Migrating from SH4 CD to Digital Download?
 

Hi!

I purchased SH4 Gold Edition CD years ago and have been playing the same career on and off (without mods) since about 2014. This month, though, I purchased a new computer, and would like to migrate that SH4 career over to the new computer.

But... I no longer have the SH4 CD that I originally purchased. So... two questions:

1. Is the Amazon digital download version of SH4 the best substitute for the SH4 Gold Edition CD, which is no longer available?

2. If so, what folders and files do I need to copy from my current installation of SH4 (that contains my ongoing career) to be able to continue my SH4 career on my new computer, after I purchase the Amazon digital download version of SH4?

Thank you!

Welcome back!
 

If you have no mods installed, all you will need to do then is to copy the Save folder from the old computer to the new. Unless you did something really strange, it will be found in your My Documents folder, which is usually "C:\Users \UserName \Documents \SH4", with UserName being what you log-in with, and "Documents" might be "My Documents", depending upon which version of Windows you have on the older machine. If it's XP, then you'll look in the "Documents and Settings" folder for "My Documents. The "SH4" folder there will have a "data" folder, and below that a "cfg" folder, and under that will be all the separate Save folders. You want the whole thing though, so select the "SH4" folder and copy the whole thing, and paste it into the same area on the new computer. Next time you start SH4, use the "Load" and see if you don't find all the old Saves in there. If you already have Save data on your new computer, it would be easiest if you re-name the SH4 folder you already have to something like SH4Bak or whatever, so you remember what it is, then copy the new stuff over.

I am currently using Amazon's digital download. I have not had any problems. Everything is there including the Direct x. In fact it has one big plus. It installs faster than from the CD.:Kaleun_Cheers:

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Thank you all for the comments (and sorry for late reply).


I see that SH4 on Steam is on a big sale right now (50% off compared to Amazon digital download price).


Has anyone gotten the major SH4 mega mods (I'm particularly interested in the latest version of RFB) to work using SH4 Steam edition or does it cause all sorts of problems?

Ahoy MinskMariner,


I play FOTRSU on a Steam copy of SH4. The install process is slightly different (mostly due to Steam games being installed in the Steam folder) but it's not difficult to mod Steam games. I didn't have any trouble playing TMO+RSRDC+OTC either.



Something to watch out for regarding pricing: SH4 on Steam is version 1.3 unless you also buy U-boats which makes it 1.5. There is no gold edition that I know of though, if you want 1.5 you will have to buy both and that may make the Steam copy more expensive for you.


Good hunting,
SilentPrey

Thank you for the info, SilentPrey! Currently, both SH4 and the U-boat addon for it are on sale for $3.40 each on Steam ($6.80 for whole package -- not a bad deal). I'll chance it with the Steam version. Thank you all for the advice!

I've installed the Steam edition of SH4 (plus U-boat missions) and transferred my old SH4 folder per instructions above. When I try to load my latest game from career, my game gets stuck on the "Please wait..." black screen (actually requiring me to restart my computer each time to exit SH4 even).


Does anyone know how to fix this issue?

Get rid of your old SH4 Folder
 

It's my humble opinion based on what I've learned from these forums, you can NOT play old saved games that are in your old SH4 Folder. They would now be incompatible.

You would do better by entirely deleting your old SH4 Folder from Documents and then run your newly installed game, which will create a new SH4 Folder. Go to Options and redo Audio, Graphics and Game Play options. If me, I'd then sign out of the game and reboot the game to play.

Hope this helps.