Multi Beta Versions

[Zeta16]

Say I am playing a game with a Beta version from months ago and want to start a game with another player with the newest version can both be on my machine at the same time.

[witpqs]

I use multiple installs - WITP-AE; PBM#1; PBM#2; etc.

[Rainer]

Yes.

Example:
Beta1 (say 1108m) resides in Subdirectory J:\Matrix Games\War in the Pacific Admiral's Edition\BetaM

Beta2 (say 1108p2) resides in Subdirectory J:\Matrix Games\War in the Pacific Admiral's Edition\BetaP2

Both subdirectories contain 2 files (pwsdll.dll and War in the Pacific Admiral Edition.exe)
You must have TWO shortcuts on your desktop - one pointing to Beta1 the other to Beta2.
Just make sure the saves go into different slots (both betas point to the same save directory!)

Note: I did NOT test this.

EDIT: I think witp's solution (multiple installs) is better because you don't have to care about the saves.

[Zeta16]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

I use multiple installs - WITP-AE; PBM#1; PBM#2; etc.

Do you just make a copy of the AE folder and rename then download the new beta to that folder.

[witpqs]

1 of 3

I copied the entire AE folder to make separate installs. The Beta versions I apply by hand to the base install (which I do not use for PBM) and copy just the relevant executables. As far as the big updates or scenario updates, etc. (that have lots of files being changed) I use Microsoft's free utility "SyncToy" (go to microsoft.com and search on it for the download).

Here are some pics.

[witpqs]

2 of 3

[witpqs]

3 of 3

[witpqs]

Here is how I keep track of Beta releases that are installed. I run the Beta install routine. Then, I immediately make a copy of the dll and the exe with the Beta version attached. That way if I need to move between Beta versions (hey, they're Beta so they do have bugs, right?) I can do so with no confusion.

[michaelm75au]

After I install a beta during testing, I rename the beta2 to beta1108p1, and change the shortcut to use that instead of beta2.

I mentioned before that you can use multiple save directories under the same install by creating a witp.ini file in the AE install directory. The INI is read when the program is started if it is detected in the startup directory.

Here is the one I am using.

==================================
; All locations are from the WITP-AE install directory
; This file does not need to be present, but if present, is used to override the standard directory pointers

; Overriding location of save games. This is handy for multiple PBEM games where a seperate directory
; can be set up for each game.
; And this file changed before starting the program

[Save]
Dir=save\bugs

; Overriding location of scenario files. This is handy for modders when building games
[Scen]
;Dir=scen\new
;Dir=save\bugs\Scen26&Save

; Overriding location of art directory. This is handy to test new art or to keep seperate art folders

;[Art]
;Dir=copy of art

[edit]
A commented line is indicated by ; in case the reader is not use to window's INI files.

[Numdydar]

Me I just ride bareback [:)] My AI game I patch as soon as the Betas come out, my PBEM we upgraded to K6 and have not moved past yet, but will wait until someting gets fixed that we think needs to [:D] No issues with any of the changes so far. Good job Michaelm.
 
Of course it WOULD be nice to have some idea of WHEN an 'official' patch will be released as I will never go back to the official version after all the great changes in the betas.

[Pratzen]

Does anybody know when an official patch will be released? Perhaps it is going to be called WITP II...?

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: michaelm

After I install a beta during testing, I rename the beta2 to beta1108p1, and change the shortcut to use that instead of beta2.

I mentioned before that you can use multiple save directories under the same install by creating a witp.ini file in the AE install directory. The INI is read when the program is started if it is detected in the startup directory.

Here is the one I am using.

==================================
; All locations are from the WITP-AE install directory
; This file does not need to be present, but if present, is used to override the standard directory pointers

; Overriding location of save games. This is handy for multiple PBEM games where a seperate directory
; can be set up for each game.
; And this file changed before starting the program

[Save]
Dir=save\bugs

; Overriding location of scenario files. This is handy for modders when building games
[Scen]
;Dir=scen\new
;Dir=save\bugs\Scen26&Save

; Overriding location of art directory. This is handy to test new art or to keep seperate art folders

;[Art]
;Dir=copy of art

[edit]
A commented line is indicated by ; in case the reader is not use to window's INI files.

Nice - I missed this before.