Doug Williams

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Scipio, You are preaching a valid religion, but some souls are a waist of time, some of them just like to be mounted, simple has that ! <hr></blockquote> Ahhhh, sexual innuendo, I was wondering how long it would take. When reason fails, bring up sex or Hitler. I actually sympathize with Scipio. I don't like the "required registration" either. I was a vociferous opponent of DIVX (remember that?). I also raised a hue and cry when Edensoft released Red Storm (I think that was the name), the first game (to my knowledge) that required a key code to operate. It was a miserable failure, though it may have been a good game. If Microsoft wants to do this, no amount of crying about it will do any good. You will either agree to thier terms, become a software pirate, or be stuck with an old OS that will become more and more incompatible with new software as time goes on. Scipio's religion is "It's better to rule in hell than to serve in heaven." I don't see it that way.

Joe, Whether she was being majorly unreasonable, or just a little tactless is just a matter of opinion. You have yours, I have mine. <blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Anyone who has been around computer games for any period of time knows that this kind of thing happens all the time. It was NOT the fault of BTS and BTS has shown very good faith in their efforts to resolve the problem, IMO. <hr></blockquote> Well, I have been around computer games since there have been personal computers, and you're right, it happens all the time. I know it's not BTS fault, but I contend that BTS will be the only company that suffers if the issue isn't resolved. As for them showing good faith in their efforts to resolve the problem, the only effort I know about is their letting Nvidia know about the problem. Now, I'm not saying that they should have to do any more than that, but, again, it's their sales that will suffer the most if the problem isn't fixed. They don't need to worry about me, I'll buy CMBB whether it works with XP and GeForce or not. Probably the same can be said about most forum posters. But we are the "fanatic fringe", the "hard core" BTS supporters. <blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Bottom line ... there is clearly a problem with some OS and video card mixes. Having had this happen to me in the past I know how frustrating it can be. The ISSUE is an important one, the manner in which Linda handled it was boorish and deserving of censure. <hr></blockquote> Her demands were somewhat tactless, agreed.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Really? I tell every CM player that I know that CM don't run on XP. Because of this, they don't purchase XP. Well, even if this won't make Billy sleepless nights... <hr></blockquote> Yes, but what about new BTS customers who already have XP installed? Plus, not all BTS customers are as fanatical as we forum posters. Given an either/or situation, they may choose XP over CM. <blockquote>quote:</font><hr>For me it's a simple question with a simple answer : I don't accept. <hr></blockquote> Then you are forever stuck with an outdated OS. <blockquote>quote:</font><hr> Doug, if you don't like MS, why do you defend them? <hr></blockquote> I neither like, nor dislike them. Microsoft is like death and taxes, they are a fact of life. <blockquote>quote:</font><hr>If the problem is caused by XP or NVidia, why do you expect from BTS that they solve this problem for them? <hr></blockquote> Like I said, it would be in BTS' best interest if this problem were solved. Microsoft probably couldn't care less. Nvidia might care, if they heard from enough CM users. [ 10-29-2001: Message edited by: Doug Williams ]</p>

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>I think if you'll look through the responses to "her" (I even have my doubts about that ... Linda WarChest ... come on) you'll find that there are two issues. One is that "Linda" is a jerk, likely a troll and referring to her as needing "some more tact" is like saying that Jack the Ripper had "some issues with women." Her diatribe was rude and unjustified. If she had an issue she could have mentioned it, waited a REASONABLE time to get a resolution and then posted a follow up. <hr></blockquote> Ok, I went back and re-read her original post and all her responses. Like I said, she was a little tactless and jumping to conclusions, but she never did any name calling. She was basically told to go away and "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out". Not a good response on our part and that won't win any new customers for BTS. She came into our sandbox and kicked a little sand, so we get all defensive and tell her to get lost. I don't know if she was trolling or not. She (or he), could actually have a new PC with XP installed and a copy of CM. If so, she/he is most certainly experiencing problems. <blockquote>quote:</font><hr>The second issue is the usual "I hate MS because ..." crowd and since there's little practical option (to MS I mean, XP is obviously a matter of choice ... and no I DON'T want to get into a PC vs. Mac debate EITHER ) I don't think that counts. <hr></blockquote> I agree. It is hip to hate Microsoft. Everybody hates 'em. I bet Bill Gates is crying all the way to the bank. As for the "buy a Mac" crowd. No thanks. I like to game, and too many games are never released on the Mac platform. <blockquote>quote:</font><hr>I don't doubt that the video card / XP issue is one that BTS should be/ is looking into, but it's not THEIR fault that MS or the video card makers create new products that aren't compatible with CM. <hr></blockquote> I agree. But it's BTS, not Nvidia or Microsoft, who will suffer if this problem isn't fixed. <blockquote>quote:</font><hr>I'm also quite certain that BTS is looking into the issue, has ANYONE here seen a game company with customer service that rivals that of BTS? <hr></blockquote> Can't say I have. They're a good bunch of guys who care about their product. I'm sure they are concerned about this.

Scipio, I'm no huge fan of Microsoft, nor am I any sort of expert on software legalities, but if you want me to play "Devil's Advocate" as a purely intellectual exercise, I'll have a go. <blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Who gives Microsoft the right to demand a registration ONCE from me? <hr></blockquote> If demanding a registration is part of the contract for purchasing and installing the software, then you clicking "I Accept" gives them the right. <blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Who gives Microsoft the right to observe my Computer for upgrades? <hr></blockquote> Again, when you click "I Accept". <blockquote>quote:</font><hr>As I understand EULA, I buy the right to use the XP on one Computer. What if I purchase/build a complete new computer and want to install XP on my new PC? Will they say, sorry, purchase a new copy for your new computer!? <hr></blockquote> As I understand it, you buy the right to install the software on one computer. If you purchase/build a new computer and install the software on it, you are supposed to uninstall it from the old computer or purchase another copy of the software. This is nothing new. What is new is now it will be harder to get away with non compliance of this law. Not impossible, just more difficult.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Geez -- I haven't seen so many people feeding a troll since I accidentally withdrew my wounded AD&D party into the wrong room in Pool of Radiance I. <hr></blockquote> Ahhhh, the "two trolls tossing a sack of flour" room. Tough fight! Linda could have used some more tact, but I'm glad she brought this issue up. I didn't consider it "minor" when it ruined my enjoyment of my favorite game. Fortunately, XP made itself very easy to uninstall and go back to W98. Unfortunately, people who buy new PCs with XP installed probably won't have that option. This will cause loss of sales for BTS unless the problem is addressed. Like was mentioned earlier, "basic marketing 101".

IIRC, in the past you have offered your mods with and without the zimmerit. Will you do the same with this one?

Wow. Linda sure caused a stir. There were several reasonable responses, but the signal to noise ratio of this thread has gone way down the longer the thread becomes. I know you guys love CM and BTS. So do I. I know it's chic to portray Microsoft as Big Brother and beat your chest about how you're "not gonna take it", etc. , but the fact is XP is a good OS, the registration is really not that big a deal for those who actually buy the software. How often do we actually upgrade six pieces of hardware at once? I constantly upgrade my PC, but it's usually only one or two pieces at a time. Now, another fact is the GeForce series is a very popular chipset, and with the release of the GeForce 3, is likely to remain so. XP, I guarantee, is going to be a popular OS. Gateway is already shipping PCs with XP installed. The computer store where my wife works is getting requests for new PCs with XP installed. Now, it may not be fair to blame BTS for Nvidia's driver problems, but when push comes to shove, unless the situation is resolved, it's going to hurt sales of CMBO and CMBB. Joe Blow is not gonna like it when his new whiz bang computer with it's GeForce 3 video card won't run his brand new copy of CMBO/CMBB properly. Where's he gonna come to complain? Probably right here to BTS. If I were BTS, I would be on the telephone to Nvidia doing my best to get this situation worked out. We can help by e-mailing Nvidia ourselves and complaining about it. If they hear enough complaints, something will get done.

Tanaka, XP, because it's based on the W2K kernel instead of the W9X kernel, is much more stable than W9X/ME. What this means is no more "blue screen of death" reboots. It's also more networking friendly. It has built in zip support, so you don't need Winzip. It's media player can play DVDs, so you don't need 3rd party software for that. You can read all about it on the web...

Guys, Don't berate Linda for her concerns. She has one of the most popular video card chipsets on the market, and XP, despite what some people have said in this thread, will dominate the OS scene for the home user for the next few years. W98 is long in the tooth and on it's way out. XP has gotten universally positive reviews from every gaming web site, paper gaming magazine, and mainstream PC magazine that I have read (and I read a bunch). BTS should be, and I bet they are, concerned about this problem. Especially given the fact that CMBB, which uses the same engine, is due to be released this year. Dual boots are a good idea. I will eventually do that myself if the problem isn't resolved with a new driver or patch. You may laugh, but I actually have five computers set up and working, including everything from an XT, a 386, a 486, a Pentium 233, and a PIII 866. I own a bunch of games, dating back to the early 1980's, and I can still run them all on one system or another. I built them all myself, except for the XT. But I digress...ESCing to the desktop didn't fix the problem for me. I never tried Alt-Tab. I wish I had. Linda is right, if a little over dramatic. This problem needs to be dealt with, either by Nvidia or BTS, or people will be complaining.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>I did the right thing and uninstalled CM1. <hr></blockquote> :eek: Gasp! Unthinkable! Seriously, I'm sure this issue will eventually be addressed. Hopefully soon.

Schrullenhaft, What you say is true, and good advice, but don't err on the side of thinking it's a minor problem. I found it very annoying. Enough to ruin my enjoyment of the game and make me uninstall XP.

Linda, We don't know that the problem will even exist in CM2, since it hasn't been released yet. Hopefully, Nvidia will step up to the plate and post a fixed driver soon. I have personally e-mailed their public relations guy and complained about this issue, and I know of at least one other person who did the same. We should all e-mail them. Squeaky wheel gets the grease. As for myself, I uninstalled XP and went back to W98 for the time being. I like CM better than any OS. I'd probably go back to DOS if that's what it took.

Way to hack off a mod artist, Peter.

This problem has been discussed in several threads in the Tech Support forum. I believe it is a driver issue with the Nvidia cards. Nvidia is aware of the issue and, hopefully, will fix the problem with a driver update. Oh, and BTW, it's not just an XP problem, it's also a problem with Windows 2000. It's not that the game won't run. The problem seems to be that the color white becomes transparant on the 2d screens, making such things as reading the mission briefing and unit selection in a QB difficult, if not impossible. It's a serious issue that BTS should be concerned about, given the popularity of the GeForce video cards and the fact that Windows XP has gotten very positive reviews. In a year's time, there will be many Windows XP users...

I once had a sharpshooter score a hit on an unbuttoned tank on turn one. The tank never moved for the rest of the game.

Just out of curiosity, why would you want to run W95 when you have W98?

You have a socket 370 MB? I would be worth thinking about to upgrade that CPU also.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Tip -- Buy another hard-drive for your PC/Mac -- your gonna need it!<hr></blockquote> What a coinkedink, I just installed a new 40 Gig HD today. All that vast, empty space, just waiting to be filled up with mods...

Last I heard, he was working on a CMMOS version of his mods. Hope that's still true.

Well....now I'm really confused (even more than usual). :confused:

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>>As for stability, look for XP to be much more stable than Windows 95/98/ME. No more blue screen of death reboots. That is what was said about W95, W98, W2K, and WMe. It has not been true yet. <hr></blockquote> Until now. Actually, Windows XP is not an upgrade of the W9x/ME operating systems. It is basically a more home user/gamer friendly version of Windows 2000, which is well known for it's stability.

Pascal, That's not the way it works. IIRC, if you change more than six pieces of hardware at one time, you have to call. You should not have to call just to do a reinstall. As for stability, look for XP to be much more stable than Windows 95/98/ME. No more blue screen of death reboots. It is really nice. Built in zip support. Ability to play DVD movies without 3rd party software. Very stable. Check out the review in the latest (November) issue of Maximum PC. The minute I find out Nvidia has released drivers that eliminates the 'white transparency' problems with CM, I plan to reinstall XP and never look back.

I suggest e-mailing Derek Perez, dperez@nvidia.com , Nvidia's Public Relations officer, and politely requesting that Nvidia expedite fixing the driver issue that causes the 'white transparency' problem with Combat Mission running under Windows XP or Windows 2000. I did. If enough people write him, something might get done. Incredibly, I could not find an e-mail address for Nvidia's technical department.

Sigh, well I just reinstalled W98. The white transparency problem was intolerable. I couldn't even see to pick my units in a quick battle. My current video card (the GeForce) works fine running CM under W98. It's a shame I can't run CM under XP yet. I suppose I could have done a dual boot, but that seems too much trouble. I'll just hold off on reinstalling XP until Nvidia fixes their drivers. Thanks for the suggestions.