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B14 troubles

The fact that Tweaking has been used to identify and remove the operative inserted fault allowing the game to once again start and play is proof of my hypothesis.
Out of interest, exactly what did Tweaking do? Did it remove files - if so, which ones? Did it modify files - if so, which ones, and can you upload the modified versions so I can compare them to mine?

Am I the only one that used the DB update download? Is my using W7 the cause that allows this embedded malware to function?
The only file which should be downloaded from ModDB is "Build 14 Final Part 2: Contents Archive". As an experiment, I downloaded that again and then used it to create a new installation without any trouble. I'm using Windows 7 on the PC on which I install and play PoTC and see none of the problems you report.

BTW How certain are you I'm the only person using Tweaking? Have you solicited a survey? You might want to.
First question, to everyone else: is anyone else using this "tweaking"? If so, are you seeing any similar problems?

I'm seeing the same glacial unzip of the Bowengames update zip file using 7Z!
So, what is the intended unzip program for this file?
7-Zip is the recommended program and is also the program I use to create the update file. There is nothing wrong with it, but evidently there is something wrong with your PC.

And so I ask again, since I've tried an experiment on your behalf of downloading and testing the only file needed fro ModDB; please try my experiment, disable Tweaking, reinstall PoTC and see if it behaves differently - and also see if 7-Zip is any faster when you unzip the update file while Tweaking is disabled.
 
This depends on your HDD or SSD. Yes, the archive is too large, it is advisable to make an installer in the next update and upload it to moddb. The passage of stories has become more stable and there are much fewer crashes in the latest version.
Any ideas why this results during game start when trying to go ashore at Spiegtstown?

Out of interest, exactly what did Tweaking do? Did it remove files - if so, which ones? Did it modify files - if so, which ones, and can you upload the modified versions so I can compare them to mine?


The only file which should be downloaded from ModDB is "Build 14 Final Part 2: Contents Archive". As an experiment, I downloaded that again and then used it to create a new installation without any trouble. I'm using Windows 7 on the PC on which I install and play PoTC and see none of the problems you report.





7-Zip is the recommended program and is also the program I use to create the update file. There is nothing wrong with it, but evidently there is something wrong with your PC.

And so I ask again, since I've tried an experiment on your behalf of downloading and testing the only file needed fro ModDB; please try my experiment, disable Tweaking, reinstall PoTC and see if it behaves differently - and also see if 7-Zip is any faster when you unzip the update file while Tweaking is disabled.
Tweaking is a diagnostic and junk remover like CCleaner not active unless selected and runs in Safe Mode so nothing is altered in OS. My comment was that I saw a window during cleaning of "infections" that were removed, as not consistent with OS. The fact that the rendering fault vanished and the game booted properly shows benefit not disruption. When I ran cmd chkdsk c: /f or /r nothing was found or changed and the game still crashed with the same rendering fault diagnostic. Only Tweaking or booting another earlier version has this result of restoring the boot. This is strange as such inconsistent activity shows either malware or installation instability leading to this fault. As stated this game had been running for months with Tweaking present and used a few times when the processing slows. CCleaner was also used at every other boot just to clean the trash with Smart Game Booster to improve speed. Something is going on unique to this version of B14 because this was never seen in previous versions, only appeared in this version. How does booting another version clear this fault? Once cleared various times of play pass before recurrence... why, how? Sounds like an execution bug or malware. The program successfully loads it's during the start that this crash takes place. What activity is going on during that phase? Rendering fault? Why? This is intermittent no pattern just happens without any other unusual activity except that the LED drive activity icon is not glittering with activity. Something in the code gets glitchy and stops the boot but gets reset or restored when another game is loading and runs. A programming expert with experience is needed to diagnose this kind of action since there are so many possibilities. However, since only this update version exhibits this behavior I suspect code or something introduced by the intermediary download file being infected. Avast, Avira, Iobit Malware scans do not find a known malware... kinda leaves code instability? how about the person or people who modded the start involved code do a beta test and look for instability and self-corruption errors? Perhaps I'm the only one affected because the download at that time was infected or unstable and that was corrected after my use?
 

Attachments

  • Compile log load crash 19SEP24 UD.jpg
    Compile log load crash 19SEP24 UD.jpg
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Yes, when I clicked the link on your post I was on DB with the 19SEP update link. Downloaded and attempted to unzip with that result. Why did that link show in your post? When I returned the following day I found the change to Bowengames and linked, downloaded and unzipped with success, even still taking all day to complete,
I hope that when installing the mod you do not unpack the 'b14_beta4_final.tar' archive, because the installer 'build-14-final-installer' should do this. After this, you do not need to unpack the archive again.

Here is the installation procedure:
#First you need to download the original game:
- Pirates of the Caribbean (Sea Dogs 2) (Full Game Repack Download)
Or you can download my Russian version of the original game. I attached the torrent below.
#Then download the archive and installer:
#Archive :
- Build 14 FINAL Part 2: Contents Archive file - Pirates of the Caribbean: New Horizons mod for Pirates of the Caribbean
#Installer :
- Build 14 FINAL Part 1: Installation Wizard file - Pirates of the Caribbean: New Horizons mod for Pirates of the Caribbean
#The installer will unpack the top archive into the folder you need.

#Then you need to download the latest update:
#This update archive must be added and replaced to the game folder!
 

Attachments

  • Pirates_of_the_Caribbean_2_II_P_RUS_RUS_2003_1.03_Mod_rutracker-6007627_1.7z
    40.9 KB · Views: 29
Any ideas why this results during game start when trying to go ashore at Spiegtstown?
The game loads the "standard" storyline, i.e. "Tales of a Sea Hawk", by default. It then unloads this storyline, then loads the storyline you chose - which may mean reloading "Tales of a Sea Hawk" if that's what you chose. But something appears to have gone wrong because it's supposed to load the chosen storyline right away, whereas your "compile.log" shows a second line "Init character names complete." where it should show the lines about loading a storyline.

Or perhaps there are lines missing. Instead of uploading a screenshot, upload the whole "compile.log" file. (Don't copy and paste it! Use the "Attach files" button to upload the file.)

My comment was that I saw a window during cleaning of "infections" that were removed, as not consistent with OS.
What "infections" were removed? Which files were removed or altered?

Perhaps I'm the only one affected because the download at that time was infected or unstable and that was corrected after my use?
The obvious next step then is to create a whole new installation from stock game CD's; then download the current versions of B14 installer, contents archive and update.
 
Baste Mate, the recent update, have you incorporated into the Brit condensed version you provided before? I suppose this update is not a drop-in to just add to those? Would really appreciate a chance to download your update if available.
A user has complained of frequent Freezes... any comment?

Thanks Mate
The prepackaged configuration was just an attempt to remedy the situation at that time. New updates since then should be possible to just add to an existing installation, though starting a new game might be required.
It doesn't matter if the base version is the US or UK version if installing the Build Mod - the contents become the same after installing the modpack.

I wouldn't know anything about the freezes. I am not and have never been a Build Mod developer. I have contributed a few things to it but have never had any major involvement.
 
I hope that when installing the mod you do not unpack the 'b14_beta4_final.tar' archive, because the installer 'build-14-final-installer' should do this. After this, you do not need to unpack the archive again.

Here is the installation procedure:
#First you need to download the original game:
- Pirates of the Caribbean (Sea Dogs 2) (Full Game Repack Download)
Or you can download my Russian version of the original game. I attached the torrent below.
#Then download the archive and installer:
#Archive :
- Build 14 FINAL Part 2: Contents Archive file - Pirates of the Caribbean: New Horizons mod for Pirates of the Caribbean
#Installer :
- Build 14 FINAL Part 1: Installation Wizard file - Pirates of the Caribbean: New Horizons mod for Pirates of the Caribbean
#The installer will unpack the top archive into the folder you need.

#Then you need to download the latest update:
#This update archive must be added and replaced to the game folder!
Nope never unpack a tar file... I'm an analytical chemist and very competent in following instructions, a hallmark of this profession.
The problem described was the DB link for the update zip file download which was defective and attempt to 7Z unzip resulted in the complaint as documented.
I messaged GR asking that another download source, i.e., Bowengames be used since that has always been to standard. Next day the download link was Bowengames which I used and the zip file progressed with a reasonable speed, unlike the file from DB which I documented the rate and estimated time of 156 hours!
With the update file unzipped I completed the install for the zillionth time in the last few years and have been attempting to play with unsatisfactory results... I find degradation of play rather than improvement.
As a result I'm continuing to play the previous update which seems more competent.
 
The problem described was the DB link for the update zip file download which was defective and attempt to 7Z unzip resulted in the complaint as documented.
I messaged GR asking that another download source, i.e., Bowengames be used since that has always been to standard. Next day the download link was Bowengames which I used and the zip file progressed with a reasonable speed, unlike the file from DB which I documented the rate and estimated time of 156 hours!
To be more precise, I originally put the update on Bowengames and always do. I have no idea how the September update ended up on ModDB. The link for the update in thread Mod Release - Build 14 Gamma Version [Last update: 19th September 2024] always points to Bowengames. So, after reading your message, I did nothing to it.
 
Hmmm... interesting... somehow when I clicked your link it cited DB which is what I downloaded and attempted to 7Z unzip. After opening in the DB page I actually canceled out and repeated the link from your post. Whoever had changed it to DB, not you, had changed it back the next day as it had been reset to Bowengames. Funny stuff going on... who else has access and capability to set links in your post?

The game loads the "standard" storyline, i.e. "Tales of a Sea Hawk", by default. It then unloads this storyline, then loads the storyline you chose - which may mean reloading "Tales of a Sea Hawk" if that's what you chose. But something appears to have gone wrong because it's supposed to load the chosen storyline right away, whereas your "compile.log" shows a second line "Init character names complete." where it should show the lines about loading a storyline.

Or perhaps there are lines missing. Instead of uploading a screenshot, upload the whole "compile.log" file. (Don't copy and paste it! Use the "Attach files" button to upload the file.)


What "infections" were removed? Which files were removed or altered?


The obvious next step then is to create a whole new installation from stock game CD's; then download the current versions of B14 installer, contents archive and update.
Tweaking is fast with screens very difficult to screen print the "infection" is a generic term which is not specified. Unlike Avast or Avira which ID the specific bug. Tweaking trades speed of cleaning resetting for specifics which would slow the process. Again, as stated, I also ran both AV as well as Iobit Malware which found no known and registered "bugs". Could be that Tweak is responding to MS Security settings forced onto my C drive during boot when WiFi is enabled? Just guessing without specifics being provided by the diagnostic ware. Can anyone suggest a better diagnostic?

The prepackaged configuration was just an attempt to remedy the situation at that time. New updates since then should be possible to just add to an existing installation, though starting a new game might be required.
It doesn't matter if the base version is the US or UK version if installing the Build Mod - the contents become the same after installing the modpack.

I wouldn't know anything about the freezes. I am not and have never been a Build Mod developer. I have contributed a few things to it but have never had any major involvement.
So, I understand that your condensed code will function in an update as does the full code program and integrates with the update without issue? In that can I can load your programs into a folder along with the .tar, 190924update, Akella files and the installer will create the update as it does for the full program... right?
 
So, I understand that your condensed code will function in an update as does the full code program and integrates with the update without issue? In that can I can load your programs into a folder along with the .tar, 190924update, Akella files and the installer will create the update as it does for the full program... right?
The configuration was made with the installer, the TAR file, the latest update at the time, some things removed, and then simply packaged together so that it would just be to extract instead of having to install. Since it is an existing installation all that would be needed is to apply the latest update over it.
Do note, however, that if anything in the latest update references anything that you wanted removed, such as storylines and languages, then it is possible that the latest update will not be compatible with the configuration. In that case the configuration must stay as it is, and if you want the latest update, an entirely new installation must be made with the installer and TAR file and then the latest update be applied to that installation.

Also, you have previously been asked to not make several posts in the same thread just minutes apart. Please edit your post if you want to add more in such a short time.
 
I hope that when installing the mod you do not unpack the 'b14_beta4_final.tar' archive, because the installer 'build-14-final-installer' should do this. After this, you do not need to unpack the archive again.

Here is the installation procedure:
#First you need to download the original game:
- Pirates of the Caribbean (Sea Dogs 2) (Full Game Repack Download)
Or you can download my Russian version of the original game. I attached the torrent below.
#Then download the archive and installer:
#Archive :
- Build 14 FINAL Part 2: Contents Archive file - Pirates of the Caribbean: New Horizons mod for Pirates of the Caribbean
#Installer :
- Build 14 FINAL Part 1: Installation Wizard file - Pirates of the Caribbean: New Horizons mod for Pirates of the Caribbean
#The installer will unpack the top archive into the folder you need.

#Then you need to download the latest update:
#This update archive must be added and replaced to the game folder!
Yep... did all that when the GR link changed from DB to BG and installed the game ... bugs, freezes, transition crashes, etc. still going on. Now the serving wench dialog at St. John's tavern is not showing the dialog in spite of copy and paste from 3 different working older games... SO WHAT HAS IMPROVED? NOTHING! IN FACT GOTTEN WORSE... DOES NOBODY BETA-TEST ?

To be more precise, I originally put the update on Bowengames and always do. I have no idea how the September update ended up on ModDB. The link for the update in thread Mod Release - Build 14 Gamma Version [Last update: 19th September 2024] always points to Bowengames. So, after reading your message, I did nothing to it.
Somebody changed it behind your back... as proved by the screen print I sent... who else has that authority? You deny the screen print fact?

The configuration was made with the installer, the TAR file, the latest update at the time, some things removed, and then simply packaged together so that it would just be to extract instead of having to install. Since it is an existing installation all that would be needed is to apply the latest update over it.
Do note, however, that if anything in the latest update references anything that you wanted removed, such as storylines and languages, then it is possible that the latest update will not be compatible with the configuration. In that case the configuration must stay as it is, and if you want the latest update, an entirely new installation must be made with the installer and TAR file and then the latest update be applied to that installation.

Also, you have previously been asked to not make several posts in the same thread just minutes apart. Please edit your post if you want to add more in such a short time.
I usually do when I proof my comment, however if time has passed and I have additional ideas I will make a second subject post.

How short a time? Sometimes I feel the additional info is another subject that should be addressed separately... ?
BTW: Have any idea of what fault is not showing the tavern wench dialog in the blank dialog box at screen bottom? Minor irritation, but it bugs me since I'm one of those irritating "perfectionists"... ;)
There per your suggestion I have edited rather than separated subjects... okay?)
 
This is a good example of what I mean.

CG71multiposting.jpg

You just had four posts in the same thread in the span of 12 minutes without anyone replying between those posts. Making multiple posts like this is considered bad etiquette in forums in general. There aren't any firm guidelines, but for posts just minutes apart like these four, they certainly should be in one and the same post. Therefore, if you want to add more in such a short time, please edit your post instead of making several after it. Perhaps even better, try to make sure you have included everything you want to say before making the post.

About the ModDB and Bowen Games thing:
CoastGuard71's screenshots show files named "post_1Jan_updates_190924ZIP.zip" (extra "ZIP") and "ates_190924(1).zip" (full name isn't shown and extra "(1)"). They do not show anything about where the files were downloaded from.
The post history for Grey Roger's post shows that only the formatting of the link was changed. The URL itself was not changed.

GRpostcomparison.jpg

The only link to ModDB is for the contents archive.
The post_1Jan_updates_190924.zip file is not available on ModDB.

ModDBNHfiles.jpg

There is, however, a post_25May_updates_021221.zip file, but that is a different file and is not shown as being uploaded by Grey Roger.
I myself do not have access to change files on ModDB.
So, unless someone else is doing some trickery, which I find unlikely, then post_1Jan_updates_190924.zip has never been on ModDB, and CoastGuard71 must have somehow ended up on that site and mistakenly believed that he downloaded the file from there. There is no evidence or reasonable cause for the file ever being on there.

Also this:
The only link on that page which used "http:" was the link to "b14_installer.exe" on piratesahoy.net. I've now changed that to "https". All the others, including the link to "Build 14 Final Part 2: Contents Archive" on ModDB, already used "https:".
Only the text for the first link to the installer shows HTTPS. The link itself still uses HTTP.

And finally, this:
bugs, freezes, transition crashes, etc. still going on. Now the serving wench dialog at St. John's tavern is not showing the dialog in spite of copy and paste from 3 different working older games... SO WHAT HAS IMPROVED? NOTHING! IN FACT GOTTEN WORSE... DOES NOBODY BETA-TEST ?
BTW: Have any idea of what fault is not showing the tavern wench dialog in the blank dialog box at screen bottom? Minor irritation, but it bugs me since I'm one of those irritating "perfectionists"... ;)
Yes, same as I've already said: A faulty system environment combined with whatever changes that have been made in later versions of Build 14. Adding files from older versions only makes the problem worse.
All this together is very likely the reason for why older versions seemingly work, newer versions don't work, and your computer having various kinds of problems such as extracting a ZIP file being unreasonably slow. There could also be a hardware problem involved. I say this as a computer technician with years of experience.
A clean - not clone - and proper install of Windows, drivers, and updates is well worth a try and could very well solve the problems.

You are free to keep disregarding my suggestion and keep on trying to solve the problems in your own way, but the problems with the game and the computer will continue, and no one will be able to give you any answer that will solve the problems in your preferred way. You can keep saying how a clean install does not make sense to you and keep claiming faulty game code or possible malware and how other software appears to help you, and you can keep making posts about problems with the game and your computer but there is nothing anyone here can say or do that will solve any of it. Several have given suggestions but they have either not worked or not been followed, and as such there is no point in continuing to think about other suggestions when the root cause is not being addressed. Other than that, none of the actual Build 14 developers are active anymore, so there is no one here who could give answers about deeper technicalities about anything in the Build 14 code.
 
Same here... I found the tavern wench problem was a corrupted dialogue C file which corrected with an 18-2 version copy. Some of the image problems may have been due to outdated C++ visual files which I have corrected... play has resumed but I still get scene transition crashes that frustrate and ships sunk by cannon fire from either me or companion. If I scuttle a ship no problem it seems to require cannon sinking... freezes screen, visual C++ fault? I'll see with the updates...

Even worse: any ship sinking by cannon another freezes the screen, sounds keeps looping running... consignment to Port Royal when arrived and went to deliver the name of the store merchant not the name of the consignment... game stops since can't deliver cargo... ?????? anyone doing Beta testing on these update changes> Y or N answer....
 
Even worse: any ship sinking by cannon another freezes the screen, sounds keeps looping running... consignment to Port Royal when arrived and went to deliver the name of the store merchant not the name of the consignment... game stops since can't deliver cargo... ?????? anyone doing Beta testing on these update changes> Y or N answer....
No, because nobody else has these problems, and you have not told me what files "tweaking" altered so I have no idea where to look.

But the tavern wench dialog problem should be easy to diagnose because when dialog fails, it puts a message into either "error.log", "system.log" or both. So, put the current version of the dialog file back, talk to the wench, then if you get a blank dialog again, upload both those files. Or tell me exactly which tavern wench you were talking to, then I can visit her and see if she is more talkative to me.
 
The dialog fault was a C file corruption I resolved by dropping in a working copy from 14v18-2.
The problem with cargo assignment delivery is a fault of the coder (genius?) who made delivery 2-part i.e. location (Port Royal) and name: told to deliver to Bannerman when arrived found O'Reilly was proprietor, not a 2-part match, so cargo refused! game stalls due to this coding error... nobody Beta testing? Take out the 2-part match! Simple fix...right? So why has no one else found this? So to fix where do I find the name Bannerman and change to O]Reilly which somehow got assigned to Port Royal?

Now the sink ship cannon fire includes any ship of either side in an engagement, not just me or companion ship. Entered battle between enemy and ally one ship sinks an opponent and game freezes!? Okay now somebody tell me this is not happening to anyone else? Again no beta test? how are such fundamental errors getting into a "finished code product suitable for play"?

Coders must get back to basics! TOO MANY ERRORS ARE IN A "FINISHED" PRODUCT! RIGHT? TELL ME IT'S JUST MY COMPUTER NOT ANY ONE ELSE? OR, ARE WE USERS DOING YOUR BETA?

BTW: HOW ABOUT PROVIDING DIRECTIONS FOR DOWNLOADING "ERROR LOG" OR "SYSTEM LOG"? THIS COMPUTER DID NOT COME WITH AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MS HIDDEN NECESSARY PROGRAMS AND HOW TO USE THEM. I ALSO HAVE NOT TAKEN THE 1000-HOUR MS COURSE IN WINDOWS 7 FEATURES AND HOW TO USE THEM, I'M LEARNING BY "TRIAL AND ERROR AND TRY SOMETHING ELSE". BASIC CODING LOGIC GIVES ME HINTS OF WHAT'S GOING ON BUT LACK OF C++ INFO MAKES IT A "LITTLE" DIFFICULT. IMAGINE I WRITE A FORTRAN PROGRAM AND YOU TRY TO RUN IT AND DEBUG IT... REVERSE THE SITUATION?)

C'MON... LET'S WORK TOGETHER INSTEAD OF OPPOSING? I'M NOT CRITICIZING, I'M REVEALING ISSUES I FIND RUNNING YOUR CODE ON MY W7 MACHINE... BETA TESTING AND REVEALING CODING ISSUES I FIND ON MY SYSTEM... MAYBE SOME OF THESE ARE W10+ CODING DIFFERENCES AND I HAVE NO WAY OF WORK-AROUND... IF SO, TELL ME?

AGAIN: NOT SHOUTING... JUST NEEDING EMPHASIS FOR ISSUES I BELIEVE ARE FUNDAMENTAL AND BEING OVERLOOKED OR IGNORED BECAUSE YOU CAN'T REPRODUCE. QUESTION SHOULD BE WHY? IS THE C++ CODING NOT W7 COMPATIBLE? THEN TELL ME THAT. I'VE UPDATED MY C++ VISUAL DRIVERS WHICH SHOULD RESOLVE SUCH ISSUES... RIGHT?

BTW2: TWEAKING DOESN'T CHANGE FILES IT ID'S ERRORS AND RESTORES MS W7 CODE OR, IN THIS CASE, FINDS AN "INFECTION" (CODE THAT DOESN'T BELONG) AND DELETES IT... CODE "HOUSEKEEPING" NOT REWRITING. MORE LIKE CMD CHKDSK C: /R...


Out of interest, exactly what did Tweaking do? Did it remove files - if so, which ones? Did it modify files - if so, which ones, and can you upload the modified versions so I can compare them to mine?


The only file which should be downloaded from ModDB is "Build 14 Final Part 2: Contents Archive". As an experiment, I downloaded that again and then used it to create a new installation without any trouble. I'm using Windows 7 on the PC on which I install and play PoTC and see none of the problems you report.





7-Zip is the recommended program and is also the program I use to create the update file. There is nothing wrong with it, but evidently there is something wrong with your PC.

And so I ask again, since I've tried an experiment on your behalf of downloading and testing the only file needed fro ModDB; please try my experiment, disable Tweaking, reinstall PoTC and see if it behaves differently - and also see if 7-Zip is any faster when you unzip the update file while Tweaking is disabled.
Are you by any chance using a newer machine with multiple processors and tech improvements that affect function. My T61 IBM ThinkPad is a bit dated with only 2 processors and other such obsolete technical issues... including w7 it seems. I did a check of C++ visual drivers and updated. Maybe that will help? Noticed improvement in display, sharper images better depth, color more intense and accurate. Have you tried running on a T61? To do a true comparison you must be using the same model or similar machine.

This is a good example of what I mean.

View attachment 44705

You just had four posts in the same thread in the span of 12 minutes without anyone replying between those posts. Making multiple posts like this is considered bad etiquette in forums in general. There aren't any firm guidelines, but for posts just minutes apart like these four, they certainly should be in one and the same post. Therefore, if you want to add more in such a short time, please edit your post instead of making several after it. Perhaps even better, try to make sure you have included everything you want to say before making the post.

About the ModDB and Bowen Games thing:
CoastGuard71's screenshots show files named "post_1Jan_updates_190924ZIP.zip" (extra "ZIP") and "ates_190924(1).zip" (full name isn't shown and extra "(1)"). They do not show anything about where the files were downloaded from.
The post history for Grey Roger's post shows that only the formatting of the link was changed. The URL itself was not changed.

View attachment 44706

The only link to ModDB is for the contents archive.
The post_1Jan_updates_190924.zip file is not available on ModDB.

View attachment 44707

There is, however, a post_25May_updates_021221.zip file, but that is a different file and is not shown as being uploaded by Grey Roger.
I myself do not have access to change files on ModDB.
So, unless someone else is doing some trickery, which I find unlikely, then post_1Jan_updates_190924.zip has never been on ModDB, and CoastGuard71 must have somehow ended up on that site and mistakenly believed that he downloaded the file from there. There is no evidence or reasonable cause for the file ever being on there.

Also this:

Only the text for the first link to the installer shows HTTPS. The link itself still uses HTTP.

And finally, this:


Yes, same as I've already said: A faulty system environment combined with whatever changes that have been made in later versions of Build 14. Adding files from older versions only makes the problem worse.
All this together is very likely the reason for why older versions seemingly work, newer versions don't work, and your computer having various kinds of problems such as extracting a ZIP file being unreasonably slow. There could also be a hardware problem involved. I say this as a computer technician with years of experience.
A clean - not clone - and proper install of Windows, drivers, and updates is well worth a try and could very well solve the problems.

You are free to keep disregarding my suggestion and keep on trying to solve the problems in your own way, but the problems with the game and the computer will continue, and no one will be able to give you any answer that will solve the problems in your preferred way. You can keep saying how a clean install does not make sense to you and keep claiming faulty game code or possible malware and how other software appears to help you, and you can keep making posts about problems with the game and your computer but there is nothing anyone here can say or do that will solve any of it. Several have given suggestions but they have either not worked or not been followed, and as such there is no point in continuing to think about other suggestions when the root cause is not being addressed. Other than that, none of the actual Build 14 developers are active anymore, so there is no one here who could give answers about deeper technicalities about anything in the Build 14 code.
4 different topics... didn't you notice? Each subject allows direct comment by interested parties. No replies means nobody cares? I'm not insulted, just discouraged by lack of interest in solving issues which I find in case they are systematic.
BTW: I don't expect an immediate answer to each item... don't think people are sitting at screens waiting for my comments of problems... flattering as it is you are following my issues I would appreciate assistance rather than criticism for sharing my experience in Beta Testing this code.

This is a good example of what I mean.

View attachment 44705

You just had four posts in the same thread in the span of 12 minutes without anyone replying between those posts. Making multiple posts like this is considered bad etiquette in forums in general. There aren't any firm guidelines, but for posts just minutes apart like these four, they certainly should be in one and the same post. Therefore, if you want to add more in such a short time, please edit your post instead of making several after it. Perhaps even better, try to make sure you have included everything you want to say before making the post.

About the ModDB and Bowen Games thing:
CoastGuard71's screenshots show files named "post_1Jan_updates_190924ZIP.zip" (extra "ZIP") and "ates_190924(1).zip" (full name isn't shown and extra "(1)"). They do not show anything about where the files were downloaded from.
The post history for Grey Roger's post shows that only the formatting of the link was changed. The URL itself was not changed.

View attachment 44706

The only link to ModDB is for the contents archive.
The post_1Jan_updates_190924.zip file is not available on ModDB.

View attachment 44707

There is, however, a post_25May_updates_021221.zip file, but that is a different file and is not shown as being uploaded by Grey Roger.
I myself do not have access to change files on ModDB.
So, unless someone else is doing some trickery, which I find unlikely, then post_1Jan_updates_190924.zip has never been on ModDB, and CoastGuard71 must have somehow ended up on that site and mistakenly believed that he downloaded the file from there. There is no evidence or reasonable cause for the file ever being on there.

Also this:

Only the text for the first link to the installer shows HTTPS. The link itself still uses HTTP.

And finally, this:


Yes, same as I've already said: A faulty system environment combined with whatever changes that have been made in later versions of Build 14. Adding files from older versions only makes the problem worse.
All this together is very likely the reason for why older versions seemingly work, newer versions don't work, and your computer having various kinds of problems such as extracting a ZIP file being unreasonably slow. There could also be a hardware problem involved. I say this as a computer technician with years of experience.
A clean - not clone - and proper install of Windows, drivers, and updates is well worth a try and could very well solve the problems.

You are free to keep disregarding my suggestion and keep on trying to solve the problems in your own way, but the problems with the game and the computer will continue, and no one will be able to give you any answer that will solve the problems in your preferred way. You can keep saying how a clean install does not make sense to you and keep claiming faulty game code or possible malware and how other software appears to help you, and you can keep making posts about problems with the game and your computer but there is nothing anyone here can say or do that will solve any of it. Several have given suggestions but they have either not worked or not been followed, and as such there is no point in continuing to think about other suggestions when the root cause is not being addressed. Other than that, none of the actual Build 14 developers are active anymore, so there is no one here who could give answers about deeper technicalities about anything in the Build 14 code.
HTTPS: TYPO? YOU SHOULD AND DO KNOW BETTER, AS SHOWN IN YOUR COMMENT, C'MON HOW ABOUT CONSTRUCTIVE HELP INSTEAD OF TRIVIAL CRITICISM?

This is a good example of what I mean.

View attachment 44705

You just had four posts in the same thread in the span of 12 minutes without anyone replying between those posts. Making multiple posts like this is considered bad etiquette in forums in general. There aren't any firm guidelines, but for posts just minutes apart like these four, they certainly should be in one and the same post. Therefore, if you want to add more in such a short time, please edit your post instead of making several after it. Perhaps even better, try to make sure you have included everything you want to say before making the post.

About the ModDB and Bowen Games thing:
CoastGuard71's screenshots show files named "post_1Jan_updates_190924ZIP.zip" (extra "ZIP") and "ates_190924(1).zip" (full name isn't shown and extra "(1)"). They do not show anything about where the files were downloaded from.
The post history for Grey Roger's post shows that only the formatting of the link was changed. The URL itself was not changed.

View attachment 44706

The only link to ModDB is for the contents archive.
The post_1Jan_updates_190924.zip file is not available on ModDB.

View attachment 44707

There is, however, a post_25May_updates_021221.zip file, but that is a different file and is not shown as being uploaded by Grey Roger.
I myself do not have access to change files on ModDB.
So, unless someone else is doing some trickery, which I find unlikely, then post_1Jan_updates_190924.zip has never been on ModDB, and CoastGuard71 must have somehow ended up on that site and mistakenly believed that he downloaded the file from there. There is no evidence or reasonable cause for the file ever being on there.

Also this:

Only the text for the first link to the installer shows HTTPS. The link itself still uses HTTP.

And finally, this:


Yes, same as I've already said: A faulty system environment combined with whatever changes that have been made in later versions of Build 14. Adding files from older versions only makes the problem worse.
All this together is very likely the reason for why older versions seemingly work, newer versions don't work, and your computer having various kinds of problems such as extracting a ZIP file being unreasonably slow. There could also be a hardware problem involved. I say this as a computer technician with years of experience.
A clean - not clone - and proper install of Windows, drivers, and updates is well worth a try and could very well solve the problems.

You are free to keep disregarding my suggestion and keep on trying to solve the problems in your own way, but the problems with the game and the computer will continue, and no one will be able to give you any answer that will solve the problems in your preferred way. You can keep saying how a clean install does not make sense to you and keep claiming faulty game code or possible malware and how other software appears to help you, and you can keep making posts about problems with the game and your computer but there is nothing anyone here can say or do that will solve any of it. Several have given suggestions but they have either not worked or not been followed, and as such there is no point in continuing to think about other suggestions when the root cause is not being addressed. Other than that, none of the actual Build 14 developers are active anymore, so there is no one here who could give answers about deeper technicalities about anything in the Build 14 code.
One post would have been too long for most people to asses and reply to the different topics. Good composition requires separating issues for individual consideration and opinion or constructive suggestion. This is the guidance professional writers follow.
 
Last edited:
The dialog fault was a C file corruption I resolved by dropping in a working copy from 14v18-2.
That's not a resolution, it just means you have an obsolete version. I still want to know which tavern wench it was so I can try talking to her myself and fix the problem properly.

The problem with cargo assignment delivery is a fault of the coder (genius?) who made delivery 2-part i.e. location (Port Royal) and name: told to deliver to Bannerman when arrived found O'Reilly was proprietor, not a 2-part match, so cargo refused! game stalls due to this coding error... nobody Beta testing? Take out the 2-part match! Simple fix...right? So why has no one else found this? So to fix where do I find the name Bannerman and change to O]Reilly which somehow got assigned to Port Royal?
Laurence Bannerman is the store owner of Grand Cayman. Changing his name won't solve the problem because the code picks the town, then finds the store owner's name from the town's properties. The question then becomes, why were you told to go to Port Royale when you should have been going to Grand Cayman?

Now the sink ship cannon fire includes any ship of either side in an engagement, not just me or companion ship. Entered battle between enemy and ally one ship sinks an opponent and game freezes!? Okay now somebody tell me this is not happening to anyone else? Again no beta test? how are such fundamental errors getting into a "finished code product suitable for play"?
This is not happening to anyone else.

In particular, I've been playing the "Hornblower" storyline again recently, sank an enemy ship, then continued playing without any freeze or crash. It's such an obvious issue that if it really did exist in the wider game rather than just in your installation, the "Build Mod Bug Tracker" part of the forum would be swamped with reports about it.

Coders must get back to basics! TOO MANY ERRORS ARE IN A "FINISHED" PRODUCT! RIGHT? TELL ME IT'S JUST MY COMPUTER NOT ANY ONE ELSE?
It's just your computer and not anyone else.

BTW: HOW ABOUT PROVIDING DIRECTIONS FOR DOWNLOADING "ERROR LOG" OR "SYSTEM LOG"?
See that "Post reply" button at the bottom right which you're going to hit when you want to post your answer? Now look for the "Attach files" button at the bottom left. That's what you're going to use to attach a file to your post.

C'MON... LET'S WORK TOGETHER INSTEAD OF OPPOSING? I'M NOT CRITICIZING, I'M REVEALING ISSUES I FIND RUNNING YOUR CODE ON MY W7 MACHINE... BETA TESTING AND REVEALING CODING ISSUES I FIND ON MY SYSTEM... MAYBE SOME OF THESE ARE W10+ CODING DIFFERENCES AND I HAVE NO WAY OF WORK-AROUND... IF SO, TELL ME?
I'm running the same code on my W7 machine. And I want to work together, but first you'll need to give me something to work with.

BTW2: TWEAKING DOESN'T CHANGE FILES IT ID'S ERRORS AND RESTORES MS W7 CODE OR, IN THIS CASE, FINDS AN "INFECTION" (CODE THAT DOESN'T BELONG) AND DELETES IT... CODE "HOUSEKEEPING" NOT REWRITING. MORE LIKE CMD CHKDSK C: /R...
Does it tell you what it deleted? If it claims to have found an infection in PoTC, where did it find the infection? Does it tell you anything about what it does?
 
A whole lot of crap here, and my leniency is running thin.

4 different topics... didn't you notice? Each subject allows direct comment by interested parties. No replies means nobody cares? I'm not insulted, just discouraged by lack of interest in solving issues which I find in case they are systematic.
BTW: I don't expect an immediate answer to each item... don't think people are sitting at screens waiting for my comments of problems... flattering as it is you are following my issues I would appreciate assistance rather than criticism for sharing my experience in Beta Testing this code.
I'm not criticizing anything, I'm just pointing things out and my involvement here has been to try to stop this thread from spiraling out more than it already has.
It doesn't matter if you want to talk about different things. You can separate them in one and the same post instead of making several posts. Making several posts in the same thread like that is bad forum etiquette in general and not just here. In my previous post I addressed different things and it was all in one and the same post. If someone wants to reply to anything in a post they can just quote that part, no need for separate posts for each part.
So, edit your post if you want to add more in a short amount of time. As a staff member I'm supposed to tell you this. This is a direct instruction. I will not tell you again.

HTTPS: TYPO? YOU SHOULD AND DO KNOW BETTER, AS SHOWN IN YOUR COMMENT, C'MON HOW ABOUT CONSTRUCTIVE HELP INSTEAD OF TRIVIAL CRITICISM?
My post shows that I said that to Grey Roger. He said he changed the link to HTTPS, but in fact he only changed the text to HTTPS and the link itself still uses HTTP. He might have missed that. My comment was thus to inform him that he might want to edit his post so that the link indeed gets changed to use HTTPS.

One post would have been too long for most people to asses and reply to the different topics. Good composition requires separating issues for individual consideration and opinion or constructive suggestion. This is the guidance professional writers follow.
Several posts from the same user right after each other in the same thread clutters the view of the page and is thus bad etiquette in forums in general. Good composition shall thus be done in the same post so that readers can follow along with the parts they want to read and be able to skip the rest if they want to.
 
My post shows that I said that to Grey Roger. He said he changed the link to HTTPS, but in fact he only changed the text to HTTPS and the link itself still uses HTTP. He might have missed that. My comment was thus to inform him that he might want to edit his post so that the link indeed gets changed to use HTTPS.
Odd. The link should have been https but somehow was redirected to http. After some trial and error, I think I've managed to force it to use https. If you see it still going to http, I'll simply delete that link entirely and just leave what is currently the alternative link.
 
GR suggestion: try it, know it, understand it... use it or not, your choice

Another topic: ghosting
Bloatware creates cross linking. I've experienced ghost visits by shipwrights and merchants during play of unassociated scenarios in which dialogue takes place and even, the most recent, an image of the person appears and carries on a totally unassociated dialog which disappears as I continue the original scenario. Obvious cross-linking of code... any fix? Why never happened in prior versions and is now?

That's not a resolution, it just means you have an obsolete version. I still want to know which tavern wench it was so I can try talking to her myself and fix the problem properly.


Laurence Bannerman is the store owner of Grand Cayman. Changing his name won't solve the problem because the code picks the town, then finds the store owner's name from the town's properties. The question then becomes, why were you told to go to Port Royale when you should have been going to Grand Cayman?


This is not happening to anyone else.

In particular, I've been playing the "Hornblower" storyline again recently, sank an enemy ship, then continued playing without any freeze or crash. It's such an obvious issue that if it really did exist in the wider game rather than just in your installation, the "Build Mod Bug Tracker" part of the forum would be swamped with reports about it.


It's just your computer and not anyone else.


See that "Post reply" button at the bottom right which you're going to hit when you want to post your answer? Now look for the "Attach files" button at the bottom left. That's what you're going to use to attach a file to your post.


I'm running the same code on my W7 machine. And I want to work together, but first you'll need to give me something to work with.


Does it tell you what it deleted? If it claims to have found an infection in PoTC, where did it find the infection? Does it tell you anything about what it does?
Homepage try it, use it, understand it ... instead of just speculating,,, you might want to use it?

A whole lot of crap here, and my leniency is running thin.


I'm not criticizing anything, I'm just pointing things out and my involvement here has been to try to stop this thread from spiraling out more than it already has.
It doesn't matter if you want to talk about different things. You can separate them in one and the same post instead of making several posts. Making several posts in the same thread like that is bad forum etiquette in general and not just here. In my previous post I addressed different things and it was all in one and the same post. If someone wants to reply to anything in a post they can just quote that part, no need for separate posts for each part.
So, edit your post if you want to add more in a short amount of time. As a staff member I'm supposed to tell you this. This is a direct instruction. I will not tell you again.


My post shows that I said that to Grey Roger. He said he changed the link to HTTPS, but in fact he only changed the text to HTTPS and the link itself still uses HTTP. He might have missed that. My comment was thus to inform him that he might want to edit his post so that the link indeed gets changed to use HTTPS.


Several posts from the same user right after each other in the same thread clutters the view of the page and is thus bad etiquette in forums in general. Good composition shall thus be done in the same post so that readers can follow along with the parts they want to read and be able to skip the rest if they want to.
One person's Krap is another's fact... are you a Trump fan?

Separated different issues are much easier to understand and consider actions to take in response to that one issue rather than confuse by multiple issues being processed and a response formulated in confusion.

As a professional writer published in over a dozen judged journals. many methods of analysis used world-wide, including official USEPA methods, and hundreds of reports generated in the Coast Guard HQ Offices of Research and Development, Division of Transportation Technology, Office of Quality Control, and others... my credentials prove my ability to write professional documents accepted by the most critical authorities.

https://www.tweaking.com/
homepage notice the "s" in this copied link? Typo? Seems to be some confusion when used or not?

If you don't like my style of communication don't read my posts.
This is a good example of what I mean.

View attachment 44705

You just had four posts in the same thread in the span of 12 minutes without anyone replying between those posts. Making multiple posts like this is considered bad etiquette in forums in general. There aren't any firm guidelines, but for posts just minutes apart like these four, they certainly should be in one and the same post. Therefore, if you want to add more in such a short time, please edit your post instead of making several after it. Perhaps even better, try to make sure you have included everything you want to say before making the post.

About the ModDB and Bowen Games thing:
CoastGuard71's screenshots show files named "post_1Jan_updates_190924ZIP.zip" (extra "ZIP") and "ates_190924(1).zip" (full name isn't shown and extra "(1)"). They do not show anything about where the files were downloaded from.
The post history for Grey Roger's post shows that only the formatting of the link was changed. The URL itself was not changed.

View attachment 44706

The only link to ModDB is for the contents archive.
The post_1Jan_updates_190924.zip file is not available on ModDB.

View attachment 44707

There is, however, a post_25May_updates_021221.zip file, but that is a different file and is not shown as being uploaded by Grey Roger.
I myself do not have access to change files on ModDB.
So, unless someone else is doing some trickery, which I find unlikely, then post_1Jan_updates_190924.zip has never been on ModDB, and CoastGuard71 must have somehow ended up on that site and mistakenly believed that he downloaded the file from there. There is no evidence or reasonable cause for the file ever being on there.

Also this:

Only the text for the first link to the installer shows HTTPS. The link itself still uses HTTP.

And finally, this:


Yes, same as I've already said: A faulty system environment combined with whatever changes that have been made in later versions of Build 14. Adding files from older versions only makes the problem worse.
All this together is very likely the reason for why older versions seemingly work, newer versions don't work, and your computer having various kinds of problems such as extracting a ZIP file being unreasonably slow. There could also be a hardware problem involved. I say this as a computer technician with years of experience.
A clean - not clone - and proper install of Windows, drivers, and updates is well worth a try and could very well solve the problems.

You are free to keep disregarding my suggestion and keep on trying to solve the problems in your own way, but the problems with the game and the computer will continue, and no one will be able to give you any answer that will solve the problems in your preferred way. You can keep saying how a clean install does not make sense to you and keep claiming faulty game code or possible malware and how other software appears to help you, and you can keep making posts about problems with the game and your computer but there is nothing anyone here can say or do that will solve any of it. Several have given suggestions but they have either not worked or not been followed, and as such there is no point in continuing to think about other suggestions when the root cause is not being addressed. Other than that, none of the actual Build 14 developers are active anymore, so there is no one here who could give answers about deeper technicalities about anything in the Build 14 code.
Perhaps for you wiping and rebuilding a drive is trivial for me it is a very tedious process with the loss of a lot of unassociated data and programs which is why I won't follow your suggestion. My antiquated T61 has 2 processors... not more as in newer machines such as yours. Hence, the slower processing speed.

The link to Bowengames provided a zip file that while it took hours to 7Z unzip was acceptable in comparison to the DB source estimated at 156 hours! Somebody. not GR, had changed the link to DB as GR has confirmed, and he changed the link back to BG as I found the following day when I revisited to check the source link.

This behavior is consistent with a corrupted file as was the previous issue download of the updated game v22 file, was found DB corrupted by GR.

My C drive has been subjected to all available, authoritative, certified diagnostics with no issues found. It's clean.

A clone is an image of a drive introduces nothing new and has worked fine for all previous builds. I have no reason to suspect the drive is corrupted.
 
Odd. The link should have been https but somehow was redirected to http. After some trial and error, I think I've managed to force it to use https. If you see it still going to http, I'll simply delete that link entirely and just leave what is currently the alternative link.
Yes, it is shown as using HTTPS now.

One person's Krap is another's fact... are you a Trump fan?
I'm not a fan of any politician. Please do not make insinuations. With "crap" I am referring to that this situation keeps going on without any resolution.

Separated different issues are much easier to understand and consider actions to take in response to that one issue rather than confuse by multiple issues being processed and a response formulated in confusion.

As a professional writer published in over a dozen judged journals. many methods of analysis used world-wide, including official USEPA methods, and hundreds of reports generated in the Coast Guard HQ Offices of Research and Development, Division of Transportation Technology, Office of Quality Control, and others... my credentials prove my ability to write professional documents accepted by the most critical authorities.
If you are so competent in following instructions and writing, why don't you follow an instruction to not make multiple posts right after each other in the same thread? Is it not a part of the Coast Guard to follow orders even when one does not agree with them?

If you don't like my style of communication don't read my posts.
As a staff member I have to keep an eye on what members do. If you don't follow forum etiquette then don't post. You either follow the rules and guidelines of an establishment or you're not allowed access. These are not my rules, I am merely saying how it is.

Perhaps for you wiping and rebuilding a drive is trivial for me it is a very tedious process with the loss of a lot of unassociated data and programs which is why I won't follow your suggestion. My antiquated T61 has 2 processors... not more as in newer machines such as yours. Hence, the slower processing speed.
Then I suggest you make backups on external drives before reinstalling. Then you won't lose anything and can restore from backup later.

The link to Bowengames provided a zip file that while it took hours to 7Z unzip was acceptable in comparison to the DB source estimated at 156 hours! Somebody. not GR, had changed the link to DB as GR has confirmed, and he changed the link back to BG as I found the following day when I revisited to check the source link.
He said he did nothing to it. There was never a link to the latest update ZIP file on ModDB as shown by the post history log.

My C drive has been subjected to all available, authoritative, certified diagnostics with no issues found. It's clean.
It's not about being infected with a virus or malware, it's about not being properly configured.

A clone is an image of a drive introduces nothing new and has worked fine for all previous builds. I have no reason to suspect the drive is corrupted.
A clone is only to be used with identical hardware and firmware.

In the end as I've already said you are free to keep on in your own way, but you must follow forum etiquette when you do so.
It's fine if you don't want to follow my suggestion regarding your computer - this you are free to do.
You shall not make separate posts right after each other in the same thread - this you are not free to do.
I'm not making the rules, I'm just informing you of them.
Although I said I wouldn't tell you again I reconsidered and decided to attempt one more time with a diplomatic approach rather than an adversarial one.

There is nothing anyone here can say that will help you. You are thus wasting your time by trying to get help with something when no one will be able to help.

Furthermore some others have speculated that you are in fact just a so-called troll trying to elicit a response and that we should simply not interact with you. Now, I have been more lenient and have tried to defuse the situation, because I got the impression that because you mentioned being retired you are an elderly player and not very knowledgeable about the subject and not necessarily a troll, but the fact of the matter remains that no one will be able to help you in your preferred way and there is no point in continuing to post about the problems, and if you keep on not following proper posting procedure then you will not be allowed to post.

With a wish for peace, do as you please, stay civil, and don't make multiple posts right after each other.
 
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