[TheSaber007]

I have been waiting for something like this.  All the requirements/steps/instructions to install the original FSO was like trying to install The Big Picture for Baldurs Gate 2.  One mistake and you have to restart.  However when I saw the line, that this won't work for the retail discs, my heart sunk.  You mention something about a patch.

Now I have the Freespace 2 GOTY edition, I broke one of the discs for the original FS2 release before the Goty edition, which did require a patch.  Would the Goty edition be the same as the GOG version?  If so would I be able to use this installer, versus the manual install of all this?  Also what is different in the GOG version versus like the GOTY edition that prevents the installer from working with it?  Just curious.

Even if I can't use this for now, thanks for all the work you have put in, to create a simple, one stop/step solution to installing the FSO and all the great mods that showed this was a game that was not only ahead of its time when designed, but a game that is a shame no one has picked it back up or even tried to do a kickstarter/greenlight, after all how many more Zombie games do we need, compared to Space Sims (keeping fingers crossed on Star Citizen, but don't want to get my hopes up, just in case it doesn't work out, also the Eve and Elite projects that incorporate the Oculus - promises of VR have been around for a long time so another of those lets see it come to fruition and the support by the developers before jumping in).

But again thanks for time you put in and hopefully the goty edition can use your installer.  If not guess will have to wait till you release 2.2 or 2.3.

[niffiwan]

Now I have the Freespace 2 GOTY edition, I broke one of the discs for the original FS2 release before the Goty edition, which did require a patch.  Would the Goty edition be the same as the GOG version?  If so would I be able to use this installer, versus the manual install of all this?  Also what is different in the GOG version versus like the GOTY edition that prevents the installer from working with it?  Just curious.

I don't have the GOTY edition, only the original disks and the GOG installer. I'd guess the issue is that the original/GOTY versions are packed in a different format to the GOG installer (which was created using Inno Setup). The tool used to extract the game data from the archive is "innoextract" and I'd guess that it doesn't support the format used by the older installers.

[chief1983]

If you can get the disc installer to install the retail game, then you can use this installer to install FSO over the retail game install.  I can't remember the disc layout, but if the .vp files are just copyable from it, you can just make a new freespace2 folder and copy them to it.  That's really all you need.

[niffiwan]

On my original disks some of the VP files are loose on the CDs, but other seem to be inside .cab files.

[TheSaber007]

I will go ahead and give it a shot and report back so if there are others out there that have the GOTY edition will know if they can get by with that, versus waiting till the next  big GOG sale.

[TheSaber007]

Okay I figured I would pause with the installer process and report on what I have and where things are.

In regards to the .vp files in the root directory of the game (installed on G:\Freespace2
root_fs2 (* means _fs2 to save typing), smarty*, sparky*, sparky_hi*,stu*,tango1*,tango2*,tango3*,warble*

Now the folders for music, sounds, voice are empty (which is strange, since this was a full install).

Music (but I think this is for those who want to listen to them through a music player and not the game), 11 files reside on disc 3

There is also .mve files (bastion.mve, endpart1, endprt2a, endprt2b, mono2, mono3, mono4) on disc 3

MVE's (intro, mono, colossus) are on disk 2

Now after you read this and the attachment and everything appears to be where it needs to be, some mods require you to run the game or start a character, or complete a mission before you apply the installer, I would assume, based on what I have read for this installer, I don't have to do any of that.

I figured it would be easier if I just have a listing of what is on the hard drive.  It is an attachment, just in simple .txt format (printed from FreeCommander).

Thanks again for the help.

Also it is installshield they use on the GOTY edition for installing.

If I need to get into the .cab files, any suggestions on how to, I honestly don't make it a habit of bothering with extracting cab files unless it was for Microsoft Windows/Office needs.

Also would downloading the media.vp files from the FSO project accomplish the same thing as the GOG installer?  If so which version (2014, or the 3.X.X version).

P.S.  Are the files that get auto-downloaded still offline as I have been reading as they were mentioned as late as just August 20, 2014 (a few days ago)

[attachment kidnapped by pirates]

[Yarn]

Now the folders for music, sounds, voice are empty (which is strange, since this was a full install).

All that stuff and more is stored in the VP files, which are a bit like uncompressed zip files. It's normal for those folders to be empty.

Music (but I think this is for those who want to listen to them through a music player and not the game), 11 files reside on disc 3

Yeah, those files, which are in MP3 format, are not used at all by the game, nor can any version of the game actually use them.

Now after you read this and the attachment and everything appears to be where it needs to be, some mods require you to run the game or start a character, or complete a mission before you apply the installer, I would assume, based on what I have read for this installer, I don't have to do any of that.

No mod requires you to run the game first, no matter how you install them. (I'm not sure I understand what you mean here.)


I'd like to add this: All the files in the data\missions folder are bonus missions that are not found original and GOG.com (and, most likely, Steam) versions. Of those, the multiplayer missions and many more are in the multiplayer mission pack. The single-player missions are in this pack, which is not currently listed in the installer (shouldn't it be?).

[TheSaber007]

Don't know if you played a game called Hellgate London.  The mod requires that you patch the game with the last patch they released for the single player version.  They then state, launch the game, kill a few bad guys then quit the game.  And they stress don't skip this step.  Then you start with the install of the mod.

Unless anyone else sees anything missing, this evening (my time) I will go ahead and install the mod file and give a heads up on anything I encounter.  And one final check, I am assuming the downloader can access those files that were reported as offline (missions/silent/etc/).

[chief1983]

Also, you can skip copying the mve movies from the discs and download the ogg cutscene pack with the installer (I think), if you really want to simplify the disc install process.

[TheSaber007]

Stupid ?, I know no question is stupid.

First please do not misinterpret my comments as complaints, just want to clear that up.

The installer offers 3.7.2 RC 4 and 3.7.0, do I install both (my initial thoughts would say you are hoping the user knows enough not to install both - but then maybe both can co-exist or they are both needed, or maybe it is only install one - couldn't find mention in the "more info")
same for
2014 FSU Media VP's and 3.6.12

Then I assume I also want to install the SSE 2 Optimized versions, since I have a Core i7-2600K (but then the word Standard could also mean this isn't the best one to install - maybe clarification in the "more info" or changing the word Standard to something else, since I am sure most people don't even think about SSE at all).  Sure we know what our cpu might support, but you figure you have a current CPU, then you should be able to support anything that is thrown at you.   I was thinking, wait aren't we way passed SSE2, better make sure my cpu includes that older support or the current SSE versions is backwards compatiable - since I never have ever put any thought into SSE support for a game.

Also do you need to install all three 3.7.2 RC4 (SSE2, SSE, No-SSE) to support any mods/missions that might not support the SSE optimizations.  Suggestion on the SSE, I know everyone here does know that the SSE means SSE1 or v1, but someone who sees a recommendation to come here to enhance their Freespace 2 they just bought at GOG or wherever, might not be as well versed and just wants to use the mod, some how denoting this is the original (If I am correct) or V1 of the SSE when it was first released, could help clarify the issue for them - or put a link that has them download cpu-z if they are unsure what SSE is and whether their CPU has those features - but if they have that old of a processor then they probably can't play this game or run windows xp/me/vista/7/8, also if they are on a tablet/noteblet, if the Atom/ARM or other brains in their device, supports SSE - I know many people who have been playing Windows pre-xp games on their tablets or noteblets).

Also, slight confusion, in regards to the Freespace Port option.  I am confused since I assume the installer was all inclusive, so do I still need to download the sparky_hi_fs1 or is it in the installer, just not mentioned since it is assumed if you are downloading this mod/installer, you want to play it in the 1024x768.

The DeusEx, DEM Interlude, and the 2 Just Another Day, I am assuming they are what they are, comedies using the game editor and other features to create laughs or are their serious missions in them, their description on the forums and their websites left me unsure if these are actual serious missions or things that only if you want to get a laugh out of playing.  And is Vassago's Dirge also in the same vein or is it serious??

For the Blue Planet mods, for Enhanced Graphics, I know my GPU can handle those textures, but my monitor obviously won't.  Since I am assuming that these enhanced graphics are only for those with multi-monitor setup or a 4K Display, it should include if your Video Card and Display can't support this, then don't check it.  Once again, I have to assume I am reading the "more info", but want to check before I do or don't install them.

With me, you get the person, who always ask a question or looks for very specific or clarification.  Give me a multiple choice question, and I will write on the test, none or all of these apply, so I couldn't check Choice A,B,C, or D.  You need to add e, f, and g as well.     Back in my college days, it drove my teachers, who gave very narrow but open ended multiple choice questions, crazy and finally just told me if I encounter those, to explain my answer on the back of the test.  Then they said you wrote so much, I didn't have time to read it and also look over all the other test, so please try to "conform" - didn't say that but you get the idea, keep it short but just select one of my multiple choice answers so I don't actually have to hand grade your exam.  In A.P. classes in high school, one teacher, had two grading systems, one for the class, and then one for me that adjust my score when she went over the test, she gave the scoring system my name, and would tell me to bring my test up after with the ?'s so she could move on with the class for that day.    

[The E]

Also do you need to install all three 3.7.2 RC4 (SSE2, SSE, No-SSE) to support any mods/missions that might not support the SSE optimizations.  Suggestion on the SSE, I know everyone here does know that the SSE means SSE1 or v1, but someone who sees a recommendation to come here to enhance their Freespace 2 they just bought at GOG or wherever, might not be as well versed and just wants to use the mod, some how denoting this is the original (If I am correct) or V1 of the SSE when it was first released, could help clarify the issue for them - or put a link that has them download cpu-z if they are unsure what SSE is and whether their CPU has those features - but if they have that old of a processor then they probably can't play this game or run windows xp/me/vista/7/8, also if they are on a tablet/noteblet, if the Atom/ARM or other brains in their device, supports SSE - I know many people who have been playing Windows pre-xp games on their tablets or noteblets).

You only need one version of 3.7.2 RC4 (the SSE2 version, to be precise). Mods have no control or access over that functionality.

For the Blue Planet mods, for Enhanced Graphics, I know my GPU can handle those textures, but my monitor obviously won't.  Since I am assuming that these enhanced graphics are only for those with multi-monitor setup or a 4K Display, it should include if your Video Card and Display can't support this, then don't check it.  Once again, I have to assume I am reading the "more info", but want to check before I do or don't install them.

If your GPU can handle the higher-resolution textures, you should use them. Even on a 1080p or 1680x1050 monitor, they will make a difference.

[Goober5000]

Stupid ?, I know no question is stupid.

First please do not misinterpret my comments as complaints, just want to clear that up.

Please point out where anyone called your questions "stupid" or interpreted your comments as complaints.

Also, slight confusion, in regards to the Freespace Port option.  I am confused since I assume the installer was all inclusive, so do I still need to download the sparky_hi_fs1 or is it in the installer, just not mentioned since it is assumed if you are downloading this mod/installer, you want to play it in the 1024x768.

The Installer is all-inclusive in that it provides everything as an option.  It is up to you to decide which options you want.  Since most people will want to play the Port in 1024x768, most people should select that option.

The DeusEx, DEM Interlude, and the 2 Just Another Day, I am assuming they are what they are, comedies using the game editor and other features to create laughs or are their serious missions in them, their description on the forums and their websites left me unsure if these are actual serious missions or things that only if you want to get a laugh out of playing.  And is Vassago's Dirge also in the same vein or is it serious??

DEM and JAD are parody campaigns.  Vassago's Dirge is serious.

@Goober: Here's a patch that changes the user agent. It should solve the 403 Forbidden errors.

Oh, well done, thanks.   I will post a new version.

[TheSaber007]

Sorry haven't been back on, got diverted by weekend events on Star Trek Online (have to run 11 characters through a special mission each day, and repeat this for 14 days, so 154 times with same mission).  Good game if you are a Star Trek fan, but please do not abandon FS2 or the Open Installer/Open Source Project

Quote from: TheSaber007 on August 26, 2014, 12:38:23 am
Stupid ?, I know no question is stupid.

First please do not misinterpret my comments as complaints, just want to clear that up.
Please point out where anyone called your questions "stupid" or interpreted your comments as complaints.

It is an expression, no one ever called my questions stupid and the comments/complaints, some modders takes comments like mine as complaints, as if I was not grateful for the hard work put into the mod, so I just wanted to make sure that was stated in advance that my input were not complaints.

Anyhow, to the install process


Okay I copy sparky_hi_fs1.vp.  At some point I was told to download this file to run the FSPort.  However I can't find that message that told me to do this.  Anyways when I launched the installer it said there could be compatibility issues with and it listed just this one file.  I have started the installer only after I moved the file out of the root of freespace 2 installer.

Okay I have chosen the Windows Standard (SSE 2 Optimizations) and did not install any other 3.7.2 or 3.7.0 files, then started checking all from multiplayer missions, going down the list
Between the Ashes:  Mefistofele, I did not check the Low-End Compatibility.
Did not check any of the Deus Ex, Deus Ex Machima or any of the Just Another Day items.
Then checked all items from VAssago's Dirge down to Windmills, skipped Blackwater Operations Demo, then all remaining items are checked

However issues occured:
2014 FSU MediaVP's:  MV_RadarIcons is stops at MediaVps_2014: failed
FSU MediaVP's Version 3.6.12:  MV_RadarIcons also stops mediavps_3612\MV_RadarIcons.vp:Failed
Curious issue, when I expand the install window, vertically to see more of the items, I am unable to scroll up or down via mouse or the scroll bar in the install window, however once I make it smaller the functionality returns (also tried the up/down arrow keys wit no luck either).  Program is still download/installing regardless.

Right now it continues to say it is setting up the mod for HD Cutscenes by MjnMixael (480p) under Freespace Port Media VP's.  I am going to step away from the computer and give it another hour to to try and finish.  To help you in seeing what has happened I have attached all the logs from the log directory created by the installer.

What should be my next step?  Also if the HD Cutscene still hasn't downloaded after an hour is it safe to click Next or will it corrupt the install.  Please let me know.  Thanks.  Oh and there are 42GB's free space on the drive, just in case you are wondering.

UPDATE:
Okay I relaunched the installer and it was able to finish all but the 3.6.12 radar...vp.  I went into the log and manually downloaded from the location it pointed at.  It wouldn't load that link.  However I removed the file name and went with just the ftp url and then saved the file manually and then put it into the correct directory.

However upon launch, the game flickers almost as if it is some sort of attempt at mind control (best analogy I could use) lets just say it becomes real bothersome so I can't watch the video.  When it gets into the game, at the pilot creation/login screen, it continues.  I tried turning back on vertical sync (by unchecking disable) and unchecked don't limit frames per second.  Is there anything I am missing.  As those changes didn't work either.

UPDATE 2:
I put all settings back to the way the launcher had it.  I tried only adjusting the fxaa and aa and had no issues.  I then checked disable vertical sync, no problems (no problems mean video played normally).  Then checked do not limit frames, and the issue reappeared.  I unchecked it, problem continued.  Unchecked disable v-sync, still having issues.  So I went back and set everything to its default.  I first checked disable v-sync.  Game was okay.  Then added 4x FSAA and x16 AA and no problems.  So my guess is that you either check disable v-sync or don't limit frames but not both and if you do, you have to run the game at default settings to "clear" the settings.  Still curious about this.

My computer specs:
Core i7-2600K (running at default settings, no OC)
EVGA Nvidia 770GTX FTW (also no oc) with 4GB GDDR
7200 rpm Hitachi 3TB 64mb cache
Asus Z68 Deluxe
Sound Blaster X-fi Titanium
Corsair Veng. DDR3-1600 (also no OC, using XMP)

Also made sure the game was running on the 770 and not the Intel iGPU.

[attachment kidnapped by pirates]

[Goober5000]

I'm moving this thread to FSO Support.  I don't think you are experiencing any problems specific to the FSO Installer.

[jr2]

Please post your fs2_open.log file.  Instructions on how to do this can be found in this post.

(Just curious as to whether you are successfully setting to the 770 or if FSO is using the Intel anyways. The above is for generating logs for FS2, you could create one for the different circumstances you listed and we could look at the logs to see what the game is doing.  If you receive an error message, bypass it and progress as far as possible by clicking "no".  Load a mission, fly a loop, and exit the game, then attach the fs2_open.log file found in the FS2 \data directory.)

[TheSaber007]

It appears that whenever I load any different mod via the launcher included with the installer, the graphics have issue with the constant flashing.  I usually have to change the v-sync option and the AA and FSAA on the graphics tab and it seems to fix the issue.  Now I haven't tried the other mods that weren't part of the original Freespace or Freespace 2.  While the Battlestar Galactica Diaspora and Wing Commander Saga are standalones not included in the installer, they however have not had any of the flickering issues for the intros.

I followed the instructions for the debug file.  Interestingly the debug version doesn't have the flickering issue at all.  It might be because it is running it in a "window" versus full screen.  So I cannot reproduce the problem in the debug version.  Since it is just a minor changing an option or 2, I don't consider it an issue at this time that prevents me from playing the game.  However once I start flying missions and encounter any cutscenes/etc, if the issue reappears then I will report back.  Heck you did all the work to create this, the least I can do is endure having to change an option or two and start the game, esc esc esc then change the option and play.

Thanks.

[jr2]

Eh, just trying to track down what's causing it.  (Though I don't do any coding, I know the coders are going to want that debug log )  You mind tossing the fs2_open.log up here anyways?  Just in case it has pointers to what's causing the flickering in non-debug versions.

You do have the latest graphics drivers for your nvidia, right?

[Goober5000]

Yes, it would be informative to compare the fs2_open.log files generated by standard FSO versus the log files generated by Diaspora and WCSaga.  The problem could be as simple as a difference in command-line options.

[TheSaber007]

Sure I will upload as soon as I can.  Can the log be generated without running in the dev mode "window"?

[jr2]

http://www.hard-light.net/wiki/index.php/Command-Line_Reference


Look for the window options.


Idk if they will do the trick.