[shiv]

is it possible to run fs2_opemn without registry entries?

In my school computer lab I wsant to install FS2, BVTRL and WC Prologue, but it needs administrator permissions to modify registry entries. I don't know admin password and I'd liek to know if I can install wothout midyfing registry...

Is it possible?

[karajorma]

Not yet.

It's coming though.

[shiv]

When it could be avaible?

[taylor]

With 3.7, which is a year away.  The changes will start showing up in unstable builds at the end of this year though.

[ARSPR]

Not yet.

It's coming though.

 
I thought fs2_open didn't need any registry entries, ie. you didn't need to install retail FS2, just pick its vp files and add a fs2_open.exe and a launcher.exe builds.

[Flaser]

Not yet.

It's coming though.

 
I thought fs2_open didn't need any registry entries, ie. you didn't need to install retail FS2, just pick its vp files and add a fs2_open.exe and a launcher.exe builds.

Exactly - the install part sets up the regirty entries, which are later modified by the launcher.

[karajorma]

Not quite.

The SCP launcher is capable of setting up all the registry entries FS2_Open needs on its first use.

[jr2]

There's a bug with that... try copying your FS2 dir to a new windows installation, then run the launcher.    I ended up going back to the previous installation & exporting the reg keys.  Perhaps there should be a button to tell the launcher to re-create the reg keys?  It seems to be relying on the presence or absence of some file entry/file that tells it that it has already been set up, and I don't know which one.

[karajorma]

That's hardly first use is it?

[Nuke]

why do programmers in general even bother depending on the registry in the first place? why should the software fail simply because the operaing system fails? it seems like rather bad programming to rely on the os so much.

[Turey]

why do programmers in general even bother depending on the registry in the first place? why should the software fail simply because the operaing system fails? it seems like rather bad programming to rely on the os so much.

Quite simply, it was easier. The idea of having a central spot to keep track of everything has appeal, and the ease of multi-user preferences is nice, but programmers went overboard with it. There should be no reason that a user has to edit the registry. I feel that the only things that a program should put in the registry are:
1. OS-required stuff. file assoc, group policies, anything that can only be done through the registry.
2. A path to the place where all the settings for that comp/user are stored.

This would significantly cut down on the need for the end user to edit the registry. This still allows for programs to "find" other programs without searching the disk. For example, if you're installing version 3.0 of some software in C:\Program Files\ProgramName\ and the installer goes to the registry, finds a version 2.0 install in C:\Program Files\VendorName\ProgramName\ and asks you if you'd like it to patch that copy to 3.0 instead of installing a second copy.

[MP-Ryan]

There's a bug with that... try copying your FS2 dir to a new windows installation, then run the launcher.    I ended up going back to the previous installation & exporting the reg keys.  Perhaps there should be a button to tell the launcher to re-create the reg keys?  It seems to be relying on the presence or absence of some file entry/file that tells it that it has already been set up, and I don't know which one.

That's odd... I've installed FS-Open merely by copying the data directory tree and the retail VPs into a directory then running the launcher with FSOpen selected... worked like a charm.

[jr2]

On a fresh XP install??  W/out Retail?  (ie, no FS has ever touched the registry.)

[Turey]

On a fresh XP install??  W/out Retail?  (ie, no FS has ever touched the registry.)

I've done that. Countless times.

[jr2]

Ya, I just did (2 weeks ago)... SCP refused to run until I copied the reg values... crashed out on me.    You guys say it works, but I've always had to either run the 3.6.5 Installer first, or copy reg values.  I'm now wondering what I could possibly be doing wrong...

EDIT: Then again, I've always copied everything, including launcher6.ini.... could this be the problem?  (I wouldn't think so, but..)

[WMCoolmon]

I haven't installed fs2_open or Freespace 2 for years, just copied the VPs and EXEs and run the launcher, then fs2_open.

[jr2]

Erg.  Ok, ok.  I'll test... be back with an edit in two seconds.

EDIT: Darn you!!!! Freakin' thing works; I deleted (after exporting, of course) the Volition & Volition, Inc reg keys, and it loads right up.. now why wouldn't it do that before!!??  Now I'm really confused. 

[MP-Ryan]

Erg.  Ok, ok.  I'll test... be back with an edit in two seconds.

EDIT: Darn you!!!! Freakin' thing works; I deleted (after exporting, of course) the Volition & Volition, Inc reg keys, and it loads right up.. now why wouldn't it do that before!!??  Now I'm really confused. 

I don't know what you were doing, but the launcher installs all the reg keys you need when you run it =)

Seriously, I just keep a backup of my data folder, and the retail VPs and dump them all in an FS2 directory for each install.  Then I copy over the latest SCP build, my Mods folder (with sub-directories) and I'm good to go.

Honestly, what SCP user actually bothers with CDs or ISOs anymore? *runs*

[Mongoose]

Those of us who actually purchased the game in the first place certainly do.