What do these strings in the NWN2 client extension readme mean?

I am trying to play Neverwinter Nights 2 multiplayer.
To that end I downloaded clientextension_latest.zip from here.

I'm having trouble understanding the ClientExtensionReadme.txt. I can't figure out exactly how to implement strings like "NWLauncher.exe +connect mynwn2pw.example.com" or "NWLauncher.exe -dmc +connect mynwn2pw.example.com +password dmpassword". I'm guessing these strings are some sort of shortcut, but even that confuses me.
In short, it seems that the readme.txt assumes I know more than than I do. I'm not even sure I know enough to ask a proper question. I need a step by step direction from a book called NWN2 Client Extension for Dummies. I read that this "client extension" is THE best way to do NWN 2 multiplayer currently, anno 2019.


There are a few ways you can do this, and the choice is yours add parameters to the NWN2 Client Extension.

Before using any of the methods explained:

  • Unpack the latest clientextension_latest.zip file.
  • Note the folder where you unpacked the files (or Ctrl+c it for direct reference).

Using a shortcut:

This is the easiest method.

  • Right-click the file NWLauncher.exe, select 'Send to', and 'Desktop (create shortcut)' from the submenu.
  • Go to your Desktop, and right-click the created shortcut, and choose 'Properties'.
  • In the window that pops up, find the 'Target:' field.
    Here you can make the adjustments you need:
    • Be sure to first wrap the current content in quotation marks (e.g.: "C:\ClientExtension_Latest\NWLauncher.exe", instead of C:\ClientExtension_Latest\NWLauncher.exe).
    • After that entire string (including the added quotation marks), you can set parameters:
    • "C:\ClientExtension_Latest\NWLauncher.exe" -dmc +connect mynwn2pw.example.com +password dmpassword
  • Hit 'Apply' or 'OK', and run the client using that shortcut.

Using a batch file:

This solution is a bit harder, but allows for easier customization.

  • Open "Notepad", or "Notepad++".
  • Start with typing @echo off, to prevent the file from showing any feedback.
  • Start a new line, and type start, followed by Space, the folder you unpacked the archive to (or use Ctrl+v), and NWLauncher.exe (e.g. start C:\ClientExtension_Latest\NWLauncher.exe).
  • Add parameters to that line (e.g. C:\ClientExtension_Latest\NWLauncher.exe -dmc +connect mynwn2pw.example.com +password dmpassword).
  • Start a new line, and type exit to close the command line popup after starting the client.

Using the Command Prompt:

Basically doing the exact same thing in a harder (but so much cooler) way.

  • Go to the Windows Start menu, and type cmd. Right-click the result "Command Prompt", and select "Open as Administrator" (assuming you have the necessary rights - this might not be necessary).
  • Enter cd, followed by Space, and that folder name (or use Ctrl+v) (e.g. cd D:\Downloads\ClientExtension_Latest\).
  • Now the Command Prompt should have navigated there.
  • Type NWLauncher.exe, and the executable should start.
  • If this works, you can add your parameters thusly:
    • NWLauncher.exe +connect mynwn2pw.example.com;
    • NWLauncher.exe -dmc +connect mynwn2pw.example.com +password dmpassword.