Difference between revisions of "Running Oolite-Windows"
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==Overview== |
==Overview== |
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| − | The Windows port of Oolite is still an alpha test version and there is still some work to do before the whole game functions as designed. However, the test versions are getting close to supporting the core game functions found on Mac OS X and Linux/Unix versions. Windows users need to remember they are using a '''testing release''' and therefore expect bugs or missing functionality. |
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| + | The Windows port of Oolite is built from the same source as the [[Running Oolite-Mac|Mac OS X]] and [[Running Oolite-Linux|Linux]] versions, and has all the features of those versions. |
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| + | |||
| + | All OXPs should be compatible with the Windows port. |
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==Getting and installing the game== |
==Getting and installing the game== |
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| − | The game may be downloaded from [http://nic.dnsalias.com/]. The most recent version is currently [http://nic.dnsalias.com/oolite-1.63gusto-r305-alpha20060310-win32.exe]. |
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| + | |||
| + | The latest recommended release, 1.88 can be downloaded from [http://www.oolite.org/download/ Oolite.org]. |
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| − | To install, run the |
+ | To install, run the installer that you have just downloaded. |
| − | Note that the installer was mirrored on alioth.net, but this site has not kept up to date with the later builds. |
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| + | The game has been tested on Windows Vista SP2, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. This game uses OpenGL, and you are advised to run the latest 3D graphics drivers from your 3D card manufacturer. |
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| − | A regular build of changes from the SVN source is being carried out on a regular basis. The complete installer above must be installed before any of the updates will work. The update filename changes with each build, so get the latest update file by following the link here: [http://aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1529]. |
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| + | '''It will not run on the DOS-extender versions of Windows''' such as Windows 95, 98 or ME. |
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| − | The game has been tested on Windows XP and Windows 2000. '''It will not run on the DOS-extender versions of Windows''' such as Windows 95, 98 or ME. It is expected it will run with Vista, so long as drivers are available for the hardware you have. You are advised to run the latest 3D graphics drivers from your 3D card manufacturer. |
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| + | '''For Windows XP, the last version compatible with the OS is 1.84.''' |
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| + | ===Important note for Vista users!=== |
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| + | <h5>Summary:</h5> |
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| + | DATA LOSS and OXP MALFUNCTION can appear if you install an early version of Oolite (1.65 - 1.72.x) on Vista. '''Oolite 1.73 and later releases have corrected this issue''' by using a different default installation directory, instead of one inside program files, as before. |
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| − | ===Errata=== |
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| + | <h5>Do This</h5> |
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| − | There was a problem in the 1.62 build that caused memory exhaustion. [http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1416 Please read this page] to find out how to manually patch the Windows installation. |
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| + | When asked by the installer, change the Oolite install directory to a different location, one outside C:\Program Files\, like |
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| + | * C:\Oolite\ |
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| + | * C:\Games\Oolite\ |
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| + | etc. |
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| + | |||
| + | <h5>Don't Do This</h5> |
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| + | It is STRONGLY recommended NOT to use the folder C:\Program Files\Oolite\ or any path including the following: |
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| + | * %ProgramFiles% |
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| + | * %ProgramData% |
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| + | * %SystemRoot% |
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| + | |||
| + | <h5>Why?</h5> |
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| + | Vista rearranges some files outside the Oolite folder structure without visible alias/redirects, which completely hides all saved games and causes some OXP add-ons to malfunction. This is because Vista virtualizes files in those locations for legacy processes. You can read more about this problem on [http://aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?t=5610 this Oolite forum thread]. The Microsoft explanation is here: [http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2007.06.uac.aspx]. |
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| + | |||
| + | <h5>Recovering Your Commanders Saved Under Vista</h5> |
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| + | If you have already installed Oolite on a Vista machine and wish to move your saved games to a new and safer file location: |
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| + | * Examine location C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\Oolite\oolite.app\oolite-saves\ |
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| + | or |
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| + | * Use Windows Explorer to search for the string " *.oolite-save " with the Windows search option "''include system and hidden files''" checked (turned on). |
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| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | For example, the default commander, if saved, might be found in this path: |
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| + | C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\Oolite\oolite.app\oolite-saves\Jameson.oolite-save |
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==Running the game== |
==Running the game== |
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| − | Find the Oolite icon in the Start -> Programs menu and click on it. |
+ | Find the Oolite icon in the Start -> Programs menu and click on it. Alternatively double click the Oolite program icon on the desktop. Note that the following key combination will get you out of 'graphics related trouble': |
| + | |||
| + | Shift-Escape: Quit Oolite immediately |
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| + | |||
| + | If your game seems to have unreasonably low fps performance (check this in-game by hitting SHIFT-F) it is strongly recommended you visit your graphic cards' suppliers website and download and install the latest drivers. |
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===Installing OXPs=== |
===Installing OXPs=== |
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| − | You will need to find where the oolite.app folder is placed: |
+ | You will need to find where the oolite.app folder is placed: versions 1.65 to 1.72.x should default to C:\Program Files\Oolite, later versions default install is C:\Oolite, to avoid clashes with Vista's virtual folders feature(see above). Create an AddOns folder beside the oolite.app folder. Put OXPs in here. '''NB:''' most OXPs zip files contain a folder with a README file and the actual OXP directory (somename.oxp) as a sub-folder - in this case, it's best to unzip the OXP somewhere else and then copy the unpacked .oxp folder into AddOns. |
===Notes for amd64 users=== |
===Notes for amd64 users=== |
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| − | + | 64-bit builds of Oolite for Windows are available and the development environment used defaults to 64-bit executables generation. They are the recommended ones for 64-bit OSes. However, the 32-bit version should run on 64-bit Windows without issues as well. |
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| − | ==Building |
+ | ==Building from Source== |
| − | + | [[Developing_Oolite#On_Windows]] |
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| − | [[Category:Oolite]] |
+ | [[Category:Oolite]] [[Category:Help pages]] |
| + | [[Category:Factual]] |
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Latest revision as of 23:58, 12 July 2021
Contents
Overview
The Windows port of Oolite is built from the same source as the Mac OS X and Linux versions, and has all the features of those versions.
All OXPs should be compatible with the Windows port.
Getting and installing the game
The latest recommended release, 1.88 can be downloaded from Oolite.org.
To install, run the installer that you have just downloaded.
The game has been tested on Windows Vista SP2, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. This game uses OpenGL, and you are advised to run the latest 3D graphics drivers from your 3D card manufacturer.
It will not run on the DOS-extender versions of Windows such as Windows 95, 98 or ME.
For Windows XP, the last version compatible with the OS is 1.84.
Important note for Vista users!
Summary:
DATA LOSS and OXP MALFUNCTION can appear if you install an early version of Oolite (1.65 - 1.72.x) on Vista. Oolite 1.73 and later releases have corrected this issue by using a different default installation directory, instead of one inside program files, as before.
Do This
When asked by the installer, change the Oolite install directory to a different location, one outside C:\Program Files\, like
- C:\Oolite\
- C:\Games\Oolite\
etc.
Don't Do This
It is STRONGLY recommended NOT to use the folder C:\Program Files\Oolite\ or any path including the following:
- %ProgramFiles%
- %ProgramData%
- %SystemRoot%
Why?
Vista rearranges some files outside the Oolite folder structure without visible alias/redirects, which completely hides all saved games and causes some OXP add-ons to malfunction. This is because Vista virtualizes files in those locations for legacy processes. You can read more about this problem on this Oolite forum thread. The Microsoft explanation is here: [1].
Recovering Your Commanders Saved Under Vista
If you have already installed Oolite on a Vista machine and wish to move your saved games to a new and safer file location:
- Examine location C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\Oolite\oolite.app\oolite-saves\
or
- Use Windows Explorer to search for the string " *.oolite-save " with the Windows search option "include system and hidden files" checked (turned on).
For example, the default commander, if saved, might be found in this path:
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\Oolite\oolite.app\oolite-saves\Jameson.oolite-save
Running the game
Find the Oolite icon in the Start -> Programs menu and click on it. Alternatively double click the Oolite program icon on the desktop. Note that the following key combination will get you out of 'graphics related trouble':
Shift-Escape: Quit Oolite immediately
If your game seems to have unreasonably low fps performance (check this in-game by hitting SHIFT-F) it is strongly recommended you visit your graphic cards' suppliers website and download and install the latest drivers.
Installing OXPs
You will need to find where the oolite.app folder is placed: versions 1.65 to 1.72.x should default to C:\Program Files\Oolite, later versions default install is C:\Oolite, to avoid clashes with Vista's virtual folders feature(see above). Create an AddOns folder beside the oolite.app folder. Put OXPs in here. NB: most OXPs zip files contain a folder with a README file and the actual OXP directory (somename.oxp) as a sub-folder - in this case, it's best to unzip the OXP somewhere else and then copy the unpacked .oxp folder into AddOns.
Notes for amd64 users
64-bit builds of Oolite for Windows are available and the development environment used defaults to 64-bit executables generation. They are the recommended ones for 64-bit OSes. However, the 32-bit version should run on 64-bit Windows without issues as well.
