Can't reinstall: Unable to find PW data

[nukkxx5058]

Hi, The game was working just fine, I installed a map mod and then I decided to revert to the original version. As there was no uninstall procedure to uninstall the game in the control panel (win 10) so I erased manually the directory and cleaned the registry for missing entries with CCleaner.

Then I reinstalled the game using a fresh "Update v1.01.26a" I took from "MyPage" on Slitehrine's web.

But when I launch the install file it says I'm already up to date (see pic below) but in reality the game is not anymore on my HD. When I click "next" the install goes on OK until the end but when I launch the exe file, I have the "unable to find the PW data" error message and the game won't launch.

Again, 2 hours ago everything was just fine. I made some searches on google but the "pw data" message seems to occur due to multiple reasons so now I'm lost. I tried to reinstall on different locations/drives but nothing will work.

Can someone help me ?

Thank you.

[nukkxx5058]

Install finishes OK but the game won't start

[BBfanboy]

I am not clear on what exactly you have installed so I will start from scratch:

1. Install the base game dated 2009

2. Install the latest official patch 1126a or the Beta Patch 1126b. These are nearly identical, and the Beta will install to a different directory than the Official game and the Beta will make an accurate shortcut to the game executable file.

The Official patch leaves as shortcut that points to "autorun.exe" which does NOT open the game - it opens a small menu screen that gives you the option of starting the game, the game editor and the game manual .pdf file. This shortcut cannot be used with the switches you will need to add later to make the game run better. If using the official patch .1126a, it is highly recommended that you browse to the place where the game is installed on your system, find the game executable file, right click on it and choose "Create Shortcut", and then drag this shortcut icon to your desktop. This will be what you use to open the game and where you will install switches (short text commands) to help the old game engine connect with your modern hardware and software. That will be covered elsewhere.

3. Re-installing the game and patch should fix the map problem you created. For future reference, the map has two layers:
- a graphic artwork picture layer that is there to please your eye and look like a paper map
- an underlying digital framework that defines where all the terrain types, bases, roads, railroads, troop stacking limits, etc. are located, hex by hex.
If you install a modified map that does not change the underlying PWHEX files, you are just changing the artwork which constitutes most of the files in the MAP folder.

But most map mods change stacking limits and/or expand the map by adding more bases and land features which means a different set of three PWHEX files. You must make sure you get these files to go with the new map. It is best to save the original map folder to a different directory before installing a new map set.

4. Unless you are a trained technician, it is best not to edit the Registry, even if the tools to do so are on your system. Re-installing the game will fix up any registry issues you have by overwriting previous entries for the same program.

5. Once you have the game installed and running, visit the Tech Forum "stickied" posts section and read the "Slow Performance" thread which explains about switches and how to install them to make the game run more smoothly.

[Kull]

It's probably because of "autorun". Here's a thread on the topic.

That one refers specifically to the beta patch, but the same rule (pointing to the correct directory) applies to a non-beta install. And do yourself a favor - ignore the beta patch. It fixes (maybe) one piece of data that won't even come into play until half way through the war.

[nukkxx5058]

Thanks but the target and folder for the shortcut are both OK. It won't start neither when I directly launch the main .exe game file manually. Something went wrong with the registry when I manually removed the files but can't figure out what but some registry is pointing toward the wrong location. It's a totally fresh install. Should be working but nope.
I also made a full system restore to one week ago but same, didn't fix the problem ! I really dont understand. It started after I manually deleted the game because there was no uninstall program. It was working during the day. No idea what I did. I'm puzzled.

[&:][&:][&:][&:][&:]

[nukkxx5058]

OK I think I understand ... on the Slitherine site, the file is just the update but won't include the core game. I thought the two were put together. But probably not. Then I don't know where to find the main install file if it's not on Slitherine site.
Will have to see if i can find an old backup somewhere ... thought all files were available on Slitehrine.com. It's the case for all other games but WITP (((((

[Alfred]

You do not have the game installed. Period. Forget your own ego. The game is not installed. Period.

Installation of the game embeds the necessary pointers into the Registry. Which you deliberately erased. Yes you. Copying files from elsewhere will not create the necessary Registry links. The pointers can only be created by installing ab initio the game from your initial purchase CD, or if it was a digital download, reinstalling from the Members area your already registered purchase. Don't have the original CD or never registered the game in the Members Area, tough, go buy yourself the game at the greatly reduced Matrix Sale price until 10 January 2021.

The preceding thread before you posted is a very detailed, with visual cues, from Truegrit, on how to go about installing the game. He expended a considerable amount of time and effort in producing the guide. Had you read it, it being the top thread before you posted this new thread, you would have seen you were doing everything wrong.

Alfred

[nukkxx5058]

OK solved. No idea why I couldn't download the main installer the first time. I thought the zip file was removed from the server but nope. My fat fingers I guess, or my foggy brain [:D], or both. And I really thought the 1.1.26a update contained in fact all the necessary files. My bad.
But it's all good now. Sorry for inconvenience and thank you for assisance. Always good to see that such an old game has an active community. Hope this time I'll be able to play this monster game ! third attempt ..