iconbob

Hello all! For the history leading to this post, please refer to my original post (Help with CMBO and Win XP). Anyway, please indulge me a summary of how to get CMBO and CMBB to work with Win XP and an NVIDIA-based graphics card: Note: I have pieced much of this information together from other snippets located throughout this forum. I thought a summary post might be helpful! So here goes: 1). Only the 30.82 version of the NVIDIA drivers will work. Anything in the 40-series, including the most recent beta 43.30 version, WILL NOT WORK without using compatibilty mode AND a CD Crack (not recommended). 2). For the drivers to work successfully, all previous and past versions MUST be removed. The best way to do this is to download a free program called "NVIDIA File Remover v0.5." This program is available on the following website: www.guru3d.com. Just follow the link to the Detonator driver section. Download and install this program on your system. 3) Use Control Panel ---> Add/Remove Programs to remove any installed NVIDIA driver files. After the reboot, run the NFR program and delete any remaining NVIDIA driver files. I was amazed that I still had 29-series drivers on my PC!!! Note: there is one file that will remain...I believe it is the 'generic' WIN XP file for the NVIDIA graphics chipset. Just remove any of the remaining driver files that you can. 4) Now reboot again and install the 30.82 drivers. Delete the "CBxx_Prefs" file (located in Program Files -->CMxx folder. Reboot again. 5) Start CMxx. You may get the blank screen initially (I did), but simply ALT-Tab back to the desktop and then back to the program. The program should then ask for Direct3D confirmation, and VOILA, you're in!!! :cool: OK, well, this is what worked for me! My only comment is that I think this problem is really an issue for the BattleFront guys. Sooner or later, we are going to have to update our video drivers, especially with the GeForceFX on the way. Every other (and I mean EVERY other) game manufacturer recommends driver UPDATES as a solution to program trouble. This is the first time I've ever had to downgrade, so to speak. I'm just hoping it doesn't cause me any other problems with something else. OK, I'm off my soapbox now! Seriously, though, if anyone else needs additional help, feel free to email me directly! I'd be happy to return the favor since so many of you took the time to help me! Just reference CMxx in the email title, please. Thanks again to all those who helped me, and I hope this post is helpful to someone else! Well, I'm off to battle now.... Regards, "Captain" Bob Osika :cool:

Well, thanks again for all the help and suggestions. I fully understand two things now: 1). Running in compatibility mode causes the "CD cannot be found" problem. No solution other than not to run in compatibility mode, or run in compatibility mode with the NO-CD crack installed (which works perfectly well). Doesn't help with CMBB though. Bummer. 2). My real problem appears to be with my NVIDIA Drivers. I cannot get the program to run, with antialiasing or not. In fact, nothing that I have tried has worked. I must say that this is the first time I have ever had problems with the "latest" drivers not helping. Usually, driver updates "fix" problems. Unfortunately, I don't want to revert back to the older set of drivers since I do have other software that gives me problems with the 30.82 drivers. Sheesh. A veritable "no-win" situation. As suggested, I will review the other forum posts in great detail now that the 'real' problem has been discovered. If that doesn't solve the problem, then CMBB goes on the back-burner until then next NVIDIA release or CM patch. C'est la vie, I guess. My warmest thanks to everyone for their comments and suggestions. Solutions aren't always easy, and sometime having help finding the problem is a step in the right direction. Thanks again! Regards, Bob :cool:

Bad News Update: Ok, here's the deal: I am running the game in "compatibility mode" because it will not run at all under the Win XP native mode. All I get is a black screen and my monitor light flashes. The only thing I can do is ALT-TAB back to the desktop or ALT-CRL-DEL and shut down the program. For those who suggested it, you are correct in that I upgraded my machine to XP Pro from Win ME (which I hated....Win 98 SE is much better). I just today received CMBB and it does the same thing! :mad: The only way either game runs is in Win98/ME compatibility mode, but then the CD cannot be detected. I am not at all happy about this! :mad: My PC is a top-notch computer with all the latest drivers and updates. There are NO (I repeat NO) other programs that give me even the slightest amount of trouble! An anonymous person helped me out with CMBO by sending me a NO-CD crack (which I do not condone, but it did work). Looks like I now need one for CMBB as well. Do the Battlefront guys read these forums? Are there any "fixes" planned for this problem? I am certain that I cannot be the only one having this problem. {sigh} And now I'm out another $50 for the new game. This used to be my favorite game. Help? Anyone? Help? Regards, "Captain" Bob

Hi, Glenn! Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, there is nothing that I can do about the CD-ROM drivers. In Windows XP, the drives use Microsoft drivers that are native to the OS. My only choice would be to get a drive that "works". If you don't mind my asking, what brand of drive are you using? FYI: My PC is home-built, and swapping a CD-ROM is pretty easy (except for the expense of the drive). I just don't really want to play "musical drives," and knowing which brands work (or don't) would most helpful. I am still perplexed as to why this issue only affects certain CD drives. Very strange. :confused: Well, anyway, if you can email me or post what model CD-ROM you are using, it would be very helpful. Thanks for replying! Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Thank you very much for the advice, but.... - the problem happens on both CD-ROMs. - I've already updated the Plextor's Firmware. - I can't find firmware for the Creative CD. Bummer. SoapBox Comments: This is really aggravating! :mad: Probably due to a stupid copy protection scheme, I can't play my $50 game. So either I wait for another Microsoft or BattleFront update, or I shell out another $50 on a different CD, hoping it fixes the problem. Too bad copy protection never stops the "bad" guys...they just figure a way around it, which really solves nothing. If someone really wants to steal something, they're gonna find a way.... OK...I'm off my soapbox now. Thanks for the help, though. It is appreciated!

Greetings All! Well, I am new to the forum and need help with a problem (yes, another newbie). I recently upgraded to Windows XP and for the longest time, I couldn't get CMBO to load!!! After a bazillion Microsoft updates, the games finally loads, but "cannot find the CD-ROM." Hence I still cannot play. According to the CM Support FAQ, the "problem" is due to faulty CD-ROM drivers. But CD-ROM drivers are native to Win XP, so there isn't anything that I can do about that. Does anyone have a workaround for this problem? I really want to play CMBO! Help. Please? My system: P4 2.4 GHZ, 512 MD RAM, GeForce 4 TI4200 Graphics (128 MB RAM), Plextor CD-Writer, Creative CD-ROM, SB Live! Sound Card, Integrated LAN connector, 56k Modem. All the latest drivers and updates; no problems with any other games or applications; no lock-ups or crashes. I'm open to any suggestions! Thank you in advance! Regards, "Captain" Bob.