Gamespy comrade

[Sneakgab]

Anyone use this?

I install it, but when I run the app I just get the: This program had to close, send error report to Microsoft message?

I've got Microsoft network 3.1 (well I ran the installer at least) and SP 1 (XP).

[Dragoon Knight]

It's quite likely that you'll need at least XP SP2, since most new programs require this.  In addition to that, there are approximately a billion updates to .NET Framework 3 (and probably 1.1, retroactively) that will probably need to be installed.

If your XP version is legal, then all you need to do is open up Windows Update and go make yourself a sandwich - you'll be there for a while. :P

XP SP3 is downloadable as a standalone .exe from other machines running a legal version of XP, just as an extra bit of information.  It's just short of 1GB, if I remember correctly.  You may also be able to get .NET in the same way, but I don't know any specifics about that.

Good luck, though. :)

[Sneakgab]

I have a windows XP SP 2 CD. The install on it crashes though (corrupt maybe). Is there a way to ''take it from the CD''?. Last time I tried using it I uninstalled my current XP, only to find the install on the SP2 didn't work (unpleasant).

Well, chances are I won't be using that then.

I wanted it as I long ago last Renegade, but found it copied on some CD. What with it being nigh impossible to find (if I could I would definitely just buy the dang thing. Probably very cheap now), I wanted a game client that didn't ask for a serial key.

[Dragoon Knight]

Can't really comment on the Renegade issue, but with regards to the XP SP2 CD:

Yes, you can "take it from the CD", as you put it, but I'd recommend doing a copy.  If the surface of the disc is scratched, it could just be an access error.  If you're seeing things like "cyclical redundancy check", then you can bet it's either the disc or your drive.

Like I said, if you're near a public access point that doesn't mind you downloading a lot, or if you have a friend that owns a licensed copy of XP, you can download XP SP3.  It's also available on several mirror sites throughout the internet.

[Sneakgab]

Thanks.

''Yes, you can "take it from the CD", as you put it, but I'd recommend doing a copy.  If the surface of the disc is scratched, it could just be an access error.  If you're seeing things like "cyclical redundancy check", then you can bet it's either the disc or your drive.''

Yeah, I was hoping that it would just be some corrupt files, and that the SP would still be usable. When installing, it pretty much indicated as much (all files with mvs appeared to be missing, perhaps indicating physical damage to the CD [if similar files or files in the same section are stored close together physically on a CD]).

There are basically no public access points, but I was considering the friend with XP route. That is probably the best way to go.

However, would you care to elaborate from the ''take it from the CD'' option (if I'm not imposing too much. Of course, answer at your leisure). Basically, when exploring the CD I did not know where to look, nor where to copy too (now that I think about it)

[Dragoon Knight]

Most CD or DVD burning software (even the free programs) have the option to "rip" discs.  For audio, that can be to mp3 files or whatever; for data discs, you can make the contents of the CD into a package called an ISO (or .iso).  This can then be used to write onto another CD.

Of course, you can do a direct copy, too, but you'll normally get errors when trying to burn a corrupt ISO to disc from your hard drive, which makes the method preferable, if only to ensure that it's just scratches causing the problem.

If you're wanting to run the contents of the CD from your hard drive, you'll need to rip the ISO like above, but use specialist Virtual Drive software (like DAEMON Tools or Alcohol 120%).  What these do is create a "fake" CD / DVD drive, basically tricking Windows into thinking you've got a real disc drive.  You then load the ISO into this program, which is effectively "putting the CD into the drive".

Once there, you can run the SP2 CD from the "fake drive" like you would from your normal one.

Please be aware I'm only suggesting you use these tools for legitimate purposes. :P

Also, I wouldn't recommend the Virtual Drive method especially, because I'm not sure how installing SP2 will affect the program.  Probably won't do a thing, but if you must use this method, be sure to set a System Restore point before even downloading the program.

[Sneakgab]

I see. Thank you for this information. A nice thing about this tech forum is not only do I obtain solutionsanswers to my specific problemsquestions, I often come out knowing more useful information about computers in general.

Since I already have Alcohol (for legitimate purposes only of course :D), this is a most convenient solution.

[Dragoon Knight]

Happy to help.  Let us know how you get on.

[Sneakgab]

Erm.... I think I can figure out how to ''rip'', but I don't know what contents to look for. I found an SP3 rar file, but it's only 18mbs.

[Dragoon Knight]

When you rip a CD to ISO, you're effectively copying everything on that CD.  There should be an option in your CD / DVD burning software that allows you to do this.

[Sneakgab]

But once I've copied everything to the new CD, how would I use the new CD? Presumably an XP install wouldn't work, since I copied the files from a damaged CD? Or is it that the FILES are actually fine, just unreadable, and once I copy them to an intact CD, they will be readable and I will be able to complete the installation?

[Dragoon Knight]

That's what we're trying to determine.  During my day to day work, I'm forever installing XP on refurbished PCs, and it's quite often that our install CDs are worn down through repeated use (in, out, shake it all about, throw it into the rafters in nerdrage, etc.)  The files certainly aren't corrupt, but the disc is scratched to hell and back, so we make a half-dozen new copies... which are inevitably lost within about 15 minutes.

By ripping from the CD and creating an ISO, it acts as a test - if you get an error while trying to create the ISO, or when trying to burn it again, then perhaps the data itself is corrupt.  But it's likely that it's just a knackered CD, and copying it to a shiny new one should make your wildest dreams come true. :)

[Sneakgab]

I better get a towel then. I am currently using the ''image making wizard'' in Alcohol 120%. Not sure what I'm doing (just experimenting) but there is apparently a copying process going on. It's getting many disk read errors. Is this confirmation of a scuffed disk, or is it a confirmation of the unfortunate and unlikely event of file corruption? (fairly sure I installed with this before so don't how that could be).

(edit).

I've also noticed that all the file read errors have sequential numbers.

ie: error at 112745, error at 112746, error at 112747. Meanwhile up to 112745 there are apparently no errors.

[Dragoon Knight]

Disc read errors mean that the disc is scratched.  The pits and flats that make up the 1's and 0's have been occluded by scratches, meaning that the drive can't read them anymore.

There are a couple of solutions to this.  First, the data is still there - it's just the surface of the disc is making it unreadable.  One way of solving this is to abrade the readable surface until the scratches are gone, since the pits and flats are stored almost directly underneath the "side you write on".

Now, bear in mind that this (if done incorrectly) may make the CD completely unreadable, but I don't think that matters too much at this point.  Grab yourself some toothpaste (must be PASTE, not a gel, and if it contains baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, then even better).  Get a soft cloth (like some old boxer shorts, or a glasses-cleaning cloth) and apply the toothpaste to it.  Then, starting at the center of the CD, gently rub the surface.

The way in which you do this is important; you need to start from the centre of the disc and work your way out, like spokes on a bicycle.  Don't rub too hard, but you want to make sure you're not just tickling it.  Do this all over the CD, for something like 10 minutes, then wash it under warm water and either wipe dry with another soft cloth, or leave it on top of a towel to air dry.

After that, try making an ISO again, or just using it as normal.  The only other solution is to get SP2 via download.

[Sneakgab]

Sooo. I start at the center, wipe outwards. Then return to the center, and wipe outwards to a different point on the circumference?

[Dragoon Knight]

Basically, yeah.  You can go over the same "line" more than once, of course.  An alternative is to coat the entire readable surface in a thin layer of toothpaste (just use your fingertip, be very gentle) and leave it for 10 minutes or so.  Then rinse it under warm water (again, gently rubbing the toothpaste off) and then dry it as described before.

[Sneakgab]

Cleaning complete. Making another attempt. So, I am supposed to be using the image creation wizard right? (after the image is burnt, then I copy it to CD and I'm done?)

When starting Alcohol, it says: Loading Alcohol drivers failed. Emulation options and native driver interface of Alcohol 120% will not be available.

It still starts and functions normally though, so I don't know of what importance that is. (won't be able to mount?)

Eureka! No read Errors! Your toothpaste magic was successful!

[Sneakgab]

So, should I simply install XP from the new CD now? Can I install it while leaving my other XP installation intact temporarily. Last time I deleted the old installation while attempting the install the new one (with SP3) in fear of having two XP OS's simultaneously, only to cringe upon seeing the install stopping for unreadable section after unreadable section, forcing me to re-install from the XP SP 1 CD (somehow, while my files remained largely intact, much became installed, annoyingly enough).

Alternatively, I could make an ISO from the now repaired CD, mount it and then re-install. But what would be the point of that? (other than for having the ISO to burn backups).

[Dragoon Knight]

My recommendation now would be to rip the ISO from the repaired CD and then use it to burn a copy to a fresh disc.  Just use your CD / DVD burning software to rip, then use it again to burn the ISO to disc.  Make sure you select "Burn from Image" or "Burn from file" and choose the ISO as the source - a common mistake is to simply burn the ISO file, which won't work.  All you'll end up with is a disc with the file sitting there, doing nothing.

You should then proceed to attempt a simple "upgrade" from SP1 to SP2, i.e. putting the CD in while XP is running and seeing if it will let you simply patch XP.

If this isn't possible, then you should certainly back up any personal files (documents, pictures, music, etc.) before you try installing XP SP2 as a fresh OS.  Unless you want to play about with partitions (which you don't), then you'll effectively be putting a new operating system on the PC.

But hopefully, the latter situation shouldn't occur.  You should be able to patch it, like you would be able to by downloading the standalone executable, or using Windows Update.

[Sneakgab]

Well, I found out it is actually SP 3 instead of 2, which may be both a blessing and a curse as I am worried that I can't jump straight from 1 to 3, thus requiring a re-install.

If this is so, then when re-installing, should I choose to overwrite my old OS (after backing up stuff, which is actually already mostly done from last time I tried to install windows.

Accidentally created an MDS last time. Currently creating an ISO.

[Dragoon Knight]

You can go straight from SP1 to SP3, don't worry about that.  It's when you have a fresh XP installation with no service packs that you encounter trouble.

Like I said, try updating.  It's much less of a hassle than having to re-install.

If you're happy with installing afresh, however, be aware that all of your personal data will be erased, along with any installed programs.  This also means your web history, etc. - basically, it'll be a blank slate.  To do this, all you'll need to do is restart your machine with the CD in, then choose to "Press any key to boot from CD".  Once there, if you're familiar with XP installations, it's all pretty straightforward.

Different CD / DVD burning software have different extensions - .iso is the standard, but I've used Nero before, which wanted to rip to .nro.  As far as I'm aware, it's the .mdf file that's the equivalent to .iso, as it's Alcohol 120%'s proprietary disk image extension.  I would advise trying to rip as ISO (take a scout around the options again, especially any drop down menus), but if you can't, then using .mdf shouldn't be a major issue.

[Sneakgab]

I got an error message saying something is wrong with the recording procedure? The CD seems to be in very good shape. I shall try updating Alcohol.

[Dragoon Knight]

If you can't make a copy, then by all means, try with the repaired CD.  It's just that it adds another level of risk - a failed installation of XP SP3 will mean that you'll have to install afresh from a CD that does work, which will likely be your original XP SP1 CD.

[Sneakgab]

Er... But can't I upgrade from the repaired CD instead? Why would this be different from upgrading from a copy?

The writing keeps failing at 42%. Strangely, the file size of the new disk still matches, and everything works except for the ''install Windows XP'' button on the setup menu. I have tried writing 2 ISOs and one MDS, to no avail.

''Make sure you select "Burn from Image" or "Burn from file" and choose the ISO as the source - a common mistake is to simply burn the ISO file, which won't work.  All you'll end up with is a disc with the file sitting there, doing nothing.''

I don't see and ''burn from image'' or ''burn from file'' options. It just asks for a location to burn from. Considering that the CD auto-runs setup (and thus does not ''do nothing'' exactly) I'm guessing that at least I didn't make a mistake here?

Well, much like the rest of my computer, my DVD-drive is very... low end (to put it politely). It is not difficult to imagine that it is cacking things up.

However, the setup on the original CD seems to work fine.

[Dragoon Knight]

If you're getting the Setup screen on the newly burned CD, then you're doing it right.  I'm afraid I can't help very much with a broken CD / DVD drive, nor explain why the burning process is failing.

Yes, you're quite right, you can try installing from an XP environment, but I'm not quite sure how it will work without it being the standalone executable "patch".  I would assume that you'd simply update in the same manner and your XP installation would be untouched, but it's sounding more and more like the CD you have doesn't come with that functionality.  Indeed, if it has any functionality at all. :P

My recommendation would be the following, in order:

1) Try burning the ISO / MDF to a new disk once more, making sure to choose the LOWEST speed setting (2x or something).

2) Failing this, try a direct copy (if you have the functionality).

3) If that doesn't work, try the original CD again, perhaps with some more toothpaste treatment, while running XP.

4) If not, try 3 as a fresh install.

5) By this point, this CD is much more trouble than it's worth - find a way to grab the SP3 executable from the internet. :)

Sorry that I've not been able to really resolve this issue.  Hope you get something sorted. :)