[Dekzar]

Hey guys,

I'm having trouble running FS2 Open. I at first tried it with the Launcher, and it wouldn't start at all (I tried it with all the advanced options on and off). I switched to using open GL and it got to a loading screen, then crashed.

So, I updated my video card drivers to the newest of the Catalyst driver (ATI Radeon 9000), and then it managed to get to the loading screen using both DirectX or Direct3D or whatever, and OpenGL. But neither one can get into the game.

So, I go into my FSO directory, and try directly running the EXE. Doesn't even make it to the loading screen.

So finally, I run the debug EXE, and get this:

Assert: Web_cursor_bitmap >= 0
File: e:\languages\visual studio projects\visual c++\fs2_open\code\graphics\2d.cpp
Line: 1181

Call stack:
------------------------------------------------------------------
    game_init()    WinMainSub()    WinMain()    WinMainCRTStartup()    kernel32.dll 77e814c7()
------------------------------------------------------------------

[EDIT] My E:\ drive is my DVD drive...I don't know why it's looking for anything there. FSO is installed on C:\[/EDIT]


So, any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[TopAce]

What version of FSO and Launcher?

[karajorma]

That's the sort of error I'd expect to see if it can't find the vp files. Is the exe file in your main Freespace2 folder?

[TopAce]

And where are the .vps? I don't think it would be his problem. Something must be wrong with the Launcher-engine compatibility.

[karajorma]

Originally posted by TopAce
And where are the .vps? I don't think it would be his problem. Something must be wrong with the Launcher-engine compatibility.

They could be moved, they could be corrupted or as I said in the original comment the exe might be in the wrong folder.

[Dekzar]

I'm using the latest release, 3.6

The EXEs (fs2_open_3_6, and the deubg, and FRED) are in the main folder, along with these VPs:

mv_core_a.vp
mv_effects.vp
mv_hieffects.vp
mv_hiplanets.vp
mv_models.vp
mv_speffects.vp
mv_textures.vp


Perhaps I'm missing one?

[karajorma]

All the media.vp files are optional. I was wondering if something had gone hinky with your standard vp files (or with the files in your data folder if you're playing on HotU or another non-retail version).

Do you actually have the retail version? If not did you move the data folder recently?

Also 3.6 is NOT the most recent release by a long way. Try going to the recent build forum and grabing some of those builds.

BTW are you running the debug version? (The assert suggests that you are). What happens when you run the non debug version?

[Overlord]

Originally posted by Dekzar
So finally, I run the debug EXE, and get this:

Originally posted by karajorma
BTW are you running the debug version?

[karajorma]

Didn't notice that. My bad.

Do you have the avi versions of the cutscenes installed? They can cause crashes similar to what you describe in certain builds although I wouldn't expect it in 3.6.

I'm still of the opinion that FS2 is failing to find something from the VP files.

EDIT : Aha I KNEW this problem sounded familiar. http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,25314.0.html

Did you apply the version 1.2 patch to FS2 before installing FS2_Open?

[Dekzar]

Uhm, I uninstalled FreeSpace 2 Retail, and then downloaded 3.6, and installed that.

Do I need to have some files from retail in there to make it work? As that list is the only VP files I have, I guess I'll go look.

Also...3.6 isn't the latest release?

Then what is? 3.6 is the one in the sticky at the top, and I don't see ANY other builds in the Recent Builds forum...

Just a note, I can't compile it myself, btw.

So, am I missing some VP files? SHould I re-install FS2 Retail, then install FSO over it? Or...how does this work?

[Kazan]

you have to have _all_ the retail files

[aldo_14]

Originally posted by Kazan
you have to have _all_ the retail files

FS_open doesn't include all the required game data - i.e. tables, models, textures, etc.  So you need to install FS2 for that reason amongst others (i.e.  I don't think FS_O sets up reg settings but looks for the FS2 ones (?)).

It's worth noting FS_Open isn't a 'full game' as such.  Copyright law, etc, prvents the game artwork, etc, being included with it - the permission to modify & distribute refers to only that.

The VP files simply override the existing (FS2 retail) files with better/altered stuff or add in new media that is required for the SCP.

[Xelion]

So to sum it up,
[list=1]

• Install Freespace2 Retail
• If necessary update the game to v1.2 (If you have FS2-SciFiSim Edition there’s no need to)
• Install Fs2_Open (via installer/exes). Make sure to install to the Freespace2 folder, the files must be within the same folder as Freespace2.exe
• Place all the Media VP files (Get the latest) in the same directory as the Freespace2.exe file.
  
• As usual configure the settings in the launcher and thats all there is to it.
[/list=1][/color]

I would

recommend you use the most up to date Media VP files (there’s 9 in total including the Hi-Res effects). If you have any queries you can have a look in the readme file accompanying Fs2_Open, check the Wiki or post here again

[karajorma]

I would like to take this opportunity to turn to TopAce and say "Told you so"

[Dekzar]

Allright, great. Thanks for all the help guys!

I'm currently re-re-installing ( ) FS2, and I have one more question.

You said 3.6 wasn't the latest version, so which one is? And which thread/ website do I go to to download it?

Thanks again.

[WMCoolmon]

There are many unofficial builds in the "Recent Builds" Forum.

[Dekzar]

Yes, I noticed...but which one is the latest?

[Kazan]

the one with the newest datestamp

[Xelion]

Version 3.6 is the latest as far as Official builds go. To understand what I mean I'll explain it a little further. There are 2 types of builds, Official and Unofficial.

Official
The SCP team releases Official builds which uses the corresponding format; x.x.x (eg.  3.5.5, 3.6.0 or 3.6 for short). These Official builds in most cases are bug-free, in the cases they're not the RECENT SCP BUILDS forum will have a build that fixes it. In other words Official builds do not contain code thats still in 'Beta' (Testing Stage).

Unofficial
These builds are released by coders (either part of the SCP or just freelancers). These builds use this format; ddmmyyyy_x (where x is a word(s)). These builds most of the time contain code in its 'Beta' stage, they can contain fixes/upgrades/enhancements/new features that make game play better but which also require testing. So unless you intend to wait months on end without updates I suggest you take advantage of these builds.

Since thats taken care of heres a list of links to the latest builds, like Kaz said they have date-stamps. Only recently like you've probably noticed the coders haven't been using date-stamps in their subject fields, which is probably thrown heaps of people off already but thats why its called the RECENT SCP BUILDS forum, it only contains builds. Enough said heres the links to the threads with recent builds (I recommend you always read the first post before downloading):

• 01082004 Recommended
  
• 02082004
  
• 05082004
  

[Trivial Psychic]

Actually, Taylor has a new build up for download... he just hasn't announced it yet, so its kinda pre-beta.  Datestamp was the 20th.  If you go to the thread you linked as "02082004", find the link to the build, copy it into another browser window, remove the filename down to the next "/" and hit enter, it'll take you to the file directory.  You should see the new build there.  What has or hasn't been included in this build, I dare not wager a guess.  Use at own risk... I do not promote, I only inform... and any other disclaimer you might want to think of.

Later!