Can the old BG games be played on XP?

[jlward2009]

Can the old BG games with up-to-date patches be played on WidowsXP? Is there anything I need to do to make them work? [&:]

Thanks in advance! [&o]

Excellent forum...glad to be here! [:D]

[rhondabrwn]

ORIGINAL: WarGameFanatic

Can the old BG games with up-to-date patches be played on WidowsXP? Is there anything I need to do to make them work? [&:]

Thanks in advance! [&o]

Excellent forum...glad to be here! [:D]

I haven't had any problems. Some folks have used the Windowns XP compatibility option to emulate WIN 98 (right click on the shortcut or exe file, select "Properties" and then click on the "compatibility" tab to make the setting. The better way is to go to Tiller's website and download his "32 bit updates". These are available at the following site:

John Tiller Web Page

In order to use this update you MUST get the original Talonsoft patches (not the ones currently available) by going to the following website:

Battleground Patches Page

If you download the old patches and apply them and then add the Tiller 32 bit upgrades you will be fully compatible with Windowns XP for the entire Battleground Series.

All the patching is a bit of a pain which is why I was overjoyed to see Matrix buy the series. I'll buy them just to have one install CD to replace the current hassle if I have to reinstall any of the BG games.

[Praepositus]

WarGameFanatic/rhondabrwn-

I had some problems installing the patches on the website given- it kept giving me an error and then wouldn't install the patch. I had to go to www.patches-scrolls.de for the latest updates using the Greek mirror site. I used the same web page to download the 32 bit upgrades.

So, if you have a brand new computer with XP, you may need to do this.

Praepositus

[rhondabrwn]

ORIGINAL: Praepositus

WarGameFanatic/rhondabrwn-

I had some problems installing the patches on the website given- it kept giving me an error and then wouldn't install the patch. I had to go to www.patches-scrolls.de for the latest updates using the Greek mirror site. I used the same web page to download the 32 bit upgrades.

So, if you have a brand new computer with XP, you may need to do this.

Praepositus

Thanks for the update. Both of these sites were new to me as I used to get my 32 bit upgrades from Tiller's old "Unofficial" web site which has now been replaced the new one that I listed. Tiller's site recommended the other one as a source for the "original" patches.

Does anyone want to share an informed explanation of why Talonsoft revised their original patches to not work with Tiller's upgrades? I've never been able to understand why they wouldn't have embraced the improvements to the design made by Tiller after leaving Talonsoft. Seemed terribly self-defeating and petty to me, but I'd love to hear an explanation!

[jlward2009]

Thanks to all for the input! I had also sent an email to John Tiller which he answered very graciously! [:)]

Here's another site with patches for the old Talonsoft Games:

DLH.Net

I have not yet gotten my East Front II and West Front games to load correctly, but if I find a fix, I will post again.