View Full Version : Fresh Install of SH3 is a No Go with 8.1
I tried all afternoon to do a fresh install of SH3 on 8.1. It just won't install and work. I followed Blitz's instructions but nada on the install. Is this a problem caused by 8.1?
I made a Games folder in Program Files (x86). Installed SH3 from the DVD. I canceled Game Shadow and did not click Finish for the SH3 installation. Ran the 1.4b US patch and got this error - C:\Games\MissionEngine.dll: unknown version.
Also. When installation was done there was no UBI-Silent-Hunter 3 folder in the Games folder. Just all the data from the DVD installation in the Games folder. I've never seen this happen before with an original 2005 SH3 DVD. Ran as Admin, and compatibility with XP SP 2, and again with Windows 7. Neither worked.
I'd try with Windows 10 but I'm not ready to Upgrade until I do a clone of my HDD for a back up.
Here's the error I got:
One other error I got yesterday when I tried to install the 1.4b US patch.
Sailor Steve
10-27-15, 08:15 PM
How old is your game disc? If it's the original then it still has StarForce, and Windows 8.1 won't even talk to it. I have a newer, SF-free version which came fully updated to 1.4b, and had no problems.
Something else you might try is to create a folder outside of any Program Files. Newer versions of Windows don't like us using the Program Files folders.
Gary, do not install it inside of the Program Files (x86) folder. Make a games folder on the main C drive. Windows UAC program has fits if we try using the Programs folders.
THEBERBSTER
10-28-15, 04:43 AM
Never install any Silent Hunter version in the default program (x86) folder.
Peter
danasan
10-28-15, 05:55 AM
Gary,
here is a workaround for those who don't want any 3rd party tools or don't want to read the whole day...
First of all, I'd like you to understand that there is NO need to install SH3, once you have it installed on just ONE computer.
That said, I haven't used the original game DVD for years now. I just copied the whole folder of a SH3 vanilla installation on an old computer, zipped it, and burnt it on a DVD. I can always start from that DVD by copying the content to my HDD.
So, if you have access to a computer with an older OS, install SH3 there.
-Verify if the game runs fine. After that:
-Copy the whole SH3 folder to an external HDD \ Stick \ whatever.
-Past the folder to your HDD with WIN 8.1, f.x. to the root of C:\
-You'd better name that folder f.x.: SilentHunter3 without any blanks.
-Find the SH3.exe in that folder there and set admin rights and compatibility to XP or WIN 7.
You should be done now. This method is safe, fast (depending on the medium you have your copy on) and independent.
Edit for clarification: If you zipped the folder, you have to unzip it, of course.
Onkel Neal
10-28-15, 07:15 AM
Never install any Silent Hunter version in the default program (x86) folder.
Peter
Gary, do not install it inside of the Program Files (x86) folder. Make a games folder on the main C drive. Windows UAC program has fits if we try using the Programs folders.
Something else you might try is to create a folder outside of any Program Files. Newer versions of Windows don't like us using the Program Files folders.
Gary,
here is a workaround for those who don't want any 3rd party tools or don't want to read the whole day...
First of all, I'd like you to understand that there is NO need to install SH3, once you have it installed on just ONE computer....
Thanks for the respectful and patient replies to Gary's question, you guys are awesome. You are the superstars Subsim is known for.:yeah:
Gary, don't feel bad, that's a common mistake. I know about it and I sometimes forget. I guess the routine process of installing programs can be exactly that, routine. Except in some odd cases, it has to be done differently, such as in this case. Please let us know if you were successful in getting SH3 installed. :salute:
danasan
10-28-15, 07:29 AM
@ Blitz,
believe me, I'm not misunderstanding anything here.
I am not going to quote Kpt. Lehman here.
Ok, so you all know. I did not try to install in the Programs (x86) folder. That was a senior moment in typing. My mind was going in circles when I posted this thread. I apologize. I did make a Games folder on C drive and it was not in any folder... it was on it's own. It is possible I had a corrupt download of the 1.4b patch as my broadband was all screwed up. That's now fixed.
I tend to go with Sailor Steve's response on my 2005 SH3 dvd. I'm off and on my way down cellar to look for the later SH3 dvds I bought that don't have Starforce in them. At least I believe and hope they don't. I'll let you know as soon as I find them
As to all your replies, my thanks. I took no one's reply in a derogatory way. You all have been very helpful and it made me think. Remember now, when SH3 came out I waited until the 1.4b patch came out before I installed it. At one time I could do the install blindfolded. But that was while we all were using XP. It's sad that MS has forgotten about us all and came out with operating systems that are giving most out there headaches trying to play these older games and simulations. I am one of those. Believe me, it's hell forgetting what I thought I knew new so well, and having to put up with the changes these new operating systems have dumped on us all.
And Oliver, your Guide is fine as it is. I understood it. SH3 didn't. LOL
Dan, I wish I had it on another computer I could take it from. That I would do in a heartbeat.
:salute: to you all. And my thanks to Oliver and Dave. Besides Neal and SubSim, the two of you and got me re-interested in SH3, along with the new mods that have been made.
Edit:
BTW.. don't say it's solved just yet. ;)
No luck on a newer version of SH3 without Starforce. It's buried in a box somewhere or I gave it away to someone that wanted to play SH3.
So, if anyone has a copy without Starforce in it and willing to sell it, I'm very interested it buying it.
Edit:
Found a copy on Amazon but waiting for a reply as to the date it was made, and if Starforce is not included on the dvd.
Admiral Halsey
10-29-15, 01:44 AM
I must be lucky but i've got almost all my games in the default X86 folder and they not only work just fine but mods work just fine as well. Never had any of the problems people seem to have with it. The only games I don't have there are games like SH3 where one needs multiple folders to work the mega-mods.
blackswan40
10-29-15, 02:49 AM
GT182 I have a spare SH3 DISC already patched to 1.4 no star force and once installed you dont need the dvd in your drive
just pm me your home address & ill send you the disc
THE PRIDE RUNS DEEP AT SUBSIM WE LOOK AFTER OUR OWN SALUTE
Blackswan & Blitzkrieg, you genius-guys really rule with your help!
I applaud and thank you so much.:rock::yeah::up::know:
I'll soon have a SH3 dvd coming from Blackswan40.... as soon as I can get to the bank on Monday. Thanks Andy.
Another question. I was looking in my Local Disc (C) and saw that SH5 is installed in a UBI folder. This UBI folder is not in Program Files or Program Files (x86). Would it hurt to install SH3 in the same folder?
Danasan, you got me thinking about putting SH3 on a 32gb thumb drive. Would that work? It sure would make it portable between 2 computers.
Would it hurt to install SH3 in the same folder?
I've done that before with no problems. I've even had an IL2 install in the same folder with an SH3 install, just be sure both installs are inside their own separate folders. Example C:\UBISOFT\SH3 C:\UBISOFT\SH5
Sounds good. I'll give it a try both ways Blitz and Dave.
And 10-4 on having it portable between computers.
Hopefully I'll have the new SH3 dvd soon. It's on it's way.
Well... I've tried 4 times to install SH3 and all failed. All the files show up in the C:\Games\SH3 folder I created but no SH3.exe. And no Silent_Hunter_3 folder is created either for all the game files to go into on the installation like it did with XP. These installs were with my new SH3 dvd that has no Starforce, includes the 1.4b patch and no dvd exe. Very Weird. I can't even get to change the Compatibility or run as Admin either.
I might try one last time to install it in the Ubisoft folder. Neither the Ubisoft or Games folders are in Program files (x86). That's if I can get the normal XP type of game install going.
Looks like I'll have to take my computer in to the Micro Soft Store and see how bad my 8.1 is corrupted. I know it is as my USB external HDD won't connect. I can't get my cell phone to connect to it. And worst of all my System Restore isn't working. Something from one of MS' 8.1 updates has royally screwed up the operating system. I'm wondering if that was done on purpose to get me to upgrade to Windows 10..... which I want nothing to do with. I don't want them spying on my computer to see what I'm doing. AND yes they are ding it with 10. They gotten as bad as UBI was with Starforce.
avghunter
11-09-15, 05:40 PM
Well... I've tried 4 times to install SH3 and all failed. All the files show up in the C:\Games\SH3 folder I created but no SH3.exe. And no Silent_Hunter_3 folder is created either for all the game files to go into on the installation like it did with XP. These installs were with my new SH3 dvd that has no Starforce, includes the 1.4b patch and no dvd exe. Very Weird. I can't even get to change the Compatibility or run as Admin either.
I might try one last time to install it in the Ubisoft folder. Neither the Ubisoft or Games folders are in Program files (x86). That's if I can get the normal XP type of game install going.
Looks like I'll have to take my computer in to the Micro Soft Store and see how bad my 8.1 is corrupted. I know it is as my USB external HDD won't connect. I can't get my cell phone to connect to it. And worst of all my System Restore isn't working. Something from one of MS' 8.1 updates has royally screwed up the operating system. I'm wondering if that was done on purpose to get me to upgrade to Windows 10..... which I want nothing to do with. I don't want them spying on my computer to see what I'm doing. AND yes they are ding it with 10. They gotten as bad as UBI was with Starforce.
I did the same. Many attemps but I found this method and it worked the first try. good luck.
!!! UPDATE - I got SH3 to work in Win 7 64-bit !!!
* UPDATE ** UPDATE ** UPDATE ** UPDATE ** UPDATE *
I GOT IT TO WORK in Win 7. FINALLY !!!
Here's how:
1. Do NOT install the game (yet). If you have installed it, UN-INSTALL the game completely.
2. Download the following files to a TEMP folder or your desktop, so it'll be easier to find them, AND for other reasons later on, such as - C:\TEMP\Downloads\SH3\
A. 1.4b patch - http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/down...do=file&id=158
B. No DVD patch - rld-sh14.rar - (scroll down to where it says "Silent Hunter 3 v1.4b [ENGLISH] No-DVD/Fixed EXE", click on the floppy disc icon.)
C. SH3_XPSP2_Res_Fix_for_1.4b - http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/down...o=file&id=1092
D. 4GB_Patch_Reloaded - http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/down...o=file&id=2888
3. Unpack, unzip, extract these files ONLY TO a TEMP file, such as - C:\TEMP\Games\SH3, so that you will ONLY need to do a Copy-Paste of the required files just in case there's an install issue.
4. Install SH3. DO NOT install to the default directory C:\programs(x86)\Ubisoft\SilentHunteriii.
For some odd reason, the game crashes if it is installed there. Windoze UAC is a useless "feature" that just treats the user like an idiot leper. Instead, install the game at the ROOT of your hard drive, such as - C:\SH3
5. DO NOT install the game's update system.
Do NOT install the directx version that came with the disk.
Do NOT attempt playing the game.
Don't argue with me. Shut-up & do what you're told.
** If, by chance you have an older version of the game that includes Starforce, you will need to download the following file (to a TEMP directory) - http://onlinesecurity-on.com/downloads/sfcdrvrem.zip -
and install it to remove the insulting BS the game came with.
6. Install the 1.4b patch (exe). Make sure you install the correct patch - for US DVD's use the US DVD patch. Do NOT use the european patch for the US DVD. The same for the EU DVD, use the EU patch.
7. Install the "No DVD Patch" by doing a Copy-Paste from the temp folder to the game folder C:\SH3\. This will replace the following 5 files: sh3.exe, MissionEngine.dll, SimData.dll, StateMachine.dll, Utils.dll
8. Install the "SH3_XPSP2_Res_Fix_for_1.4b" by doing a Copy-Paste from the temp folder to the game folder C:\SH3\. This will add the following 5 files: d3d9.cfg, d3d9.dll, SHIII.sdb, SP2 Rez fix.bat, SP2 Rez fix uninstall.bat
9. Install the "4GB_Patch_Reloaded" (exe).
10. Go to the game directory C:\SH3\ (or whatever you called it). Execute the batch file "SP2 Rez fix.bat".
11. Start the game. If it starts and works fully, congrats. don't bother with the next steps.
----------
12. If it refuses to start and/or crashes, then you may need to do a bit of hacking to the "Main.cfg" file such as located here - C:\SH3\data\Cfg\ - Open the file by right-clicking on the file, select "Edit", and it will open in Notepad. In there you need to find the following:
Quote:
VIDEO
Resolution=1024 x 768
Make sure it has "Resolution=1024 x 768" in there. Save file as "Main.cfg", NOT as a text file. If by chance your 'puter won't let you save it (no worries - just don't close it yet), right-click on the file (using windows explorer), choose "Properties", goto the "Security" tab, and then click the "Edit" button, a pop-up window will open called "Permissions for Main", click on "users" in the security tab, then under "Permissions for Users" click on the check box "Full Control". Click OK, then OK again, THEN save the "Main.cfg" file. Welcome to windoze (what can I say).
13. Next you will need to do a bit more hacking by going to the main game directory, such as C:\SH3\, and right-click on the file "d3d9.cfg" choose edit, and then look for the following:
Quote:
config
; ResX: Horizontal resolution setting
; ResY: Vertical resolution setting
; useFiltering: Use linear filtering for UI elements
; enableScreenshots: Hook printscreen keypress to save TGA screenshot
resX=1024
resY=768
useFiltering=1
enableScreenshots=1
screenshotPath=.
Make sure it has resX=1024, resY=768 . Then save the file as "d3d9.cfg" not as a text file. If it won't let you save it, remember what you did to that other file (in step 12)? Do that.
Also change the resolution on your desktop to 1024 x 768 as well.
13. Then start the game AGAIN. It should work. If by chance it STILL doesn't work, then I'm a moron.
I don't want them spying on my computer to see what I'm doing.
They have been doing it since Windows 7, its called telemetry, and has been in every version of Windows since Windows 7.
I did find a Detection tool on the Start Menus with the SH3 logo. I deleted that and did the installation. Nothing was in the Registry.
And now..... It's finally installed and runs. Resolution is at 1920x1080. Let the games begin!
Now to get SH3 Commander and mods installed.
Hi guys,
I face the problem on SH3 in Windows 10! I've done many times for reinstall. After re-installing, it seems unstable and always be kicked out back to desk top during play! So, what I guess is, install the SH3 before you upgrade to Windows 10.
I'm saying it because I do get the experience of SH4, which already in my drive before O/S upgrade. Now I do playing it smoothly without problem after upgraded to Windows 10.
But I do love SH3, this is the best sub simulator for me, much better then SH4 & 5.
I wish that SH3 could issue Windows 10 version, those problems should be fixed I think.
aguycalledmonte
11-20-15, 07:34 PM
doy uo guys know where i can find a safe copy of 1.4b? i went to your post blitskreig and took the link to download 1.4b.....only to have an installer that says its for 1.3...any help?
blackswan40
11-20-15, 08:59 PM
RE SH3 1.4 PATCHES HERES THE LINK
YOU HAVE TO DOWLOAD THE RIGHT VERSION USA/EUROPE DISC OR DOWLOAD
http://www.silenthunteriii.com/uk/updates.php
SALUTE
I believe he has the newer DVD version of SH3. If so he doesn't need the 1.4b patch. It's included and no Starforce on it. And he's running Windows 10. I've been PMing with him. ;)
Jimbuna
11-22-15, 09:34 AM
Welcome to SubSim monte :sunny:
I think my problem is with 02, and how SH3 Front-End is reading it. Take a look and you'll see my SH3/GWX 3.0 is messed up somehow.
Not sure on what to do to fix it to fix it.
Finally found the problem after 2 hours of searching.... it nearly drove me nuts. My GWX3.0 was corrupted. Did a redownload of GWX3.0 and installed it in a fresh SH3 install. Now it shows in S3F as it should.
This "could" possibly be a problem others might be having. I hope not but it's worth looking into.
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