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game not loading

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 3:18 pm
by navwarcol
Any idea on how to change the drive letter that harpoon looks for? If it was initially installed on drive C, and now transferred to drive D, the system is stating improper drive. I sent a request to the help desk, but was told (despite my clearly stating I have no idea where the CD is) that I would need to reinstall it. Surely there is a simple 'PLAN B'?
Thanks

Problem

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 7:02 pm
by hermanhum
I've come across that same error message once in awhile, too.  Uninstalling and re-installing ANW to the new drive was simply the easiest solution to the problem.  There probably is a "Plan B" solution too, but, IMO, it just isn't worth the time and effort to search for it when such a practical and simple work-around is handily available.

I just keep the requisite patches in a folder for convenience of re-installation:

ftp://ftp.matrixgames.com/pub/Harpoon3ANW/Harpoon3ANW-UpdateRelease-380-Inc.zip
ftp://ftp.matrixgames.com/pub/Harpoon3ANW/Harpoon3ANW-UpdateRelease-v3900DR.zip
ftp://ftp.matrixgames.com/pub/Harpoon3ANW/Harpoon3ANW-UpdateRelease-v392bComp.zip
ftp://ftp.matrixgames.com/pub/Harpoon3ANW/Harpoon3ANW-HotfixRelease-v394.zip

RE: Problem

Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 7:45 pm
by rsharp@advancedgamin
You would have to do a search and replace for the path in the harpoon3.ini file and change a registry setting. Let me know if you haven't already resolved this.

Thanks,

RE: Problem

Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:14 pm
by navwarcol
Thank you Russ, and yes, got it working. Most problems are much simpler at noon than they are at 3am [8D]

RE: Problem

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 2:56 pm
by navwarcol
Alright, after a virus decided to eat my drive for dinner, I have reinstalled windows. H3 ANW seems to be a casualty, as again, I have the same error message, error 200, a problem with the serial number. I have the same serial number on a desktop at home, Matrix's "support" also lists the same serial number. How is it that a game that is purchased must have a continual check for a serial number?
So now, despite the listing which proves that I purchased and registered the game from Matrix, and the fact that it was now nearly 3 yrs ago, I have to purchase again, as I have nothing to simply "reinstall" from. I **WILL** repurchase, because I have been a loyal supporter of AGSI for rescuing a game I have loved for a long time, but I would like to register here my absolute disdain for a system that requires it, a system where you can look up your information, and see, "Yes, the game with that serial number was purchased" but still cannot do anything about it.

Problem

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 4:12 pm
by hermanhum
Can you clarify what you did, exactly?  Did you wipe your entire drive and then re-install Windows et. al? 

It sounds like you just re-installed Windows over the previous edition and did not change any of your other files/installations.  Is this correct?

You need not be so hasty in throwing more money at the problem.  I think that there may be a solution.  It might just take a bit of effort to unravel.  Historically, throwing money at a Harpoon has never been the wisest choice as it rarely resolves the problems.  Of course, you are free to purchase 2nd and 3rd copies of the same software, too.  [;)]

RE: Problem

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 5:03 pm
by navwarcol
Hey Herrman,
Yes, I had to format my hard drive and reinstall windows. I have no 'hard copy' of ANW to reinstall, all I could do was before I closed down my computer, copy the install that was on there, then re-copy it back on, after I reinstalled windows. I had hoped it would work, but didn't hold much chance, however, I had no choice.
Matrix sends something in reply that if my game was purchased fewer than 2 yrs ago, I could re-download it..however, it was my belief at the time that purchasing an extended download protection allowed for a longer than 2 yr grace..first..and second, as I wrote above, I cannot understand why it is necessary to check every time a game turns on, if you have the serial number, etc, to begin with. As a comparison, I did the same with H3.6.3 version, and IT works perfectly fine having copied it in the exact same way..in fact, ALL of my other software, that I have tried so far, works, all of it was done the same way, the only two items which do not work are ANW and TOAW3..both of which are from Matrix.(my 3.6.3 H3 was purchased from AGSI, and works, as I said)

Problem

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 5:20 pm
by hermanhum
ORIGINAL: navwarcol

Yes, I had to format my hard drive and reinstall windows. I have no 'hard copy' of ANW to reinstall, all I could do was before I closed down my computer, copy the install that was on there, then re-copy it back on, after I reinstalled windows. I had hoped it would work, but didn't hold much chance, however, I had no choice.
No, that won't work. The installation process involves the Registry Key manager and simply copying / moving a folder will bugger up the game.
ORIGINAL: navwarcol

As a comparison, I did the same with H3.6.3 version, and IT works perfectly fine having copied it in the exact same way..in fact, ALL of my other software, that I have tried so far, works, all of it was done the same way, the only two items which do not work are ANW and TOAW3..both of which are from Matrix.(my 3.6.3 H3 was purchased from AGSI, and works, as I said)
Totally agree. I have had to move my H3 folder to several different computers and it always fires up right away the first time without any problems. Just another reason why H3 is so rock-solid and dependable. [:)]

RE: Problem

Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 5:55 pm
by rsharp@advancedgamin
Howdy,

PM me your SN and some purchase details (date etc but no financial info) and I'll get you sorted out with a full installer.

Thanks,

Problem

Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 7:29 pm
by hermanhum
We already fixed it three days ago.