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Ysaric
Ysaric
Join Date 03/2006
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CAn I run the game off of an external hard drive w/o "installing" it?

I figured out how to get the serial # accepted

April 18, 2006 4:33:01 PM from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums

My problem seems to be that I havve not officially installed the game on the laptop I am trying to play the game on from an external hard drive. I figured out how to get the program activated on this computer, but the game crashes after I hit "Next" on the screen where I select the galaxy size and game options (the game crashes out to desktop). The debug file looks as if it is looking for files and not finding them in the right place. I copied the game from the computer I downloaded it to onto an external hard drive which is now shown as E:\Stardock\. The problem is that because of the nature of my work, it would be a lot more convenient if I could plug in my external hard drive and run the game right off the external hard drive. Is this possible? Is this even the reason the game is crashing? Help or information is greatlly appreciated. I am including my current debug file here:

Debug Message: Version v1.1 BETA 4 last updated on: Wed Apr 12 18:45:12 2006
Debug Message: Could not find a TGN Serial No.
Debug Message: Can't find galciv2 serial in registry subdirectory GalCiv2.
Debug Message: Can't find any serial numbers.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 4/18/2006, 17:16:24
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: N056
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
System Model: HP Compaq nc6120 (EB590US#ABA)
BIOS: EPP runtime BIOS - Version 1.1
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) M processor 1.86GHz
Physical Memory: 504MB RAM
Page File: 208MB used, 1019MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip Type: Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset
DAC Type: Internal
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2592&SUBSYS_099C103C&REV_03
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ialmrnt5.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.4543
Driver Date: 3/23/2006 12:38:50
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SoundMAX Digital Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_266E&SUBSYS_099C103C&REV_03
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: smwdm.sys
Provider: Analog Devices
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.5250
Driver Date: 10/13/2004 17:25:54
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0



Debug Message: *********END dxdiag info.*********
Debug Message: Entering WinMain
Debug Message: ******* Starting Game Shell *******
Debug Message: Going Fullscreen
Debug Message: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (sw vp): Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 60
Debug Message: Bit Depth: 32 bit.
Debug Message: *********Checking D3DDevice Caps***********************
Debug Message: A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
Debug Message: RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 369e99
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
Debug Message: No string tables in C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods/*.str
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Gfx\*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Gfx\Race\*.png
Debug Message: Create setup screens.
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: Set mouse.
Debug Message: Set update timer.
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Techs\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\ShipComponents\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\ShipDefs\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\*.raceconfig
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PlanetImprovements\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\TerrainColorSchemes\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PlanetDescriptions\*.xml
*DEBUG ERROR: ***Unable to find required tech ImpossibleTech for PirateShip. ***
Debug Message: Found existing ship type with class name: Ranger
*DEBUG ERROR: ***Unable to find required tech ImpossibleTech for Starbase. ***
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipclass
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Anomalies\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Events\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\UPIssues\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Invasion\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PoliticalParties\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\StarTypes\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\vpn.N056\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\StarbaseModules\*.xml
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: CustomRaceWnd: Cannot find OBJID CustomRace_Description_Text
Debug Message: CustomRaceWnd: Cannot find OBJID CustomRace_Tab_Homeworld
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Ysaric
Hollow Man
Join Date 03/2006
+14
Reply #1 April 18, 2006 5:24:57 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
I assume it needs to be installed via the boxed CD-ROM or via Stardock Central's "Restore Archive" menu option - so you can get the proper entries in your Windows registry.

-HM
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Ysaric
Morberis
Join Date 03/2006
+1
Reply #2 April 18, 2006 5:35:57 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
Unless your os is based on this external drive also
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Ysaric
BladeVenom
Join Date 03/2006
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Reply #3 April 18, 2006 5:37:43 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
Most programs need to be installed. You can probably install it on an external drive, but it will most likely need to be installed from your laptop.
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Ysaric
Quinnf
Join Date 03/2006
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Reply #4 April 18, 2006 5:40:02 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
Plug in the external drive, run the installer but install it to the E: drive. It will not affect it while it is disconnected but it WILL keep the registry and config files pointing to the correct place. It is also possible to mount an NTFS drive in a folder so it appears in the rest of your system folders but try the first suggestion. If you want more help with an NTFS solution then email me.
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Ysaric
Tommymac
Join Date 03/2006
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Reply #5 April 18, 2006 10:41:01 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
The game uses files in TWO paths.

1) The main path is the one where it is installed. ex e:\stardock\galciv2

2) User specific files such as custom ships, prefs.ini, etc. are kept in the \My Documents\My Games\Galciv2 folder.

Both paths must be present.

Copy the stuff in the 2cd path above into the My Documents path on your second pc and you should be fine. You can also mirror it on your external harddrive, or copy it to it after each game, then copy it onto whichever pc you are using before starting a new game. You can write a simple batch jop to do this. You may have to use a different prefs. ini on each separate box though for vid settings etc. Again, you should be able to figure that out with a bit of experimenting.

On Edit: Before lambasting SD for this, this second path for saves, user configs, mods etc is a recommendation made by MicroSoft if a game wants to get the XP approved logo on it. Most all new games do it this way now.
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Ysaric
Ysaric
Join Date 03/2006
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Reply #6 April 18, 2006 10:53:48 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
Thanks much for the information.
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