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DARK MESSIAH Installation and Troubleshooting Instructions|
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To all readers seeking active support: i'm not updating this thread any longer. Just hop over to BlindNero Forum where i continue my online support for Dark Messiah of Might and Magic. And other games of course. See you there!
INTRODUCTION. Make sure your PC is in optimal condition before you install the game. The game runs as a knife through warm butter (and no, zero, (0) crash anywhere in the game) on my 3 PC's
These instructions i wrote to help everybody get this game running. THE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR DARK MESSIAH OF MIGHT AND MAGIC (as on the box and in the readme). Make sure your system meets the requirements in the first place. From Original readme in white, my comments in red: (End quote) For gaming, consider 1 GB system RAM as minimum, 2 GB recommended (double that on Windows 64-bit): Loaded Mainpage takes 833MB, peak 837 MB DM-RAM-usage-highest-1600x1200_01. Loaded level takes 1.25 GB, peak 1.28 GB DM-RAM-usage-highest-1600x1200_02. Flyover cutscene 1.28 GB DM-RAM-usage-highest-1600x1200_03. Gaming at same spot 1.30 GB DM-RAM-usage-highest-1600x1200_04. Gaming at other location stays between 1.2 and 1.3 GB. DM-RAM-usage-highest-1600x1200_05. This is a little higher resource-usage than Half-Life2 (generally just under 1 GB), Episode 1 (950MB ~1.1 GB). At LOWEST settings the Mainpage takes 600 MB DM-RAM-usage-lowest-1024x768_01. Loaded level takes 750 MB DM-RAM-usage-lowest-1024x768_02. In flyover cutscene increasing a little to 768 MB DM-RAM-usage-lowest-1024x768_03. Gaming at same spot stays at about 750 MB DM-RAM-usage-lowest-1024x768_04. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This message has been edited. Last edited by: BlindNero, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx BlindNero Forums for online Dark Messiah MM and other games support |
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[POST 2]
PREPARE YOUR SYSTEM (normal computer maintenance, also mentioned in the readme): (Dark Messiah has NO bug whatsoever that prevents the game from running on any well configured and maintained PC that is within the system requirements and hardware-wise can be considered able to run the game normally). >>> Before installing / updating drivers, disable (or reboot without) your antivirus application! >>> After downloading drivers, patches, or any file you are going to install, always: right-click on the file > Properties > if you see a security blockade, hit button "unblock". =1=. Make sure your Windows XP has Service Pack2. If needed, update by using WindowsUpdate. Without SP2 installed, updating drivers may not work correctly. If you don't pass the validation check because you are using illegal Windows: bad luck for you. Buy legal WindowsXP SP2 and install that. Windows Vista: install SP1. At least make sure you have installed the performance and reliability patches (see [POST 22], [POST 26] and [POST 27] on page 2 of this thread); if you have automatic updates enabled you probably already have most of them. Must have essential fixes: KB938194 KB938979 KB940105 KB941649 only for users of SLI/Crossfire: KB936710 KB945149 To see which updates you have/don't have yet: View the history in Windows Update in Control Panel, or go to Installed Updates: Start button > Control Panel > Programs, under Programs and Features, click "View installed updates". =2=. Make sure that your harddiskdrive is defragmented and will have at least 15% free diskspace left after installing the game. Windows together with all the applications you installed, needs 15% free space to function properly in the first place. On top of that, after installing the game, the game needs 2 GB free diskspace for itself, for the temporary files it creates during playing (not to mention the savegames folder: after replaying about 40 times mine has grown 2.5GB large). Windows needs at least 15% free diskspace to function properly, that is the general rule of thumb. But in practice, things look differently.
You see that even though there is 26% free diskspace and the free space is 6.5 GB, it still is not an ideal situation: 2 very large files broken into 5 fragments, that Diskeeper cannot mend. -mm_levels_public.gcf, and -the Page File See image: BADLY_FRAGMENTED2. The System files (green) are fragmented by nature, and will never be touched by a defragmentation program and this is not a problem. But by all this, as you can see, even the free space is 'fragmented'; because it consists of the holes between the fragments. However this situation will probably function correctly and the game will run without problems, such a harddiskdrive will very soon be fragmented again decreasing the overall system performance. Also, fragmentation reduces the lifespan of your hdd (because the arm with the read/write head then has to move constantly). That is why:
So the really ideal situation looks like this: See image:WELL_DEFRAGMENTED.
In all cases it is very recommendable to partition your harddiskdrive(s) to group your data. I use Partition Magic for years. It is the most easy, comfortable and efficient method. The more complicated but free method: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348/en-us
But again: in a less than ideal situation, Windows and the game(s) will function too, but you'll have to defragment much ofter. Don't use the Windows inbuilt defragger, because that takes much too long. Buy a third-party defragger (like Diskeeper, O&O Defrag), or use the following light freeware versions: On Windows XP, use Diskeeper Lite (freeware) to defragment on a regulary basis, and you also can easily monitor the available used/unused diskspace per partition. On Windows Vista try Auslogic (freeware). Now, check how much free diskspace you have left. If it is not enough, you must create it by deleting files in order to. As soon as you have enough free diskspace left, then proceed with the next step. =3=. Enlarge and fix your Page File (virtual RAM) to 4096MB min and max. Lack of virtual memory can make Dark Messiah unstable. ONLY POSSIBLE IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH FREE DISKSPACE!!! (see above in step 2.) How to set your virtual memory in Windows XP: - Right-click "This Computer" > Properties > tab "Advanced" > under "Performance" click button “Settings”. - In the new window, select the “advanced” tab and click on the “Change” button of the “Virtual Memory” section - In both the minimum and maximum spaces enter “4096” (without the quotes) - To validate this modification, click on the “Set” and then on the “OK” button to close the box - You must reboot your PC for these changes to take effect. How to set your virtual memory in Windows Vista: - Right-click "Computer" > Properties. Under 'Tasks' select Advanced system settings > Continue > tab "Advanced" > under Performance, click button "Settings" > tab "Advanced" > Virtual memory > "Change..." - In both the minimum and maximum spaces enter “4096” (without the quotes) - To validate this modification, click on the “Set” and then on the “OK” button to close the box - You must reboot your PC for these changes to take effect. =4=. Make sure your videodrivers are up to date. Attention: some pre-configured machines (like f.i. from Toshiba or Dell) may require you use their own versions of uninstall/install drivers software, in that case start at their support site, search for your system. ============================================================================================================== For all [color=red]ATI Radeon 9500 and up, HD 2xxx and HD 3xxx series cards family[/color] cards on: -Windows XP Professional/Home Edition -Windows XP Professional x64 Edition -Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 -Windows Vista (32 bit) -Windows Vista (64 bit) download the latest driver package: ATI Catalyst 8.5 Vista users: make sure after a fresh install of Vista to install Service Pack 1, otherwise DX10 will not be implemented in your ATI drivers. See the Cat 8.5 Release Notes (source: Release Notes .PDF on ATI site) Do not install it yet!
Then install the Catalyst you just downloaded.
>>>> Preferrably, keep the ATI 3D-settings in CCC at "Use application settings", otherwise they could conflict with the ingame settings. ============================================================================================================== ============================================================================================================== For ATI Radeon 9250 and below: the last Catalyst version that supports your card is Catalyst 6.11. It can be found at http://ati.amd.com/support/drivers/xp/radeon-prer300-xp.html Download this. Right-click on it > Properties > if you see a security blockade, hit button "unblock". Do not install yet!
>>>> Preferrably, keep the ATI 3D-settings in CCC at "Use application settings", otherwise they could conflict with the ingame settings. ============================================================================================================== ATI Catalyst™ Mobility Display Driver for Windows XP Professional/Home Edition: ATI Catalyst™ Mobility Software Suite Version 8.3 OR Mobility modder. ============================================================================================================== Windows XP: All nVidia GF FX 5xxx, 6xxx, 7xxx, 8xxx and 9xxx family cards on Windows XP / Windows XP Media Center Edition, download and install: Version: 175.19 WHQL Release Date: June 23, 2008 from this page: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_175.19_whql.html. Read the Release Notes Note the installation hints! For GeForce GTX 280, GeForce GTX 260, nForce 780a SLI, nForce 750a SLI on Windows XP, Windows XP Media Center Edition, download and install: GeForce Release 177.41 WHQL Release Date: June 26, 2008 from this page: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_177.41_whql.html ATTENTION (from the 162.18 release notes): Not guaranteed this is fully solved in newer drivers. Windows XP 64-bit: All nVidia GF FX 5xxx, 6xxx, 7xxx, 8xxx and 9xxx family cards on Windows XP x64, Server 2003 x64, download and install: Version: 175.19 WHQL Release Date: June 23, 2008 from this page: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp64_175.19_whql.html Note the installation hints! For GeForce GTX 280, GeForce GTX 260, nForce 780a SLI, nForce 750a SLI on Windows XP x64, Server 2003 x64, download and install: GeForce Release 177.41 WHQL Release Date: June 26, 2008 from this page: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp64_177.41_whql.html Windows Vista 32-bit: If non-SP1: do not forget to install the Vista hotfixes! All nVidia GF 6xxx, 7xxx, 8xxx and 9xxx family cards on Windows Vista 32-bit, download and install: Version: 175.19 WHQL Release Date: June 23, 2008 from this page: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winvista_x86_175.19_whql.html. Note the installation hints! For GeForce GTX 280, GeForce GTX 260, nForce 780a SLI, nForce 750a SLI on Windows Vista 32-bit, download and install: GeForce Release 177.41 WHQL Release Date: June 26, 2008 from this page: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winvista_x86_177.41_whql.html Read the Release Notes: http://us.download.nvidia.com/Windows/175.19/175.19_Win...ce_Release_Notes.pdf Windows Vista 64-bit If non-SP1: do not forget to install the Vista hotfixes! All nVidia GF 6xxx, 7xxx, 8xxx and 9xxx family cards on Windows Vista 64-bit, download and install: Version: 175.19 WHQL Release Date: June 23, 2008 from this page: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winvista_x64_175.19_whql.html. For GeForce GTX 280, GeForce GTX 260, nForce 780a SLI, nForce 750a SLI on Windows Vista 64-bit, download and install: GeForce Release 177.41 WHQL Release Date: June 26, 2008 from this page: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winvista_x64_177.41_whql.html Note the installation hints! Laptops with nVidia videocards like Go7700: nVidia does not provide mobile drivers except Go7800/7900. You should find the latest on your laptop's manufacturer support site. Or better: HERE: http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/index.php?s=58d3e97...5e22608&showforum=66. where they make the official nVidia drivers supporting most laptops with any nVidia card. Quickstart guide how to install: http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=9243. Note the installation hints!
>>>> Preferrably, keep the 3D-settings in NVIDIA Control Panel at "Let the application decide" or "Use global setting (Application-controlled)", otherwise they could conflict with the ingame settings. ============================================================================================================== =5=. Update your sound drivers. If you have a integrated soundchip:
CREATIVE SOUNDBLASTER AUDIGY:
CREATIVE SOUNDBLASTER X-FI:
Or if in doubt about your Creative Soundblaster model, you can use Software Auto Update: Soundblaster Live!, Audigy and X-Fi family on Windows XP/Vista, start here: http://www.soundblaster.com/support/ and click on Software Auto Update, then following the instructions download and install all you need. Optional. ALchemy to restore EAX or DirectSound®3D on Windows Vista: Alchemy for Audigy: http://connect.creativelabs.com/alchemy/ALchemy%20for%20Audigy/Home.aspx Alchemy for X-Fi: http://connect.creativelabs.com/alchemy/ALchemy%20for%20XFi/Home.aspx =6=. Update your DirectX9.0c to the latest version (currently November 2007). Update via Microsoft Update, or via: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Dir...edistributable.shtml Right-click on the downloaded file > see if at the bottom of "General" tab there is a security blockade. If so, hit button 'unblock'. Extract the directX9.0c package into a "New folder" you create. Then open that folder and doubleclick the dxsetup.exe. This also applies to Windows Vista: being a DX9 game DM runs on the DX9 layer, so keep it updated! =7=. If you use any integrated AC '97 soundchip (like the Realtek) on Windows XP, disable the hardware acceleration on your soundchip: Click Start > Run... type in dxdiag click OK On the "Sound" tab, move the slider to the left for 'no hardware acceleration'. Don't do this if you have a integrated soundblaster (Audigy or X-Fi) chip or when you have a real (quality) PCI Soundblaster soundcard. In Windows Vista this is done automatically (chipsets as well as soundcards alltogether), so just skip this. =8=. Leave ALL the 3D-settings in ATI Catalyst Control Center or NVIDIA Control Panel at their defaults (so they are set at "Use application settings", or "Let the application decide")! Otherwise you get conflicts with the ingame settings. The option to manage AA (anti-alias) and AF (anisotropic filtering) in the driver's control panel is only meant to force it on (older) games that do not have those options in their settings. All modern (DX9) games have the options in their settings panel and that is where they should be managed ONLY. One exception: GF8800 series, see nVidia's suggestion in error =26=. in the errors section [POST 5] below. =9=. Keep the programs running on the background to a minimum. And shut down any chat program, like mIRC Many programs don't need to start up with Windows (especially not when gaming), some can even block games to run at all. >>> Click Start > Run... type in: msconfig click OK. On the start up items tab, untick unnecessary programs, like: -antivirusscanner -printer -Office -MSN -P2P programs -webcam -WindowsBlinds -disable instant-messaging programs, so quit Skype -program checking for new e-mail every minute -peerguardian (can block multiplayer completely) Reboot PC for the changes to take effect. Take a look at MY msconfig/startup items list: That is all. =10=. If you use Virtual drive, turn it off. Otherwise, Securom copy-protection will prevent the game from running at all. =11=. Make sure your chipset drivers are updated. Outdated chipsetdrivers may cause the strangest problems.
=12=. Windows Vista: install Microsoft Windows Vista hotfix 940105. This hotfix resolves abnormal application behavior such as crashes and extremely low frame rates when running some 3D applications at very high graphics settings. This issue is not limited to, but has been most commonly noticed on high-end graphics cards and the following applications: Battlefield 2, Battlefield 2142, Civilization IV, Company of Heroes, Half-Life 2, Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth II, Supreme Commander, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas. (Also see [POST 22], [POST 26] and [POST 27] on page 2 of this thread) If you succeeded at all above points, your PC is prepared and ready. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This message has been edited. Last edited by: BlindNero, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx BlindNero Forums for online Dark Messiah MM and other games support |
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[POST 3]
THE GAME. Installing, and the settings. Before installing / running DM: 1. THE DVD (UBISOFT) VERSION SINGLEPLAYER GAME.
Installing the game from the DVD. =1=. Install the game from the DVD. Make sure your antivirus application is disabled before installing. Attention with the downloaded from ubisoft.com version or from Direct2drive: after downloading, right-click on the file > Properties and check if at the bottom there is a Windows security blockade, if so click button "Unblock". Then install the game. > In the "Which games you want to install" window, untick "multiplayer". > In the "Features you want to install" window, tick off DirectX9.0c (because you are supposed to have a newer version installed already). =2=. Download the patches 1.01 and 1.02 from ubi.com: http://www.ubi.com/US/Downloads/Info.aspx?dlId=1939 Right-click on each file > Properties. Check if at the bottom there is a Windows security blockade, if so click button "Unblock". Install 1.01 and 1.02 (in that order). =3=. Empty your Temp folders: C:\Documents and Settings\*your name*\Local Settings\Temp and C:\WINDOWS\Temp and of course always make sure your Recycle Bin is emptied. =4=. Now that you have installed the game and cleared the Temp folders, launch Diskeeper, and check that you have enough free diskspace left: at least 15% for Windows, and at least 2 GB extra for the game's temporary files it creates during gaming (not to mention the savegames folder: after replaying about 40 times mine is 2.5GB large). Then defragment. =5=. Start the game by double-clicking the shortcut on desktop (while the DVD still is in the player): .......................... =6=. Pass the gamma calibration. You can adjust now, or anytime later in the Videosettings. =7=. Main menu > Options > settings for Video. Traditional monitors select 4:3 Aspect Ratio, 1024x768 and up. Do NOT select resolution 800x600, the game does not support that (says the game's readme). Widescreen monitors: Select 16:9 Aspect Ratio. Do NOT select any 16:10 Aspect Ratio resolution (like 1280 x 960 and 1600x1050), says the game's readme. The 16:10 aspect ratio should have been deleted from the options but it is still there. Don't use it. Also, do not use resolution 800x600. I have V-sync disabled, you do what works best for you. >>> Windows Vista, Creative X-Fi or Audigy soundcard. Dark Messiah Main Menu > Options > Audio. Since Vista has removed HAL from Windows, the Creative Audigy and X-Fi drivers for Vista are not fully functional like in XP. So, in Options > Audio, select 2 Speakers. >>> Windows Vista: before running a game, disable the Sidebar, as it can cause interference. =8=. Play the game, and enjoy! ============================================================================================================== If you installed the DVD version SinglePlayer, then update through Steam, Steam will move most of the game's data from Program File\Ubisoft\Dark Messiah of Might and Magic into the Steam directory and Dark messiah will thus have become a Steam game. From then on, you must remove the Ubisoft-created SinglePlayer shortcut from the desktop. If you have the DVD version, the most preferrable situation however, is to NOT update the SP through Steam at all but: install the DVD version SP outside Steam, and update manually with the patches 1.01 and 1.02 (in that order) downloaded from ubi.com. If you bought the Collector's Edition DVD and update it through Steam, you will lose the extra CE items and get the 'normal' version. It's not that important, you'll miss the "Disciple weapons" but you can do without. The MultiPlayer version can only be run through Steam. It is completely normal to have the SP version installed outside Steam (as standalone game), and the MP version in Steam (as a Steam game).
============================================================================================================= 2. THE STEAM VERSION SINGLEPLAYER GAME. The 100% Steam version, bought and downloaded through Steam.
3. THE MULTIPLAYER GAME. Your videocard must support DirectX9.0c. Otherwise, try the DirectX8 fix in [POST 5] item =6= below.
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[POST 4]
POSSIBLE ERRORS: =1=. A mm.exe error, binkw32.dll error, white videos and then crash (sometimes in combination with: "[Bink]Error opening file: not a Bink file.. Skipping video", "Can't find background image materials\console\background01.Vtf ") or even no message at all. The clue to this problem is that by the mixed situation Steam/Ubisoft versions, the game has started to expect binkw32.dll on the wrong place (thus also thinking it is missing an ímage). Solution is to copy the dll to that 'wrong place'. THE USER WHO uninstalled the game from Steam, then re-installed (or repaired) from the DVD OUTSIDE STEAM, then manually applied the patches 1.01 and 1.02 (from ubi.com) and gets above error:
THE USER WHO has installed the game from the DVD, then updated through Steam (so it has become a Steam game), and user launches the game from Steam > 'My Games' list or from the Steam-Dark Messiah shortcut on desktop and gets above error:
============================================================================================================== =2=. White Z on a black background in stead of the intro movies and FMV's while you do hear the sound. OR nothing of these, but after the commercial intro movies simply spontaneous reboot of system. OR Game keeps stuck halfway loading bar OR Game does not launch at all (while it did before) Solution (only for DX9 supporting videocards):
============================================================================================================== =3=. Steam version Singleplayer game. Dramatic framerate drop after playing a few minutes. Many people already had Steam installed for a longer time before they bought and installed Dark Messiah. Something in the older version seems to be the cause for this issue. A complete uninstall/registry clean/re-install of Steam seems to fix it, thanks to luwak for finding this out, and the.Mtn.Man to confirm. See this thread: Game Slows down after a few min - HOW I FIXED MINE.... Many users with GF8800/8600 series, 7900GS, 7800GS, 6800 and 6600GT card reported they suffered this. But i didn't, with my GF 7800GT, no matter which drivers they all did fine... but my Steam was probably just 3 months old. I uninstalled the 'DVD/updated through Steam' version, downloaded the 100% Steam version, to test out if i get the same "nVidia/Steam problem" Tested for an hour, NO slowdowns or fps drops. Just excellent performance, same as the DVD version, so it couldn't be the nVidia drivers nor the game files, but some Steam file or registry value in older versions of Steam. And so it seems to be... So, do this: -backup your game(s) using the Steam backup function -uninstall Steam and manually delete remaining files and folders -defragment your hdd(s) -clean your registry from Steam -Use CCleaner to get rid of the last crumbs you may have missed -reinstall the current version of Steam (redownload from Valve: http://www.steampowered.com/v/index.php?area=getsteamnow) <-- if you get an Error page, just click on "GET STEAM NOW" at the top. -restore your game(s). ============================================================================================================== This message has been edited. Last edited by: BlindNero, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx BlindNero Forums for online Dark Messiah MM and other games support |
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[POST 5] ============================================================================================================== Errors (continued). ============================================================================================================== =4=. Bug with the rope you jump onto in first Chapter in Stonehelm. Save your game just after you climbed up the ladder! An auto-save is created before climbing up anyway. You see a ghoul just attacked someone on the rope and they both fall. While keeping holding W + left Shift, run towards the rope, swiftly hit Space to jump/grab onto the rope and immediately quickly hit Space again to jump from rope onto next floor. So: run / hit space / hit space (while always holding W + LShift). Otherwise, you may end up hanging from the rope unable to go anywhere and finally you'll fall and die. But luckily you have a savegame before this, just reload and retry. A variation on this 'rope physics bug' can happen throughout the game (especially using the Rope Bow), with the rope swinging in and out the textures (in narrow spaces like corridors). Generally: it's safest to wait a second for the rope to hang still before jumping/climbing onto it. ============================================================================================================== =5=. Singleplayer / Multiplayer: "The instruction at '0x241e3b99" referenced memory at "0x0dde65c8". The memory could not be read". OR no message, but huge slowdown OR unresponsive keyboard OR game crashes when you touch the keyboard.
============================================================================================================== =6=. Multi Player version: you see peoples names but can't see them. Probably your videocard does not have hardware support for DirectX9.0c. Solution: change to a new, decent, DX9.0c supporting videocard. Or, try the fix to run the game under DirectX 8 mode below. Also, your internet connection must be cabled broadband, not wi-fi. The 'DirectX8' fix:
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