Newbie Question; Relationship between GWX and SH3 commander

[yatyas]

I played SH2 some time back and quit after I could never get past the constant crashes associated with the D-Day scenario. I'm looking forward to SH3 and have made several patrols... I downloaded what the website called the 1.4 patch, but keeps coming up as 1.3 after the d/l is complete... I've seen numerous references here to GWX, which I gather is a complete rebuild/mod and about SH3 commander, which I gather is some sort of a front end. Is there a certain sequence that these two items should be downloaded? I'm running Vista on my machine, if that makes a difference.
Is there a location where I can find a step by step process for downloading and installing these two items?

Thanks

[melnibonian]

SH3Cmdr is a stand alone program that adds far too much in SH3. You can edit your crew and set up your careers with it. It's totally independant from GWX. Personally I would install GWX first and Sh3Cmdr after that. If you follow the instructions on the GWX Manual and auto-installer you should have no problems at all

[Sailor Steve]

And the 1.4/1.3 thing on the patch is just a minor error; they forgot to change the way it reads. It should say 1.4b on the loading screen.

Download SH3 Commander and read the readme - you'll be amazed.

[danlisa]

Welcome to Subsim.:up:

Here's the instructions for installing GWX:

1. Uninstall SH3 via Windows' "Add/Remove programs"
2. Open Windows Explorer and:
- *delete* the folder where you had installed SH3
- *delete* the \My Documents\SH3 folder
3. Reinstall SH3
4. If your SH3 did not come with patch v1.4b already included, install patch v1.4b. Ensure you install the patch that corresponds to your copy of SH3 (Download/DVD/EMEA/US)
5. OPTIONAL: Copy and paste this "clean" install as a backup to avoid the need to follow steps 1-3 if your game becomes corrupt in future
6.Download into the SAME folder GWX.exe and the five .bin files. While there grab the v1.03 patch
7. Run GWX.exe and follow the installation prompts
8. Run GWX103.exe and follow the installation prompts
9. SH3 COMMANDER USERS: Download the GWX 1.02+ Cfg files for SH3 Commander and unzip the contents DIRECTLY into your SH3 Commander\Cfg folder.

Wait, there's more. As you are a Vista User.;)

Follow the instructions from JScones, found here:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=612273&postcount=6

If you are planning to use SH3 Commander with GWX 1.03, you need some additional cfg files to make SH3Cmdr compatible. You can get all the needed files by clicking on my sig.

[siber]

Welcome Yatyas!

Personally, I think that the install sequence should begin thus:

1: Backup all non-recoverable data from C: hard-disk. (Documents etc.)
2: Format C: to remove Windows Vista. :down:
3: Install Windows XP. :up:
4: Reinstall programmes and backed-up data.
5: Continue as mentioned above....

Vista sucks life out of all but the most modern computers.

(Note that this post isn't entirely serious! If you DO format your drive, and it all goes wrong, please don't blame me!)

[yatyas]

Well, last year I was ready to dive back into Silent Hunter and got a lot of good info from everyone on GWX. Long story short, I'm back in the country and wanting to try again. All I have installed is the basic SHIII with the 1.4 patch. Do I still need to remove the SHIII program and reinstall/repatch? Doesn't seem like I'm accomplishing anything with this step that hasn't already been done. Is there a particular version of GWX I need to start with and then add patches or is there a comprehensive version. Thanks!

Welcome to Subsim.:up:

Here's the instructions for installing GWX:

1. Uninstall SH3 via Windows' "Add/Remove programs"
2. Open Windows Explorer and:
- *delete* the folder where you had installed SH3
- *delete* the \My Documents\SH3 folder
3. Reinstall SH3
4. If your SH3 did not come with patch v1.4b already included, install patch v1.4b. Ensure you install the patch that corresponds to your copy of SH3 (Download/DVD/EMEA/US)
5. OPTIONAL: Copy and paste this "clean" install as a backup to avoid the need to follow steps 1-3 if your game becomes corrupt in future
6.Download into the SAME folder GWX.exe and the five .bin files. While there grab the v1.03 patch
7. Run GWX.exe and follow the installation prompts
8. Run GWX103.exe and follow the installation prompts
9. SH3 COMMANDER USERS: Download the GWX 1.02+ Cfg files for SH3 Commander and unzip the contents DIRECTLY into your SH3 Commander\Cfg folder.

Wait, there's more. As you are a Vista User.;)

Follow the instructions from JScones, found here:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=612273&postcount=6

If you are planning to use SH3 Commander with GWX 1.03, you need some additional cfg files to make SH3Cmdr compatible. You can get all the needed files by clicking on my sig.

[Madox58]

Well, if you have a clean install of SH3 1.4?
Get GWX 2.0 and install that.
Then upgrade it with GWX 2.1
Welcome back.
:up:

[Jimbuna]

Pretty much as privateer says....you can also go to the GWX website where you will find comprehensive installation instructions.

Welcome back Kaleun http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

[JScones]

...and about SH3 commander, which I gather is some sort of a front end.
You can view the SH3Cmdr User Guide online here (http://www.users.on.net/~jscones/software/products/SH3CUG.pdf).

[Red Heat]

I played SH2 some time back and quit after I could never get past the constant crashes associated with the D-Day scenario. I'm looking forward to SH3 and have made several patrols... I downloaded what the website called the 1.4 patch, but keeps coming up as 1.3 after the d/l is complete... I've seen numerous references here to GWX, which I gather is a complete rebuild/mod and about SH3 commander, which I gather is some sort of a front end. Is there a certain sequence that these two items should be downloaded? I'm running Vista on my machine, if that makes a difference.
Is there a location where I can find a step by step process for downloading and installing these two items?

Thanks

Welcome Aboard, mate...may this can help you:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=105144

[yatyas]

:huh: Up front let me say that if programming expertise is a requirement to make this work, someone just quietly tap me on the shoulder and I'll content myself with the stock game.

I've been to game shadow, atomic gamers, and many other links. The GWX 2.1
manual on http://gwx.mysite.orange.co.uk/ is a dead link for me. This page also lists a bevy of mirror sites that have multipart "megauploads" for a .exe and many .bin files (I type that like I know what a .bin file is) and I'm confused as to whether any of these are what I need to d/l.
The Gameshadow site installs itself over and over but never finds GWX. The Atomic Gamer site has 8 different expansion mods for GWX. so I'm guessing that aint it.

Clearly I'm missing something fundamental here. I freely admit that I'm no computer whiz, just a knucklehead trying to download a file and drive a sub. I don't know what a "torrent client" is, the Filefront site http://search.filefront.com/gwx2.0 has a gwx2.exe along with 7 or so .bin files, so I'm not sure which one, if any of them are what I need. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Der Kolkrabe]

:huh: Up front let me say that if programming expertise is a requirement to make this work, someone just quietly tap me on the shoulder and I'll content myself with the stock game.

I've been to game shadow, atomic gamers, and many other links. The GWX 2.1
manual on http://gwx.mysite.orange.co.uk/ is a dead link for me. This page also lists a bevy of mirror sites that have multipart "megauploads" for a .exe and many .bin files (I type that like I know what a .bin file is) and I'm confused as to whether any of these are what I need to d/l.
The Gameshadow site installs itself over and over but never finds GWX. The Atomic Gamer site has 8 different expansion mods for GWX. so I'm guessing that aint it.

Clearly I'm missing something fundamental here. I freely admit that I'm no computer whiz, just a knucklehead trying to download a file and drive a sub. I don't know what a "torrent client" is, the Filefront site http://search.filefront.com/gwx2.0 has a gwx2.exe along with 7 or so .bin files, so I'm not sure which one, if any of them are what I need. Thanks in advance for any help.

D/L that GWX2.exe there at filefront. When D/L is over just installed it. :up:

[yatyas]

Der Kolkrabe,
Many thanks. I think I have what I need but I did get this notepad message after the installation was complete.
DEBUG: Test 1 PASSED
DEBUG: Test 2 PASSED Version is 1.4.0.1
DEBUG: Test 3 PASSED
DEBUG: Test 4 FAILED Size is 6760734
DEBUG: Test 5 FAILED Size is 70298
DEBUG: Test 6 Seems to have PASSED IF Size is not Zero - Size is 1138405
At least one of the tests failed

I'm going out on a limb, but I'm thinking the "Failed Test"s isn't a good thing. I'll try to run it and see where it crashes.

[Madox58]

If the first 3 tests fail?
I'm not to concerned.
That seems to happen if you install to a different install then the installer finds.
The last 3 tests mean more.
You can try playing but I bet you have problems down the line.
If the test failed, you should have had a warning come up?
Did you see it?
Did you select install anyway?

[danlisa]

Der Kolkrabe,
Many thanks. I think I have what I need but I did get this notepad message after the installation was complete.
DEBUG: Test 1 PASSED
DEBUG: Test 2 PASSED Version is 1.4.0.1
DEBUG: Test 3 PASSED
DEBUG: Test 4 FAILED Size is 6760734
DEBUG: Test 5 FAILED Size is 70298
DEBUG: Test 6 Seems to have PASSED IF Size is not Zero - Size is 1138405
At least one of the tests failed

I'm going out on a limb, but I'm thinking the "Failed Test"s isn't a good thing. I'll try to run it and see where it crashes.

Yep, it's not a good thing.

IIRC Test 4 checks the campaign file size and Test 5 checks the basic.cfg file.

Which means that the installer has found that the file sizes are different to what they should be for a Basic SH3 1.4b installation.

Now, you say that you are using VISTA, so I'd put money on the fact that the 1.4 patcher was run but not correctly applied to your SH3 install. You can thabk VISTA for that. Follow these instructions for installing on a VISTA machine:

Basic & Vista installs - http://gwx.mysite.orange.co.uk/FAQ.html

As for the manual link being down, you're right. In fact some other sections of the host I use are also experiencing the same trouble. It will come back.

[yatyas]

The only thing I recall was a warnng when d/l from the filefront site about a file's size but I can't remember if it was the second or third file. I looked at the file size of corresponding files from jimbuna (where I started) and another filefront location and opted for the larger file. After I selected a different filefront host, which had the larger file, I started over and the installation continued without further warning. At the outset I did remove the original game and start over, installing outside the Programs folder. I ran the basic game after patching and did not notice any problems. I ran a single mission after the GWX install and didn't notice a problem.
After reviewing my steps, I followed all that were specified for Vista. However, if the section on the GWX page pasted below applies, I did not do this, and though I have no idea what a MD5 Mate really does, if file size is the issue, it seems the test results I received during the install answer that.


Use of the MD5 Mate
MD5 mate allows you to check the integrity of the GWX installation files. Please visit http://www.users.on.net/~jscones/software/products.html (http://www.users.on.net/~jscones/software/products.html) to obtain the latest copy of the program.
When you download the GWX installation files, you will be given the MD5 Hash codes for each part. These are listed below:

GWX2.EXE - D1FF0D6BFD651E869E323D393B1D5B1E


GWX2-1.BIN - 7B14767E3FD8DD9866D902D6CB4B69FE

GWX2-2.BIN - 2718CAD3259B5A43DF03AA88DEAB402B
GWX2-3.BIN - AB9AF05BD89263A018F383EDA589DE90
GWX2-4.BIN - 0FFDB16F197E159E61651DB5D805529A
GWX2-5.BIN - 753D95679C46DF2C54AF7E93B0CCB6EB
GWX2-6.BIN - AB5D09575688802B08156CE1C24C6C88
GWX2-7.BIN - 5BF3E05A81D0E4E09F331090FD3C4C7B





These codes need to be copied/placed into the MD5 Mate interface window and the corresponding GWX installation file selected in the file browser, then click COMPARE. Please see the example picture below:


At this point is the recommendation that I remove all and start over?

[danlisa]

Those are the hash codes for the GWX 2.0 parts which you downloaded.

These codes allow you to check to see if the file that you downloaded is still in it's original (compiled) state. Whenever you download files via the internet, there is always a chance that the file will become corrupted and thus the MD5 hash codes will not match up. This is purely a check on the downloaded files and will not cause the installer error report you have posted above.

The installer report which is part of GWX 2.0's installation process is created when the installer verifies certain aspects of your SH3 1.4b installation. In other words, it checks that certain files are the correct size based upon a 'clean/unmodded' version of the same file, also if any mods are still installed & activated (this can be individual mods or SH3Commander). The bottom line is that your supposedly 'clean/unmodded' installation which you want to add GWX 2 to, is not clean or unaltered.

Now, as previously stated, you may be able to load & play a patrol or campaign BUT you will more than likely experience game problem (probably in your best ever patrol) later on. It's advisable to get GWX2 installed correctly.

[yatyas]

Those are the hash codes for the GWX 2.0 parts which you downloaded.

These codes allow you to check to see if the file that you downloaded is still in it's original (compiled) state. Whenever you download files via the internet, there is always a chance that the file will become corrupted and thus the MD5 hash codes will not match up. This is purely a check on the downloaded files and will not cause the installer error report you have posted above.

The installer report which is part of GWX 2.0's installation process is created when the installer verifies certain aspects of your SH3 1.4b installation. In other words, it checks that certain files are the correct size based upon a 'clean/unmodded' version of the same file, also if any mods are still installed & activated (this can be individual mods or SH3Commander). The bottom line is that your supposedly 'clean/unmodded' installation which you want to add GWX 2 to, is not clean or unaltered.

Now, as previously stated, you may be able to load & play a patrol or campaign BUT you will more than likely experience game problem (probably in your best ever patrol) later on. It's advisable to get GWX2 installed correctly.

I removed everything and started over. This time I did not get an Installer Report at all. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?:hmm:

[Jimbuna]

In the absence of Dan

That is good....I hope you are following the indtallation instructions that are posted on the GWX website.

[yatyas]

In the absence of Dan

That is good....I hope you are following the installation instructions that are posted on the GWX website.

I'm following them step by step and all seems well thus far, thanks to the patient advice from all who've helped. I have yet to load SHCommander. Frankly I'm not sure where to get it. I was unable to locate the Users guide or d/l at the website mentioned by JScones. or any of the other links. At filefront I've seen this file: GWX_21.1_Cfg_4_SH3Cmdr3.0.7z which looks a shcommander file but from the GWX manual I think I'm looking for something like R2.6 or greater. Any additional guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Ok.. after some googling I found SH3 Commander2.7, and a link to a thread begun when it first came out. The thread admonishes us all to read the available info
Quote:
Originally Posted by CCIP
Okay, hopefully it will come with GWX. I'm mostly asking out of concern for the more casual users, after all the questions we get at WaW about the order-of-installations, I'm all too familiar with it.

Yep, I've explained to the Kpt the fun that he can expect on this one. And I'm sure that despite the instructions that appear in the GWX installer (in four languages), AND the instructions in the GWX manual AND the instructions in the updated file archive AND the expected explanations and reiterations here and elsewhere, people will still get it wrong.

The very basic question(s) I have at this point are 1) Do I d/l sh3cdr into it's own folder or into the gwx folder, or jsgme? 2) Do I run this as an adminstrator? I've read a post that specifies running the shiii patch as adminstrator but doesn't mention other add-ons needing to be run as such, then I've seen posts that say to run ALL additional add-ons as administrator. After several iterations of uninstall, reinstall, patch... etc I'd like to avoid an unnecessary screw up. Every thing I've read about the SH3 experience with the benefit of GWX and SH3 Cdr has me very anxious to get this right and get underway! Thanks to everyone involved.

[Sailor Steve]

Commander has an installer that will make its own folder in Program Files. It's separate from the other two.

[yatyas]

### Important Notice to users of SH3 Commander ###
The GWX Team has made available updated files to ensure compatibility between GWX and SH3 Commander. Please note that:

you MUST install these files if you ARE using GWX and SH3 Commander
Take the following steps to configure SH3 Commander for GWX:

Download from the GWX site (http://gwx.mysite.orange.co.uk) and extract the contents into your SH3 Commander\Cfg folder. Refer to the readme.txt in the zip file for more detailed information.

Where are the files referenced above located?
There are several references to http://www.users.on.net/~jscones/software throughout the threads but it seems the SH info is no longer there. A the location above (http://gwx.mysite.orange.co.uk) I find links to a single file (GWX_21.1_Cfg_4_SH3Cmdr3.0.7z). I've not found a zip file with readme text, mentioned above.
:damn: I'm not lost,....I've never been lost... I've been powerful confused for a month or two but never been lost:damn:

[Jimbuna]

### Important Notice to users of SH3 Commander ###
The GWX Team has made available updated files to ensure compatibility between GWX and SH3 Commander. Please note that:

you MUST install these files if you ARE using GWX and SH3 Commander
Take the following steps to configure SH3 Commander for GWX:

Download from the GWX site (http://gwx.mysite.orange.co.uk) and extract the contents into your SH3 Commander\Cfg folder. Refer to the readme.txt in the zip file for more detailed information.


Where are the files referenced above located?
There are several references to http://www.users.on.net/~jscones/software throughout the threads but it seems the SH info is no longer there. A the location above (http://gwx.mysite.orange.co.uk) I find links to a single file (GWX_21.1_Cfg_4_SH3Cmdr3.0.7z). I've not found a zip file with readme text, mentioned above.
:damn: I'm not lost,....I've never been lost... I've been powerful confused for a month or two but never been lost:damn:


The Cfg file is only needed if you are using SH3 Commander.

The one you make reference to above is for SH3 Commander v3.0 or above.

Sadly, JScones has withdrawn the link to d/l SH3 Commander only recently.

I am sure someone will post you a link to the latest version soon after reading this post.

I have not because I do not wish to become embroiled in recent events, but if you are still stuck in a day or so PM me....I will not see you stuck. http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

[Sailor Steve]

Well, I'm obviously already embroiled (or am I just broiled?), so I doubt I can get myself into much more trouble.

Here is the latest version of Commander.
http://files.filefront.com/SH3Cmdr31exe/;10348318;/fileinfo.html

[Jimbuna]

Steve, are you aware this is the basic programme exe file and will therefore not include the latest update upgrading it up to (3.1.3) :hmm:

[yatyas]

Steve, are you aware this is the basic programme exe file and will therefore not include the latest update upgrading it up to (3.1.3) :hmm:

from Sailor Steve
Here is the latest version of Commander.
http://files.filefront.com/SH3Cmdr31.../fileinfo.html (http://files.filefront.com/SH3Cmdr31exe/;10348318;/fileinfo.html)


Thank both of you (Jimbuna and Sailor Steve) for your continued help and patience. I had found and d/l SHCdr2.7 which I have now removed. If I'm following you correctly, I need to d/l and install SH3Cdr v3.0 (do I run this as adminstrator when I install it?). Now, after this is done, I need to paste (GWX_21.1_Cfg_4_SH3Cmdr3.0.7z) into my SH3Cdr folder? Are there any other files needed? The reference to 3.1.3?:hmm:

As for being embroiled, broiled, or just boiled....in my efforts to get underway I've been oblivious to any imbroglio.

[Jimbuna]

Steve, are you aware this is the basic programme exe file and will therefore not include the latest update upgrading it up to (3.1.3) :hmm:

from Sailor Steve
Here is the latest version of Commander.
http://files.filefront.com/SH3Cmdr31.../fileinfo.html (http://files.filefront.com/SH3Cmdr31exe/;10348318;/fileinfo.html)


Thank both of you (Jimbuna and Sailor Steve) for your continued help and patience. I had found and d/l SHCdr2.7 which I have now removed. If I'm following you correctly, I need to d/l and install SH3Cdr v3.0 (do I run this as adminstrator when I install it?). Now, after this is done, I need to paste (GWX_21.1_Cfg_4_SH3Cmdr3.0.7z) into my SH3Cdr folder? Are there any other files needed? The reference to 3.1.3?:hmm:

As for being embroiled, broiled, or just boiled....in my efforts to get underway I've been oblivious to any imbroglio.

The exe file will create a Programme Folder in your C drive.

What I do is install JSGME into the same folder (SH3 Commander)....this also means it is simple to activate other mods that are meant to compliment SH3 Commander eg: air markings, radio messages, dated events, music etc.

Forget about the 3.1.3 reference...I have checked what Steve has given you and it is the latest update 3.1.3.184 http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

Embroiled:

To involve in argument, contention, or hostile actions:
To throw into confusion or disorder; entangle.

[Uboatman]

went to update my SH3 Cmdr 3.1 and found that it wasn't there last night, have d/l from the link steve kindly provided, thanks mate, this is updated as I understand from the post above, do I need to completely uninstall the version I have now to get this updated 3.1 to work or will it just overwrite?

[Jimbuna]

went to update my SH3 Cmdr 3.1 and found that it wasn't there last night, have d/l from the link steve kindly provided, thanks mate, this is updated as I understand from the post above, do I need to completely uninstall the version I have now to get this updated 3.1 to work or will it just overwrite?

I'm not 100% certain if it will just overwrite your previous version because I've never needed to do that.

Back up your SH3 folder in C/myDocs and try, or alternatively back up the folder anyway and uninstall the original before installing the newer version.

I really can't be certain but I think it may will overwrite.

[yatyas]

went to update my SH3 Cmdr 3.1 and found that it wasn't there last night, have d/l from the link steve kindly provided, thanks mate, this is updated as I understand from the post above, do I need to completely uninstall the version I have now to get this updated 3.1 to work or will it just overwrite?

The warning below is from the set up program for SH3 Cdr 3.0
quote]
!!PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING!![/font]

If you are running SH3 Commander Release 3.0 then you can install this release straight over the top. If you are running an earlier release, then you must uninstall it before installing this release. You do not need to remove any residual files or folders.

Prior to uninstalling your previous release, make sure that you have:
1. removed the SH3 Commander-based mods from Silent Hunter III by pressing the 'Rollback SH3' button in SH3 Commander
2. backed up any SH3 Commander files that you may have modified, including SH3Cmdr.ini.
[/quote]

Hope it helps

[Sailor Steve]

Steve, are you aware this is the basic programme exe file and will therefore not include the latest update upgrading it up to (3.1.3) :hmm:
Due to the troubles I had, I ended up re-downloading the whole thing. I never did use just the 'newest version', but when I click on mine it now says I'm using 3.1.3.184. I think the .exe file I put up is 3.1.3; of course I can't be sure until someone else tries it.

[Jimbuna]

Steve, are you aware this is the basic programme exe file and will therefore not include the latest update upgrading it up to (3.1.3) :hmm:
Due to the troubles I had, I ended up re-downloading the whole thing. I never did use just the 'newest version', but when I click on mine it now says I'm using 3.1.3.184. I think the .exe file I put up is 3.1.3; of course I can't be sure until someone else tries it.

Yeah, all sorted...see #27


Forget about the 3.1.3 reference...I have checked what Steve has given you and it is the latest update 3.1.3.184




http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

[Sailor Steve]

Yeah, all sorted...see #27
:rotfl: :damn:

Of course I did the usual thing of instantly replying without reading the rest of the thread. Sorry says I.

[Jimbuna]

Yeah, all sorted...see #27
:rotfl: :damn:

Of course I did the usual thing of instantly replying without reading the rest of the thread. Sorry says I.


http://www.spreadtheiris.com/images/smilies/smacka.gif ....... http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img240/9117/pointingqq8.gif

Your an okay guy Steve http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img412/4774/thumbsuplargeon1.gif