Operation Desert Storm: 30th Anniversary Edition

[ClearedHotFilms]

2 hours ago, Menrva said:

The installer automatically installs the mod folder in the Saved Games folder of your Windows OS. It works just like usual SF2 mod folders. If it brings up vanilla SF2, it means it's looking at the wrong path/disk letter, and creates an empty OperationDesertStorm mod folder where it's meant to be. Find the real mod folder (it should be 15GB or so in size), open the Options.ini file and check the path it references.

The guy you quoted actually solved it, this is his message:

Hopefully this is your case, and it's just a matter of moving the mod folder in its entirety where it should be.

 

I have no clue as to why this happens and I cannot debug such occurrences since I cannot replicate them on my end where it all works fine. I believe this is more an issue with Windows itself, because the installer should point to the real Saved Games folder. If another one is created, it could be due to issues gently offered by MS.

So it turns out theres no version.ini that comes with the mod folder, and the options file as installed just stops at the motionexporter line and has no mod options to even edit! So even copy pasting in the mods enabled line from a working mod folder that directs to the proper saved games folder doesn't do anything.

[ClearedHotFilms]

15 minutes ago, ClearedHotFilms said:

So it turns out theres no version.ini that comes with the mod folder, and the options file as installed just stops at the motionexporter line and has no mod options to even edit! So even copy pasting in the mods enabled line from a working mod folder that directs to the proper saved games folder doesn't do anything.

There's also no [Module] settings in the game config files for Desert Storm, or a corresponding cat file for module that I can find, so I'm going to uninstall and see if it reinstalls wrong again.

[+Menrva]

2 hours ago, ClearedHotFilms said:

So it turns out theres no version.ini that comes with the mod folder, and the options file as installed just stops at the motionexporter line and has no mod options to even edit! So even copy pasting in the mods enabled line from a working mod folder that directs to the proper saved games folder doesn't do anything.

It's right to be so! Once the executable is run for the first time, it adds relevant data to the Options.ini (including the mod's path) and version.ini files. I cannot add those arbitrarily, because they depend on each user's system. It's just another SF2 executable with different name, it works the same!

If the Options.ini has no such info, it means the executable is looking into another Saved Games subfolder. You definitely have another OperationDesertStorm folder somewhere else, and that one is automatically created by the executable, hence it's empty and brings up vanilla SF2. I already proposed a solution in my previous post for this. Do not overthink it.

1 hour ago, ClearedHotFilms said:

There's also no [Module] settings in the game config files for Desert Storm, or a corresponding cat file for module that I can find, so I'm going to uninstall and see if it reinstalls wrong again.

Again, that Module data is not necessary, it's right to be so.

Edited August 15, 2021 by Menrva

[ClearedHotFilms]

Got it working, bizarrely enough, by having SF2 North Atlantic link via options to the Desert Storm folder, which is a little odd, but its running fine.

[+Menrva]

12 hours ago, ClearedHotFilms said:

Got it working, bizarrely enough, by having SF2 North Atlantic link via options to the Desert Storm folder, which is a little odd, but its running fine.

Indeed, bizarre is the right word. Windows likes to complicate things with strange issues, and SF2's mod system is also rather antiquated to deal with. Well, I'm glad it now works on your end! Be sure to tweak graphics options to your likings, and remember that the mod is much heavier on resources than stock SF2 (due to high poly 3d models, 2k textures, high quality sounds, tons of new effects, and so on).

[+Menrva]

@Hornet54 You shouldn't post issues in the comments section, this is the proper thread.

I'd like to help, but you have not given enough details, I have no clue about what's going on your system. I can only suggest that you reinstall/update video drivers.

Edited October 23, 2021 by Menrva

[+Erik]

I can't move his comment but has been removed as requested.

[+EricJ]

I just downloaded this and was excited to fly it. Only problem is that on Windows 11 I get a CTD when I launch a mission. Maybe a future patch will fix this. I did try Windows Compatibility for Windows 7 and 8 but no work. I ran Strike Fighters 2 and it worked fine, so I don't know what the issue is with the ODS exe.

Edited November 6, 2021 by EricJ

[+Menrva]

3 hours ago, EricJ said:

I just downloaded this and was excited to fly it. Only problem is that on Windows 11 I get a CTD when I launch a mission. Maybe a future patch will fix this. I did try Windows Compatibility for Windows 7 and 8 but no work. I ran Strike Fighters 2 and it worked fine, so I don't know what the issue is with the ODS exe.

No patch can ever solve the issue you're having, it's not our fault. The executable of SF2 is meant to be run natively on Win7 x86. Without source code or TK's will to update the game, nothing we can do.

Some ODS 30AE team members had the same crash issue. In their case, the solution was to install latest video drivers. Also, it's highly suggested that you tweak your graphics options in the Options menu screen. Unlimited settings should be avoided for everything except for textures.

Edited November 6, 2021 by Menrva

[+EricJ]

Okay I'll poke around then, thanks

[+EricJ]

Well after changing the resolution it worked finally. It hung for a while at 80% but it loaded fine, so all is well now.

[VVitchaven]

Hi, could anyone help me please? Game runs ok (I have win10) but when clicking on Missions it crashes and goes back to the desktop :-(

Please, could You advice me how to sort it out? 
This mod is just wonderful , I love the campaign! 
Thank You!!

[RustyKurnass]

55 minutes ago, VVitchaven said:

Hi, could anyone help me please? Game runs ok (I have win10) but when clicking on Missions it crashes and goes back to the desktop :-(

Please, could You advice me how to sort it out? 
This mod is just wonderful , I love the campaign! 
Thank You!!

I'd the same issue, and in my case was a problem of graphic setting.Try this first from the option menu, sometimes the most obvious solutions are all what we need

[VVitchaven]

57 minutes ago, RustyKurnass said:

I'd the same issue, and in my case was a problem of graphic setting.Try this first from the option menu, sometimes the most obvious solutions are all what we need

I tried to change the settings , I’ve changed resolution but nothing really worked. I reinstalled the mod but I’ve noticed that the installer puts most of the files into my Windows/users profiles. Is that normal?

[+Menrva]

3 hours ago, VVitchaven said:

Hi, could anyone help me please? Game runs ok (I have win10) but when clicking on Missions it crashes and goes back to the desktop :-(

Never had such an issue. I cannot replicate it on my end, it works fine on a fresh installation on my laptop. So basically it crashes to desktop once you press Missions in the main menu screen? The only plausible reason for this is that your Strike Fighters 2 installation is not up to date or is somewhat broken. ODS 30AE is built to work on the latest July 2013 patch, it has not been tested on older patches featuring outdated .DLL libraries. You should reinstall the required Strike Fighters 2 games, and make sure they are updated to the latest July 2013 patch.

1 hour ago, VVitchaven said:

I reinstalled the mod but I’ve noticed that the installer puts most of the files into my Windows/users profiles. Is that normal?

It's explained in the mod's download page.

The installer should automatically detect your Strike Fighters 2 installation folder. Make sure that the installation path points to your Strike Fighters 2 game folder, not to a custom mod folder. The installer does not allow you to choose a custom mod folder path at this time. The mod folder will be installed automatically in the proper "X:\Users\YourName\Saved Games\ThirdWire\" path, like any other mod folder created by TW's stock Strike Fighters 2 games. After installation is over, simply run the mod by using the created Desktop and/or Start Menu links.

Make sure that you run the installer with admin rights, and that no third-party antivirus programs interfere with it.

Edited December 26, 2021 by Menrva

[Nightshade/PR]

I downloaded & installed the latest iteration, and this happened.....

It's the BOMB!!!!!!!

[+Erik]

Kinda funny how closely that resembles our internet connection 

[VVitchaven]

On 12/26/2021 at 8:43 AM, Menrva said:

Never had such an issue. I cannot replicate it on my end, it works fine on a fresh installation on my laptop. So basically it crashes to desktop once you press Missions in the main menu screen? The only plausible reason for this is that your Strike Fighters 2 installation is not up to date or is somewhat broken. ODS 30AE is built to work on the latest July 2013 patch, it has not been tested on older patches featuring outdated .DLL libraries. You should reinstall the required Strike Fighters 2 games, and make sure they are updated to the latest July 2013 patch.

It's explained in the mod's download page.

The installer should automatically detect your Strike Fighters 2 installation folder. Make sure that the installation path points to your Strike Fighters 2 game folder, not to a custom mod folder. The installer does not allow you to choose a custom mod folder path at this time. The mod folder will be installed automatically in the proper "X:\Users\YourName\Saved Games\ThirdWire\" path, like any other mod folder created by TW's stock Strike Fighters 2 games. After installation is over, simply run the mod by using the created Desktop and/or Start Menu links.

Make sure that you run the installer with admin rights, and that no third-party antivirus programs interfere with it.

I have recorded a video. I dont have any idea whats going on... Link to video below:

 

[+Menrva]

4 hours ago, VVitchaven said:

I have recorded a video. I dont have any idea whats going on...

There's no need of a video, I understood it in your previous post. This has nothing to do with graphics options. It seems the game fails to initialize the proper DLL library for the single missions screen. The mod has no relation to this issue, this has more to do with your Strike Fighters 2 installation.

EDIT: post by Wilches below could be a good hint. Most likely your audio driver needs an update and/or different settings.

Edited December 26, 2021 by Menrva

[Wilches]

Try to reduce the sound form 32bits to a lower. I remember that someone had this problem years ago and it was related to the sound. Who knows?

[VVitchaven]

16 hours ago, Wilches said:

Try to reduce the sound form 32bits to a lower. I remember that someone had this problem years ago and it was related to the sound. Who knows?

I have tried to re-install my Strike Fighters 2 Israel, re-installed the mod, still nothing, MISSIONS doesn't work. I believe that something may be wrong with Options.ini file. When I changed aircraft name from F-15C to F-16C at SCRAMBLE (Instant action) game acts similar as in case when I click on MISSIONS.

[+Menrva]

2 hours ago, VVitchaven said:

I believe that something may be wrong with Options.ini file. When I changed aircraft name from F-15C to F-16C at SCRAMBLE (Instant action) game acts similar as in case when I click on MISSIONS.

No. Please let's not make wrong assumptions that only cause more confusion. The Options.ini included with the ODS mod works as is. It's obvious that if you change aircraft name to Scramble it crashes, because the game wouldn't find the required default aircraft for that game mode, that is the F-15C.

2 hours ago, VVitchaven said:

I have tried to re-install my Strike Fighters 2 Israel

You're not meeting minimum requirements. ODS requires three games: Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Israel and Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic. You need to install them all, and it's better that you download the latest installers from the ThirdWire store.

Without any more clues, I cannot provide more help than this. It works fine for everybody else on a clean installation.

[VVitchaven]

48 minutes ago, Menrva said:

No. Please let's not make wrong assumptions that only cause more confusion. The Options.ini included with the ODS mod works as is. It's obvious that if you change aircraft name to Scramble it crashes, because the game wouldn't find the required default aircraft for that game mode, that is the F-15C.

You're not meeting minimum requirements. ODS requires three games: Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Israel and Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic. You need to install them all, and it's better that you download the latest installers from the ThirdWire store.

Without any more clues, I cannot provide more help than this. It works fine for everybody else on a clean installation.

Ok, so I need all three? Thats probably the problem. I have thought that one of these is enough. Thank You for Your advices and sorry for any confusion I made!

Regards!

[+Menrva]

17 hours ago, VVitchaven said:

Ok, so I need all three? Thats probably the problem.

Yes, you need all three. The mod makes use of many stock ground objects, aircraft and cockpits from those games. I'm actually surprised campaigns worked on your end so far, but you were also lucky not to encounter those units requiring stock assets from those games.

17 hours ago, VVitchaven said:

Thank You for Your advices and sorry for any confusion I made!

Regards!

No worries! We're here to help. Take care. 

@VVitchaven BTW, can you remove or delist the video you made on YT? Right now it's visible to anyone if you happen to search Strike Fighters 2 videos on YT. The issue has been addressed, I don't want others to believe the mod is broken, that's all. Thanks.

Edited December 28, 2021 by Menrva

[+Menrva]

@alecsandru1990 Why did you give the mod a 3-star review? The problem is definitely on your end, the mod works fine for pretty much everyone else. You must be doing something wrong. Do you have all required TW games installed? Are they all patched to the latest July 2013 version? Have you pointed the ODS installer to the correct location of your Strike Fighters 2 games?

If you need support, this is the correct topic. You shouldn't be reviewing it badly only because it seemingly does not work on your system. It's just disrespectful, childish behavior overall.

We put months if not an entire year of much hard work into this project. Most download it, some complain but few actually show gratitude for such efforts, done all for free and passion. The development team deserves more respect.

Edited December 28, 2021 by Menrva