Help!!! I'm having major problems trying to install Starshatter from CD.

[Hengist]

When I placed my order for Starshatter, I had the option of downloading, but I thought to myself, be patient and buy a copy on CD and wait for it to be delivered, so this is the purchase option I went for.

Well it arrived today (as I mentioned in my previous post) and I try to install the game.

In windows Explorer (after a lot of CD spinning and time) I can see the file
Starshatter-Setup-DRv402.exe, Size 319,087KB, Date Modified 07/03/2005 19:04

When I try to run it this is where the fun starts. I've only once managed to get to the 'Enter Serial screen' during setup, which took ages incidently. The other 30 attempts to install have resulted in CD just spinning in the drive, whilst it tries to be read.

Is there anyway I can download the file from Matrix without having to pay again? I have my email serial number and I can always return the boxed game (which leads me onto my next question), or failing that, is there an address I can use for returning the CD in exchange for a refund (I'm in the UK)?

Thanks for any replies, as I'm quite disapointed, frustrated with my install journey (it's not exactly been a pleasurable experience so far) and I'm at a complete loss with what to do next.

This is the error I keep getting (Click link below)...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Hengist/err.gif

[TheDeadlyShoe]

It really sounds like either the CD is damaged or the drive is failing or more likely a combination of the two. (I'd try the CD in another drive if you can just to check.)
Certainly I would try cleaning the CD. (Use Windex or an equivalent product, then wipe slowly in circles using a soft towellete or sometsuch. Or just wash it and dry it off. It's all good.)

It sounds like you need Matrix Games tech support rather than Starshatter. Try their email, support@matrixgames.com

[Hengist]

Thanks Shoe,

The CD/DVD drive is brand new, no problems with any other discs. My second CD also cannot read the disc (and again no problems with any other discs). I've even tried it in the drive at work, same results, it can't be read.

I think I've got a faulty disc. Actually looking at the disc, it doesn't appear to be of the highest quality (and I received no documentation about installing, manuals, etc), and the Date modified stamp, indicates that it was burnt on the 7th March 2005 (07/03/2005). Perhaps the burn was faulty, or something more dodgy is at play?

I'll copy and paste my original message and send it to the tech support email address you supplied.

Thanks once again for your help Shoe.

[Kuokkanen]

I had similar problem with Total Annihilation: Battle Tactics. CD didn't like to work and installation failed in various stages. Finally it passed through but game became buggy. I deleted game directory and installed everything again: Total Annihilation, Core Contingency, Battle Tactics, patch 3.1. Finally got it work right. I don't know where the problem was, but I'd better backup that CD-ROM to CD-R.

ORIGINAL: TheDeadlyShoe

Certainly I would try cleaning the CD. (Use Windex or an equivalent product, then wipe slowly in circles using a soft towellete or sometsuch. Or just wash it and dry it off. It's all good.)

Few reliable sources point that wiping CD has to be done from center to out, not circles. I'm not so sure about using liquids...

[Papi]

I'd try to copy the setup file to the hd first and then run it from there. You might also want to try cdcheck program.

[Hengist]

Papi,

The file cannot be read, so how can I copy it to the Hard Drive?

[Papi]

If you can see it in the explorer you could try to copy it to your hd. I know that it won't always work, but I've managed to get it to work sometimes with some damaged cd's.

Did you try the link I sent for cdcheck prog?