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Difference between revisions of "Command & Conquer: Red Alert"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(Reworked the article.)
Line 8: Line 8:
 
{{:Command & Conquer (series)}}
 
{{:Command & Conquer (series)}}
 
'''Key points'''
 
'''Key points'''
−
{{++}} It is highly recommended to install the latest [[#3.03p-Iran|3.03p-Iran]] patch as it reestablishes LAN functionality, replaces officially-supported XWIS servers with more populated [http://cncnet.org/ CnCNet] online service, adds high resolutions, Counterstrike and Aftermath missions, and offers better Windows and Wine compatibility besides fixing a great lot of bugs.
+
{{++}} [[#3.03p-Iran|3.03p-Iran]] patch as it brings back LAN functionality, replaces officially-supported [http://xwis.net/ XWIS] servers with more populated [http://cncnet.org/ CnCNet] online service, adds high resolutions, Counterstrike and Aftermath missions, eliminates CD-checking and offers better Windows (32 and 64-bit) and Wine compatibility besides fixing a great number of bugs.
 
{{--}} France and England are still debuffed in multiplayer; England has thinner instead of thicker armor and France has a slower instead of faster rate of fire.
 
{{--}} France and England are still debuffed in multiplayer; England has thinner instead of thicker armor and France has a slower instead of faster rate of fire.
 +
{{ii}} In order to play online with [[#3.03p-Iran|CnCNet]], start the game with cncnet.exe. To play LAN, start the game as usual.
 +
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
 
{{mm}} [http://redalert1.com/skill.php Multiplayer guides]
 
{{mm}} [http://redalert1.com/skill.php Multiplayer guides]
Line 19: Line 21:
 
== Windows ==
 
== Windows ==
 
{{Availability Table|
 
{{Availability Table|
−
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.redalert1.com/ Fan mirror] | {{ID|DRM-free}} | Music and movies are missing from Online download. Music can be downloaded from [http://www.mediafire.com/?kzv58w3hvyu7fav here]; just put it in the folder. [http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=1639 NET Framework] is needed for configtool to work.}}
+
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.redalert1.com/ Fan mirror] | {{ID|DRM-free}} | Music and movies are missing from online download. Music can be found [http://www.mediafire.com/?kzv58w3hvyu7fav here]<ref>Taken from http://redalert95.tk/</ref>; just put it in the folder. [http://www.filehippo.com/download_dotnet_framework_3/ NET Framework] is needed for RedAlertConfig to work (Filehippo mirror).}}
−
{{Availability Table/row| [http://na.llnet.cnc3tv.ea.com/u/f/eagames/cnc3/cnc3tv/RedAlert/RedAlert1_AlliedDisc.rar Allied] and [http://na.llnet.cnc3tv.ea.com/u/f/eagames/cnc3/cnc3tv/RedAlert/RedAlert1_SovietDisc.rar Soviet] | | ISOs released for free by EA. }}
+
{{Availability Table/row| [http://na.llnet.cnc3tv.ea.com/u/f/eagames/cnc3/cnc3tv/RedAlert/RedAlert1_AlliedDisc.rar Allied] and [http://na.llnet.cnc3tv.ea.com/u/f/eagames/cnc3/cnc3tv/RedAlert/RedAlert1_SovietDisc.rar Soviet] (EA servers) | {{ID|Retail}} | ISOs released for free by EA. }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
−
{{Fixbox/instructions|The best way to install CDs and ISOs}}
+
{{Fixbox/instructions|The best way to install CDs and ISOs on Windows (with 64-bit support)}}
 
<div style="margin-left:0px">{{#widget:YouTube|id=orLzfmYsAAA}}</div>
 
<div style="margin-left:0px">{{#widget:YouTube|id=orLzfmYsAAA}}</div>
 
}}
 
}}
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====[http://redalert95.tk 3.03p-Iran]====
 
====[http://redalert95.tk 3.03p-Iran]====
 
{{ii}} This patch contains:
 
{{ii}} This patch contains:
−
::* Latest official 3.03 patch and 3.03p-Iran<ref>http://iran.cnc-comm.com/ra303p-iran</ref> patch along with other community fixes
+
::* Latest official 3.03 patch and 3.03p-Iran<ref>http://iran.cnc-comm.com/ra303p-iran</ref> patch along with other community fixes
 +
::* Support for newer Windows systems and Mac/Linux through emulation
 
::* Online (provided by [http://cncnet.org/ CnCNet]) and LAN playability up to 8 players
 
::* Online (provided by [http://cncnet.org/ CnCNet]) and LAN playability up to 8 players
 
::* High-resolution graphics
 
::* High-resolution graphics
 +
::* No-CD setting
 
::* Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions
 
::* Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions
−
::* Support for newer Windows systems and Mac/Linux through emulation
+
{{mm}} You can find the list of full changes in [http://iran.cnc-comm.com/ra303p-iran/features.txt the changelog].
−
{{mm}} You can find the list of full changes [http://iran.cnc-comm.com/ra303p-iran/features.txt here].
 
 
{{ii}} Compatibility mode, 256 colors and 640x480 should be turned OFF in the compatibility tab.
 
{{ii}} Compatibility mode, 256 colors and 640x480 should be turned OFF in the compatibility tab.
 
{{ii}} It is not recommended to install CnCNet alone as most players use 3.03 version and the patch installs CnCNet anyway.
 
{{ii}} It is not recommended to install CnCNet alone as most players use 3.03 version and the patch installs CnCNet anyway.
−
{{ii}} You need to have [http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=1639 .Net Framework] installed for RedAlertConfig to work.
+
{{ii}} You need to have .Net Framework installed for RedAlertConfig to work. You can download it from [http://www.filehippo.com/download_dotnet_framework_3/ Filehippo servers].
−
{{++}} You can also download movies and music from PS1 Retaliation release and music from expansions ("Music Add-on") from the same site.
+
{{++}} Movies and music from PS1 Retaliation and music from the expansions ("Music Add-on") can be downloaded from [http://redalert95.tk/ redalert95.tk].
−
{{--}} France and England are still debuffed in multiplayer; England has thinner instead of thicker armor and France has a slower instead of faster rate of fire.
+
 
 +
==Game data==
 +
===Game install directory===
 +
{{Game Location Table|
 +
{{Game Location Table/row|Default (NOT the [[#Availability|Fan download]])|C:\Westwood\REDALERT}}
 +
{{Game Location Table/row|[[Command & Conquer: The First Decade|The First Decade]]|C:\Program Files (x86)\EA GAMES\Command & Conquer The First Decade\Command & Conquer Red Alert(tm))}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
=== Configuration file location ===
 +
{{Game Location Table|
 +
{{Game Location Table/row|Default|C:\Westwood\REDALERT\redalert.ini}}
 +
{{Game Location Table/row|DDraw|C:\Westwood\REDALERT\ddraw.ini}}
 +
{{Game Location Table/row|CnCNet|C:\Westwood\REDALERT\cncnet.ini}}
 +
}}
  
−
==Save game location==
+
===Save game location===
 
{{Game Location Table|
 
{{Game Location Table|
−
{{Game Location Table/row|Default|C:\WESTWOOD\REDALERT\savegame.***}}  
+
{{Game Location Table/row|Default|C:\Westwood\REDALERT\savegame.***}}  
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 73: Line 89:
 
{{Input Settings
 
{{Input Settings
 
|key_remap                  =true
 
|key_remap                  =true
−
|key_remap_notes            =There's a Hotkey editor tab in Config!
+
|key_remap_notes            =There's a Hotkey editor tab in the RedAlertConfig!
 
|acceleration_option        =false
 
|acceleration_option        =false
 
|acceleration_option_notes  =
 
|acceleration_option_notes  =
Line 79: Line 95:
  
 
==Network Settings==
 
==Network Settings==
−
There are 2 main options when choosing for an online service: XWIS and CnCNet. XWIS is officialy-supported by EA and works internally by clicking "Internet" button. On the other hand, CnCNet is supported by the community and runs by choosing cncnet.exe which boosts you into "Network" screen. CnCNet is also much more popular with over 100 players playing every day; that's why the patch and the fan executable has CnCNet. Unfortunately, XWIS and CnCNet can't coexist for now so these are the settings for CnCNet.
+
There are 2 online services to choose for Red Alert: [http://xwis.net/ XWIS] and [http://cncnet.org CnCNet]. XWIS is officialy-supported by EA and works internally by clicking the "Internet" button. On the other hand, CnCNet is supported by the CnCNet community and runs by executing cncnet.exe which boosts a player into "Network" screen. CnCNet is also much more popular with over 100 players playing every day; that's why the patch and the fan download has CnCNet. Unfortunately, XWIS and CnCNet can't coexist for now so CnCNet settings are presented in this section.
  
 
In order to play the game online with CnCNet, you can choose two main options: peer-to-peer or tunneled mode. Generally, peer-to-peer is faster, but may need some [[Port Forwarding|network configuration]]. There are 2 options of doing this:
 
In order to play the game online with CnCNet, you can choose two main options: peer-to-peer or tunneled mode. Generally, peer-to-peer is faster, but may need some [[Port Forwarding|network configuration]]. There are 2 options of doing this:
−
# Automatic setup by [http://cncnet.org/files/cncnet-upnptool.zip CnCNet tester] with UPnP.
+
# Automatic setup by [http://cncnet.org/download CnCNet Tester] with instructions<ref>http://cncnet.org/setup-guide</ref> below.
−
# Manual setup (instructions [http://redalert95.tk/4/ here])
+
# Manual setup (instructions [http://redalert95.tk/4/ here]<ref>http://redalert95.tk</ref>).
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/instructions|CnCNet Tester}}
 +
{{ii}} Only works with UPnP enabled routers.
 +
:# Download the zip file and extract it anywhere.
 +
:# Run the tool.
 +
:# In the left corner of the program you should see a button called "Get All Port Mappings" and click it. In the box to the right you should see the text "Starting UPNP Device Search...".
 +
:# If you get a response after the message "Starting UPNP Device Search" go ahead and click the "Map My Port" button otherwise see Manual setup.
 +
}}
  
 
==Issues Fixed==
 
==Issues Fixed==
−
{{ii}} If you have an issue, be sure to check the "readme" first or [http://www.commandandconquer.com/forums/showthread.php?547-Common-Problems-(Updated-11-12-2011) this thread].
+
{{ii}} If you have an issue, be sure to check this [http://redalert1.com/build.txt FAQ] first.
  
 
=== General fix ===
 
=== General fix ===
Line 95: Line 120:
 
:# If everything in the compatibility tab is unchecked (Right click shortcut -> Properties).
 
:# If everything in the compatibility tab is unchecked (Right click shortcut -> Properties).
 
:# If you have enabled "Back buffer in Video memory" and disabled "Allow hardware filled blits" in RedAlertConfig.
 
:# If you have enabled "Back buffer in Video memory" and disabled "Allow hardware filled blits" in RedAlertConfig.
−
:# If you may be able to run it using a different renderer or enabling/disabling  
+
:# If you may be able to run it using a different renderer or enabling/disabling Single CPU affinity in RedAlertConfig.
 
:# If you changed from CnC-Ddraw to DDwrapper in Video Options.
 
:# If you changed from CnC-Ddraw to DDwrapper in Video Options.
−
:# If you installed [http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=1639 .Net Framework].
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 +
=== RedAlertConfig won't run ===
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Unable to set video mode}}
 +
:* You need to install [http://www.filehippo.com/download_dotnet_framework_3/tech/ .Net Framework].
 +
}}
 +
 +
=== Game speed/Map Scroll Rate issue===
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Game speed}}
 +
:* Either set it in the RedAlertConfig or in-game: press Esc to open a menu, press game controls and move the Game Speed slider to adjust the game speed or Scroll Rate slider to adjust the scroll speed.
 +
}}
 +
 +
=== "Unable to set video mode" error ===
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Unable to set video mode}}
 +
{{ii}} There are 3 ways how to fix this error:
 +
:# Change the resolution.
 +
:# Change CnC-Ddraw to DDWrapper.
 +
:# Enable windowed mode.
 +
::* If you really want to play fullscreen, you might want to check how to enable [[#Borderless fullscreen windowed|Borderless fullscreen windowed mode]].
 +
}}
 
==Issues Unresolved==
 
==Issues Unresolved==
  
 
==Mac/Linux Emulation==
 
==Mac/Linux Emulation==
 
{{++}} This game usually performs well in Wine<ref>http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=727</ref>.
 
{{++}} This game usually performs well in Wine<ref>http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=727</ref>.
−
{{ii}} This is emulation for the fan-made packs, not for the ISOs or CDs.
+
{{ii}} This is an emulation guide for the fan-made packs, not for the ISOs or CDs.
 
{{ii}} This is a guide to emulation using PlayonLinux/PlayonMac and can be also set on [[Wine]] with same configuration.
 
{{ii}} This is a guide to emulation using PlayonLinux/PlayonMac and can be also set on [[Wine]] with same configuration.
 
{{ii}} You need to have Mono installed for RedAlertConfig to work.
 
{{ii}} You need to have Mono installed for RedAlertConfig to work.
Line 111: Line 156:
 
#Open, click "Install" and then "Install a non-listed program" at the bottom.
 
#Open, click "Install" and then "Install a non-listed program" at the bottom.
 
#Choose "Install a program in a new virtual drive" and then check "Configure Wine" (Name of the virtual drive doesn't matter)
 
#Choose "Install a program in a new virtual drive" and then check "Configure Wine" (Name of the virtual drive doesn't matter)
−
#Now you should see a dialog with a wine class, take note of the path where drive_c is located; select "Emulate a virtual desktop" and configure the virtual desktop of your resolution or smaller for better performance.
+
#In the libraries tab, add ddraw.dll and wsock32.dll to override list; write them and click Add (one at a time).
−
#In the libraries tab, add ddraw.dll and wsock32.dll to override list, write them in the drop-down and click Add (one at a time).
+
#After configuring Wine, select the executable and extract the game.
−
#After you configure Wine, choose the file you downloaded.
 
 
#Add shortcuts for RA95.exe and CnCNet.exe (and RedAlertConfig.exe for configuration).
 
#Add shortcuts for RA95.exe and CnCNet.exe (and RedAlertConfig.exe for configuration).
−
#Run RedAlertConfig and set Max FPS to 200, stretch to custom resolution and make it use OpenGL.
 
 
#Run RedAlertLauncher.exe under Mono. If it doesn't work run under Wine ra95.exe directly or cncnet.exe for online play.
 
#Run RedAlertLauncher.exe under Mono. If it doesn't work run under Wine ra95.exe directly or cncnet.exe for online play.
  

Revision as of 23:01, 4 February 2013

Template:Infobox Command & Conquer (series) Key points

3.03p-Iran patch as it brings back LAN functionality, replaces officially-supported XWIS servers with more populated CnCNet online service, adds high resolutions, Counterstrike and Aftermath missions, eliminates CD-checking and offers better Windows (32 and 64-bit) and Wine compatibility besides fixing a great number of bugs.
France and England are still debuffed in multiplayer; England has thinner instead of thicker armor and France has a slower instead of faster rate of fire.
In order to play online with CnCNet, start the game with cncnet.exe. To play LAN, start the game as usual.

General information

Multiplayer guides
CNCNZ subforum
CnC-Comm subforum (+Maps)
Official EA subforum

Availability

Windows

Template:Availability Table

Instructions
Game is also bundled with other games in the franchise on Command & Conquer: The First Decade or newer The Ultimate Collection.

Improvements

Patches

3.03p-Iran

This patch contains:
  • Latest official 3.03 patch and 3.03p-Iran[1] patch along with other community fixes
  • Support for newer Windows systems and Mac/Linux through emulation
  • Online (provided by CnCNet) and LAN playability up to 8 players
  • High-resolution graphics
  • No-CD setting
  • Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions
You can find the list of full changes in the changelog.
Compatibility mode, 256 colors and 640x480 should be turned OFF in the compatibility tab.
It is not recommended to install CnCNet alone as most players use 3.03 version and the patch installs CnCNet anyway.
You need to have .Net Framework installed for RedAlertConfig to work. You can download it from Filehippo servers.
Movies and music from PS1 Retaliation and music from the expansions ("Music Add-on") can be downloaded from redalert95.tk.

Game data

Game install directory

Template:Game Location Table

Configuration file location

Template:Game Location Table

Save game location

Template:Game Location Table

Save game cloud syncing

Template:Save Game Cloud Syncing

Video settings

These are video and input settings in the fanmade patch.

Template:Video Settings

Input Settings

Template:Input Settings

Network Settings

There are 2 online services to choose for Red Alert: XWIS and CnCNet. XWIS is officialy-supported by EA and works internally by clicking the "Internet" button. On the other hand, CnCNet is supported by the CnCNet community and runs by executing cncnet.exe which boosts a player into "Network" screen. CnCNet is also much more popular with over 100 players playing every day; that's why the patch and the fan download has CnCNet. Unfortunately, XWIS and CnCNet can't coexist for now so CnCNet settings are presented in this section.

In order to play the game online with CnCNet, you can choose two main options: peer-to-peer or tunneled mode. Generally, peer-to-peer is faster, but may need some network configuration. There are 2 options of doing this:

  1. Automatic setup by CnCNet Tester with instructions[2] below.
  2. Manual setup (instructions here[3]).
Instructions

Issues Fixed

If you have an issue, be sure to check this FAQ first.

General fix

Instructions

RedAlertConfig won't run

Instructions

Game speed/Map Scroll Rate issue

Instructions

"Unable to set video mode" error

Instructions

Issues Unresolved

Mac/Linux Emulation

This game usually performs well in Wine[4].
This is an emulation guide for the fan-made packs, not for the ISOs or CDs.
This is a guide to emulation using PlayonLinux/PlayonMac and can be also set on Wine with same configuration.
You need to have Mono installed for RedAlertConfig to work.
  1. Download PlayonMac or PlayonLinux and install it.
  2. Open, click "Install" and then "Install a non-listed program" at the bottom.
  3. Choose "Install a program in a new virtual drive" and then check "Configure Wine" (Name of the virtual drive doesn't matter)
  4. In the libraries tab, add ddraw.dll and wsock32.dll to override list; write them and click Add (one at a time).
  5. After configuring Wine, select the executable and extract the game.
  6. Add shortcuts for RA95.exe and CnCNet.exe (and RedAlertConfig.exe for configuration).
  7. Run RedAlertLauncher.exe under Mono. If it doesn't work run under Wine ra95.exe directly or cncnet.exe for online play.

General Information

Open-source implementation

OpenRA is an implementation that is multiplatform. It has a completely reimagined interface, supports high resolutions and is most supported. However,it only has multiplayer and music has to be put separately into its Aplication Data folder.

Multiple languages

C&C patch also supports multiple languages. They can be found here under language packs section. You only need these if you applied the patch above. Currently available languages are (besides English) German, French, Spanish and Russian.

Total conversions

There are some total conversions of the game that are quite neat. There's a Red Alert 3 conversion called The Red Alert.

Maps

Red Alert has support for external maps, both multiplayer and singleplayer. Links for them is at the beginning of this article as well as one map archive here. There's even a map creator you can find here.

System Requirements

Template:SysReq BaseTemplate

References

  1. ↑ http://iran.cnc-comm.com/ra303p-iran
  2. ↑ http://cncnet.org/setup-guide
  3. ↑ http://redalert95.tk
  4. ↑ http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=727