XP installation help

[Monochromed]

I recently picked up Alpha Centauri at an online auction, and I can't get it to install on my Win XP machine. When I run autoplay.exe or setup.exe, the setup preparation progress bar reaches 99% and then crashes to desktop with no error message. I've tried the following:
* copying autoexec.nt from C:\WINDOWS\REPAIR folder to C:\WINDOWS\System32
* running setup.exe and autoplay.exe from compatibility mode and compatibility wizard
* running setup.exe from a command line
* rebooting in diagnostic startup
* creating an .ISO and installing from a virtual drive (so I know the CD isn't physically damaged)

I get the same problem each time. Can anyone suggest other things I can try to get the game installed?

[Zoid]

Try this:

http://www.firaxis.com/downloads/Patch/SMAC_Win2000_XP_Compatibility_Update_v1.03f.exe

Then follow the directions in the FAQ http://www.apolyton.net/forums/showt...hreadid=143989

[Monochromed]

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, the linked patch is only useful for updating the game after it's installed. I've followed the suggestions in the FAQ for getting the game installed (copying autoexec.nt and running Compatibility Wizard), but the game still won't install.

[#endgame]

I haven't done a proper installation in ages. The installed directory has just been passed around Windows installations.

Do you have a Win98 or similar install CD? If so, get a trial version of VMWare or MS (formerly Connetix (sp?)) Virtual PC, install win98 and SMAC, then copy the directory out and save it for later.

[Monochromed]

That's a good idea, unfortunately I don't have access to a Win98 install cd.

[Zoid]

There´s tons of Win98 iso´s floating around various file sharing networks. Try one of these.

Or if you have Service Pack 2 installed you can try to uninstall it to see if this helps...

[Petek]

Monochromed,

It sounds like you've tried all the standard techniques to fix an installation problem.

If you haven't already done so, I suggest that you check your hard drive for errors and defrag it.

If that doesn't help, then we have to consider whether this is a problem with the CD itself (realizing that you created an ISO image).

Do any files actually get copied to your hard drive before the installation fails? If so, delete them and try to install again.

If that doesn't work (and assuming that files are being copied to your drive), can you post a directory listing of the SMAC folder so we can see if all the files were copied?

What happens if you simply try to copy the contents of the CD to a folder on your hard drive? If successful, can you then run the installation from there?

Do you have access to another system on which to install the program?

And, just to eliminate one obvious possibility, do you have sufficient free space on your hard drive?

Please post again if none of these suggestions help.

[Monochromed]

Thanks to you both for the suggestions. I'll look into filesharing networks if nothing else works.

Petek, I'll work through your suggestions and let you know how things go.

[Monochromed]

I finally managed to get the game installed and running. In the end I had to use VMWare/Windows 98 to get it working. Thanks again for your help.

[Zoid]

Glad it works for you finally