A definitive answer on SH3 + Windows 7

[DirtyACE]

I've been reading many threads over the last few days on how to run SH3 + GWX Gold in Windows 7, and so far I'm still confused because I've seen some contradictory advice. What is the definitive approach to making SH3 work in Win 7? Can someone please give me concise, step-by-step instructions on how to go about installing and making the game work?

I've also downloaded the No DVD files as per Neal's sticky, and have also downloaded the StarForce removal tool just in case.

Thanks :DL

[GREY WOLF 3]

1. Remove sf from previous installation with the official removal tool.
2. Re-install sh3 but do not run it yet.
3. patch it to 1.4b (run as administrator otherwise it won't work)
4. My version of sh3 came with sf, so I ran the crack,.
5. Change the desktop resolution to 1024 x 768.
6. run sh3 without the Cd in the tray.
7. go to options and de-select full screen so it will run sh3 in its own window. Exit sh3
8. Change desktop back to my original resolution.
9. Install Grey Wolves

[DirtyACE]

Actually I haven't installed SH3 yet on Windows 7 so there's nothing to remove.

And why did you change your resolution back and forth? Is that really necessary? First time I hear anything about this.

[KLT Lars]

Hi,

did install both SH3 and GWX Gold a couple a days ago. It took some mefforts to install SH3, as I had to find the very correct patch but then it was just to follow the GWX Gold install steps found on the Gray Wolves site, not any problems at all. The only thing you will have to do when starting up GWX is to set screen resolution to 1024 or 1280. Otherwise the 3D engine will not work, at least not on my PC. The career started on Aug 1, which I did not notice, so got some but kicks from the Leader and reduced renown...

[[SJ]nailz]

I'm running win7 and I didn't ave to do any changing of screenres, it ran straight from install, after no-dvd of course, maximised but as a 4/3 image on my 16/9 monitor, in other words black bars right and left....


win7 is easier than vista though....

[torpedobait]

After literally weeks of trying all the tips and tactics here and in other threads, I wound up totally frustrated and was ready to give up ever being able to run GWX again. Then came a flash of genius!

I spent the extra $9.95 and bought the patched, no-DVD version through the Subsim link to Amazon.com. By temporarily signing up for their 30 day free trial, I even got the shipping for nothing.

Loading SHIII from the disk proved problematic, even in a new "Games" directory outside of the "Program FIles (x86)" folder. Win 7 would not accept a directory name that included "Silent Hunter III"; I kept getting a message about invalid directory or unauthorized access. All I had to do was change that part of the new directory name to "Silent_Hunter3" (without spaces, you will note) and from that point on the installation was painless. After verifying that I had the 1.4 version, I then proceeded to run the GWX Gold installation. It ran fine, and the sim starts normally, no disk, no error messages!

I am back where I was before my old computer died, able to run GWX3 Gold with all mods installed! So, in a nutshell:
1. Get the already patched, no DVD version and install it to a new directory that has no spaces in any of the name components;
2. Apply GWX3 Gold with any mods you choose;
3. Apply the .cfg file changes to SH3 Commander 3.2 if you use it;
4. Experience the bliss of having your gaming life back!

Thanks to all who offered advice and opinions and tried to help me work through this.