BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

The latest information on how to install the game (All in one Installer) and mods.

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BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by thunderchero »

Hi Everyone,

Here is the release of the BOTF installers 2.0.3

BOTF Top 10 mods 2.0.3
here are the mods that is part of the BOTF Top 10 mods 2.0.3 installer
Birth of the Federation (By Microprose)
Error Correction Mod (by Spocks-cuddly-tribble)
Ultimate Dominion Mod (by siggi and thunderchero)
Balance of Power (by Gowron)
Mirror Universe Mod (by thunderchero)
All the Ages Mod (by stardust)
Ultimate Mod 5 (by Dafedz)
UnCivil Wars Mod (by thunderchero)
Galaxies Mod (by Tethys)
Fluid's multi player Mod (by Sir Fluid Hat)
Tools (DxWnd, UE, QD's Patcher and more)

BOTF older mods 2.0.3
here are the mods that is part of the BOTF older mods 2.0.3 installer
Flagship Mod (by thunderchero)
No Building Upgrade Mod (by thunderchero)
Thunderchero's multi player Mod (by thunderchero)
AFC Mod (by AFC)
Babylon 5 Mod (by jigalypuff)
Building Mod (by joker)
Borg Incursion Mod (by jigalypuff/dcer)
Colonies Mod (by jigalypuff)
Ferengi-Dominion Alliance Mod (by Darth_Windu)
Imperial Mod (by Bulsar)
Delta Quadrant Mod (by DigitalMaleficus)
Mirror Mirror Mod (by Dafedz)
Prime Directive Mod (by teukros)
Planet Mod (by joker)
Resistance Is Futile Mod (by dcer)
Stargate Mod (by jigalypuff)

(Released 3-31-2023)

What to expect when running new installer.

When you first execute installer you will be prompted to select the language to install.
Image
You have 2 options English or German
Note; since most mods were released in English only, When German is selected, the installer will install as much German as possible. Some mods this is very limited. example; with Ultimate Dominion mod, when Dominion or Federation is played it would be still mostly English, while Cardassins, Klingons and Romulans would be only 30% English.
Vanilla, Error correction mod, Balance of power and Planet mod have full German versions.

next is the new license agreement
Image
you must accept before continuing.

Next, you will need to select the "Base folder location used by installer"
Image
Default location is the same as the original game used (C:\BOTF)
If you want to change this location you will need to change location each time installer is executed.
Note; each component folder is added automatically by installer. This is only base folder location

Next, you need to select what you want to install on this execution of the installer from the list.
Image

When a mod is already installed it should be uninstalled before re-installing or you will get this message.
If you "continue anyway" all old files will be overwritten with new files.
Image

Next, you can select options for the selected mod being installed.
Image
you can select the resolution to install (800 x 600, 1024 x 768, 1366 x 768 or 1920 x 1080)
Display options (Fullscreen, windowed or without DxWnd support)
option to add desktop icon.
some mods will also have other options. :wink:

Start menu
each installation has a folder added to the start menu for "Documentations" this will have various file such as original readme files and links to support pages.
Image

Uninstalling
You will be able to uninstall though start menu, add/remove programs and by directly executing the unins000.exe in each normal map install path. (large install path will not have uninstaller, but uninstall when normal unins000.exe is executed)

Details on installer file locations
installed game files
(User defined) default location C:\botf

start menu shortcuts
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Microprose

desktop shortcuts
C:\Users\Public\Desktop

regisrty entries
64 bit systems
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microprose (Written by installer)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\DirectPlay\Applications (Written by installer)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall (written by windows but uses app id from installer)

32 bit systems
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microprose (Written by installer)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DirectPlay\Applications (Written by installer)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall (written by windows, but uses app id from installer)

Info on DxWnd proxy

The proxy use 3 files to allow proper running of game

Fullscreen proxy uses these 3 files
dxwnd.dll (main proxy file, same file for fullscreen and windowed modes)
dxwnd.dxw (configuration file with settings, different file for fullscreen and windowed modes)
winmm.dll (this is the fullscreen proxy file, different file for windowed modes)

Windowed proxy uses these 3 files
dxwnd.dll (main proxy file, same file for fullscreen and windowed modes)
dxwnd.dxw (configuration file with settings, different file settings for fullscreen and windowed modes)
ddraw.dll (this is the windowed proxy file, different file for fullscreen modes)

If you are wanting to switch between fullscreen and windowed mod
all 3 file need to be removed from install path Before adding other proxy files (files are in tools folder "dx proxy files" folder)
Note; to use DxWnd GUI or to add MPR++, the proxy files should not be present in install path
Or you can uninstall and reinstall and select different option.

I hope everyone enjoys,
thunderchero
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by thunderchero »

Hi Everyone,

less than 2 week after release.

Top 10 mods 362 downloads
older mods 55 downloads
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by Spocks-cuddly-tribble »

It's a very rare issue, so not sure updating all mods is worth the hassle: viewtopic.php?p=59286#p59286

- Reduce false liberations (all mods)
- Bonus to Success Chance of Invasion when Freeing Systems - Updated (mods using the old patch)
I don't know how many bugs is too many but that point is reached somewhere before however many in BotF is.
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by thunderchero »

Spocks-cuddly-tribble wrote: Sat May 27, 2023 2:37 pm It's a very rare issue, so not sure updating all mods is worth the hassle: viewtopic.php?p=59286#p59286

- Reduce false liberations (all mods)
- Bonus to Success Chance of Invasion when Freeing Systems - Updated (mods using the old patch)
currently only 4 mods use "Bonus to Success Chance of Invasion when Freeing Systems" patch

ECM, MUM, UDM, UM5
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by Spocks-cuddly-tribble »

I finally tested a game in ECMS (Shield Level Fix) Reduced Torpedo Efficiency against Shields for realism and longer battles.

The bad news is, the weapon multiplier and shield level for torpedoes is only semi-implemented, hence this great feature isn't working as intended.

The first cosmetic issue of the missing torpedo multiplier in ECMS Redeploy screen is easy to fix (Object Database and Tactical Combat is fine):
Weapon_Damage_Multiplier_Redeploy_Glitch.png
Weapon_Damage_Multiplier_Redeploy_Glitch.png (114.52 KiB) Viewed 21474 times

But the vanilla torpedo code inconsistencies pose a decent problem and might also cause other torpedo glitches like invisible and/or not moving torpedoes.
No global target check for shields up/down, damage control, shield level and penetration i.e. pre-multiplied/static damage is wrong and out of sync. :dwn:



The good news is, with my new workaround patch, even with remaining code inconsistencies, the battles are much more tactical and cinematic. :cool:

I still have to test whether the AI understands the new torpedo code.


Here is ECMS update patch and updated ECMS shiplist.sst (K'Vort shield level): viewtopic.php?p=54617#p54617

ECMS_Shield_Level_Fix_Patch.patch
(2.88 KiB) Downloaded 125 times
ECMS_shiplist.zip
(7.4 KiB) Downloaded 122 times
I don't know how many bugs is too many but that point is reached somewhere before however many in BotF is.
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by johnnyblaze »

Hey yooo
I'm running windows 11
if i can find a version of Ultimate Mod that doesn't crash constantly
i would be a happy man
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by thunderchero »

johnnyblaze wrote: Sat Jul 01, 2023 3:15 pm Hey yooo
I'm running windows 11
if i can find a version of Ultimate Mod that doesn't crash constantly
i would be a happy man
All you have to do is request link in this topic
viewtopic.php?p=59217#p59217
and report back any issues
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by mytranquillity85 »

Hi,

downloaded the new installer - noticed the UM5 had some changes (good ones!)

I found some potential bugs - not sure if this is the right place:
  • When playing Romulans I cannot build the Warhawk. As soon as I mouse over it in any system the game instantly crashes.
    I can see it in the object database however.
ST:BOF Thu Aug 17 09:52:43 2023

Version Under Test: 72
File: guifile.c, Line: 131, i_rn_c.tga
Initialize State: 31
Player Empire: 4 Starting Seed: 1692176239
Galaxy shape: 1 Galaxy Size: 0
  • Also when other factions sign a treaty the info box shows a huge picture that covers the ack. button - I can hit esc to get passed it.
Thanks
Andy
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by thunderchero »

mytranquillity85 wrote: Thu Aug 17, 2023 4:03 am When playing Romulans I cannot build the Warhawk. As soon as I mouse over it in any system the game instantly crashes.
known issue, fixed in beta installer

viewtopic.php?p=59466#p59466
mytranquillity85 wrote: Thu Aug 17, 2023 4:03 am Also when other factions sign a treaty the info box shows a huge picture that covers the ack. button - I can hit esc to get passed it.
this is first report of this issue, but maybe fix in beta installer.

things needed to look at issue
1. a saved game a turn before info box issue.
2. I need to know what resolution you installed.
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by HarryMudd »

Not sure where to report possible bugs, but:
I'm an old fan of this game but stopped playing when later versions of Windows caused me to give up. I found your website recently and downloaded the latest version from your website; BOTF_Top_10_mods_2.0.3.exe.
Cracking update, by the way! I'd forgotten how engrossing BOTF was!

I had an odd 'bug' whilst playing a session using the "Error Correction Mod". I usually work on my PC, then when I get a spare moment I start BOTF, play 3 or 4 turns, then quit. Around turn 89 I received the 'Subspace Anomaly occurs-Warp drive inoperable' message. I've had this before when playing my old version and thought I'd be stuck for a little while so I didn't worry too much. After turn 100 I was getting a little concerned.
At Turn 110, I received the 'Subspace Anomaly occurs-Warp drive inoperable' message again! This seemed a little odd so I decided to play through without interruption and at Turn 113 the anomaly ended. Sadly, I never thought to retain any of the saved games for you.

Another minor issue: later, I attacked a system (Krios colonised by Klingons) with 9 Romulan Strike Cruisers. When all life was was ended and I tried to move the cruisers, they were still showing as 'Attack System'

Otherwise, thoroughly enjoyable to play BOTF again! Keep up the good work!
Brian
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by Spocks-cuddly-tribble »

Hi HarryMudd,

Those are two unfixed BotF default bugs:

- Subspace Anomaly can be randomly prolonged when loading saved games

- some task forces keep wrong fleet orders after the task was completed (e.g. multiple fleets -> terraform / system attack)
I don't know how many bugs is too many but that point is reached somewhere before however many in BotF is.
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by HarryMudd »

OK, thanks for letting me know.
This hadn't occurred to me before (and I used to play a lot of BOTF !)
By the way, is there a thread somewhere on the board to report / search bugs?
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by thunderchero »

HarryMudd wrote: Fri Sep 08, 2023 3:01 pm By the way, is there a thread somewhere on the board to report / search bugs?
if mod related use mod thread from this section
viewforum.php?f=24

if installer related this section is fine
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by erazortt »

For me on Windows 11 Fullscreen does not work. It switches the resolution but then shows the game only in the upper left quarter of the screen.
I need to use DxWnd for things to work. And this does not have the actual installation path set but just the default C:\botf
Anybody else having these issues?
Last edited by erazortt on Mon Sep 11, 2023 5:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: BOTF installers 2.0.3 (released 3-31-2023)

Post by thunderchero »

erazortt wrote: Mon Sep 11, 2023 5:30 pm For me on Windows 11 Fullscreen does not work. It switches the resolution but then shows the game only in the upper left quarter of the screen.
I need to use DxWnd for things to work. And this does not have the of the installeion path setup but just the default C:\botf
Anybody else having these issues?
sounds like you need to check your windows scale
viewtopic.php?p=53094#p53094

or if your resolution is supported by BOTF
viewtopic.php?p=53092#p53092
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