Who needs to do this Activision Desktop Install procedure? Mainly the people that have difficulties with the original CDs, or people who want to perform installs/reinstalls more quickly, especially when testing patches or mods. 9. Install the game, using 10 Single-installation of RTW... Hint: If you have the hard drive space, keep the source install files (from the 3 CDs) in a folder somewhere on your PC; they need not be on the desktop itself. You might even write them to a DVD as an installable source backup for future re-installs. Again, [This message has been edited by Wartrain (edited 01-04-2006 @ 08:16 PM).]
You are probably reading this if you have had install problems. This will explain how to install RTW from files on placed in a folder on your desktop. This is an official Activision procedure (with detail added), and in no way will allow you to circumvent or avoid Activision CD protections in RTW.
If your CD#1 is ruined (or you suspect so), test it in a buddy's PC that has a known working RTW install. And test your buddy's known working CD#1 in your install. If your buddy's CD#1 works in your machine, then your own CD#1 is not suitable. You might:
1. Exchange it with the retailer (Activision requires retailers to exchange for defective disks within 90 days of purchase).
2. Use your legally made Title 17 personal archival backup (if you made one before the Disk#1 became damaged). Learn about the Law
3. Buy the game again, and use the new CD#1 to play RTW.
If
This procedure is for an Advanced user. Some parts are based/quoted on official Activision solutions. Read/understand the whole procedure before beginning. Do not attempt registry changes if you are not comfortable editing the Registry (however, you will not be able to do the manual uninstall without Regedit). It is a good idea to back up your registry FIRST, and also KNOW HOW TO RESTORE IT! Know this: Altering the *wrong* things in the registry could result in complete operating system failure. Get someone to help you if you are not sure!
1. No overclocking
2. System has a known stable power supply
3. Motherboard BIOS and Video Card BIOS is up to date, and properly configured
4. System is clean & relatively free of dust inside (e.g., no heating/fan problems)
5. No viruses (strongly recommend NOD32 over all other AV programs)
6. No spyware or adware (suggest freeware
7. No rootkits. Since early 2005, that your have never had
8. Disable Anti-virus protection & close all background programs and unnecessary processes (CTRL-ALT-DEL)
9. Assuming game was installed to default C:\, with Windows XP SP2 system default directory names
10: Before beginning, back up any RTW files you want to keep, like savegames, preferences.txt, etc.
11. Normal RTW uninstall (e.g., via Control Panel) tried, but failed.TASK : TIME (Typical)
========================== ==============================================
Auto-uninstall RTW : about 3 minutes.
Manually uninstall RTW : over 1 hour.
CD-based RTW 1.0 install : about 20 minutes.
Desktop Install RTW 1.0 : about 10 minutes (after 3 CD contents copied).
Install Patch 1.3 : less than 30 seconds.
Install Patch 1.5 : less than 5 seconds.
Install Epona Roman Fix : about 30 seconds (locate DATA directory).
1. Disconnect from the Internet and ensure Anti-virus protection is disabled during install.
2. Ensure all viruses, rootkits, spyware and adware are removed.
3. Ensure all background programs are closed (check with CTRL-ALT-DEL and look in Tray).
4. Ensure no device conflicts in Settings - Control Panel - System - Hardware - Device Manager.
5. Ensure Sound & Video drivers are properly updated (generally, latest stable release) and installed correctly.
6. Do a careful, FULL manual uninstall of RTW as described
7. Uninstall WMP10, then reinstall WMP10; download the WMP10 standalone installer (13 MB) for free from MS
8. Install DirectX 9.0c and verify it is working (run DXDiag tests); download it for free
9-1. Create a new folder on the desktop (just right-click on a blank portion and select New then Folder)
9-2. Insert the first cd into the cd drive (exit any menu's it brings up)
9-3. Open my computer and locate your cd drive
9-4. Right click on the CD drive and select explore/browse
9-5. Go to the edit menu and hit "select all"
9-6. Go to the edit menu and hit "copy"
9-7. Open the folder on your desktop
9-8. Go to the edit menu and select "paste"
9-9. Use this process to copy the remaining discs to the folder you created on your desktop
9-10. If you are prompted to overwrite at any point confirm that you do wish to overwrite.
9-11. When you are done copying all three discs open the folder on your desktop and locate Setup.exe (you may not see the .exe extension depending on your windows settings).
9-12. Double click on this Setup.exe file to start the installer.
9-13. Decline when asked to install DircetX 9.0b (your OS should already have 9.0c).
10-1. Update using RTW
10-2. Apply
10-3. Apply the
11. Multi-Install of RTW (recommended method!)...
11-1. [/url=http://rtw.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/forums/display.cgi?action=ct&f=3,3504,0,365]Install multiple versions[/url] of RTW in one drive.
12. Re-enable Anti-Virus, reconnect to the Internet & test the game.
- Added USEFUL LINKS
- Added TASK ACCOMPLISHMENT APPROXIMATIONS
- Changed minor formatting.
- Added 9-12 and 9-13.
- Added Detail in 10.
- Added 11.
- Added Roman/Epona official single-file fix.
- Added Multi-Install instructions.
- Updated single installation instruction for Patch 1.5 and Roman/Epona fix.
- Updated general rootkit info
- Added links to destroy the sinister Sony Rootkit
- Rewrite with more detail
- Improve readability format
- Reorder several steps
- Add backup reminder text
- Numbering
- Add more description
- Integrate better with HOWTO: Manual Uninstall
WarTrain {} Tech, RTW, Strat Content Contributor, Moderator @ Rome: Total War Heaven
INDEX of Technical Issues & Help {} Patch 1.5/1.6 Install Help/Bug Reports {} INDEX of RTW Discussion & Strategy