Can you have two installs of AE at the same time

[nosse]

Hi,
I would like to test the DBB mod and thought that the easiest way of doing it is to copy my existing installation into a new folder and install the DBB mod in the second copy. But when i started the copy (without any mods installed) I got the Fatal Error: 100. I tried it on a newly installed system as well but with the same result. Do I have to use JGSME to be able to switch map and pw*** files or can I make this work?

David

[tocaff]

Do a complete install into a new folder name so the path is different and the registry recognizes the new install.

[nashvillen]

EDIT! I have a WITP:AE directory and within that I have installs for every game I have. Each has its own shortcuts, scenarios, tracker, etc. With a large HDD space is not an issue and it allows me to keep everything separate. But, you do not have to do a full install for each. Just copy the initial install. I now keep a clean "master" install that is vanilla, and make copies from that and modify them how I want. This includes all the extra goodies like tracker. EDIT!

[jeffk3510]

ORIGINAL: nashvillen

I have a WITP:AE directory and within that I have installs for every game I have. Each has its own shortcuts, scenarios, tracker, etc. With a large HDD space is not an issue and it allows me to keep everything separate. But, you do have to do a full install for each to make sure the registry in your computer knows there is a separate program in each.

You might want to show me how to do this some day.

I currently just have the older beta for our PBEM and the newest beta for my AI games.

[witpqs]

No, guys, you do not have to do a complete install for the additional folders. I've been using multiple installs for years and I have never done installs for the additional folders. A basic description of what I do is:

- Install once.
- Create the desired shortcuts (with the right switches for my PC, etc.).
- Copy the folder.
- Copy the shortcuts and edit them to work for the new folder(s). Remember there are two lines you must edit in each shortcut.

That's it. I only ever do an "install" to the first folder. The others are just copies.

And adding Beta Patches is even easier, as they are contained in a "Beta2" sub-folder.

[RogerJNeilson]

Totally agree with WITPQS... simple to do and keeps you sane.

Well not sure about the sane state actually.


Roger

[CV 2]

ORIGINAL: tocaff

Do a complete install into a new folder name so the path is different and the registry recognizes the new install.

You dont need to do this. In fact, if you had WitP in the registry then you dont actually have to have AE in the registry at all (I dont). I have multiple copies of AE because I have different games running in different versions.

[nosse]

I did a clean install and now it works. Thanks a lot.
Still strange that my basic directory copying didn't work.

David

[CaptDave]

Will reconstitute an old thread rather than start a new one. I, too, have always just copied the directory and then updated it. Today, though, I copied the directory intact and get the Fatal Error 100 in the new copy. This happens when starting from a shortcut, of course, but I also get it if I just click on the .exe file in the directory. No problem with any other directory I have the game installed in.

I've checked to be sure the two directories really are identical -- counted files, checked dates and sizes, etc. All check pass, but the game won't run from the new one. Also applies to both stock and the beta, making me think there's a dll issue somewhere. Any ideas where else to look.

[Chris21wen]

ORIGINAL: CaptDave

Will reconstitute an old thread rather than start a new one. I, too, have always just copied the directory and then updated it. Today, though, I copied the directory intact and get the Fatal Error 100 in the new copy. This happens when starting from a shortcut, of course, but I also get it if I just click on the .exe file in the directory. No problem with any other directory I have the game installed in.

I've checked to be sure the two directories really are identical -- counted files, checked dates and sizes, etc. All check pass, but the game won't run from the new one. Also applies to both stock and the beta, making me think there's a dll issue somewhere. Any ideas where else to look.

Shortcuts point to specific locations and copying them leaves them pointing to those locations. You will have to recreate them or edit them. As for the .exe not working that will problably have been caused by the lack of switches in the start up line. Do as witpqs said and it will work.

[PaxMondo]

Yep, copying folders from an install works. I think I have 7 or 8 of them. 3 sandbox, 1 game (waiting for time to play [:o]), 3 or 4 mod development of differeing aspects of the mod.

[Mac Linehan]

ORIGINAL: Roger Neilson 3

Totally agree with WITPQS... simple to do and keeps you sane.

Well not sure about the sane state actually.


Roger

witpqs is spot on.

My original install of WitP AE, which I do not use, simply sets all the pointers on the computer for the registry.

This original install was copied and placed into a folder labeled "Witp AE Base", then patched to the latest official patch.

I then made a new folder labeled, for example, "Babes28Cv11". I copied the "WitP AE Base" game into the Babes folder. All Babes downloads - extended maps, DEI / PI / Guad scenarios and gnarly Asian roads are downloaded into the Babes folder. Each download is then extracted into the WitP AE Base subfolder, in that directory. I also patch the Base copy to the latest Beta as desired

I have, IIRC five or so copies of the "Base" game, including a "AE WitP Stock". This system not only keeps all the differing variations - Babes, Stock or any other mods - separate, but allows easy replacement of the "Base" sub folder should things go wrong.

There was a time when I would install, from disc, numerous copies of AE. My current system is so much easier, and was learned from members of this forum.

Good advice in this thread, hope that it all helps.

Edit: Pax - missed your post, we think alike and follow the same path.

Mac

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

No, guys, you do not have to do a complete install for the additional folders. I've been using multiple installs for years and I have never done installs for the additional folders. A basic description of what I do is:

- Install once.
- Create the desired shortcuts (with the right switches for my PC, etc.).
- Copy the folder.
- Copy the shortcuts and edit them to work for the new folder(s). Remember there are two lines you must edit in each shortcut.

That's it. I only ever do an "install" to the first folder. The others are just copies.

And adding Beta Patches is even easier, as they are contained in a "Beta2" sub-folder.

I've got two versions mounted, done in the way you say by copying.

I've never played much with the shortcuts, but I have not to date figured out how to have two different beta patches running, one on each install. Because the patch installer works to put the beta EXE on the desktop every time I update the beta both versions want to be updated, and I'd like my AI install to sit still. I'm sure it's a shortcut thing, but it's annoying.

[CaptDave]

Apparently I forgot to mention that the shortcuts are updated appropriately. I have many directories that were copied and adjusted in this way; it's just this one that refuses to cooperate (and yes, I've deleted it and tried again a couple times).

As far as starting from the exe goes, that works in all the other copied directors (just not from the beta, of course, since there's no pointer to where the other files are). Again, this new copy is the only one that fails.

Has anyone ever determined the exact cause of the nebulous "Fatal Error 100"? Haven't decided whether it's an internal message or generic Microsoft (which would explain its "usefulness"). Knowing that much would certainly help troubleshooting!

[DOCUP]

Ok guys. Make sure I am doing this right.

I have made a new folder in my WTIP AE main folder and renamed it. I have copied all my original game files into it. Now I need to change my new shortcuts to this folder. What lines do I need to edit and where are they?

thanks doc

[CaptDave]

In the shortcut's properties, on the Shortcut tab, you need to change the paths in the Target and Start In boxes, so they point to your new location.

[DOCUP]

Ok. I got the new folder going. Looked at the shortcuts and when I try to click on one I get an error message "unable to find pw message". Am I right to assume that this shortcut needs to have the target and start in boxes changed? If I am right then what do I need to put into those boxes to get it to track right? Yes I am a computer idiot.

[DOCUP]

Trying to figure this out. But not doing any good. My active shortcut is located in my Beta2 file. When I copied and moved my files to my new game folder RA 6.0. I do not have an active shortcut. The one that is in my original Beta2 file is gone. What am I missing or screwing up?

[CaptDave]

I've resolved my issues, though there is still no logical explanation. I deleted the new directory and copied again -- this time using Windows Explorer instead of the xcopy command -- and it's working fine. I always use xcopy, so don't know why this time was any different (and it might not have anything to do with the problem).

DOCUP's issue is still open for discussion. At the moment, my mind is running in 60 directions and I'm having trouble concentrating on his.

[DOCUP]

Thanks CptDave I think I got it now.