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Difference between revisions of "Windows"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(little adjustments, added unresolved issues note)
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{{infobox non-game
+
{{Infobox non-game
|cover         = Windows logo and wordmark - 2012.svg
+
|cover       = Microsoft Windows logo.svg
|developer     = [[Company:Microsoft|Microsoft]]
+
|developers  =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Microsoft}}
 +
|release dates =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|November 20, 1985}}
 +
|winehq      =
 +
|wikipedia    = Microsoft Windows
 
}}
 
}}
  
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The Command Prompt is the command-line interpreter provided by Microsoft for Windows systems and is the not-as-powerful equivalent of the shell in [[Linux]] and [[Mac OS]]. It can be accessed by going to 'run' and typing 'cmd.exe' or by running a 'Batch file'.
 
The Command Prompt is the command-line interpreter provided by Microsoft for Windows systems and is the not-as-powerful equivalent of the shell in [[Linux]] and [[Mac OS]]. It can be accessed by going to 'run' and typing 'cmd.exe' or by running a 'Batch file'.
 
====Admin Command Prompt====
 
====Admin Command Prompt====
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Windows 8 and later|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Windows 8 and later}}
 
 
* Push {{key|Win+X}}, then push {{key|A}}.
 
* Push {{key|Win+X}}, then push {{key|A}}.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Task Manager===
 
===Task Manager===
The Task Manager is an application built into Windows that allows for the managing running processes as-well as providing information about computer performance. It can be accessed by pressing 'Ctrl + Alt + Delete' and choosing 'Task Manager' or you can press 'Ctrl + Shift + Esc' to open it directly.
+
The Task Manager is an application built into Windows that allows for the managing running processes as-well as providing information about computer performance. It can be accessed by pressing {{Key|Ctrl}}+{{Key|Alt}}+{{Key|Delete}} and choosing '''Task Manager''' or you can press {{Key|Ctrl}}+{{Key|Shift}}+{{Key|Esc}} to open it directly.
  
 
===Device Manager===
 
===Device Manager===
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===Registry Editor===
 
===Registry Editor===
 
The Registry Editor allows users to edit the Windows registry. It can be accessed by going to 'run' and typing 'Regedit.exe'.  
 
The Registry Editor allows users to edit the Windows registry. It can be accessed by going to 'run' and typing 'Regedit.exe'.  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Basic Editing|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Basic Editing}}
 
 
# Push {{key|Win|R}}, type '''regedit''', then click '''OK'''.
 
# Push {{key|Win|R}}, type '''regedit''', then click '''OK'''.
 
# Navigate to the desired registry key, such as <code>{{p|hkcu}}</code>, under the '''Computer''' category.
 
# Navigate to the desired registry key, such as <code>{{p|hkcu}}</code>, under the '''Computer''' category.
 
# Double click on any entries on the right side, right after selecting a registry key, under the '''Name''' category, in order to edit them.
 
# Double click on any entries on the right side, right after selecting a registry key, under the '''Name''' category, in order to edit them.
 
}}
 
}}
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Advanced Search|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Advanced Search}}
 
 
# Download [https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963880.aspx RegJump], extract it inside the root directory of the main '''Local Disk''' location.
 
# Download [https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963880.aspx RegJump], extract it inside the root directory of the main '''Local Disk''' location.
 
# Copy any desired path into the clipboard.
 
# Copy any desired path into the clipboard.
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}}
 
}}
  
===Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)===
+
===[[Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)]]===
A [[Blue screen of death (BSOD)|Blue Screen of Death]] (a.k.a BSOD or Bluescreen) is an error screen that Windows produces when it encounters an error that it cannot recover from.
+
A Blue Screen of Death (a.k.a BSOD or Bluescreen) is an error screen that Windows produces when it encounters an error that it cannot recover from.
  
===DirectX===
+
===[[Glossary:DirectX|DirectX]]===
[[Glossary:DirectX|DirectX]] is a collection of APIs for Windows that allows programs to interact directly with hardware.
+
DirectX is a collection of APIs for Windows that allows programs to interact directly with hardware.
  
 
===.NET Framework===
 
===.NET Framework===
The .NET Framework is a software framework for Windows that is required for games built in .NET-aware languages (such as C# or Visual Basic), including those that use [[Engine:XNA|XNA]]. Different games may require different versions of .NET Framework. A list with download links to all versions may be found on [http://www.microsoft.com/net/download/earlier-versions Microsoft's website]. Windows 8 users may want to read [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/net-framework-windows-8 this]
+
The .NET Framework is a software framework for Windows that is required for games built in .NET-aware languages (such as C# or Visual Basic), including those that use [[Engine:XNA|XNA]]. Different games may require different versions of .NET Framework. A list with download links to all versions may be found on [https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb822049.aspx MSDN]. Windows 8 and 10 users may want to read [https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh506443.aspx this].
  
 
===DLLs===
 
===DLLs===
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==Issues unresolved==
 
==Issues unresolved==
 +
<!-- Maybe we should have a separate page with features (relevant to gaming) added and removed across Windows versions, akin to wikipedia. Maybe a feature matrix. -->
 
===SafeDisc protection doesn't work with Windows 10===
 
===SafeDisc protection doesn't work with Windows 10===
 
Previous Windows of versions included a compatible version of {{file|secdrv.sys}} for the Macrovision safedisc [[DRM]], but Windows 10 does not, rendering games requiring SafeDisc unplayable. According to a Microsoft representative "Safedisc is not supported on Windows 10" and people will have to wait for Macrovision to come out with an updated secdrv.sys.<ref>[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/games_windows_10/age-of-mythology-windows-10/c7142024-8298-4060-aeb8-0e77d9d83af7 Microsoft Community Forums :: Age of Mythology - Windows 10]</ref>
 
Previous Windows of versions included a compatible version of {{file|secdrv.sys}} for the Macrovision safedisc [[DRM]], but Windows 10 does not, rendering games requiring SafeDisc unplayable. According to a Microsoft representative "Safedisc is not supported on Windows 10" and people will have to wait for Macrovision to come out with an updated secdrv.sys.<ref>[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/games_windows_10/age-of-mythology-windows-10/c7142024-8298-4060-aeb8-0e77d9d83af7 Microsoft Community Forums :: Age of Mythology - Windows 10]</ref>
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==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
 +
===Alt F4 doesn't terminate freezed applications===
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use [https://stefansundin.github.io/superf4/ SuperF4]}}
 +
 
===Older Games Missing .dll File on Windows Vista and later===
 
===Older Games Missing .dll File on Windows Vista and later===
 
{{ii}} Some .dll files have different names on Windows Vista and later.
 
{{ii}} Some .dll files have different names on Windows Vista and later.
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Copy DLL to folder|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Copy DLL to folder}}
 
 
# Make a note of the name of the missing .dll.
 
# Make a note of the name of the missing .dll.
 
# Go to <code>{{p|windir}}\SysWOW64</code> (or <code>{{p|windir}}\System32</code> if you are running a 32-bit version of Windows).
 
# Go to <code>{{p|windir}}\SysWOW64</code> (or <code>{{p|windir}}\System32</code> if you are running a 32-bit version of Windows).
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===Older games refuse to start on Windows 8 and later===
 
===Older games refuse to start on Windows 8 and later===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install DirectPlay|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Install DirectPlay}}
 
 
# Open the Start screen, type <code>OptionalFeatures.exe</code> and press {{key|Enter}}.
 
# Open the Start screen, type <code>OptionalFeatures.exe</code> and press {{key|Enter}}.
 
# Expand Legacy Components.
 
# Expand Legacy Components.
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''Note: Normally Windows 8+ automatically detects if an application needs DirectPlay or other legacy components when it launches and prompts the user to install DirectPlay, but this requires a certain combination of services to be active such as the Diagnostic Policy Service which are sometimes disabled by the user.''
 
''Note: Normally Windows 8+ automatically detects if an application needs DirectPlay or other legacy components when it launches and prompts the user to install DirectPlay, but this requires a certain combination of services to be active such as the Diagnostic Policy Service which are sometimes disabled by the user.''
 
}}
 
}}
 
===Updating DirectX===
 
To obtain the latest DirectX, install the [http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35 DirectX End-User Runtimes]. It is worth noting that DirectX optional components are not automatically updated by Windows Update. Although certain games come with the required DLLs, others ship with large DirectX redistributable packages, which often contain files unnecessary for the game, and take a long time to install. Periodically running the Web Installer will keep your optional components up to date, allowing you to skip installing the DirectX redistributable packages.
 
  
 
===Force CPU affinity===
 
===Force CPU affinity===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Provisional solution: Task manager|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Provisional solution: Task manager}}
+
# Open Windows [[#Task Manager|Task Manager]]
# Open Windows [[Task Manager]]
 
 
# Find game's process name (right click on its task and press "Go to process")
 
# Find game's process name (right click on its task and press "Go to process")
 
# Right click on the process name
 
# Right click on the process name
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}}
 
}}
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Permanent solution: customized shortcut|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Permanent solution: customized shortcut}}
 
 
# Right click on your desktop
 
# Right click on your desktop
 
# Make a new shortcut to <code>{{p|windir}}\System32\cmd.exe</code>
 
# Make a new shortcut to <code>{{p|windir}}\System32\cmd.exe</code>
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}}
 
}}
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Permanent solution: flag game executable|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Permanent solution: flag game executable}}
 
 
# Download [http://www2.robpol86.com/guides/ImageCFG/ ImageCFG]
 
# Download [http://www2.robpol86.com/guides/ImageCFG/ ImageCFG]
 
# Place it in the same folder of the game exe
 
# Place it in the same folder of the game exe
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}}
 
}}
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use PsExec|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Use PsExec}}
+
# Download [https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897553.aspx Sysinternals's PsTools]
# Download [http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897553.aspx Sysinternals's PsTools]
 
 
# Extract PsExec in the game executable folder
 
# Extract PsExec in the game executable folder
 
# Run the game through the following command (command line and/or a batch file can be used)
 
# Run the game through the following command (command line and/or a batch file can be used)
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}}
 
}}
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use RunFirst|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Use RunFirst}}
 
 
# Download [http://www.activeplus.com/Products/RunFirst RunFirst]
 
# Download [http://www.activeplus.com/Products/RunFirst RunFirst]
 
# Create a shortcut to <code>RunFirst.exe</code> with the path to game executable as a parameter
 
# Create a shortcut to <code>RunFirst.exe</code> with the path to game executable as a parameter
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===4-Gigabyte Tuning===
 
===4-Gigabyte Tuning===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Windows XP and Server 2003 (x86 only): edit boot configuration file|ref=<ref>[https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff556232%28v=vs.85%29.aspx /3GB (Windows Drivers) - Microsoft Developer Network]</ref>|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Windows NT 4.0 Server Enterprise Edition and 2000 Advanced Server: edit boot configuration file|ref=<ref>[https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb124810.aspx How to Set the /3GB Startup Switch in Windows - TechNet]</ref>}}
 
# Open <code>C:\boot.ini</code>
 
# Add the <code>/3GB</code> switch to the end of the line of the current boot configuration
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Windows XP Professional and 2003 Server (x86 only): edit boot configuration file|ref=<ref>[http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff556232%28v=vs.85%29.aspx /3GB (Windows Drivers) - Microsoft Developer Network]</ref>}}
 
 
# Open [[#Command Prompt|command prompt]] under administrator privileges  
 
# Open [[#Command Prompt|command prompt]] under administrator privileges  
 
# Type <code>bootcfg /raw "/3GB /userva=2048" /A /ID 1</code> (where 1 is the boot entry id)
 
# Type <code>bootcfg /raw "/3GB /userva=2048" /A /ID 1</code> (where 1 is the boot entry id)
{{Fixbox/fix|Windows Vista and later (x86 only): edit boot configuration database|ref=<ref>[http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff542202.aspx#_______increaseuserva________megabytes______ BCDEdit /set (Windows Drivers) - Microsoft Developer Network]</ref>}}
+
}}
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Windows Vista and later (x86 only): edit boot configuration database|ref=<ref>[https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff542202.aspx#_______increaseuserva________megabytes______ BCDEdit /set (Windows Drivers) - Microsoft Developer Network]</ref>|fix=
 
# Open an elevated [[#Command Prompt|command prompt]]
 
# Open an elevated [[#Command Prompt|command prompt]]
 
# Type <code>BCDEdit /set increaseuserva 2048</code>
 
# Type <code>BCDEdit /set increaseuserva 2048</code>
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
{{ii}} Windows default setting of 2048MB of user-mode virtual address space is used in the examples. Higher values may be attempted at risk of system instabilities
+
{{ii}} Windows default setting of 2048MB of user-mode virtual address space is used in the examples. Higher values may be attempted at risk of various system instabilities<ref>[https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20040805-00/?p=38233#comment-201583 The oft-misunderstood /3GB switch – The Old New Thing]</ref><ref>[https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20040806-00/?p=38223 Kernel address space consequences of the /3GB switch – The Old New Thing]</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Force IMAGE_FILE_LARGE_ADDRESS_AWARE flag in executables|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Force IMAGE_FILE_LARGE_ADDRESS_AWARE flag in executables}}
 
 
# Download [http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/large-address-aware.112556/ Large Address Aware enabler]
 
# Download [http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/large-address-aware.112556/ Large Address Aware enabler]
 
# Open it and select game executable  
 
# Open it and select game executable  
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'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
 
{{ii}} Should there be any issue, revert modification and try [http://www.ntcore.com/4gb_patch.php 4GB Patch]
 
{{ii}} Should there be any issue, revert modification and try [http://www.ntcore.com/4gb_patch.php 4GB Patch]
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Shoddy coded applications mess system-wide registry setting===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Edit key ACL|fix=
 +
# Open [[#Registry Editor|regedit]]
 +
# Navigate to the relevant key
 +
# Right-click over it, then ''Permissions'' and ''Advanced''
 +
# Depending on your Windows version either untick ''Permissions inheritance from parent'' or press ''Disable Inheritance''
 +
# When asked, choose to add/convert/copy previous permissions to the object
 +
# Click on Administrators group and edit its permissions
 +
# Select changes to apply ''This key only''
 +
# Last untick ''Set Value'' advanced permission
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} In the event of 32-bit offending program not expected to run with administrator privileges on Vista or newer Windows <code>reg flags "''<key>''" set DONT_VIRTUALIZE /reg:32</code> can be used instead<ref>[https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/richard_macdonald/2007/05/18/windows-vista-file-and-registry-virtualisation/ Windows Vista File and Registry Virtualisation – Richard's Weblog]</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Codec hell===
 
===Codec hell===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Reset DirectShow filters|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Reset DirectShow filters}}
 
 
# Download and open [http://www.softella.com/dsfm/index.en.htm DirectShow Filter Manager]
 
# Download and open [http://www.softella.com/dsfm/index.en.htm DirectShow Filter Manager]
 
# Go to the Troubleshooting tab
 
# Go to the Troubleshooting tab
 
# Select ''Restore standard DirectX codecs''
 
# Select ''Restore standard DirectX codecs''
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} Single filters can be adjusted with [http://codecguide.com/download_other.htm#codectweaktool Codec Tweak Tool]
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Missing codecs===
 
===Missing codecs===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install [http://ffdshow-tryout.sourceforge.net/ ffdshow]|ref=<ref>[http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=190254&page=65#post7309217 Tomb Raider 6 Modding Thread - www.tombraiderforums.com]</ref>|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Install [http://ffdshow-tryout.sourceforge.net/ ffdshow]|ref=<ref>[http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=190254&page=65#post7309217 Tomb Raider 6 Modding Thread - www.tombraiderforums.com]</ref>}}
 
 
{{ii}} Choose the release with the number of bits your troublesome application is compiled for, regardless of the actual OS instruction set
 
{{ii}} Choose the release with the number of bits your troublesome application is compiled for, regardless of the actual OS instruction set
 +
}}
 +
{{Fixbox|description=QuickTime for Windows is no more|ref={{CN|date=February 2018}}|fix=
 +
{{ii}} Install [http://www.free-codecs.com/qt_lite_download.htm QT Lite] for apps that use Apple's codecs.
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{ii}} Upgrading or refreshing your Windows installation will move some files and folders to a <code>Windows.old</code> folder on the system drive.
 
{{ii}} Upgrading or refreshing your Windows installation will move some files and folders to a <code>Windows.old</code> folder on the system drive.
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Retrieve files from windows.old|ref=<ref>[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-files-upgrade-windows-old Retrieve files from the Windows.old folder - Microsoft Windows Help]</ref>|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Retrieve files from windows.old|ref=<ref>[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-files-upgrade-windows-old Retrieve files from the Windows.old folder - Microsoft Windows Help]</ref>}}
 
 
# Open the Start screen/Start menu, type <code>Computer</code> and press {{key|Enter}}.
 
# Open the Start screen/Start menu, type <code>Computer</code> and press {{key|Enter}}.
 
# Go into the system drive (usually C:).
 
# Go into the system drive (usually C:).
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{{ii}} Easiest way to fix issues is to set Windows non-unicode language to language game origins from, but in some scenarios it may introduce unwanted changes in other programs, especially if OS language is other than English. This includes some basic characters being incorrectly replaced, programs defaulting to set non-unicode language and other programs suddenly not being able to launch or crash.  
 
{{ii}} Easiest way to fix issues is to set Windows non-unicode language to language game origins from, but in some scenarios it may introduce unwanted changes in other programs, especially if OS language is other than English. This includes some basic characters being incorrectly replaced, programs defaulting to set non-unicode language and other programs suddenly not being able to launch or crash.  
 
{{++}} AppLocale runs the application with same effect without effecting system.  
 
{{++}} AppLocale runs the application with same effect without effecting system.  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use Microsoft AppLocale|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Use Microsoft AppLocale}}
+
# Download Microsoft AppLocale [https://web.archive.org/web/20050115055602/http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=8c4e8e0d-45d1-4d9b-b7c0-8430c1ac89ab&displaylang=en here] and install it.
# Download Microsoft AppLocale [http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=13209 here] and install it.
+
#* With Windows versions after XP installation will fail. Simply put installer to XP SP3 compatibility mode to continue.  
#* With Windows versions after XP installion will fail. Simply put installer to XP SP3 compatibility mode to continue.  
 
 
# Open AppLocale follow instructions. It should automatically detect programs language.  
 
# Open AppLocale follow instructions. It should automatically detect programs language.  
 
}}
 
}}
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Change non-unicode language|ref=<ref>[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-system-locale Change the system locale - Windows Help]</ref>|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Change non-unicode language|ref=<ref>[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-system-locale Change the system locale - Windows Help]</ref>}}
 
 
# Go to Control Panel, Clock, Language and Region and Regional and Language Options.
 
# Go to Control Panel, Clock, Language and Region and Regional and Language Options.
 
# From Administrative tab change non-unicode language.  
 
# From Administrative tab change non-unicode language.  
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}}
 
}}
  
 +
===IPX protocol deprecated===
 +
{{ii}} IPX was a LAN protocol commonly used with older programs, especially games. Unfortunately it was removed entirely from Vista and later with no indication of returning.
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Try a wrapper|ref={{CN|date=February 2018}}|fix=
 +
Try one of the following:
 +
* [http://ipxemu.sourceforge.net ipxemu]
 +
* [http://www.solemnwarning.net/ipxwrapper/ IPXWrapper]
 +
* [http://www.kali.net Kali] - This one's more for tunneling IPX over the internet rather than LAN, but still works.
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Copy support files from Windows XP|ref=<ref>https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/82727f50-9e1b-4fcf-8a38-e45567938ec4/ipx-on-windows-7?forum=w7itpronetworking</ref>|fix=
 +
What you need: a working installation of Windows XP sp2.
 +
 +
Step 1.
 +
Ctrate a new folder c:\temp
 +
 +
Step 2.
 +
Copy the following files to the directory c:\temp *and* to the corrsponding vista directories:
 +
Note: You might need to open up an "elevated" command prompt, "run as administrator", (to get write access to directories).
 +
 +
Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnkipx.sys
 +
Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnkflt.sys
 +
Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnkfwd.sys
 +
Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnknb.sys
 +
Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnkspx.sys
 +
 +
Windows\System32\rtipxmib.dll
 +
Windows\System32\wshisn.dll
 +
Windows\System32\nwprovau.dll
 +
 +
Windows\inf\netnwlnk.inf  (*)
 +
Windows\inf\netnwlnk.pnf  (*)
 +
 +
(*) The directory "inf" is hidden
 +
 +
Step 3.
 +
Go to "manage network connection" (in control panel-> network). Right click your LAN adapter connection, click "install", "protocol", "Add", Do not select the IPX that is already in the list, be sure to select "have disk". Navigate to "c:\temp" and select file "netnwlnk.inf", now select "WLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS". You will get a warning it's not verifyable, install anyway (or not..).
 +
 +
If you get an error message about a missing module, you forgot to copy the above files to the windows 7 directories.
 +
 +
Step 4.
 +
Reboot computer.
 +
{{--}} Only works on 32-bit version of Vista and later.
 +
{{--}} Some parts of protocol don't even work (properties button greyed out in setting, ect.)
 +
{{ii}} Support files can also be downloaded [http://ccm.net/download/download-3890-support-ipx-for-vista here] in case you don't own XP.
 +
}}
 +
 +
==DOS compatibility (32-bit Windows only)==
 +
In the transition from Windows 9x to NT based versions, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_DOS_machine#Windows_NTVDM DOS compatibility was temporarily maintained], at least for 32-bit editions. For modern versions of Windows, we recommend you use [[DOSBox]].
 +
 +
If you're having trouble getting DOS games to run on older versions of NT (XP & 2000) checkout [http://www.sierrahelp.com The Sierra Help Pages].
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
===Running Microsoft Windows games on newer version of the OS===
+
===Running previous Windows versions bundled games on newer ones===
{{ii}} [http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/33214-How-to-use-Microsoft-Games-from-Windows-7-in-Windows-8-x-10?p=567765&viewfull=1#post567765 Automatic patcher thing.]
+
{{ii}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20150311235209/http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/33214-How-to-use-Microsoft-Games-from-Windows-7-in-Windows-8-x Automatic patcher thing.]
 +
 
 +
===Game Bar===
 +
See [[Windows 10#Game Bar|Game Bar]].
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
  
 
[[Category:Guide]]
 
[[Category:Guide]]

Revision as of 18:07, 25 February 2018

Windows
Windows cover
Developers
Microsoft
Release dates
Windows November 20, 1985
Windows at Wikipedia

Microsoft Windows is a popular family of operating systems.

General

Command Prompt

The Command Prompt is the command-line interpreter provided by Microsoft for Windows systems and is the not-as-powerful equivalent of the shell in Linux and Mac OS. It can be accessed by going to 'run' and typing 'cmd.exe' or by running a 'Batch file'.

Admin Command Prompt

Windows 8 and later
  • Push Win+X, then push A.

Task Manager

The Task Manager is an application built into Windows that allows for the managing running processes as-well as providing information about computer performance. It can be accessed by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete and choosing Task Manager or you can press Ctrl+ Shift+Esc to open it directly.

Device Manager

The Device Manager is an application built into Windows that allows for the management of device drivers. It can be accessed from the Control Panel.

Registry Editor

The Registry Editor allows users to edit the Windows registry. It can be accessed by going to 'run' and typing 'Regedit.exe'.

Basic Editing
  1. Push Win+R, type regedit, then click OK.
  2. Navigate to the desired registry key, such as HKEY_CURRENT_USER, under the Computer category.
  3. Double click on any entries on the right side, right after selecting a registry key, under the Name category, in order to edit them.
Advanced Search
  1. Download RegJump, extract it inside the root directory of the main Local Disk location.
  2. Copy any desired path into the clipboard.
  3. Open a Command prompt as an admin.
  4. Write CD YourRootFolder:\, regjump.exe and regjump -c.

Notes

The last command tells Windows to open the Registry Editor at the path which was currently stored inside the clipboard.

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

A Blue Screen of Death (a.k.a BSOD or Bluescreen) is an error screen that Windows produces when it encounters an error that it cannot recover from.

DirectX

DirectX is a collection of APIs for Windows that allows programs to interact directly with hardware.

.NET Framework

The .NET Framework is a software framework for Windows that is required for games built in .NET-aware languages (such as C# or Visual Basic), including those that use XNA. Different games may require different versions of .NET Framework. A list with download links to all versions may be found on MSDN. Windows 8 and 10 users may want to read this.

DLLs

DLL stands for "Dynamic Link Library". DLL files (.dll) are Windows exclusive library files containing code and data that can be used over several applications.

While they can save time for developers, these files can cause problems for the end-user (commonly referred to as "DLL Hell").

Issues unresolved

SafeDisc protection doesn't work with Windows 10

Previous Windows of versions included a compatible version of secdrv.sys for the Macrovision safedisc DRM, but Windows 10 does not, rendering games requiring SafeDisc unplayable. According to a Microsoft representative "Safedisc is not supported on Windows 10" and people will have to wait for Macrovision to come out with an updated secdrv.sys.[1]

Screen recorders, overlays, injectors won't work with Windows Apps

See Windows Store article for this and other Windows Apps related issues.

Issues fixed

Alt F4 doesn't terminate freezed applications

Use SuperF4

Older Games Missing .dll File on Windows Vista and later

Some .dll files have different names on Windows Vista and later.
Copy DLL to folder
  1. Make a note of the name of the missing .dll.
  2. Go to %WINDIR%\SysWOW64 (or %WINDIR%\System32 if you are running a 32-bit version of Windows).
  3. Find the .dll that has the same name as the missing .dll but with an additional x in the name (e.g. if the game can't find dplay.dll, look for dplayx.dll).
  4. Copy that .dll into the game's installation folder (do not move it).
  5. Rename the copy to the name of the .dll that was missing (so dplayx.dll becomes dplay.dll, etc.)
  6. The game should now see the .dll and play normally.

Older games refuse to start on Windows 8 and later

Install DirectPlay
  1. Open the Start screen, type OptionalFeatures.exe and press Enter.
  2. Expand Legacy Components.
  3. Ensure DirectPlay is checked.
  4. Click OK to save your changes.

Note: Normally Windows 8+ automatically detects if an application needs DirectPlay or other legacy components when it launches and prompts the user to install DirectPlay, but this requires a certain combination of services to be active such as the Diagnostic Policy Service which are sometimes disabled by the user.

Force CPU affinity

Provisional solution: Task manager
  1. Open Windows Task Manager
  2. Find game's process name (right click on its task and press "Go to process")
  3. Right click on the process name
  4. From the drop down menu select "Set Affinity..."
  5. Assign the game as many processors as you need
Permanent solution: customized shortcut
  1. Right click on your desktop
  2. Make a new shortcut to %WINDIR%\System32\cmd.exe
  3. Open its properties and add the following to the "Target" field
/C start "" /D "<path-to-game>\" /AFFINITY 1 "<path-to-game>\game.exe"

Notes

Shortcut name and icon can be customized to match game's ones.
Additional parameters can be normally added at the end of the target field
Affinity value must be in hex. To assign more than a core check this table
Permanent solution: flag game executable
  1. Download ImageCFG
  2. Place it in the same folder of the game exe
  3. Open there a command prompt and run
imagecfg -a 0x1 game.exe

Notes

Executable won't be backed up, so if you'll have to do so yourself if you wish to revert it.
Affinity value is in hex. If you want to assign more than a core, check here
Use PsExec
  1. Download Sysinternals's PsTools
  2. Extract PsExec in the game executable folder
  3. Run the game through the following command (command line and/or a batch file can be used)
psexec -a 0 game.exe

Notes

Additional cores can be specified with a comma after the previous ones
Use RunFirst
  1. Download RunFirst
  2. Create a shortcut to RunFirst.exe with the path to game executable as a parameter

Notes

This won't work if game requires to be launched through an external client

4-Gigabyte Tuning

Windows XP and Server 2003 (x86 only): edit boot configuration file[2]
  1. Open command prompt under administrator privileges
  2. Type bootcfg /raw "/3GB /userva=2048" /A /ID 1 (where 1 is the boot entry id)
Windows Vista and later (x86 only): edit boot configuration database[3]
  1. Open an elevated command prompt
  2. Type BCDEdit /set increaseuserva 2048

Notes

Windows default setting of 2048MB of user-mode virtual address space is used in the examples. Higher values may be attempted at risk of various system instabilities[4][5]
Force IMAGE_FILE_LARGE_ADDRESS_AWARE flag in executables
  1. Download Large Address Aware enabler
  2. Open it and select game executable
  3. Tick LAA checkbox and save changes

Notes

Should there be any issue, revert modification and try 4GB Patch

Shoddy coded applications mess system-wide registry setting

Edit key ACL
  1. Open regedit
  2. Navigate to the relevant key
  3. Right-click over it, then Permissions and Advanced
  4. Depending on your Windows version either untick Permissions inheritance from parent or press Disable Inheritance
  5. When asked, choose to add/convert/copy previous permissions to the object
  6. Click on Administrators group and edit its permissions
  7. Select changes to apply This key only
  8. Last untick Set Value advanced permission

Notes

In the event of 32-bit offending program not expected to run with administrator privileges on Vista or newer Windows reg flags "<key>" set DONT_VIRTUALIZE /reg:32 can be used instead[6]

Codec hell

Reset DirectShow filters
  1. Download and open DirectShow Filter Manager
  2. Go to the Troubleshooting tab
  3. Select Restore standard DirectX codecs

Notes

Single filters can be adjusted with Codec Tweak Tool

Missing codecs

Install ffdshow[7]
Choose the release with the number of bits your troublesome application is compiled for, regardless of the actual OS instruction set
QuickTime for Windows is no more[citation needed]
Install QT Lite for apps that use Apple's codecs.

Game files missing after upgrading or refreshing Windows

Upgrading or refreshing your Windows installation will move some files and folders to a Windows.old folder on the system drive.
Retrieve files from windows.old[8]
  1. Open the Start screen/Start menu, type Computer and press Enter.
  2. Go into the system drive (usually C:).
  3. Go into the Windows.old folder.
  4. Go to the equivalent location for the files you are looking for and move them to their normal location.

Non-unicode applications

This is most commonly issue with Japanese games and visual novels. Games may work directly, but usually there may be scrambled text, bugs, game won't start or refuses to even install.
Easiest way to fix issues is to set Windows non-unicode language to language game origins from, but in some scenarios it may introduce unwanted changes in other programs, especially if OS language is other than English. This includes some basic characters being incorrectly replaced, programs defaulting to set non-unicode language and other programs suddenly not being able to launch or crash.
AppLocale runs the application with same effect without effecting system.
Use Microsoft AppLocale
  1. Download Microsoft AppLocale here and install it.
    • With Windows versions after XP installation will fail. Simply put installer to XP SP3 compatibility mode to continue.
  2. Open AppLocale follow instructions. It should automatically detect programs language.
Change non-unicode language[9]
  1. Go to Control Panel, Clock, Language and Region and Regional and Language Options.
  2. From Administrative tab change non-unicode language.
  3. Restart computer for changes to take effect.

IPX protocol deprecated

IPX was a LAN protocol commonly used with older programs, especially games. Unfortunately it was removed entirely from Vista and later with no indication of returning.
Try a wrapper[citation needed]

Try one of the following:

  • ipxemu
  • IPXWrapper
  • Kali - This one's more for tunneling IPX over the internet rather than LAN, but still works.
Copy support files from Windows XP[10]

What you need: a working installation of Windows XP sp2.

Step 1. Ctrate a new folder c:\temp

Step 2. Copy the following files to the directory c:\temp *and* to the corrsponding vista directories: Note: You might need to open up an "elevated" command prompt, "run as administrator", (to get write access to directories).

Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnkipx.sys Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnkflt.sys Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnkfwd.sys Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnknb.sys Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnkspx.sys

Windows\System32\rtipxmib.dll Windows\System32\wshisn.dll Windows\System32\nwprovau.dll

Windows\inf\netnwlnk.inf (*) Windows\inf\netnwlnk.pnf (*)

(*) The directory "inf" is hidden

Step 3. Go to "manage network connection" (in control panel-> network). Right click your LAN adapter connection, click "install", "protocol", "Add", Do not select the IPX that is already in the list, be sure to select "have disk". Navigate to "c:\temp" and select file "netnwlnk.inf", now select "WLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS". You will get a warning it's not verifyable, install anyway (or not..).

If you get an error message about a missing module, you forgot to copy the above files to the windows 7 directories.

Step 4. Reboot computer.

Only works on 32-bit version of Vista and later.
Some parts of protocol don't even work (properties button greyed out in setting, ect.)
Support files can also be downloaded here in case you don't own XP.

DOS compatibility (32-bit Windows only)

In the transition from Windows 9x to NT based versions, DOS compatibility was temporarily maintained, at least for 32-bit editions. For modern versions of Windows, we recommend you use DOSBox.

If you're having trouble getting DOS games to run on older versions of NT (XP & 2000) checkout The Sierra Help Pages.

Other information

Running previous Windows versions bundled games on newer ones

Automatic patcher thing.

Game Bar

See Game Bar.


References