took an arrow to the kneeContent Emeritusspy of the council
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Sep 2009
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[INFORMATION] READ ALL OF THIS FIRST-SUPPORT INFORMATION
How to best post technical problems you may suffer with your installation of the Mod.
As in this way we can give you the fastest and on the point solution regarding any issue which constrict you from enjoying the Mod-or if you suffer a CTD.
We try to avoid problems and bugs of any kind, through thorough beta testing, but everybody knows that in this huge game and code with more as over 100 mods special modified for and added to DME, something may show up some bugs or graphical glitches. These only the mass of our fan base community is able to hunt down.
Check your computer is able to play Empire Total war (check the official requirements contents box below)
Reinstall DME 8.0 and try again, if this does not work, proceed to the next step
Make sure you have a clean playable (please test it by playing a full turn of a campaign) vanilla version of Empire Total War, so that we know the problem is with DME and not your vanilla setup.
Also, please make sure you installed the mod correctly!!! Sounds basic but you never know...
Write a post and mention which mod (DM or DMUC) you play & which version (including hotfixes if applicable) & Difficulty settings, if any as well as any sub-mods or other mods. Make sure to provide the launcher error log-see below.
Then describe in a much detail as you can the problem that you suffer.
If possible, and if you think it will help, post a screenshot of your bug or problem-these can help us enormously.
And your computer specs, if you think its a good idea.
NB Please start a new thread for your problem-it will be easier for us to deal with it that way rather than dealing with separate people at the same time. Thanks in advance. If this doesn't happen then posts in the wrong place may well be ignored or deleted.
If you follow all of these steps, then we will be able to quickly hunt down and destroy the bad unnecessary overseen bugs which would destroy your enjoyment!
A note on how this forum is organised.
Threads marked [SOLVED] are completed, and have been locked. Of course they are still viewable. Threads are also marked like this is the problem has been addressed as far as possible, even if it can't be truly sorted out.
Threads marked [UNRESOLVED] are currently in the process of being dealt with. Older ones may be locked if the user with the problem hasn't come back to them, or the mod version is obsolete.
PLEASE NOTE:YOU WILL ONLY GET DARTHMOD SUPPORT IF YOU HAVE A LEGAL COPY OF ETW AND YOU ARE USING THE LATEST VERSIONS OF DARTHMOD (THAT IS DME 8.0 Platinum Edition) PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF DARTHMOD ARE NOT SUPPORTED. THANKS A LOT!
Other Important Info
How to install Darthmod Empire
First, you must fully patch the game Empire: Total War. The 1,6 patch is the latest.
How to install DME:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
First, you must fully patch the game Empire: Total War.
The 1,6 patch is the latest.
Patch 1.6 is actually called v.1.5.0 build 1332.21992 due to a mistake of The Creative Assembly.
So how do you know for sure that you have the patch? You fully install the game and update with Steam and then check in your game folder if there is a file patch5.pack. If this file exists then your game is up to date. The game folder ("Data") is usually in:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\empire total war\data
Uninstall any previous version of DarthMod (DM or DMUC).
Run the Installation Package (File DarthMod_Empire_v8.0_Platinum.exe) and just follow the instructions.
[If you use the 2 parts Installer]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
After you download,
Step I
Unzip Part 2
Step II
Place the two parts in the same folder. These are the files named:
DarthMod_Empire_v8.0_Platinum.exe
DarthMod_Empire_v8.0_Platinum.2
Step III
Run the EXE and follow the instructions of the installer.
[Optional]
Before installation you can also delete the file preferences.empire_script.txt
in %appdata%\The Creative Assembly\Empire\scripts.
This file can be responsible for CTD or freezes for various reasons and so then it needs clean up. (The game produces a new one after delete).
[Warning]
If the installer suggests a blank install path this may be caused by 2 reasons: Either because you do not run it in Windows 7 so there is some kind of Registry Incompatibility or you have a cracked game (not supported)... In the first case, manually browse the installer path where your Empire: Total War game is installed, usually in: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\empire total war
If you cannot find it, make a windows search for the file Empire.exe. You must install in the folder where Empire.exe is located.
[Note]
Make sure you have cleaned up any other 3rd party mods from your game folder before you install DarthMod Empire. Test that it works ok and then if you insist in using these other mods, add them with the "edit user script" utility of the launcher.
If you experience a CTD right before the game loads, this will correct your issue by 99,99% probability
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Concerns all versions of DarthMod Empire
Normally 9/10 of Empire Total War users will not have to change the default installation path of the installers.
But, there are users who:
-Have installed Steam or generally the Empire: Total War game in another directory than the default path.
-Have any 64 bit system which will not use the "program files" of the default path.
If you belong in one of the above mentioned categories: Manually browse the installer to target a destination path exactly where the "empire total war" folder is.
For example X:\X\Steam\SteamApps\common\empire total war\
Last and not least... If you own a pirated version of the game, do not ask questions here in this forum. Do not ask, for example, where you can find the patch. You are getting ridiculous. Buy the game (it is really worth it with DarthMod) and this will solve your issues. Do not blame the mod for your CTDs. Buy the game to solve the issues in some seconds. If you do not want to buy, do not come here and corrupt the forum.
How to find and upload the Launcher Error Log
With Platinum, a new feature has been added that will help us support DME better. A report log is created every time you start DME. This log records all the launcher's actions and will help us provide a better support for problem related with Empire +DME start up. Now there is no need to ask you back "have you installed mod in the right location?", "do you use another mod?" etc. All needed infos would be provided by DME log report.
So for now on: If you have problems with game's startup, please copy the report found in data/DME/dme_log.txt in the post along with your question/problem. Since this report may be very long, it would be good to use the "code" tags. So select the text you copied and press the code button:
You must use the Launcher to play DarthMod Empire v8.0 Platinum
To open the launcher use its Shortcut in the "Desktop" or "Start/Programs" which the installer created
Before you enable the launcher, you must first login to Steam or else you CTD at game start up
It is simple to remember that you have to open Steam before opening the launcher. If you forget and you first open the Launcher and then Steam you will have a CTD. Solution:
Close Launcher->Close Steam->Open Steam->Open Launcher.
The launcher is a magnificent piece of work made by husserlTW. I cannot express enough times my extreme appreciation for this amazing application that he has offered to DarthMod. The simplicity of this launcher hides behind a very complex code that allows you to easily set DarthMod to your liking. It is pretty self explanatory but the below can help you understand to use it better.
Above there is the menu from which you enable your preferred settings or use some utilities.
At the low left is the campaign indication = shows which campaign type is enabled.
At the low right you press the START button to start the game with DarthMod enabled.
Choosing Campaigns
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
From here you choose which campaign type to play and after you tick it you see it indicated at the low left corner of the launcher.
When you choose "40 Unit Saves" this window opens so you can choose the campaign type.
Choose a campaign type and then here choose which save to enable.
You must then load this special save with 40 Unit Armies capability from the game menu. You understand which is it by its name and the 1 Turn. *Warning* If you enable a different campaign type in the launcher do not try to load/continue this 40 Unit save because you will corrupt it.
Choosing Various Game Options
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
From here you choose your special options. If you are familiar with the previous version of the mod (DMUC) you will understand quickly which to tick. The Launcher memorises your preferred settings.
By default the below are enabled (also after a Vanilla Restore):
Selected campaign: Early
Turns per Year: 2
Trails: off
Artillery: Normal
Grenades: off
Language: En
Research Rate: Normal
Forts: off
Deploy: Normal
BSM: on
Weather: off
Borders: off
Arrows: Green
Font Size: 1
Battlefield Borders: off
HUD Type: Transparent
Darth Greeting: off
Enhanced Battle Sounds: on
Brigadier Graham's Music: on
Caligula's Drum & Fife: general
Checking Files
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
If you notice problems, CTD etc. while trying to play DarthMod, maybe you have not cleaned up your game folder from other mods. Go here...
... and delete everything not related to DarthMod, that may cause the game instability.
Add Extra Mods
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
If you want to use other mods that are enabled via script, place their files in the Data folder of the game, usually
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\empire total war\data, and then go here.
Write their file name one by one, for example "mymod"->press "ADD"->"Update User Script". Watch the order you put them as it will remain in the mod script.
To remove them:
You select them->"Remove"->"Update User Script".
Restore to Vanilla/Uninstallation
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
When you close the launcher you have two choices: DME Ready= Leaves the game "DarthMod Ready". You can play DarthMod quicker next time, without waiting files to move in/out of the game folder. Vanilla Ready= All game files are restored to their original state (Vanilla) and DarthMod is completely disabled. Next time you enable DarthMod it will have the default settings.
If you want to completely uninstall the mod it is mandatory to press "Vanilla Ready" and then use the DarthMod uninstaller (From Start->Programs).
Provide Log Report
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
If you anticipate problems with DarthMod Empire
copy the content of dme_log.txt
(you find it in the game folder usually in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\commonempire total war\data\DME)
paste it in your report so we understand what may be the causes.
Graphics card: DirectX 9.0 compatible 256 megabyte graphics card (Shader 2.0 or better) (It has been discovered that Shader 3, 4 show bugs or don't work! So stay with Shader 2!!!)
Sound card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card (It has been discovered that sound cards which are integrated into the motherboard may produce a CTD in Darthmod! Even if they support Direct 9.0! SO BE CAREFUL.)
Windows compatible mouse and keyboard
15 Gigabytes of free hard drive space
Insufficient Memory and CTD Work-Around. By MadBoris
Enter the game
Press ESC (only if in battle) - options - sound
Set the music bar to 100%
Set the other two sliders to lower scale (40 to 60%)
Save and exit this panel
Now just adjust the main volume in windows, or on the speakers direct!
That will do the trick!
Last edited by Tango12345; October 08, 2012 at 05:05 AM.
[INFORMATION] READ ALL OF THIS FIRST-SUPPORT INFORMATION
. If this doesn't happen then posts in the wrong place may well be ignored or deleted.
