lol - this happens every time I have to reinstall these games.
I have
Combat Mission Shock Force (Gamers Gate version I believe)
Combat Mission Shock Force Marines
Combat Mission Shock Force British Forces
Combat Mission Shock Force NATO
Combat Mission Afghanistan
Combat Mission Battlefield Normandy
Combat Mission Battlefield Normandy Market Garden
Combat Mission Battlefield Normandy Commonwealth
Combat Mission Red Thunder
Combat Mission Fortress Italy
Combat Mission Black Sea
I also have
Combat Mission Shock Force 1.21 Patch
Combat Mission Battlefield Normandy v2 Upgrade
Combat Mission Battlefield Normandy v3 Upgrade
Those are the modules that I have serial numbers for. There are probably patches I have to install.
As I had to rebuild my PC, I started installing the modules. So I started with Battlefield Normandy. As I didn't have the "base game" on my harddrive, I thought I'd see if I could install the BN v3 Upgrade. It did install and fired up and showed that the CW and MG modules weren't installed. So off I went and installed them. They are all activated and all looked fine - but when I started up BN, I noticed it said v2.10 at the bottom. Now I'm just utterly confused. Has CW and MG "reverted" my v3 install of BN to v2?
I am not looking forward to the rest of this at all. Maybe I'm just mixing it up in my head and making it more complicated than it actually is.
I've not even got to the CM:SF install where I have to find the patch that "converts" it to BF game and then go through the activation process which (if I remember) has to have an exe put in some "exception" list on the OS!!
Oh dear god... :'(
So...I decided that installing CW and MG did revert BNv3 to BNv2.
So I reinstalled BN v3 hoping that set the game back to v3....it did...yaaaaay...except, MW and MG are now showing as not installed.
So I guess the proper process is
Install original BN
Install BN patches
Install CW
Install CW patches
Install MG
Install MG patches
Install BN v2
Install BN v3
I'm going to have to right this down :2funny:
I think I nailed it looking at my purchase history
CMSF
CMSF:Marines
CMSF:British Forces Module
CMSF:NATO
CMSF:1.21 Patch
CMSF:1.31 Patch
CM:BN
CM:BN Normandy Commonwealth
CM:BN v2.0
CM:Red Thunder
CM:BN Market Garden
CM:BN v3.0
CM:Fortress Italy
CM:Fortress Italy v3 Upgrade
CM:Afghanistan
CM:Black Sea
Where all the "regular unpaid for" patches fit in, I have no idea. ::)
We'll just make this my bitch thread :D
If you've got nothing constructive to add, please don't bother replying and just move on...'cos I'm about to commit murder anyway.
That wasn't the install process.
Installing SF Retail Patch 1.21 made Marines, British Forces and NATO disappear ::)
Back to the drawing board
Edit
I don't understand. I bought Shock Force from Gamersgate. I then bought Marines in September 2008, British Forces in July 2009 and NATO Forces in October 2010 and the 1.21 SF retail patch was purchased in September 2013!!
So why does installing the SF Retail Patch in 2013 and installing wipe Marines, British Forces and NATO from my game?? :idiot2:
And why is the 1.31 patch stamped September 2010...it doesn't make any sense to release a patch named 1.21 3 years AFTER a patch named 1.31?
All questions are rhetorical :)
lol :2funny:
So I installed Shock Force, 1.10 patch, Marines, British Forces and Nato. I then installed the rather bizarrely names 1.21 patch (as it has a 2013 date stamp) and it "removed" my modules and left me with Shock Force.
Ok. At least the game was showing 1.21.
I went to install the 1.31 patch and it stated it needed 1.21 installed. That was ok. However, what was a little disconcerting was it was showing the game title images for Marines, British Forces and NATO...so I thought I'd leave 1.31 until I reinstalled those modules.
So I re-installed Marines and guess what - the game is showing as v1.10 again!
I am absolutely, totally and utterly lost.
I'll tell you what this does mean...I'm letting DCS off the hook.
If anyone has ANY idea how to install Shock Force, it's modules and patches please feel free to jump in and give me a pointer (is Elvis still in the building?)
Judge. Completely understand the hair pulling. But if you search their helpdesk there are a couple of items in there that detail what to do. there are also a couple of posts in their forums that do the same.
Done this myself a couple of times - if you follow them it works ok. Though yes. It could be much easier. I think they now have one installer for the whole thing but thats only for new purchases - it would be useful if they made that available to those who already bought it.
This one for Normandy for example
http://battlefront.mojohelpdesk.com/help/article/127908
This one for shock force ...
http://battlefront.mojohelpdesk.com/help/article/127930
Hope these help
You, sir, are a legend O0
Bookmarked for future.
I started the install process thinking like you do when you install games...you install them in chronological order.
It didn't once occur to me that it would be so convoluted that I'd have to go looking for an installation procedure. :smitten:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FMisc%2FSnap1_zpsxp7hyvny.jpg&hash=9adef0e5e87ec07f1bb78053833a741fcd374071)
Quote from: JudgeDredd on October 17, 2015, 04:07:03 AM
You, sir, are a legend O0
Bookmarked for future.
I started the install process thinking like you do when you install games...you install them in chronological order.
It didn't once occur to me that it would be so convoluted that I'd have to go looking for an installation procedure. :smitten:
No problem. I feel your pain.
Although....it's not really working out. :'(
Each time I install the 1.21 patch, it removes my modules.
This piece (from the link you gave)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FMisc%2FSnap4_zpsl7exi6p8.jpg&hash=6202567c80130638f652c04598e15679cc06c53b)
Seems to be contradicted by the notes in the install of 1.21 which says this
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FMisc%2FSnap5_zpsbr6p1yur.jpg&hash=5498bd5286517588a7601519e930472ff916325b)
So I'm thinking I may not need 1.21?? I'm really not sure.
I'm now wondering if it's because the modules were installed and licensed. Just unlicensing 1.21 and the base game and then uninstalling the base game hasn't seemed to help
:knuppel2:
I'm going to walk away for a bit - 'cos I am seriously in danger of causing a huge amount of damage to my keyboard
Whenever I have reinstalled, I just followed the instructions from the helpdesk FAQ (ignoring everything else) and things seemed to work fine for me. Yes, they made installing patches harder then it probably should be, but when I followed the FAQs, everything seemed to go ok.
But two things...
1. The FAQ says "Make sure you make the correct selections for the modules you have"...but there's NO selections coming up. I install SF, Marines, Brits and then 1.21 and no selection options for modules appear to me
2. The 1.21 read me notes say "This 1.21 is for you if: - all you have installed is the base game of Combat Mission Shock Force and NO module"
Regardless...as soon as I install 1.21, my modules have gone...and it's not because I haven't ticked any options for any modules...because they are not showing up for me to select anyway!
Where's my boardgames? :2funny:
Did you buy the retail version of the game? Your patch 1.21 appears to be for the retail version not the download version from Battlefront. Think you might have the wrong patch.
The following is the notes from my 1.21 patch, which is different then yours and mine just worked fine.
Combat Mission: Shock Force v1.21 Patch
November 5th, 2009
PLEASE READ ALL OF THE FOLLOWING BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THIS INSTALL!!!
COMBAT MISSION SHOCK FORCE VERSION REQUIREMENT (EXTREMELY IMPORTANT):
This v1.21 is for you if one of the following applies to you:
- you have the original Battlefront.com version of the base game, Combat Mission Shock Force only, patched to v1.10 or v1.11
- you have at least one module from Battlefront.com, either the Marines module or the British Forces module
If one or both of the above applies to you, then this patch will allow you to select during installation which elements of the game you would like to patch. The choices include:
- CMSF + no module (you select this if you have just the base game and no module installed)
- CMSF + Marines Module (you select this if you have the base game and the Marines module, but no British Forces module)
- CMSF + British Forces Module (you select this if you have the base game and the British Forces module, but not Marines module)
- CMSF + Marines + British (you select this if you have all three items installed)
If all you have installed is the base game of Combat Mission Shock Force and NOT the Battlefront version, but a so-called "retail" version from Paradox Interactive or Gamersgate or another distributor, then DO NOT INSTALL THIS PATCH. A separate patch for your specific version of the base game will be released at some point. Check www.battlefront.com/patches frequently.
Yep - it seems the 1.21 patch is not required.
I have the GG version of the game - NOT the retail.
Anyway, I followed the instructions as per the link from Zulu's post and missed out the 1.21 patch. So the Brits took it to 1.20. Installing NATO took it to 1.30. Strangely enough, when installing the 1.31 patch, it said I would need 1.21 installed...but I didn't have that installed and continued anyway. I then installed the 1.32 patch and the game seems to be working with all modules.
I started going through this mess last night and it won't activate my license numbers ("invalid"). That was for CMBN with the 3.0 upgrade that I purchased. I'm going to try to install CMSF but if it gives me grief I'm going to say the hell with them and stick to CMx1 (which I prefer the way that it plays better anyway).
Edit: Well this thread got me to give CMBN a go again. I more carefully read my license number txt file and saw the 3.0 license at the bottom...duh. That one took but now I have to do the dance to figure out what order to install the patches. The links at http://battlefront.mojohelpdesk.com/help/article/127930 are coming up 404 for me....
I got Battle for Normandy installed, then installed as per the link provided by Zulu...unfortunately, my CW and MG modules in the game are greyed out. The game is showing v3.00 though I upgraded to 3.11
I don't know. I suppose it may mean I've missed a step or something - but what a f*****g pita.
Back to the beginning ::)
On the plus side - Shock Force eventually took (even though I had to manually work out 2.11 was screwing the install up)
Thanks again for the links Zulu O0
Eventually installed.
However, following the instructions for a second time, step by step, results in my CW and MG modules being disabled. They're visible, but not playable.
I had to put the activation codes in for both AFTER installing v3.11
I never EVER want to go through this bollox again.
Ok......I'll admit that I didn't read everything in this thread (yet) but here are some helpful bits of information.
1) If you purchased the CMBN 3.0 with a download option, that is now a full game installer. Download a fresh copy and run the installer and it will install every patch,module and Upgrade, in the correct order. It's a pretty big download (10gb for PC and 4gb for Mac) but it's worth it to not have to worry about doing things in the correct order.
2) Once you have the game installed through 3.11, whether you use the full game installer or do it piece by piece, launch the game and enter your 3.0 key ONLY. Then close the game and use the desktop shortcut labeled Activate Modules (PC)/Activate New Products (Mac) and enter each module key to "unlock" the modules. A cool thing about the full game installer is that if you don't own the Vehicle Pack or all the modules and decide to purchase them at some point, you don't need to download or install anything. Just use that shortcut to unlock the content.
3) I didn't read the details of what you were saying about CMSF but I did notice that your base game was not a Battlefront purchase. If you purchased ANY module, that module converts your game to the Battlefront version for all patches.
I hope this helps a little. When I get a minute I'll try to read through the whole thread and see if there is anything else that I can add or if you have any specific questions, just ask.
Quote from: JudgeDredd on October 17, 2015, 09:54:42 AM
I got Battle for Normandy installed, then installed as per the link provided by Zulu...unfortunately, my CW and MG modules in the game are greyed out. The game is showing v3.00 though I upgraded to 3.11
I don't know. I suppose it may mean I've missed a step or something - but what a f*****g pita.
Back to the beginning ::)
On the plus side - Shock Force eventually took (even though I had to manually work out 2.11 was screwing the install up)
Thanks again for the links Zulu O0
Ahhh ... be warned Judge - I had issues licensing those after the 3.11 upgrade. If you still have issues you can log a call with then and BF send some licensing cleaning software.
Not saying this is the problem so you might want to try again ... but I know some had problems after 3.11
Note this entry in the helpdesk that may shorten your frustration cycle.
http://battlefront.mojohelpdesk.com/help/article/127980
Thanks Elvis - for at least daring to come in.
I'm currently sorted, but there are issues with the "steps" as laid out in the links by Zulu.
I'm going to take a breather - but I think I laid out what was wrong in the instructions (or at least - what didn't work for me)
Thanks again.
Quote from: Zulu1966 on October 17, 2015, 10:19:38 AM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on October 17, 2015, 09:54:42 AM
I got Battle for Normandy installed, then installed as per the link provided by Zulu...unfortunately, my CW and MG modules in the game are greyed out. The game is showing v3.00 though I upgraded to 3.11
I don't know. I suppose it may mean I've missed a step or something - but what a f*****g pita.
Back to the beginning ::)
On the plus side - Shock Force eventually took (even though I had to manually work out 2.11 was screwing the install up)
Thanks again for the links Zulu O0
Ahhh ... be warned Judge - I had issues licensing those after the 3.11 upgrade. If you still have issues you can log a call with then and BF send some licensing cleaning software.
Not saying this is the problem so you might want to try again ... but I know some had problems after 3.11
Note this entry in the helpdesk that may shorten your frustration cycle.
http://battlefront.mojohelpdesk.com/help/article/127980
Thanks Zulu - but it appears it's all updated and activated to 3.11 O0
There are no easy ways around CMSF (sorry) but here is what you should do with the others:
CMRT:
Install game (do not activate)
Install 1.03 patch and activate
CMBS:
Install game and activate
Install 1.03 patc
CMFI:
Install base game (Only activate if that is all that you have)
Install Gustav Line (only activate if you don't have the 3.0 Upgrade)
Install 1.12 patch
Install 3.0 and activate
CM:A
Install game and activate
Install 1.02 patch
Install 1.03 patch
Elvis, if you have the 3.0 version and the full installers....does the full installer also include the modules for Market Garden (modules) or is there a separate full installer for each?
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on October 17, 2015, 10:28:30 AM
Elvis, if you have the 3.0 version and the full installers....does the full installer also include the modules for Market Garden (modules) or is there a separate full installer for each?
If you downloaded the 3.0 Upgrade at any time since the middle of December 2014, it is the full game installer and will install Market Garden, CW, Vehicle Pack, 2.0 and all patches. Run that single installer and everything will be installed....even if you don't own the module or Pack. Then the desktop shortcut activates the modules/Pack.
Got it...thanks
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on October 17, 2015, 10:38:42 AM
Got it...thanks
I meant to add......If you purchased the 3.0 download before that time and re-download it now, the download is now the full installer.
I finally had a few minutes to read the whole thread.....
Quote from: Zulu1966 on October 17, 2015, 03:54:24 AM
I think they now have one installer for the whole thing but thats only for new purchases - it would be useful if they made that available to those who already bought it.
Just to re-iterate. If you purchased the download version of CMBN 3.0 at any time, if you download it now, it will be the full installer. So to answer your request.....it is available to people who had already purchased it. Hope that's helpful.
JD.. sounds like you need a drink or three after all this.
What a mess. Why haven't new unified installers been offered for previous owners?
Quote from: Elvis on October 17, 2015, 12:01:20 PM
I finally had a few minutes to read the whole thread.....
Quote from: Zulu1966 on October 17, 2015, 03:54:24 AM
I think they now have one installer for the whole thing but thats only for new purchases - it would be useful if they made that available to those who already bought it.
Just to re-iterate. If you purchased the download version of CMBN 3.0 at any time, if you download it now, it will be the full installer. So to answer your request.....it is available to people who had already purchased it. Hope that's helpful.
OK thanks.
Have this reinstall thing down to a fine art now so don't have any issues. But will look at getting the unified installer as may make it easier I guess. Though generally takes me about ten minutes now I know what needs to be done.
Do all the CM2s have the universal installer now? Is CMSF a part of that? Does having the universal installer mean you have to reload the huge files each time a module comes out? I know it was a serious pain to download the last one I did, CMBS.
Quote from: RyanE on October 17, 2015, 03:18:42 PM
Do all the CM2s have the universal installer now? Is CMSF a part of that? Does having the universal installer mean you have to reload the huge files each time a module comes out? I know it was a serious pain to download the last one I did, CMBS.
That is the only one. I suppose you could consider CMRT to be one because,
in think....don't sue if I'm wrong, all downloads of that game will already be patched to 1.03. My understanding is that when the next patch for CMFI is released, it will bring make the 3.0 Upgrade an all in one installer. I would love to see it but I don't expect CMSF to get an all in one installer.....and CMSF is the most convoluted of the bunch.
I would hope, if CMSF was still for sale out of the store, it would get the all in one install. I suspect that would mean changing DRM though.