B14 troubles

[AkrimalS]

1) Install the game not on the system disk, but on another one.
2) Create a folder and put Build 14 FINAL Part 2: Contents Archive and b14 installer into it. Then run b14 installer.

 

[CoastGuard71]

Watch this video and you may be able to install this game correctly...

Yes I do not open the zipped contents archive file because directions say the installer does that... Look problem is not installation... duplicate the install yourself and see what happens with a total new download of the links offered... ok?

 

[Baste]

This has gotten quite troublesome but I will attempt to help. I will say right now that I have not read through all the posts spread out over the various threads as doing so doesn't seem like it would help anyway. I'm not a core developer of the Build Mod so I wouldn't be able to address issues with things which I am not familiar.

This is a documentation of how I just now installed and got Build 14 to work from scratch on Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. This is regardless if everyone is already familiar with the process as it is merely a description of the steps I took. I'm using an NVIDIA GeForce graphics card, and this is important to note because even though there are workarounds, the game will not work properly or at all with Intel graphics chips.
Furthermore, it is also important to note that I have capped the FPS to 60 for the game in the NVIDIA control panel. Limiting the FPS to 60 helps to prevent the game from crashing.

First I used my original CDs to install the game to D:\Pirates of the Caribbean\. In my case it is the UK version.
To avoid problems, do not install the game to any of the Program Files directories.
After the installation, I created a new folder in the root of D:\ and named it build14testcheck and moved the entire Pirates of the Caribbean folder in there.

Then I created a new folder on the desktop and named it also build14testcheck and created a pa and a moddb folder inside it.
I then downloaded b14_installer.exe from PiratesAhoy! and placed it in the pa folder, and then downloaded the same file from ModDB and placed it in the moddb folder.
After that I downloaded b14_beta4_final.tar and placed it in the parent build14testcheck directory on the desktop.
Finally, I downloaded post_1Jan_updates_120124.zip and placed it also in the parent build14testcheck directory on the desktop.

Now with all files downloaded, I looked at the checksums of all four files and found that the two b14_installer.exe files are identical. This can be done by opening a command prompt in the directory and using CertUtil.
Here are the commands and resulting checksums for b14_installer.exe, b14_beta4_final.tar, and post_1Jan_updates_120124.zip:

CertUtil -hashfile b14_installer.exe MD5
8e e9 5d ca de 03 fa 29 f8 f8 ac ae fb 68 99 5a

CertUtil -hashfile b14_installer.exe SHA1
67 59 03 14 cc 66 12 0c 13 03 19 ab a7 04 cf 5b ed 74 cf e2

CertUtil -hashfile b14_installer.exe SHA256
ae eb b0 ac a9 89 ad 34 68 66 07 74 81 ba 88 c1 b3 de 66 89 cb 36 7f 27 53 1d ec 9d 49 58 7f 5d

CertUtil -hashfile b14_beta4_final.tar MD5
99 6a ce b4 d7 af 4f 48 ed 4f a2 31 1a 11 83 5e

CertUtil -hashfile b14_beta4_final.tar SHA1
30 b3 fa 79 ca ae 87 6b 58 d7 a0 fd 53 fb 0d f7 eb b3 c8 b3

CertUtil -hashfile b14_beta4_final.tar SHA256
c0 6f 66 2d c7 67 b4 b7 a8 0f 2d 60 fc 7e 00 d9 95 c2 b7 5e d1 9e 9f 07 dc 6c 8b 32 c2 87 78 da

CertUtil -hashfile post_1Jan_updates_120124.zip MD5
72 6b 04 14 a3 87 46 a8 c4 cb df 01 cc a9 24 da

CertUtil -hashfile post_1Jan_updates_120124.zip SHA1
41 6e 23 1c 83 ea 72 bc 6b ff bb 05 a4 e5 6a ff d4 13 27 21

CertUtil -hashfile post_1Jan_updates_120124.zip SHA256
2b 43 6d 04 b6 95 f9 44 ce b9 2c 98 58 73 af a8 d0 7c 46 98 22 02 35 34 33 d2 9d 00 ba d7 36 ec

I now moved the b14_installer.exe from the pa folder to the parent build14testcheck directory on the desktop so that b14_installer.exe and b14_beta4_final.tar would be in the same directory, and then I ran the installer.
In the installer, I selected to install only the "Main Files" and "UPDATE Files", no other files. I selected the install directory to be D:\build14testcheck\Pirates of the Caribbean\.
After that was done, I extracted the post_1Jan_updates_120124.zip file to its parent build14testcheck directory on the desktop, and then moved the entire contents to D:\build14testcheck\Pirates of the Caribbean\, overwriting everything when prompted.

I then opened engine.ini to change the resolution to my liking, and then started the game.
In the game I went to "Options" and changed things to my liking, and then started a new free play game and sailed around for a bit, and did not encounter any errors and no error log was generated.

So, in my case, using my original game CDs and downloading and using the provided mod files, I was able to install and play Build 14 without encountering any problems. It would thus seem that there is no problem with the integrity of the provided files, and that any fault in installing and playing Build 14 is not because of them.

 

[CoastGuard71]

A rather extreme and highly technical installation not using the zip Archive file per instructions. You obviously are a wizard C programmer. with the duplicate installer files you are able to directly use the .tar file rather than the zipped archive... a workaround that I have nothing but admiration for your knowledge and skill. However, being a mere FORTRAN programmer and unequal to your knowledge of C, I must demure to the official use of the described zipped file... however, it is very important that you know the game will not work with the Intel chip set in my Lenovo Thinkpad T61, bummer! You've uncovered the bizarre circumstance that has made such a hash of this game on my notebook.

In as much as my notebook is incompatible I thank you for freeing me from this very frustrating attempt to make things work when they are incompatible. Looks like I'm not going to be playing v22, and probably not B15 since the developers seem to be using a specific chipset for their development.

Thanks for the release from bondage...

Appreciate the help,

Ron

 

[CoastGuard71]

Yes I do not open the zipped contents archive file because directions say the installer does that... Look problem is not installation... duplicate the install yourself and see what happens with a total new download of the links offered... ok?

Baste has informed me the Intel Chipset in my Lenovo Thinkpad T61 is not compatible with this build even though I've had no significant problem running older versions.... looks like I'm out of the game and can quit trying to make this game work on a machine that it doesn't like. I'll just have to accept this limitation and console myself with the earlier versions that are not as particular about the chipset... thanks for the concern and helpful suggestions,

До свидания,

Ron

 

[Grey Roger]

Okay, I didn't thumb them to ensure the detail of the position was visible since it is key to appreciating the disconnect between the two represented positions in the play . For instance in the thumb shown you cannot see the ship position. Can thumb be enlarged to view that important fact? Without pixels degrading the image clarity? I've not tried... didn't realize you guys need to conserve file size. As long as the issue is demonstrable I'll use thumbs... okay?

You can click on the thumbnail to show the full size picture - in Firefox, I can click it with the middle mouse button to open the full size picture in another window, or click with the right button to open a menu of things to do with the link from the thumbnail. It's not a matter of file size, the full size picture is uploaded anyway. It just means the picture shown in the post is smaller, making the post easier to read. And on that note:

As I've said each and every time this is cited... IT IS NOT THE INSTALL... I'VE BEEN INSTALLING SINCE 2016... I CREATE A FILE PUT IN THE AKELLA FOLDER (THIS INSTALLER DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE FOLDER AND SAYS SO WHEN ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL) TRY IT YOURSELF FOR PROOF. I OPEN THE AKELLA FOLDER COPY CONTENTS INTO THE FILE (WHICH THIS INSTALLER CAN FIND THE ORIGINAL GAME) I THEN COPY THE FILE...

... please don't shout! Don't post in all upper case.

And you have yet to answer my question:

In which folder did you put the installer, and in which folder did you put the contents archive? In which folder are you installing the game?

 

[CoastGuard71]

Not spamming... my original request was ignored Build 14 Final Part 2: Contents Archive still links to the .tar in DB Mod which cannot be recognized by the installer... since my first request was ignored I must repeat it and it was sent to Pieter since he is the one who posted the .tar to DB Mod and may not have realized that while it may be the .tar needed the installer will only recognize the Build 14 Final Part 2: Contents Archive.zip The .zip is the only file the installer recognizes... right? So, where is that file and how do I get to it for downloading? Honest question that deserves a respectful answer...right?

THANKS FOR THE HELP?

 

[CoastGuard71]

New problem... gone back to v16/17 to get a playable game with my Intel 965 chip set... however, now the Dragon's Mouth weapon has the image of Fist and displays the attributes of the x4 fist weapon? Why don't I get the weapon named? What has crosslinked? How do I change what to get the named weapon image and characteristics for play? I've tried everything I can to drop in the correct attributes, checked the initial items, found the Dragon Image index still 9... can't find an x4 for the fist displayed... confusing isn't it? Any ideas what's going on? The index info is identical to all current in the table, why is the Fist attributes and image overwriting? Yet another Intel 965 set glitch? Ideas? Would like to play something if I can just beat it into submission!) When I sub another such as Dutch Admiralty (index 16) I get that weapon... so why just the DM weapon?

 

[Grey Roger]

Not spamming... my original request was ignored Build 14 Final Part 2: Contents Archive still links to the .tar in DB Mod which cannot be recognized by the installer... since my first request was ignored I must repeat it and it was sent to Pieter since he is the one who posted the .tar to DB Mod and may not have realized that while it may be the .tar needed the installer will only recognize the Build 14 Final Part 2: Contents Archive.zip The .zip is the only file the installer recognizes... right? So, where is that file and how do I get to it for downloading? Honest question that deserves a respectful answer...right?

THANKS FOR THE HELP?

As I recall, an obsolete version of the Contents Archive was indeed a .zip file, and people kept unzipping it. So the file was saved as a .tar - which is another form of file compression - in the hope of discouraging that. 7-Zip will actually unzip a .tar file, I've done it myself, though only to examine the contents, not as part of an installation. So although using .tar may discourage unzipping, some other folks have still been unzipping it while installing.

The .tar file dates back to 2016, so if you're using a .zip Contents Archive with any installer from 2016 onwards, problems are to be expected. For example, the weapon mismatches which you have reported.

You should use the 2022 Installer and the .tar Contents Archive. Or you can use an earlier installer if you like, but you'll still need the .tar Contents Archive, not the .zip one, unless you find an installer from before 2016.

You might want to try one of the installers from here:
Index of /potc/Grey Roger/old_installs
Those might work with the .zip Contents Archive. Expect other problems, though, as those are ancient!

 

[CoastGuard71]

This has gotten quite troublesome but I will attempt to help. I will say right now that I have not read through all the posts spread out over the various threads as doing so doesn't seem like it would help anyway. I'm not a core developer of the Build Mod so I wouldn't be able to address issues with things which I am not familiar.

This is a documentation of how I just now installed and got Build 14 to work from scratch on Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. This is regardless if everyone is already familiar with the process as it is merely a description of the steps I took. I'm using an NVIDIA GeForce graphics card, and this is important to note because even though there are workarounds, the game will not work properly or at all with Intel graphics chips.
Furthermore, it is also important to note that I have capped the FPS to 60 for the game in the NVIDIA control panel. Limiting the FPS to 60 helps to prevent the game from crashing.

First I used my original CDs to install the game to D:\Pirates of the Caribbean\. In my case it is the UK version.
To avoid problems, do not install the game to any of the Program Files directories.
After the installation, I created a new folder in the root of D:\ and named it build14testcheck and moved the entire Pirates of the Caribbean folder in there.

Then I created a new folder on the desktop and named it also build14testcheck and created a pa and a moddb folder inside it.
I then downloaded b14_installer.exe from PiratesAhoy! and placed it in the pa folder, and then downloaded the same file from ModDB and placed it in the moddb folder.
After that I downloaded b14_beta4_final.tar and placed it in the parent build14testcheck directory on the desktop.
Finally, I downloaded post_1Jan_updates_120124.zip and placed it also in the parent build14testcheck directory on the desktop.

Now with all files downloaded, I looked at the checksums of all four files and found that the two b14_installer.exe files are identical. This can be done by opening a command prompt in the directory and using CertUtil.
Here are the commands and resulting checksums for b14_installer.exe, b14_beta4_final.tar, and post_1Jan_updates_120124.zip:

CertUtil -hashfile b14_installer.exe MD5
8e e9 5d ca de 03 fa 29 f8 f8 ac ae fb 68 99 5a

CertUtil -hashfile b14_installer.exe SHA1
67 59 03 14 cc 66 12 0c 13 03 19 ab a7 04 cf 5b ed 74 cf e2

CertUtil -hashfile b14_installer.exe SHA256
ae eb b0 ac a9 89 ad 34 68 66 07 74 81 ba 88 c1 b3 de 66 89 cb 36 7f 27 53 1d ec 9d 49 58 7f 5d

CertUtil -hashfile b14_beta4_final.tar MD5
99 6a ce b4 d7 af 4f 48 ed 4f a2 31 1a 11 83 5e

CertUtil -hashfile b14_beta4_final.tar SHA1
30 b3 fa 79 ca ae 87 6b 58 d7 a0 fd 53 fb 0d f7 eb b3 c8 b3

CertUtil -hashfile b14_beta4_final.tar SHA256
c0 6f 66 2d c7 67 b4 b7 a8 0f 2d 60 fc 7e 00 d9 95 c2 b7 5e d1 9e 9f 07 dc 6c 8b 32 c2 87 78 da

CertUtil -hashfile post_1Jan_updates_120124.zip MD5
72 6b 04 14 a3 87 46 a8 c4 cb df 01 cc a9 24 da

CertUtil -hashfile post_1Jan_updates_120124.zip SHA1
41 6e 23 1c 83 ea 72 bc 6b ff bb 05 a4 e5 6a ff d4 13 27 21

CertUtil -hashfile post_1Jan_updates_120124.zip SHA256
2b 43 6d 04 b6 95 f9 44 ce b9 2c 98 58 73 af a8 d0 7c 46 98 22 02 35 34 33 d2 9d 00 ba d7 36 ec

I now moved the b14_installer.exe from the pa folder to the parent build14testcheck directory on the desktop so that b14_installer.exe and b14_beta4_final.tar would be in the same directory, and then I ran the installer.
In the installer, I selected to install only the "Main Files" and "UPDATE Files", no other files. I selected the install directory to be D:\build14testcheck\Pirates of the Caribbean\.
After that was done, I extracted the post_1Jan_updates_120124.zip file to its parent build14testcheck directory on the desktop, and then moved the entire contents to D:\build14testcheck\Pirates of the Caribbean\, overwriting everything when prompted.

I then opened engine.ini to change the resolution to my liking, and then started the game.
In the game I went to "Options" and changed things to my liking, and then started a new free play game and sailed around for a bit, and did not encounter any errors and no error log was generated.

So, in my case, using my original game CDs and downloading and using the provided mod files, I was able to install and play Build 14 without encountering any problems. It would thus seem that there is no problem with the integrity of the provided files, and that any fault in installing and playing Build 14 is not because of them.

I've accepted your diagnosis of "Intel 965-itis" and gone back to v16/17 for last playable games for solace. Now I've found a new issue. starting a game the Dragon's Mouth label weapon shows a Fist and the attributes is of the x4 fist!( Review of the Items table shows the correct Image Index 9 and I see no x4 Fist listed anywhere. Any idea of what's going on and how to get the image and attributes correct for the index name? I posted to the forum but no one can/has replied... I admire your knowledge and C skills so I'm asking you to trouble-shoot this, if you don't mind and have a few minutes to do so. I've looked into the code and found a call for fist but do not have the knowledge of C to identify the cause for this juxtaposition with Dragon's Mouth... thanks in advance for your insight.

 

[Grey Roger]

My knowledge of C is probably no better than yours! But, as I said, I do know that the .tar Contents Archive dates back to 2016, so if you're using a .zip version, it won't work properly with an installer from 2016 or later.

starting a game the Dragon's Mouth label weapon shows a Fist and the attributes is of the x4 fist!

Not surprising if you're using a 2016 installer with a .zip contents archive from an earlier version of the game. In fact, you're probably going to run into more serious trouble than that.

And you still haven't answered my question - in which folder are you installing the game? Full path, please - for example, mine is in "C:\Games\Pirates of the Caribbean".

 

[CoastGuard71]

Yep...same here... as I've said many times NOT INSTALLATION... NOT SHOUTING... although many devotees like to say so... it's apparent to me that a lot of people have trouble being able to read small print so to accommodate their deficiency I'm courteously using larger print... now do you understand that it's not the installation protocol? Yes or NO? How many times have I repeated this? HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU NOT ONLY READ THAT, BUT READ MY DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MY PROCESS? Not shouting, using big letters to make sure you have read and should understand what that passage stated. I'm a published author and have many articles and detailed reports in my past. As a Coast Guard Officer I wrote Requests for Proposal, evaluations, scientific reports of research and development. I've never been told that my competence as a writer is questionable.

BTW if the Beta4.tar file is a zipped file why does the installer that was specified not recognize it as such and keeps demanding the Contents Archive zip file? Why was that described in the install protocol and not updated when someone changed it? Really, when you change the game you MUST inform the players if you want the desired result. Did you read the part about where I DID install the Beta4.tar and the installer refused it demanded the Contents Archive (.zip) file which I used the 12x prior, which installed and produced the buggy games I've documented. Now you say using the Beta4.tar in the game folder produces a valid game... in my experience it does NOT... I tried it and got denied by the installer... so now you say that what was described was bogus! That installer was not valid? So where in the instructions was this information stated? The Beta4.tar is a "zip" file... why no .zip extension? In fact in my final attempt using Beta4.tar I did run 7-zip and unpacked the .tar file... which the installer refused to accept again demanding Contents Archive... so... where is the installer that must be used with the Beta4.tar unzip and why was it kept a secret? I saw nothing informing me of this fact in the installation process. Does no one proof-read and update directions when somebody changes the process?

I've a long history of successfully following very detailed and complicated directions for many different processes. I'm also a PhD Analytical Chemist, write and perform very complex procedures for analyses. Never has there been a critical comment of my work nor negative critique of my documents. In fact that's how I was able to move from Seaman Apprentice to Commander (O-5) in my 23 years of affiliation, a third of that at CGHQ in DC. working in Applied Sciences, Environmental Technology, Quality Assurance, and in the Kansas City CG Reserve from Port Security Ops division officer to Executive Officer in my tenure to retirement. I've many times explained I'm not conversant in C, my science language was FORTRAN from college classwork to real-world applications. I depend on C programmers to provide detail of language describing processes which are alike in FORTRAN but I'm not conversant with form or terms. Computer logic is the same, it's the language and format that's the difference. I would like to be able to enjoy a good game, bug-free, but factors beyond my control prevent achieving that.

I do appreciate your help and guidance, don't take offense, but I have high standards since that is what I've had to rise to in my life and career. I expect the same from others.

Thank you, Mate

 

[CoastGuard71]

You can click on the thumbnail to show the full size picture - in Firefox, I can click it with the middle mouse button to open the full size picture in another window, or click with the right button to open a menu of things to do with the link from the thumbnail. It's not a matter of file size, the full size picture is uploaded anyway. It just means the picture shown in the post is smaller, making the post easier to read. And on that note:

... please don't shout! Don't post in all upper case.

And you have yet to answer my question:

Okay, information that the thumb can be opened to full size is not stated, and I couldn't presume that feature. Now I know and will thumb anything in the future. since the relative position inside and out was the feature in question I felt it was better visualized by the full-size images.

My knowledge of C is probably no better than yours! But, as I said, I do know that the .tar Contents Archive dates back to 2016, so if you're using a .zip version, it won't work properly with an installer from 2016 or later.

Not surprising if you're using a 2016 installer with a .zip contents archive from an earlier version of the game. In fact, you're probably going to run into more serious trouble than that.

And you still haven't answered my question - in which folder are you installing the game? Full path, please - for example, mine is in "C:\Games\Pirates of the Caribbean".

No... this is an archived game I've had on my USB devices to return to from time to time to enjoy the less buggy play... now anyone know why the Dragon's Mouth weapon now shows Fist...that is my question. This game was downloaded, installed and played, a lot, until the next v17, v18, v19 revisions came out which were downloaded and played in that sequence... I've been playing these since that first game came out...Got It?

Your question has been answered multiple times... have you not read or understood my descriptions?

 

[Baste]

The incompatibility with Intel graphics chips actually applies to the game as a whole, from the original unmodded game all the way to Build 14. It is unknown if the incompatibility also applies to the newer engine used in Build 15. As mentioned there are workarounds that make the game somewhat playable with Intel graphics chips, but for full compatibility and performance a proper graphics processor is needed, such as NVIDIA GeForce.

Since for whatever reason the provided installation files do not work for you, I have made a configuration of the game ready to go. No install, just extract. This is a clean configuration of Build 14 with the latest updates applied over the UK version. I have included the best available workaround for the Intel graphics chip incompatibility so that the game will at least be playable. Also, I saw in another of your posts that you would like most of the storylines to not be included to reduce the total size, so I have removed them as well including their videos, leaving only "Tales of a Sea Hawk" and "Free Play". I have also removed all other languages, leaving only English.

This configuration works in my limited testing, but as mentioned since I do not have an Intel graphics chip, I cannot check if it truly does run on a computer with such a chip.

https://piratesahoy.bowengames.com/potc/Baste/CoastGuard71.zip

If you would like to verify the checksums after downloading the ZIP file, here they are:

CertUtil -hashfile CoastGuard71.zip MD5
c1 5e 26 5c 02 df f6 f9 78 33 ad dc 38 60 f7 87

CertUtil -hashfile CoastGuard71.zip SHA1
85 5a 68 59 ea b2 1a 40 03 4c 45 de 84 12 b5 4a bd 19 20 b0

CertUtil -hashfile CoastGuard71.zip SHA256
48 31 ba 79 63 6b 10 04 2a 76 b7 ec c5 a2 21 fb 25 69 6d 36 e8 88 bc 77 1e 39 e7 eb 77 b2 6d 28

After uploading the file I downloaded it to verify the checksums, and they match.

Just extract this ZIP file to a suitable location. Do not replace any files, and do not place the extracted contents in any of the Program Files directories.
After that, open engine.ini to set your display resolution. If you want to be able to Alt-Tab, leave full_screen = 0 the way it is. If you set your full display resolution it will appear as if in fullscreen anyway. Some however seem to have better performance in fullscreen, so in that case and if you want you can set full_screen = 1.
I have also disabled error logging as this helps with performance. If you want to enable error logging, set tracefilesoff = 0.
Then run ENGINE.exe to start the game and then go to "Options" and configure the game to your liking.
Now you can start a new game and it should work and be playable.

Hopefully this works as good as possible without any major problems. This is possibly the best bet and if it still doesn't work then unfortunately it is likely that other hardware is needed.

The ZIP file cannot remain for long so I will remove it after you have downloaded it or at most after 7 days.

 

[CoastGuard71]

Wow! THANK YOU VERY MUCH! You are truly the Wizard of C! Wish I had your knowledge and skills, life would be so much easier.
My Lenovo T61 Intel 965 never was a problem before so I can't understand why this v22 build is such a problem. I've reverted to v16/17 and was playing last night for several hours with no issues. I'm encouraged by all your work to try v22 again in that much smaller code footprint, I've always thought a lot of the issues in versions beyond 17 was due to the overabundance of code and the increased unintended interactions that usually result. For instance as Grey Roger pointed out I'm getting combat notes of Greek Fire hitting ships... makes no sense for that period... never heard of Greek Fire being used, so I assumed it was one of those unintended cross-overs from other code. Your removal of all those modules that I've no interest in using is a fantastic improvement in the code. I suggested that modules be created (subprograms) for specialized scenarios for those that want theme games to play but was told it's not practical. You seem to agree with this idea. Perhaps you could persuade Pieter to consider this concept? Seems to me the smaller and cleaner the code the more reliable the process, unlike Microsoft bloat code which has been problematic since inception. What MS is doing is making the customer pay to do their Beta-testing by the subprogram that auto-sends faults and error to their QA/QC coders to fix the problems... disgusting, but where else can you go?

I have a newer Lenovo T540P recently bought but not yet used due to a W10 OS, don't like the I-Phone OS, multi-media application is overburdened with trash code and apps that I don't want or need. I'm going to check what video chip set is used. I may want to run your version on that i7 notebook with the larger screen (T61 14.5") since I do like full-screen play. It was a Win7 OS which the eBay seller swapped with a Win10 on a 500GB SSD, not activated(!?) so I am replacing it with a 500 GB SSD onto which I'm cloning my Win7Pro OS since I have the activation code for it. MS stopped supporting W7 but still wants users to pay them for using it!(. I hope to be able to do so, but if I run into problems I hope you won't mind me bothering you with questions, just in case, since no one else seems to know how or what to do. I promise it will only be if no other help is possible.

Linux is not as common and little consumer software is available. I'm really excited to setup your revision and am downloading it now I will print your instructions and follow it to the letter. I really envy your knowledge... probably should have spent time learning C as it developed, but at that time my work was focused in FORTRAN and C was outside my professional work. Glad you stepped in with this help.

One more favor, if I may, is can you tell me the module and line number for the "cannot save while boarding" and "cannot save while sailing" lockouts during combat and while disengaging... always seemed to be to be ridiculous since most crashes come during the scene transitions which take place frequently in boardings, and while trying to disengage after capturing the prize. No one seems to know and there's just too much code which I have no chance of recognizing the construct for these lockouts. Just knowing module and line would get me where I can do the mod to remove this irritation and frustrating loss of time when my accomplishment is erased by the instability of the program transitions.

Again, A BIG Thank you!)

Ron

 

[CoastGuard71]

1) Install the game not on the system disk, but on another one.
2) Create a folder and put Build 14 FINAL Part 2: Contents Archive and b14 installer into it. Then run b14 installer.

Grey Roger tells me the Contents Archive is obsolete and not usable, that Beta4.tar is a zipped file that contains the same code as the Contents Archive file cited in the installation instructions (?) all very confused! He says to unzip the Beta4.tar and install. However, the installer does not recognize the unzipped Beta4.tar files and requires the Contents Archive.zip ... makes no sense. I did unzip (7-zip) the program from the Beta 4.tar and tried to install... didn't work. Someone of authority should create a current and working installation guide step-wise to clear up all the contradictory and confusing instructions... right?

 

[CoastGuard71]

The incompatibility with Intel graphics chips actually applies to the game as a whole, from the original unmodded game all the way to Build 14. It is unknown if the incompatibility also applies to the newer engine used in Build 15. As mentioned there are workarounds that make the game somewhat playable with Intel graphics chips, but for full compatibility and performance a proper graphics processor is needed, such as NVIDIA GeForce.

Since for whatever reason the provided installation files do not work for you, I have made a configuration of the game ready to go. No install, just extract. This is a clean configuration of Build 14 with the latest updates applied over the UK version. I have included the best available workaround for the Intel graphics chip incompatibility so that the game will at least be playable. Also, I saw in another of your posts that you would like most of the storylines to not be included to reduce the total size, so I have removed them as well including their videos, leaving only "Tales of a Sea Hawk" and "Free Play". I have also removed all other languages, leaving only English.

This configuration works in my limited testing, but as mentioned since I do not have an Intel graphics chip, I cannot check if it truly does run on a computer with such a chip.

https://piratesahoy.bowengames.com/potc/Baste/CoastGuard71.zip

If you would like to verify the checksums after downloading the ZIP file, here they are:

CertUtil -hashfile CoastGuard71.zip MD5
c1 5e 26 5c 02 df f6 f9 78 33 ad dc 38 60 f7 87

CertUtil -hashfile CoastGuard71.zip SHA1
85 5a 68 59 ea b2 1a 40 03 4c 45 de 84 12 b5 4a bd 19 20 b0

CertUtil -hashfile CoastGuard71.zip SHA256
48 31 ba 79 63 6b 10 04 2a 76 b7 ec c5 a2 21 fb 25 69 6d 36 e8 88 bc 77 1e 39 e7 eb 77 b2 6d 28

After uploading the file I downloaded it to verify the checksums, and they match.

Just extract this ZIP file to a suitable location. Do not replace any files, and do not place the extracted contents in any of the Program Files directories.
After that, open engine.ini to set your display resolution. If you want to be able to Alt-Tab, leave full_screen = 0 the way it is. If you set your full display resolution it will appear as if in fullscreen anyway. Some however seem to have better performance in fullscreen, so in that case and if you want you can set full_screen = 1.
I have also disabled error logging as this helps with performance. If you want to enable error logging, set tracefilesoff = 0.
Then run ENGINE.exe to start the game and then go to "Options" and configure the game to your liking.
Now you can start a new game and it should work and be playable.

Hopefully this works as good as possible without any major problems. This is possibly the best bet and if it still doesn't work then unfortunately it is likely that other hardware is needed.

The ZIP file cannot remain for long so I will remove it after you have downloaded it or at most after 7 days.

Actually, I've been playing each evolution from v16 to the present and while I've seen the usual instability and occasional gross error like the image of fist and attributes assigned the name Dragon's Mouth (Pirate Sword image index 9) the v16/17 had few other problems other than the scene transition drop-outs. Not until v18+ did I see serious issues like screen freeze when ships are sunk, due to calls for items no longer in use, but the full revision of v22 has made the game unplayable due to the issues I've documented. Since I've not heard similar complaints from the other players I'm assuming the Intel 965 issue became amplified in 22... no other explanation since it had to be my OS environment. However, I also have to consider that the installation instructions have been identified as false to an extreme that the play was corrupted by the false installation instruction which I followed having only that instruction. Seems since then the zip Archive file is actually the Beta4.tar file and the installer designed for the Archive file zip does not work with the Beta4.tar file(?) Which has produced the bizarre series of results I've documented. I did try an experiment of using 7zip to open the Beta4.tar file which produced all the folders and files, but then the installer wouldn't perform an installation... or so it seemed. After all that I was forced to give up trying and then the truth came out that the original installation routine was no longer valid and the direct use of .tar, Akella game folders/files without an installer was the process now in effect. However, for me that still didn't correct all the bizarre events. I'm so glad you took up the cause and cobbled together a valid, simpler method of installing just what I need. So, I'm hoping my intuition is correct and my Intel 965 set will not be such an obstacle with your much simpler and condensed game install... looking forward with eager anticipation.

 

[CoastGuard71]

Sorry to report that your elegant and much simplified installation, though very easy to do, has not improved the quality of play. The issues previously reported have not been as severe, however the instability and frequent crashes during play have gotten worse. v16/17 by comparison are far more stable and comfortable to play that I will be using henceforth. I would appreciate your help in solving a few issues such as the save blocks during action. You've done the best possible job of trying to overcome these faults, but something (Intel 965?) is not compatible with this engine causing frequent crashes and freezes. v16/17 have been the most stable by comparison and coders should investigate those to try to determine what makes them more playable (or unplayable?)

 

[CoastGuard71]

Is the "B15 Beyond" a different situation due to the different "engine"? Has anyone information about its compatibility with Intel 965? I'm reluctant to waste more time chasing after something that won't work... like this.

While installing and modding the variable values within to my liking I found a very large part is for other scenarios that I do not use. While removing the calls to those subroutines reduces the volume of code it is so minimal without going into the program to also remove the supporting specialized coding that the overall benefit is not significant. I realize that removing all that internal Programming would take a very long time by someone with master skills in knowing what to remove and what to leave makes this impractical.

I agree the best idea is B15 with new "better" engine... but while coder is structuring this new program it would be the best time to separate the programs so users can pick what they want, have a much smaller "footprint" on their storage media, and less opportunity for "crosstalk" errors. At least this is my theory... anyone agree and willing to give it a try?

Thanks

 

[salonikasurf]

@CoastGuard71 - BNH 15 is at Beta 2 stage and it is unlikely that any restructuring that you have asked for would be possible at this stage - if you have issues with the footprint of the game you may also have more problems with BNH 15.0.0 as it is around a 7G zip to download.

I play both B14 NH and BNH15. If you have a downloaded copy of the original game CD's you may have some issues in setting them up to run correctly - have you installed the cd's and played the original game prior to installing the MOD? If it does not work properly, I would suggest going to BNH15 which does not require the original game to be installed on your PC.

I suggest that you get an external hard drive to install the game on. I have done this and it has worked with no obvious ill affects on older laptops I have had over the years.

Cutting out sections of the game folders is not recommended as it may have unexpected issues that will not be able to be checked or reproduced by anyone on the forum. I recommend that you use the latest release that the community is working on as earlier versions are likely to have issues that have been rectified already and will make it easier for the community to help you.

Have you read the "Frequently asked questions" at the top to the forum? It literally says "Have a question about PotC? Check the FAQ first!" It has workarounds for intel issues etc. in there.

There may be an issue with your own PC set up particularly with virus protection software - This has affected me in the past with the install. I use both Firefox and Brave as internet browsers and stay away from Edge. Both are freeware and I have not had any issues downloading the files from this site although it may take a while.

Please be aware that no-one in this modding community is paid and whilst we all get or have been frustrated with this game from time to time - most issues are found and fixed in time. Those trying to help you are doing so on their own dime and many have been in this forum for and modding/testing for many years to make this mod what it is today.

This forum relies on a courteous attitude, respect for others and appreciation for help given and also on those needing help putting an effort in - (reading the older posts as most issue have been seen over the years). I do note that specific hardware setups are particularly difficult to fault find unless someone else has an identical machine. That being said, I am not aware of anyone on this forum that didn't eventually sort out the issue on their own or with the help of the community and run the game with the mod in the last 18 years I have been on this forum.