New to SH3 and confused where to start

[Coral]

I just dug out SH3 and would like to install it but I have a few questions:
I have the US DVD version I believe.
Questions
Do I update to patch 1.4b?
Is it still starforce protected? I note in a post by Neal that he stated:Important note: This method will prevent you from running any other games which require Starforce. Does this really mean that I cannot run my current version of DCS A10C the flying simulator?
In the beginning, I would like to keep things simple so what would be the first couple of mods to use and their current version?
Should I use the Gray wolf bonus download that I received?
Thanks

[Aktungbby]

Coral!:salute: We missed your first post...a year ago! forgive our manners!:Kaleun_Salute:

[Sailor Steve]

Do I update to patch 1.4b?
What is the date on the box? If it's 2005 then you need to update it and get rid of the StarForce installation. If it's newer than that then it is fully patched and StarForce-free.

If you have another game with Starforce installed, you might as well keep it in SH3 as well. It's not SH3's SF that is a problem, but any SF on your computer. StarForce is known to sometimes decide that the DVD drive itself is corrupted and not allow the computer to read that drive.

If you buy a newer version you will have no problems with SH3 or with any other games.

In the beginning, I would like to keep things simple so what would be the first couple of mods to use and their current version?
Should I use the Gray wolf bonus download that I received?
Thanks
SH3 is solid enough to be playable with no mods at all. You might want to get a feel and taste for the stock game before trying anything else. Here is one of the several comparisons I've made over the years. They are based on the descriptions of the fans of the different mods. I haven't played them all.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2049517&postcount=4

[Coral]

The date of the windows installer file for SH3 is Feb 28, 2005 so it looks like Starforce will be installed. Newer Starforce protection is different than the old starforce protection so I am reluctant to install this version of SH 3.

[maillemaker]

Best bet is just to go to Amazon.com and buy a fresh download for like $10.

I agree it's probably good to play a campaign using stock SH3, just so you'll appreciate the massive improvement when you install something like GWX. :)

Steve

[Jimbuna]

Can't add much to what both Steves are advising but if you go for a newer version be sure to go to Amazon via the quick links tab and SubSim will receive a small commission at no additional cost to yourself.

[Mittelwaechter]

Ubisoft didn't want to pay the upgrade cost for any StarForce updates available with Vista supporting the "old" SH3 software.
If you run Vista or any later operating system the original StarForce drivers won't be compatible, while any up to date StarForce drivers won't be compatible with the game.

Catch22.

The good news: the drivers won't install as long as you don't start the game.

To get you aboard you'll have to install the game NOT into the default path but something like C:\games\... - or whatever UAC unprotected path you think fit.
Don't start the game, don't install any 3rd party software provided with your DVD.

Check the installation directory for the Sh3.exe and rightclick it.
Select Properties and the tab Details to read the version number of your Sh3.exe.

If it is 1.0.0.0 you have the original, unpatched, starforced version.
Starting the game will install the incompatible StarForce drivers and you've messed it up.
If it reads 1.4.0.1 you have a patched and (pretty sure) starforce free installation.
To check it, remove the DVD and try to start the game. If it works you are good to go - otherwise install the five files.

With 1.0.0.0 you'll have to patch to 1.4b and install the five files to get rid of the game checking for StarForce and the DVD.
It doesn't have any consequences with other starforced software, as long as you didn't install the old drivers and have to remove the StarForce crap with the SF tool.
Only this will interfere with any other StarForce protected game installations.

Report if you started the game and got in trouble - I'll help you getting sorted.
You may have to reinstall the other game, but you will have both - your SF protected game and SH3 modified to unprotected.

[bstanko6]

I just started playing sh3 a month ago, been several years. It was a d2d download, but lost my computer. I searched for sh3 DVDs on Amazon without SF and with the 1.4 patch already on it. Cost me $6. I played the stock game for 8 patrols before upgrading to GWX. Well worth it! Just know that GWX had CTD issues, and for me the more mods I used the more CTD. Just take ur time and think about it.

[THEBERBSTER]

A Warm Welcome Back > Coral :subsim:

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