: Launch Multiplayer and browse for servers.

  • Direct connect: Press ~ to open the console, then type:

    /connect ip:port

Replace ip:port with the server address you want to join.

5) Troubleshooting tips

  • “Cannot connect to server because update backend is unavailable”: Try the launcher installer and ensure your client is on the latest version.
  • Empty server list: Refresh the list a few times; check firewall/AV; try direct connect via /connect.
  • Key code in use: Ensure your Steam copy is installed and running; restart Steam and the game.
  • Still stuck? Use the official Client Support area linked from the releases page.

References

Official releases and support live on the CoD4x forum.
Open CoD4x Releases page