How can I fix the auto-login to the Cerberus network (EA Online)

Whenever I start up Mass Effect 2 and it tries to auto-login to my EA Online Account, I see this screen.

Then, I have to manually log in, and I see this screen.

Empty login screen. Every time. So I have to input my email address and password again. Every time. Once I do this manually, it works. However, the next time I close and reopen the game, I have to go through this entire process again. The auto-login isn't working for me.

Is there any way to get Mass Effect 2 to remember my new login information?

Solution 1:

I thought I had this fixed, but it turns out it only made the auto-login work for an hour or two. Then it's back to the error. Leaving it here until I find something better.

1. Start the game.
2. Go to Extras->Options->Online and set Auto Login to EA Online to No.
3. Exit the game.
4. Restart the game.
5. Manually connect to EA Online.
6. Go to Extras->Options->Online and set Auto Login to EA Online to Yes.
7. Exit the game again. Auto-login should work from now on.

Do not do step 6 before you do step 5. I tried that and after manually logging in it reverted my setting back to "No" instead of "Yes".

Solution 2:

Saw this on the Mass Effect Wiki:

1. In Windows 7, go to Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows Features On/Off
2. Expand Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1
3. Make sure that both Windows Communication Foundation HTTP Activation and Windows Communication Foundation Non-HTTP Activation are checked.

Solution 3:

The "delete Player1.prf" answer seems to be correct in the sense that deleting Player1.prf caused the auto-login to work, at least the very next time I ran the game.

However, it is wrong in the sense that all my other settings (except graphics) were reset as a result. This includes key bindings, inverted mouse, sound volume, and automated gameplay feedback submission.

It also seemed to reset achievements, at some level; the next headshot I got popped up as 1/30 instead of one million. This made me nervous, so I restored my original Player1.prf file, and therefore can't say how well this solution works in the longer term, or what other impacts it may have.

It's worth noting that, as far as I know, the only time you need to be logged in anyway is the first time you run the game after installing one or more pieces of DLC. That is, unless you care about constantly updating your online achievement log, or whatever it is that the bioware social network tracks and displays.