Cannot access DA content from DA Launcher after CD install

from GalCiv2 Forums
Hi,

I received my DA install CD 2 days ago, thanks, I installed it with no
problem but as I launched Galciv2, the UI had not changed,
nothing had changed, except that the version was now 1.50
but no sign of DA whatsoever.

I also noticed that the DA installation had installed Stardock Central, which is no use to me as my gaming PC is offline, hjence the CD order. Furthermore it was installed without my consent, I wouldn't have allowed it anyway!

I went back to the desktop, launched the DA launcher but
the only buttons available on the launcher were "Install
Game" (already done, thanks) and "Read Me" but no sign of
"Play Dark Avatar" or anything like this...

I also received a new serial number last week, which I
entered in the main menu but nothing changed either.

After browsing the Galciv2 folder I eventually managed to access DA content. I stumbled upon the DarkAvatar folder and launched the .exe, I created a shortcut on the desktop as a temporary workaround to the very lame Dark Avatar Launcher, which does NOT include a "PLAY GAME" button...A common launcher for both DL and DA would be a good idea too.

Here is the reply I received from Stardock support yesterday (Ticket [#CRL-332088]) :

"We're glad to hear your problem has been resolved.

Please let us know if you should have any further questions/concerns."

Er, my problem is NOT solved as there is at least one button missing in the DA launcher and I'd like to access both DL and DA from one single launcher if possible...

I kinda feel humiliated as you made me come across as a dumb gamer, which I definitely must be, and to add insult to injury, I could not find ANYTHING regarding this issue on the forum...Am I losing it?? Please assist. Or confirm my insanity, thanks :/

Regards
5,155 views 17 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The menu launcher for Dark Avatar should look like this (minus my Guild Wars background):



-HM
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thanks for that, mine does not  

I suppose I will attach my launcher.exe and a screen cap in my ticket reply then  

Can you launch both DL and DA from this UI?

Thanks again for shedding a bit of light on this  
Ashes of the Singularity II
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
From this DA launcher, if you click the "Switch Chapter" button, it will allow you to launch GalCiv2: DL.

Also, the executable for this new launcher is \GalCiv2\DarkAvatar\DALaunch.exe. The original GalCiv2 launcher is \GalCiv2\GC2Launch.exe.

At least these are the locations for me, and I installed it from Stardock Central. But I doubt if you install from the DA expansion CD if it will do anything differently.

-HM
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I have these files in the same locations as you. When I launch DALaunch>exe, i get:

"Install Game"

"Read Me"

And that's it  

I'll keep you guys posted on this one, thanks!
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
It sounds like for whatever reason the game doesn't think it's installed. There's no doubt a specific file or registry setting somewhere that tells the launcher that the game's installed, and then the menu choices will reflect that.

Are you sure the installer is finishing properly? You can also run DA directly by executing \GalCiv2\DarkAvatar\GC2DarkAvatar.exe.

-HM
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
There was an issue with the initial build of the DA launcher not properly recognizing that DA was installed under European decimal settings, IIRC.

In the meanwhile, you can simply find and run GC2DarkAvatar.exe directly.
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Good luck - let us know if the GC2DarkAvatar.exe does the trick. With luck Stardock won't take too long before providing the 1.5X patch as a standalone install program.

EDIT: Never mind, I see from your original post that you did get the game to work directly from its EXE.

-HM
Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Yep, the .exe does the trick in the sense that it launches the game directly. I hope the 1.5X upgrade will be available for standalone download soon and I'll give it a go. I'll let you guys knwo, thanks!
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
My apologies, it appears that there will not be standalone patches for DA until EoL. So the patches will probably only be available on SDC for quite some time unless this plan changes.

Since your gaming PC is offline, you can use SDC's archive function on another computer, then transfer the updated version of the game via CDR, USB drive, etc, to your gaming machine, where it can be installed via SDC from the archive file.
Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

My apologies, it appears that there will not be standalone patches for DA until EoL.


EoL = End of Life?

-HM
Reply #12 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Yes. From Frogboy on another thread:

Dark Avatar updates will be through Stardock Central.

While I fully confess that Stardock Central was rough when it first came out in 2003, it's come a long way in 4 years.

Stardock Central can download a file and archive it to be moved to a non-Internet based connection.

While there may be stand-alone updates to Dark Avatar, they would likely come when we are near the end of the update cycle since they require substantial more effort.

Reply #13 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I had the same problem with the GC Civ 2 gold. It doesn't seem to create a proper shortcut on your desktop, but it does create on in your Start --- Programs thing (under Stardock games). So just go pick it from there, then right click and have it send the shortcut to the desktop.
Reply #14 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
No standalone patch...What a huge letdown.  I just don't get it!! What made Stardock choose not to release them anymore? I purchased the game, I have a valid licence and I am therefore entitled to upgrades and patches...Having to install the game on another machine is just too lame. So since my main computer is offline I can't update the game anymore  

Thanks for all your answers.
Reply #15 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Having to install the game on another machine is just too lame. So since my main computer is offline I can't update the game anymore


You don't have to install the game elsewhere. You can use SDC to download the latest version as an archive, then put it on a CDR or USB drive to take to your other machine, just as you would with a standalone patch (it's just a bigger download than a standalone patch would have been).
Reply #17 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
OK, I was able to download the 250 MB archive and update my copy of DA installed on the offline computer. The launcher is fine now!

I now have to receive the .sig file to activate the patched game...  

Very tedious altogether but it will eventually work. Thanks for your help guys, Kryo, thanks for your patience