Windows 7, yet again.

[Trunkles]

Hi folks.
Try as I might, I'd damned in if can get SH3 to run under Windows 7. I've follwed the instructions here (http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/442645-How-to-play-Silent-Hunter-III-without-the-DVD-in-the-DVD-Drive-Forums) but wit no success. SFDRVREM says there's no starforce driver found. I try to run the patch (silent_hunter_3_dvd_1.4b_us) and that comes up with an error "unknown version". If I try to run the game, up comes a protection thing saying nope, gotta run an old OS. I think the version of SH3 I have is 1.0, at least, that's what the readme says it is. I've read a number of threads that say try this, try that but it's all confused and inconsistent.

So, is there a definitive way of getting SH3 to work on Windows 7?

Thanks.

[Herr-Berbunch]

Did you run a registry cleaner (ccleaner or puran defrag are free and good) prior to the latest install? Every last drop of any previous install must be removed, inc. in documents folder.

You may have a later disk that doesn't have starfarce, and may already be patched, but you need to run/install as admin.

[Trunkles]

Yep, everything is cleaned off; can't find a shred of SH3 anywhere.

The files on the DVD are dated 28 Feb 2005 or earlier. There is a README EMEA EN.TXT file that says it is version 1.0. I have a vague memory that there are different patches for the EMEA and US versions, is that true?

Do you have to run all the patches? As in 1.0 > 1.1 > 1.2 > 1.3 > 1.4 or does 1.0 > 1.4 work?

I'm looking forward to playing it again, SH3 is a superb game! I'll find the money for GWX 3.0 (Think that's what it's called) 'cos I remember the mods made a good game great. I tried SH5, great graphics but very buggy. I couldn't select a mission to do so gave up on it in disgust. LOL

[Mittelwaechter]

Rightclick the SH3.exe -> Properties -> Tab 'Details': if your version is 1.4.0.1 the game is already patched.
If you have to patch your game you'll only need the latest 1.4b patch - I guess the US version.

When did you buy your DVD? It may be without the StarForce drivers, as Ubisoft didn't want to pay for the updated SF drivers for Windows Vista and later.
The SF drivers would be visible under your device manager screen, after enabling "show hidden devices" (or similar) under 'View'

Don't install into the default path but into C:\games\ - or whatever you prefer.

Welcome aboard.

[Mittelwaechter]

Double post.

[Aktungbby]

Welcome aboard Trunkles:Kaleun_Salute:

[Trunkles]

Hm, interesting. When I click "browse" to try to change the destination folder the installer crashes. It gives me a 1628 error. Fun, fun, fun. :wah:

[Mittelwaechter]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910816

[Trunkles]

Thanks Mittelwaechter. Followed the link. ran the MS fixit tool and... no change ARGH! :wah::wah::wah:

[Mittelwaechter]

We force your computer to do what you want. :)

What are your system specs?

Is your game patched? Is the installation StarForce free?

Try to install into default path and copy the Ubisoft folder to C:\games\.

[Tonnage_Ace]

I'm monitoring this thread, I'm trying to play SH3 while waiting for SH5 to come in the mail...

[KL-alfman]

Trunkles, have you ever tried this patch: silent_hunter_3_dvd_1.4b_emea.exe?
you can find it here: http://www.gamershell.com/download_9689.shtml
(though it must be in the download-section as well)

[Trunkles]

Hooray! Installed and it runs. Thank you for all your help. :yeah:

Only to find a completely different issue but that's a new thread. LOL

[Mittelwaechter]

Great! Have fun.

Now be so kind and help others stumbling over this thread and tell them what exactly did you do to get it working.

And is your game patched and starforced or not?

[Trunkles]

That's exactly what I'm going to do. I'm going to write a proper document and PDF it. Hopefully, I'll be able to upload it to subsim so anyone can get a copy.

And yes, patched to 1.4 and no starforce.

[Pisces]

... I try to run the patch (silent_hunter_3_dvd_1.4b_us) and that comes up with an error "unknown version". ...Last time I heard New Zealand is in Asia. (Well, sort of) So you better get the E(uropean)M(iddle)E(ast)A(sia) version of the patch.

[EDIT]Oops, to late to the party. :o