Installation confusion (Part II)

[Laer]

Hi. I just purchased the download version of A-10c, and am a bit confused as to how to proceed. I've read the download FAQ, but (like a previous user's post also stated), I'm confused by a number of things.

 

1) The receipt email points has two links... one goes to the general download area (where you find the exe and three bin files, which I downloaded). The other link goes to a single file (A-10C_release_en_1.2.2.7570_69.exe), which I'm assuming is a patch to be applied to the installed sim (previous 4 files) to update it to the latest version?

 

2) I'm assuming that even though I only purchased A-10c, I should still install DCS World, as my understanding is that it serves as a sort of hub for all the modules?

 

3) Is DCS World necessary (does it contain required elements, such as the theater map, that are not contained in the A-10c install), or is it just a convenience for people with multiple modules?

 

4) I'm assuming I install DCS World first, but once that is done, do I instal A-10c externally (in Windows), or is the install handled within DCS World?

 

5) Are all the install files required to be anywhere specific, or can they be anywhere (as long as they are all together in the same place)?

 

6) When it says the files need to be in the same place, does that mean all the files from a specific module (ex. A-10c), or do ALL module/install files (including DCS World) need to be in the same place when installing? (ex. can I have the A-10c install files within an A-10c folder, and the DCS World files within another folder)?

 

7) Is there some way (ex a command line in the shortcut) in Windows XP to run the sim as an admin, aside from right clicking and selecting Run As... ?

 

8 ) I'm reading in the forums that v 1.1.1.1 is the last 'standalone' verison of A-10c, and that newer versions are intended to run in DCS World. Does this mean that if I intend on installing DCS World, I need only install the single file version ( A-10C_release_en_1.2.2.7570_69.exe ), and don't need the 1.1.1.1 exe and the three accompanying bin files? Am I right in understanding that I can either run A-10c alone (without DCS World) by installing using the 1.1.1.1 exe and 3 bin files... or run it as a module in DCS World (by installing DCS World, and then ONLY the 1.2.2.7570_69.exe file)?

 

Please answer each of these questions if you can. Thanks!

Edited December 29, 2012 by Laer

[159th_Viper]

1) The receipt email points has two links... one goes to the general download area (where you find the exe and three bin files, which I downloaded). The other link goes to a single file (A-10C_release_en_1.2.2.7570_69.exe), which I'm assuming is a patch to be applied to the installed sim (previous 4 files) to update it to the latest version?

 

No, not a patch but a link to the A10-C module.

 

You download DCS World (Base SIM containing .exe and three .BIN files) and thereafter you download the module you purchased (one .exe file).

 

2) I'm assuming that even though I only purchased A-10c, I should still install DCS World, as my understanding is that it serves as a sort of hub for all the modules?

 

 

Yes.

 

3) Is DCS World necessary (does it contain required elements, such as the theater map, that are not contained in the A-10c install), or is it just a convenience for people with multiple modules?

 

Yes, it is vital as it is the core SIM. Without it the A-10C module is useless.

 

 

4) I'm assuming I install DCS World first, but once that is done, do I instal A-10c externally (in Windows), or is the install handled within DCS World?

 

 

Install DCS World first. Once installed, just run the .exe of the A-10C module and it will find and install automatically to DCS World.

 

 

5) Are all the install files required to be anywhere specific, or can they be anywhere (as long as they are all together in the same place)?

 

No, not required. Just download to a folder on your desktop and install. Thereafter store folder with install files in your Documents or anywhere else you want to.

 

 

6) When it says the files need to be in the same place, does that mean all the files from a specific module (ex. A-10c), or do ALL module/install files (including DCS World) need to be in the same place when installing? (ex. can I have the A-10c install files within an A-10c folder, and the DCS World files within another folder)?

 

Just download all files and put into a folder. Then run the World.exe and thereafter the A-10C .exe and you'll be done - easy.

 

7) Is there some way (ex a command line in the shortcut) in Windows XP to run the sim as an admin, aside from right clicking and selecting Run As... ?

 

 

Whoops!

 

Now would be a good time to upgrade to Win8 64-bit. It's only £25. Honestly, that's the best piece of advice you're gonna get today, trust me.

 

Welcome :)

Edited December 29, 2012 by 159th_Viper

[Laer]

Thanks for the fast response, 159th_Viper. :thumbup:

 

That clears things up a bit. So, I can disregard the link to the 1.1.1.1 exe and bin files on the receipt, correct? That's the standalone (non-DCS World) version, and not needed if I'm doing the DCS World version?

 

I'm having trouble downloading the DCS World files (I get errors or it just loads very slowly), so I'll probably try the torrent link version next.

[159th_Viper]

So, I can disregard the link to the 1.1.1.1 exe and bin files on the receipt, correct? That's the standalone (non-DCS World) version, and not needed if I'm doing the DCS World version?

 

Correct.

 

1.1.1.1 is obselete and outdated.

 

I'm having trouble downloading the DCS World files (I get errors or it just loads very slowly), so I'll probably try the torrent link version next.

 

Torrent will be easier, yes. If you do download the files manually, be sure to verify the MD5 checksums provided with the downloads to ensure file integrity.

 

 

Also be aware that there will be difficulties with XP but you'll soon realise this when it comes time to running the SIM. There are 'hacks' available to lessen the frustration so when you're ready we can link you to the relevant threads etc etc

[Laer]

Damn... The minimum specs posted on the site said XP was compatible. :doh:

 

What issues are present? (I'm running XP 32bit as my gaming rig)

 

Might as well hit me with the links to the fixes, if you could please.

 

I have a Win7 Premium 12gig RAM system that I MAY start installing some games on (was a previous work-only machine, which has been recently replaced by a third system). Does Win7 (64bit) have the same or other issues?

 

 

WinXP 32bit 2gig RAM Dual core Pentium NVidia GForce GTX460 (...Ya, I know... not the most impressive rig! I save my i7 32gig RAM Win7 Pro for work only.... :( )

 

I guess I'll have trouble with only 2 gigs of RAM on the gaming rig... although the video card has a gig of memory, I think. Ya, I may end up putting some games on the i7 Win7 Premium rig. I would finally be able to play Just Cause 2 that way, too!

Edited December 29, 2012 by Laer

[EtherealN]

Minimum spec are, quite literally, minimum spec. :)

It can be made to work with a simple "hack" linked in my signature (see "32-bit trouble" links).

 

However, the fact that you have only 2 gigs of RAM on that gaming machine. That is going to be a MAJOR problem, since that is below the minimum specification. (Which stipulates 3GB.) Note: the video card having a full gig of memory does, in that circumstance, only make it worse. It's not 2GB RAM + 1GB VRAM = 3GB. It is 2GB RAM - 1GB VRAM = 1GB! (This is because DirectX9 duplicates vRAM on RAM.)

 

If you do have a a machine with Win7 and more RAM, there really is no reason to use an old fossil like that. If you want to keep work and play separate, I'd suggest creating a multi-boot system where the games will sit on a separate hard drive under a separate OS installation. (I don't see all that much reason to worry though, as long as the games aren't retrieved from less than honest people and sites, games should not be able to corrupt your work platform.)

[159th_Viper]

I guess I'll have trouble with only 2 gigs of RAM on the gaming rig...

 

Yep. 2GB is well below minimum.

 

The links I had in mind will not even help with such a small amount of RAM I'm afraid. Then again, I'm no expert when it comes to techno-wizardry.

 

I'm sure our resident experts will reply in due course.

 

Edit: Speak of the Devil......:P

[Laer]

Hehe... Ya, the XP gaming rig actually served me well up to now (the half-decent video card assured that most games ran quite well). I played Flaming Cliffs just fine. But, it IS starting to become a problem with things like Just Cause 2, which only works on Win7 or higher.

 

I had two machines, a gaming/internet/day-to-day one (XP dual core), and then Win7 Premium *12 gig RAM i7) one with a good graphics card (at least for 3D work) for my work (FX/animation/graphics). I kept them separate, as I kept hearing that games can mess up (or at least clutter) the registry.

 

But, I got a new work machine now (the Win7 Pro 32 gig RAM i7 one), so the old work machine is more of a backup if my new one goes weird on me in the middle of a project! So, I'm starting to consider sneaking a few of the more demanding games on there.... ;)

 

The Win7 i7 12gig RAM one should be able to handle A-10c. If not, I'll just hang on to it until I upgrade my gaming rig (...well, more like replace it!). I figured that even if I couldn't run it, I'd grab it while the price was good.

[EtherealN]

Another option would be to install an additional hard drive onto the work machine and use that to "dual-boot" - that is, each of those hard drives has their own windows installation, and you select which one you want to use when you start the computer. That way, things installed on one OS cannot mess up the other OS. (Just make sure not to defragment the HDD that is not in use for the OS you're in.)

[Laer]

I may upgrade the RAM on the XP machine, since it seems to be fairly cheap these days. I'll look into those XP fixes, and see how that goes.

 

Failing that, I'll just install it on the older i7.

 

It'll be a while until I get around to that all anyway... Busy with things, plus I still have to re-install the TrackIR and install and configure (ugh) the X52 controllers.

 

I'm still deciding whether I want to re-install FSX, too. On the i7, it should actually go pretty well, I'd think. My video card didn't help it much on the gaming rig, since FSX doesn't really utilize the GPU... but the i7 with 12 gigs of RAM?... I may actually get constant smooth frame rates finally!

 

Thanks for your help, guys!