Steam Download and GWX 3.0
 

I downloaded the game from Steam, ran the game once to be sure it worked, closed it down and tried to install GWX 3.0. I got the error message that mods had to be removed before installation. Only problem is I just installed the game and have no mods installed. Has anyone run into this before, and if so how do I correct it. Any help would be appreciated.

You need to first patch your base installation of Silent Hunter III to version 1.4b.

Otherwise the GWX mod will fail to install or will install incorrectly.

My download is from steam
 

When I started the game it showed version 1.4 in the lower right corner, so I assumed no patch was needed. I followed your advice however and downloaded the patch for downloads and tried to apply it. When I did, I got the error message that the program can not update the installed copy US download version 1.0 to 1.3 for the following reason: c:\program files (x86)steam\steamapps\common\silent hunter 3\data\menu\de_menu.txt: unknown version. What else could be causing this problem? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

You don't need to patch it. You already are on patch 1.4, so it obviously won't work.

You can't move the game folder outside of steamapps, or it won't recognize it. Doesn't matter, really. Install 3.0, and then you can play.

That is odd.

Jnadorff, hang in there. We've run into other players with this same sort of issue. I just can't recall what the solution is. We'll get you sorted, though it may not be tonight. Forcing a GWX installation over the top of what you have may likely cause you problems later.

If it is just a matter of pointing the GWX installer to a directory other than the default, then there shouldn't be a problem unless it detects a corrupt or altered Silent Hunter III file.

Just so I understand the problem clearly... you've never had SH3 on your PC before at all?

Keep us posted and I'll make sure this thread gets the right eyeballs to get ya fixed up.:arrgh!:

As I avoid Steam like the plague this is my only suggestion and if you think it can be accomplished safely, it maybe worth the effort.Firstly, I suspect that your current install is slaved to the Steam shell and this may cause GWX's intelligent installer some problems.I assume this is your install path?

C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\Silent Hunter III\

I suggest that you Copy the entire Silent Hunter III directory (complete install) to another location. Then uninstall or delete the Steam version and then (this is the important step) run a registry cleaner to remove the referencing link between Steam and SH3. You should now be able to use the copied version (from it's current location) of SH3 without it being linked to Steam (that is unless Steam have a modified EXE file, which is also fixable ;)).

Secondly, GWX's installer should have created a txt dump on your desktop detailing the specifics of the errors. Did you get one? Something like this:

DEBUG: Test 1 PASSED
DEBUG: Test 2 PASSED Version is 1.4.0.1
DEBUG: Test 3 PASSED
DEBUG: Test 4 FAILED Size is 6760734
DEBUG: Test 5 FAILED Size is 70298
DEBUG: Test 6 Seems to have PASSED IF Size is not Zero - Size is 1138405

Edit - Also, are you using XP or Vista?

I have much the same problem.

I copied the game directory to my D: drive and successfully applied GWX3 to the copied location, but when trying to launch the game I get a "load error A:0000065558" from Steam shell - supposedly Steam is still pointed to the C: installation.

I haven't dared do this yet because I'm afraid I' won't be able to backup the installation if needed, and I fear losing ongoing careers. Guess there's just one way to know eh?

How do you fix the exe? I tried looking through the registry (run: regedit) but couldn't find the pertinent values.

I've queried Valve's support but the jury's still out on how to disassociate Steam from running 3rd party exe's.

Don't do anything you're not comfortable about, like I said I'm talking about solutions I have no experience with but are sound in theory.

As I feared, Steam utilises a modified exe or process intercept to ensure that the owner can only run the game within the shell. What would happen if you copied back in the GWX modded version to the Steam default location (Create another backup to be safe).

FWIW, this is why I hate Steam, it allows you no freedom on the content you own.

Lets leave the exe out of this for a moment (it's a last resort). Conduct another Registry search and specifically search for SH3.exe or the Steam path for the installation directory. Within the results, you should be able to find a pointer reference which directs all initiated SH3 processes to the Steam default shell. You should then be able to point it to your GWX modded copy on D: (there maybe more than 1 reference).

Alternatively, sit tight for a bit to see if anyone else has suggestions.

I think I'll simply save the ongoing careers separately and apply GWX to the C: install. If it doesn't work I guess I can always delete and reinstall to the stock 1.4 version, either via Steam or from the backup CD image files.

Thanks for your help, it's much appreciated.

The same happened to me, but with the stock game. Go to that folder and delete those .txt files, then try again to install 1.4b patch
:yeah:

No, No!

Jnadorff's copy is already patched to 1.4b. What you describe is the workaround for an unpatched copy.

Steam Problem with SHIII and GWX
 

I probably should have mentioned that I use Vista 64 bit. I originally purchased the DVD version of the game when it first came out, and used it without problem on my XP machine. When I replaced my computer a couple of months ago I was unable to install the game because of StarForce on the DVD and consequently bought the Steam download version. The Steam version ran perfectly when I first started it up but the GWX program simply doesn't want to install. I guess I should have bought the download from D2D instead of Steam. I appreciate all the help I am getting so I'll keep trying.

Steam Problem with SHIII and GWX
 

The path the GWX program is trying to install is: c:\Program Files (x86)\ UbiSoft\Silent Hunter III. The problem probably is that the bulk of the Silent Hunter III installation is actually in the Steam\steamapps\common\silent hunter 3 folder. There is very little in the folder GWX is trying to use. Perhaps if I browse to Steam folder the installation will work. Think that might work?

Its a Vista Issue,
I also use vista 64,
Firstly Vista 64 creates a Programme File,
called Programme Files (x86)
This is the Folder you need to Install the game to,
It will create a Ubisoft Folder there,
Run your GWX.3.0 exe As Administrator,
This will Overide Your steam Shell,
Point the GWX.3.0 exe file to,
Programme Files (x86) Ubisoft Folder,
Or by running it As Administrator,
GWX 3.0 exe will find that Ubisoft Folder,
Allways run Game Patches etc,As Administrator,
This will make your Game Compatibile to Vista,
Hope this helps,
If this is not working for you,
Join our TeamSpeak on our Website,
Verbally we will sort it for you

Yes. The upgrade should go through alright. Although the steam exe problem may still be in effect.