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Privateer 2: The Darkening t e c h n i c a l i n f o r m a t i o n |
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| General Troubleshooting. i.e. This is way too much information. | |||
| Boot Configuration | Requirements | Error Messages | Hints |
| General | Controllers | Notes | Video |
DOS XMS Boot Configuration
for use only with shortcuts and boot disks.
| help on modifiying your config.sys and autoexec.bat |
CONFIG.SYSdevice=c:\windows\himem.sys dos=high,umb files=50 buffers=50 lastdrive=[enter the drive letter of your CD-ROM] device=[CD-ROM drivers if using CD version] device=[Sound lines (if any)]AUTOEXEC.BAT
@echo off path=c:\windows;c:\windows\command;c:\dos; prompt $p$g lh c:\windows\command\mscdex.exe /m:5 /d:[CD-rom name if CD ver.] [Sound lines (if any)]
| Color Code: | |
| BLACK: | Must use the exact lettering provided. |
| RED: | May need to be modified to reflect the wording in your C:\CONFIG.SYS or C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT, respectively. |
| GREEN: | Optional. These are not required to run the game. However you may like to have sound with your game, so leaving these out may not be helpful. |
| [ITALICIZED]: | Comments and are not to be entered as is. Upper or lower case doesn't matter. |
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If you are still looking at gibberish by the time you read this, visit our ??!! How To !!?? page which has a plethora of Boot Disk makers, Short Cut makers, and easy to read, step by step information on how to make them manually. | |
Requirements & Other Useful Info
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Privateer 2: The Darkening
Common Issues
Installing the Patch
- The patch addresses many issues in Privateer 2. The correct way to install the patch is to backup your savegames and then delete and reinstall the game. Then install the patch and replace your savegames. The patch is called P2PATCH.EXE can be obtained at our ftp site, ftp://ftp.ea.com/pub/origin/patches/priv2/p2patch.exe - For English DOS version only! Not for Windows 95 Deluxe Edition or for non-English versions of the game!
Manual Install (U.S. Version Only)
- The manual install program is located on CD #1 in the "MANUAL" directory. To install the game manually, type MANUAL <CD drive letter>: <destination drive letter>: once in the MANUAL directory on Disc 1. This will copy over the necessary files. Alternatively, you can simply type MANUAL to get a help screen with all the various parameters. After the files have finished copying, a program should automatically run to set up the sound card.
Joystick Configuration Files (U.S. Version Only)
- There are several joystick configuration files in the JOYSTICK directory on Disc 1. For specific explanations and file names on each of the joysticks listed, look in the JOYSTICK.TXT file in the JOYSTICK directory on Disc 1. This details all the various files and gives instructions for use.
The game crashes with huge lettering on the screen when attempting to start the game.
- This is generally a conflict between the memory manager and the system, but can sometimes be generated be bad file reads or corruption of some kind. This occurs sometimes with certaion combinations of hardware and EMM386. Create an XMS boot disk. If you are starting the game from Disc 2 or 3, make sure to start only from Disc 1.
I receive the message "Fatal error - SNAFU-EAM_INITSOUND failed, digital sound hardware not found" when attempting to start the game.
- This is the error message generated when the game is unable to detect a user's soundcard. Add appropriate sound card lines to enable proper Sound Card detection.
I try to land, but the game will lock up or crash!
- The patch will correct this problem. If after installing the patch you still have problems, copy the SETS.IFF file from the CD to your Privateer 2 directory.
"Fatal read on file BOOTH.IFF" when clicking on the Bulletin Board or the News Briefings.
- The patch will correct this, just download it and install it as described above.
When attempting to land, I often receive a message which reads "Privateer 2 fatal error-set stream speed- movies\<A filename>.tgv FILE IS TOO SMALL TO ESTIMATE DATA STREAM SPEED" What causes this?
- Privateer 2: The Darkening has a problem on some machines which causes the game to crash when starting from either CD # 2 or CD # 3. The patch will correct this, just download it and install it as described above.
"Privateer 2 - The Darkening is a DOS product. You must be in a full DOS mode to play the game."
- This message is generated if you try to run in a Windows 95 window. Create a full DOS shortcut to run Privateer 2.
Does Privateer 2: The Darkening take place in the Wing Commander Universe?
- Privateer 2: The Darkening takes place in an isolated section of the Wing Commander universe. The Tri-System is not currently a part of the Confederation.
Is there an expansion disc or sequel planned for the Privateer Universe?
- There are currently no plans for an expansion disc or for the next Privateer adventure.
Where was Privateer 2: The Darkening developed?
- Privateer 2: The Darkening was developed in the United Kingdom by the Manchester division of Electronic Arts.
Why was the paper 2D map not included with the United Kingdom version?
- Due to market differences, with most games there are two versions of documentation produced. The US writers designed and produced the 2D map, which is why it is comes with the US version. Origin is working on getting the 2D map digitized and posted to our web page. Check back in a few days for more details.
Why are there so many documentation errors regarding ship statistics?
- Due to the time required to prepare and print documentation, manuals must be sent off for duplication no earlier than one month before a typical game is complete. Because of the final tweaks made to games during the final month of development, sometimes ship statistics change, and manuals are shipped with incorrect statistics. We apologize for the problems.
How can I turn on subtitles in the game?
- Sadly, subtitles are not included with the game. Turning up the treble setting on the sound card will make the vocals a bit more clear.
I'm having trouble calibrating my joystick. Are there any tricks to get it to calibrate a bit better?
- A speed adjustable game card is highly recommended for Privateer 2: The Darkening. To ensure the best possible calibration, follow these steps from the Spaceflight Options Menu:
1. Hold the joystick in the lower right corner.
2. Click the "CALIBRATE JOYSTICK" button.
3. Move and hold the joystick to the upper left corner.
4. Click exit. Your joystick should be correctly calibrated.
How can I set up the game to use the extra buttons on my joystick?
- Unfortunately, the release version of Privateer 2: The Darkening does not support joysticks with more than 2 buttons. There is a patch available that does support the Thrustmaster FCS and Flightstick Pro.
How can I get the trigger to fire with my programmable joystick?
- The release version of Privateer 2: The Darkening does not include support for a keyboard button to fire. If your joystick must have the trigger "programmed" to a keyboard key, you will be unable to fire your guns. Consider setting it up as a standard 2 button joystick.
How can I install the game with no soundcard?
- Due to the way the game works, Privateer 2: The Darkening does not include an option to install with no sound. You must have a 100% compatible soundcard to install and play the game.
I am unable to manually select the soundcard settings in the install with the Media Vision Pro Audio Spectrum or the Ensoniq Soundscape.
- When these cards are selected in the "Sound Card" menu (not the "Music Card" menu), they will bypass the "autodetect/manual" screen (forcing an autodetect) and go straight to the "Press to test sound" screen. If the card is set to anything other than the default settings, the autodetect usually does not work. If possible, make sure that the customer's card is at the default settings. When selecting the "Music Card", be sure that you select the "autodetect" option, because the "manual" selection does not work correctly for these cards.
My game locks up during the Origin movie while the logo is spinning. What is wrong?
- This problem has been most commonly reported by users using a video card utilizing the Rendition Vérité 3D accelerator chip. These include the Creative Labs 3D Blaster, the Sierra Screaming 3D, the Intergraph Reactor/Intense 3D, and the Total 3D card by Canopus. Essentially, the video mode that the Privateer 2: The Darkening movie player uses is emulated very slowly by these cards. This causes the movies to slow down, then lock up. Creative Labs has released a BIOS upgrade for their card which will allow the movies to slowly play so users will not receive a lock up. The file is called 3dpb73p1.exe and can be downloaded via FTP from Creative Labs at FTP://FTP.CREAF.COM. Origin is working with at least one other developer toward a resolution. This document will be updated with appropriate information as soon as it becomes available.
My machine will often lock when I try to land on Hermes or Hephaestus. How can I get around this problem?
- Privateer 2: The Darkening has a problem on some machines when attempting to land on either Hermes or Hephaestus. Sometimes, when attempting to land, the game will play the landing movie, then lock-up at a black screen. The solution to the problem is to simply copy the SETS.IFF file from CD #1 to the installation directory. This will alleviate the problem and allow you to land normally.
Occasionally, there is a brief palette flash before a movie begins or after it ends. How can I resolve this problem?
- Several video cards will receive a brief palette flash when beginning or ending movies. Certain cards may perform a bit better with the use of SciTech Software's "SciTech Display Doctor." You can download a free evaluation copy at www.scitechsoft.com.
I've talked to Dr. Loomis. My PAD says to look elsewhere. What do I do next?
- You need to wait for email from Dr. Loomis. Players must land on 5-10 unique planets. The e-mail should then arrive.
How do I perform a cargo run now?
- Go into the Booth and select the Bulletin Board. You should have several cargo ships available to hire ranging from 250 tons to 1500 tons. Hire one, then exit the Bulletin Board and go to the Commodities screen. Purchase whatever commodity you wish, then leave the planet. Land on another planet or space station and go to the Commodities screen there. The screen will show you if you can make a profit by selling there (white numbers mean a profit, red numbers indicate a loss).
How can I run away from combat?
- Players must be over 2500 clicks away from all opponents. Since you don't have unlimited afterburners like in the first Privateer, running away becomes extremely difficult. Your best bet is to just stay and fight.
How can I cause random missions to appear on the Bulletin Board?
- You will not have access to combat missions until your net worth (ship worth plus cash on hand) exceeds 25,000 credits. You will need to make money by escorting cargo and killing pirates for bounty until then. Missions will then be available in the Bulletin Board.
What are some of the more favorable trade routes?
- When you first begin the game on Hermes (nav 5), buy as much Brikcrete as you can. Take it to Anhur (nav 7) and sell it for about a 50% profit. At Anhur buy precious metals (Rhodium, Platinum, etc.) and bring them back to Hermes to sell for another 50% profit. Making a few runs like this should easily put you over 25,000 credits. You will then have the option to fly combat missions which tend to pay a bit better than trading. Later you may find yourself on Bex (nav 2). Buy the largest cargo ship you can and fill it with Bex Beer. You can take this almost anywhere and make a large profit. Also, read the news bulletins as often as possible. Several will clue you in to temporary increases or decreases in the price of certain goods. If a news bulletin mentions a shortage of a certain item on a certain planet, buy up that item and take it to the planet. Be sure and hurry, the price changes are only temporary.
I don't know where to go next in the plot. What can I do?
- Your diary always contains an entry with a clue about your next plot mission. You can access the diary in spaceflight by hitting Alt-D. On planets, hit P to bring up your PAD, then click on the Diary symbol to the left. In both diaries, you can page through the entries by clicking on the Next Entry/Previous Entry buttons. The first entry will always detail your next "mission" in the main plot.
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