[Jeff Vader]

Some of you have already noticed that Turey's Installer is currently unavailable. When attempted to start, the Installer merely shows a blank screen with a persistent "0% complete" status bar. The problem is server-related and therefore affects everyone. Chris_Ls has figured out how to circumvent the issue with the Java version of the Installer. A modified version of the Java installer is temporarily available here. Details of the changes can be found here.

Of course, manual installation is still a valid option and it can be done according to the following instructions.

First, download and install OpenAL, an open-source 3D audio API, which is required to get FSO running. This step is actually required even when using the Installer.

Next, make sure you have an archive handling tool capable of opening .rar and .7z archives. 7-Zip is a good choice.

Retail FreeSpace 2 is available at Home of the Underdogs. Download it and extract to a folder of your choice. C:\Games\FreeSpace2 is a popular choice. Note that having FreeSpace 2 in My documents or the desktop will cause errors.

Incidentally, there have been rumours of HotU being contaminated by viruses recently. If you are sceptical, you can also download the ISO images of the FS2 disks, burn them onto CDs and install the game that way. See this post for details.

Next, get the recommended 3.6.10 build. Extract the .exe files to your \FreeSpace2\ folder. If you experience problems with the 3.6.10 build, download 3.6.9 here.

Next, get Launcher 5.5d here. Extract to \FreeSpace2\.

Download the cutscenes in .ogg format. Place the .vp to \FreeSpace2\.

If your computer is less than 8 years old, it is highly recommended that you also download the MediaVPs. The MediaVPs improve the appearance of the game greatly. Download the files (don't forget the patches at the top of the page) and extract them to \FreeSpace2\mediavps.

You now have all the necessary components for playing FreeSpace Open. Run the Launcher. Select fs2_open_3_6_10.exe as the used build. Check from the Audio/Joystick tab that Generic Software is selected. Check from the Video tab that you have OpenGL selected. Under the Features tab, tick on at least Enable specular, Enable glowmaps and Use models for ship selection. If you installed the MediaVPs, open the MOD tab and select the \FreeSpace2\mediavps as your mod folder. Click Apply. Click Run.

You should now be able to play FreeSpace Open. You can install mods if you want to. The majority of mods are installed in the same, simple way. Download the mod files, place them to their own subfolder, select the MOD folder with the Launcher the same way you selected the \mediavps\ folder, Apply the changes and Run the game. Finally, remember to select the correct campaign from the in-game Campaign Room. Note that every mod must have its own subfolder. For example, Derelict should be in \FreeSpace2\derelict and FSPort should be in \FreeSpace2\fsport. If (and when) you want to use the MediaVPs with another mod, you'll have to create a mod.ini file to the mod folder. This is thoroughly explained in Karajorma's FreeSpace FAQ. And it is generally recommended that you create separate pilot files for different mods.

[Al Tarket]

about the site where you download fs2, hotu. recently their have been viruses and worms and all sorts hitting that site, one person did get through do the people of that site apparently and as a response he got banned but they listened and cleaned up the site. i just want to make sure you all know this before you take the risk. if they havent maintaned the site, your going on this under your own risk.

i would suggest they someone upload fs2o straight from their installed folder, as fs2o does not require a cd to operate, just put it in a zip, pass it along as a backup.

my other suggestion is using a self extracting installer with all the files inside it along with a manual updater, it beats waiting around for the installer to install it straight from a server god knows where and taking forever.

[Rick James]

It helps if one has the original install CDs, like I do. I'm not risking my computer after it only recently recovered from from a near-death malware experience.

Megaprops to Lobo for setting up this guide, and I hope Turey has the installer fixed soon. Provided he logs in before the next blue moon.

[Jeff Vader]

[DW]-Hunter has the ISOs of the FS2 disks. See here.

[Ajguy]

Yes, many thanks for setting this up Lobo. Time to get downloading I guess.

[Al Tarket]

thats a bit better. will this be a fall back in case of this sort of problem happens again? even in the unlikely case. a bit of insurance, and insurance is good .

[[DW]-Hunter]

use this OGGCutscenepack.vp instead of that freespacemods link.

Since turey's installer is broke, maybe I ought to make my own installer.......

[Jeff Vader]

use this OGGCutscenepack.vp instead of that freespacemods link.

K. Was there a particular reason, besides saving FreeSpaceMods's bandwidth?

Since turey's installer is broke, maybe I ought to make my own installer.......

No one's stopping you. But I do want to remind you that the Java Installer works now that Chris_Ls tinkered with it.