Two Versions On One Computer

[Kirby_TFS]

Is it possible to have 2 versions of SHIV running on the same computer? I would like to have a modded version of 1.3 that I can play when I want, and also TM for when I more of a sim. How do you go about setting both up so that you can pick whichever one you want to play?

[Von Manteuffel]

There's a mod called SH4 Multi - a really neat little program which lets you have multiple installations. You can find it in the Downloads section of Subsim

[Popeye the Sailorman]

Yup... it is 'do-able', but it takes a little 'messing'. I once had a total of four (4) versions of Falcon 4.0 on my computer! To do what I did required having a 'Saving' folder [on my desktop, for convenience] in which I 'stored' certain files from the 'REGEDIT' [Windows] Folder. I also had four different Program folders... and then four different .exe files for the four versions. Basically, at the end of each specific Install, you Export the Registry file for the Game. Identify those in the 'Saving' folder, so you can IMPORT INTO the Registry the file that will match the .EXE/Version of the game you want to use.

A whole lot easier to DO.. than to describe...

[Bando]

Or you use 1 install + JSGME

[ReallyDedPoet]

Welcome:up: Popeye the Sailorman


RDP

[JScones]

Easiest way?

Merely install and patch SH4 once, then open Windows Explorer and copy and paste ad infinitum to create as many separate installs as you want (renaming as you go - ie "\SilentHunter4 - TM", "\SilentHunter4 - RFB", "SilentHunter4 - Clean v1.3 backup" etc). To keep your save games separated just run MultiSH4 across each installation. Create nice shortcuts on your desktop pointing to each install if you really want ease of access (or wait for SH4 Skipper).

My strong recommendation is that if you want to save yourself much angst later on, make a backup copy of your clean SH4 patched to v1.3. When you later trash your modded version beyond repair, a clean copy is conveniently at hand for easy restoration.

Much easier than fluffing about with the registry (which is totally unnecessary).

[maerean_m]

It's a TRC requirement by Microsoft that programs install themselves in ProgramFiles and store their settings in DocumentsAndSettings. SilentHunter 4 stores the settings in a folder called SH4 in MyDocuments folder.

If you want multiple instalations of SH4 with diferent settings, you need to have multiple settings folders and rename them so that the correct folder is named SH4 when you start one of the installed games.

[Reaves]

Or you use 1 install + JSGME
Probably the easiest and require the least amount of HDD space. :yep:

-Jscones you da man!

[JScones]

If you want multiple instalations of SH4 with diferent settings, you need to have multiple settings folders and rename them so that the correct folder is named SH4 when you start one of the installed games.
You could...or just use MultiSH4. ;)

MultiSH4 edits FileManager.dll and replaces the default "SH4" reference with three chars of the user's choice (crude, but it works). Thus, if I run MultiSH4 in my newly-created "Silent Hunter 4 - modded" installation (only needs to be run once), I can create a separate store under My Documents called, say, "RFB" or "TMU" etc.

My original SH4 installation will still point to the original SH4 data folder, but my modded SH4 installation will point to the new "RFB" (or whatever I set) data folder.

Easy.

PS: I won't debate the legalities of using the software, but it was first developed for SH3 and has served many players well since then.

Related thread: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=108215&highlight=multish4

[Popeye the Sailorman]

OK... thanks for the Squaring Away. 'Saved' files is a thing I did not have to contend with in The Viper. However, for that Game and my purpose at the time, it really wasn't a hard thing to do...