Posted By: MrLipid
Forever Worlds 98SE / ME: The Solution - 04/20/04 05:07 PM
Here is what actually needs to be done to run Forever Worlds on 98SE and ME. (For all those still running Win98 First Edition, you can stop reading now. Windows Media Player 9 will not run on 98 and without Windows Media Player 9, Forever Worlds won't run. Sorry.)
The secret is to install (or reinstall), in a specific order, a specific group of support programs. Speaking as someone who has tried everything else, nothing else works like this.
EXISTING INSTALLATIONS
If you have already installed Forever Worlds, do the following. It is not necessary to reinstall Forever Worlds itself.
STEP ONE: Install the latest version of DirectX directly from Microsoft. (You'll find it HERE .) This is version 9.0b. Even if you have already installed 9.0b, do it again. A reinstall never hurt and this is as much about getting all the dependencies right as it is about getting all the apps in place. So, install (or reinstall) DirectX 9.0b. (If you have philosophical issues with DirectX 9, fine. Don't install it. Just don't expect Forever Worlds to run because DirectX 9.0b is essential for the functioning of the next item you are going to install.)
STEP TWO: Install Windows Media Player 9 direct from Microsoft. (You'll find it HERE .) Let WMP9 associate itself with all the files it wants to...especially the video files.
STEP THREE: Find the right video driver for your card and download it directly from the manufacturer. If, like I do, you have an nVidia card, version 53.04 seems a bit more stable than version 56.64. I've also heard from some folks that the older Radeon drivers work better. Your mileage may vary.
STEP FOUR: Install the DivX 5.1.1 Codec, either from the Forever Worlds CD or the DivX website. DO NOT INSTALL THE DIVX PLAYER.
You are now ready to play Forever Worlds. If you click on the desktop icon and still get the logo-logo-lockup problem, it can be cured by running a video in WMP9 before asking Forever Worlds to load.
NEW INSTALLATIONS
STEP ONE: The installation routine will ask to check for DirectX 9 and, if it is not present, to install it. You don't have a choice here so, if it is not present, say "Yes."
STEP TWO: You will be asked to install the DivX Codec. Install the Codec but not the DivX Player.
STEP THREE: Install the game.
STEP FOUR: Once the Forever Worlds is installed, follow the steps listed above for an Existing Installation.
That's it. That's the Secret Sauce that's necessary to put Forever Worlds on its feet in 98SE and ME. Enjoy!
The secret is to install (or reinstall), in a specific order, a specific group of support programs. Speaking as someone who has tried everything else, nothing else works like this.
EXISTING INSTALLATIONS
If you have already installed Forever Worlds, do the following. It is not necessary to reinstall Forever Worlds itself.
STEP ONE: Install the latest version of DirectX directly from Microsoft. (You'll find it HERE .) This is version 9.0b. Even if you have already installed 9.0b, do it again. A reinstall never hurt and this is as much about getting all the dependencies right as it is about getting all the apps in place. So, install (or reinstall) DirectX 9.0b. (If you have philosophical issues with DirectX 9, fine. Don't install it. Just don't expect Forever Worlds to run because DirectX 9.0b is essential for the functioning of the next item you are going to install.)
STEP TWO: Install Windows Media Player 9 direct from Microsoft. (You'll find it HERE .) Let WMP9 associate itself with all the files it wants to...especially the video files.
STEP THREE: Find the right video driver for your card and download it directly from the manufacturer. If, like I do, you have an nVidia card, version 53.04 seems a bit more stable than version 56.64. I've also heard from some folks that the older Radeon drivers work better. Your mileage may vary.
STEP FOUR: Install the DivX 5.1.1 Codec, either from the Forever Worlds CD or the DivX website. DO NOT INSTALL THE DIVX PLAYER.
You are now ready to play Forever Worlds. If you click on the desktop icon and still get the logo-logo-lockup problem, it can be cured by running a video in WMP9 before asking Forever Worlds to load.
NEW INSTALLATIONS
STEP ONE: The installation routine will ask to check for DirectX 9 and, if it is not present, to install it. You don't have a choice here so, if it is not present, say "Yes."
STEP TWO: You will be asked to install the DivX Codec. Install the Codec but not the DivX Player.
STEP THREE: Install the game.
STEP FOUR: Once the Forever Worlds is installed, follow the steps listed above for an Existing Installation.
That's it. That's the Secret Sauce that's necessary to put Forever Worlds on its feet in 98SE and ME. Enjoy!