Hello From New Member...And Help Please``

[RhodyDave]

First, I'd like to say hi and that I've played SH3 in the past but not in several years. Since then I've gotten a newer laptop with Windows 7, and I'm trying to install my old DVD on this newer computer.

However, the game installer won't run. I've searched online and the only info that I've seen is about running the game after it's been installed. I can't even get the installer to run.

I've downloaded the latest version in InstallShield, and I am the admin on this computer. When I try, I get a message that says "Could not run setup program".

Would anyone have any idea how I can fix this? Much appreciated for any help.

[GoldenRivet]

Welcome aboard.

Poke around here and see if you can find anything: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=162165

Also if you have steam and $9.99 you can pick up a downloaded version of SH3 minus most of the compatibility issues

[HW3]

Or use the Amazon button in the upper right corner of the page, and buy a newer copy that does not have Starforce on it, and is already patched to 1.4b. SubSim gets a small percentage of each sale made by going through the button here at SubSim.

:subsim:

[bertieck476]

My copy of sh3 I bought only a couple of years ago without the starforce issues and have had no problems at all in installing. Just works straight out of the box.

[Jimbuna]

Where exactly are you installing the game to (location wise) on your laptop?

Welcome Aboard.

[Laufen zum Ziel]

Welcome aboard mate.

[u crank]

Welcome to SubSim RhodyDave. :salute:

[RhodyDave]

Hi and thanks for the replies! In response to the questions you've asked me;

I'm trying to install an old version of the game on DVD that HAS Starforce protection.

I'm trying to install to the 'admin' (me) account.

My laptop is a Dell Vostro with i5 processor, 32 bit OS, Windows 7 SP1.

I did look through the 'Windows 7' support thread, but didn't see anything about not being able to actually install the game, only problems with running it AFTER install. I can't even get the installer to work.


A question I have about the Steam version - it was mentioned that the Steam version is without MOST of the compatibility issues. Can you provide more details on that please?

If this info gives you more ideas about how I can get this to work, I'd really appreciate it. I wouldn't be opposed to buying the Steam version - IF it actually works with my OS. Thanks again for all the suggestions!

[Sailor Steve]

WELCOME ABOARD! :sunny:

You just explained a lot. It's my understanding that the newest versions of Windows really hate StarForce. Some say it refuses to work with it at all. You might try using the official StarForce removal tool.

You might also consider purchasing a newer version on disc. They are very cheap ($4) and cause no problems at all.
http://www.amazon.com/Encore-16560-Silent-Hunter-2/dp/B0017HIH6O/ref=sr_1_3?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1362840973&sr=1-3&keywords=silent+hunter+3

And if you start with the link at the top right of this page Subsim will get a small cut at no extra cost to you.

[Jimbuna]

Starforce and Windows 7 will not work together so either ty the Starforce removal tool (link below) or do as Steve suggests.

http://www.star-force.com/support/drivers/

[RhodyDave]

Ok, so now for some reason I was able to get the game installed. Prior to trying to install it again, I downloaded and ran the Starforce removal tool - which when ran told me there weren't any protection drivers on my system. So I take that as there was no Starforce program in the computer already.

I then figured I'd try once more to install, and when I put the DVD in, the autorun window popped up and I clicked 'install', which it did - much to my surprise!

Now after installation, the program tells me it won't run -

http://s21.postimage.org/4ch9of43r/sh3_error.jpg

But I AM the administrator! This is really frustrating - any advice?

[Vince82]

Welcome aboard.

I remember I had similar issues when I tried to install SH3 half a year ago. And I remember that the starforce removal said I didnt have starforce on my PC.

Things that will help:

-Follow the install instructions you can find on subsim (obviously... lol)
-Installing SH3 directly to your C drive.
-Dont put the dvd in your computer anymore once you manage to install SH3. Use a fixed exe instead (you probably want to patch to 1.4 first).

Good luck!

[RhodyDave]

Well, I'm getting closer to playing - I was able to install, upgrade to patch v1.4b and such as per the guide on how to remove Starforce.

Now, the game launches, I get the intro movie, but then it crashes to the desktop with some error message that the game stopped working, but no details beyond that.

I'm going to try to figure this new issue out in the 'Windows 7' help thread.

Thanks again, and see you there lol

[GoldenRivet]

Sounds like you're running into that win7 star force compatibility issue.

You need to read the thread (it's a sticky) about how to remove star force.

I'm sorry for the trouble you're having, win7 has made installing and running SH3 a real pain in the butt. Once you get things sorted out, it will have been worth it

Edit: you're other option is to just drop a few bucks on a new copy either at the store, from the subsim amazon link or off steam. The new versions don't have this issue.

[RhodyDave]

Well, I give up - I'm going to shell out the $9.99 and get it from Steam. I really really hope there are no issues with the Steam version and Windows 7.

[Vince82]

I don't think it's a starforce issue as you managed to install etc and did see the intro. More likely something to do with your settings and windows 7. so it's very well possible you get the game wont really start when you try the steam version. But you can always try it's not that expensive.

[HW3]

Just a note here, Starforce does not install until you run/start the game the first time with the disk in the drive, like you had to do when the game first came out. That is why the nocd patch was made in the first place, so we could play without having to have the cd in the drive all the time.

:subsim:

[GoldenRivet]

I've got windows 7 and i was having the same problem a while back, there was a multi step process that had to be followed to make it work correctly... i never found the time to do it.

now i have recently moved and my SH3 disk is put away in a box, rather than spend the hours finding it... i downloaded it on steam for $9.99

the process for installing gwx was a little trying but it was only a matter of figuring out where steam installs SH3

(C: - steam - steamapps - common - silent hunterIII i think)

anyhow the steam version downloaded and fired up no problem on win 7

[RhodyDave]

I've got windows 7 and i was having the same problem a while back, there was a multi step process that had to be followed to make it work correctly... i never found the time to do it.

now i have recently moved and my SH3 disk is put away in a box, rather than spend the hours finding it... i downloaded it on steam for $9.99

the process for installing gwx was a little trying but it was only a matter of figuring out where steam installs SH3

(C: - steam - steamapps - common - silent hunterIII i think)

anyhow the steam version downloaded and fired up no problem on win 7

GoldenRivet, thanks for the info! That is a HUGE relief to know the Steam version works fine with Windows 7. I'll be getting it asap.

[HW3]

The original CD does work with Windows 7 & 8, you just have to install it outside of the default location in Program Files (x86). I made a folder on the C drive, named it UBI, pointed the installer there, let it install but, not start, once it was finished installing took the disk out of the drive, installed the nocd patch, made sure it would start up, and it was ready to install GWX. That process works fine everytime. I have recently bought the SH2/SH3 release from Amazon $9.98 just to have around as a backup.

:subsim:

[TheDude107]

Hi and thanks for the replies! In response to the questions you've asked me;

I'm trying to install an old version of the game on DVD that HAS Starforce protection.

I'm trying to install to the 'admin' (me) account.

My laptop is a Dell Vostro with i5 processor, 32 bit OS, Windows 7 SP1.

I did look through the 'Windows 7' support thread, but didn't see anything about not being able to actually install the game, only problems with running it AFTER install. I can't even get the installer to work.

A question I have about the Steam version - it was mentioned that the Steam version is without MOST of the compatibility issues. Can you provide more details on that please?


The steam version is $9.99(Not trying to cut out subsim, but digital isn't provided here?) and runs fine on a Vista system. Steam version is also patched to 1.4b. Another thing I like is that steam can verify the integrity of your game install afterwards to make sure it's 100% "clean". I've also tried it on my moms Win 7 laptop but not with GWX. GWX works fine in my experience as long as you have a clean install and install GWX as admin. Steam automaticly acts as admin and hates when you set it to run as admin!!!

DRM issues seem to be the problem so that disc will prevent you from playing unless you can fix the starfoce issue. An easy DRM workaround is to try an older disc drive. The speed of a modern disk reader when downloading older games, is usually un-recognized by the DRM. Also the speed at which your drive reads a disk will probably be recognized as a disk burner since the speed probably alot higher then disk drives of the era when SH3 was released.

I'd say try the DVD drive/other drive but I am assuming your computer only has one disk drive since it is a laptop. If you know someone with an older computer then try downloading the install files on that computer, and then burning the files onto a DVD cd with enough memory. (Protip: Your local Library probably runs with XP operating systems) This may help or you can atleast email the files to yourself from the other computer that succesfully downloaded the files.

If you go this route check the memory size of the whole game before buying the DVD's at the store. The standard ones come in a 715mb format which will force you to make two disk(and corrupt the install) for most games past 2008. And yes it is legal as of 2012 to make backups of items you legaly own, screw DRM.

[ninja turtle]

Well, I give up - I'm going to shell out the $9.99 and get it from Steam. I really really hope there are no issues with the Steam version and Windows 7.

Hi matey

I bought SH3 from Steam end of last year as it is more reassuring that it is updated to the latest patch IMO. I have had no real problems playing or adding mods (once I knew what to do).

Hope that helps

Happy hunting

:arrgh!:

[RhodyDave]

The Dude/Ninja Turtle (and the rest too),

Thanks for the input. All helpful and after considering my free time and with the idea that less stress is always better, I'm going to get the Steam version.

I really appreciate the detailed instructions on how to get around the install problems. I am amazed at the tenacity displayed here by so many of you to get this game working. It's a testament to how great this game can be despite the problems. You guys rock!

[guntherprien]

Golden Rivet has the solution right there.
Although it has been posted very recently by JimBuna,or was it Sailor Steve?
Both are equally a great help to noobs like me and you.
Singed is also a veritable mine of information regarding installation issues.:yep:

[Sailor Steve]

Wasn't me. I don't have Windows 7 and I never use Steam. :sunny:

[ninja turtle]

Golden Rivet has the solution right there.
Although it has been posted very recently by JimBuna,or was it Sailor Steve?
Both are equally a great help to noobs like me and you.
Singed is also a veritable mine of information regarding installation issues.:yep:

I concur :up:

The Dude/Ninja Turtle (and the rest too),

Thanks for the input. All helpful and after considering my free time and with the idea that less stress is always better, I'm going to get the Steam version.

I really appreciate the detailed instructions on how to get around the install problems. I am amazed at the tenacity displayed here by so many of you to get this game working. It's a testament to how great this game can be despite the problems. You guys rock!

You're welcome. I'm also very impressed with how friendly and helpful members are in this subsim :yeah: