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Difference between revisions of "MechWarrior 3"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
−
|cover        = MechWarrior 3 Coverart.png
+
|cover        = MechWarrior 3 (PC Cover).png
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Zipper Interactive}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Zipper Interactive}}
Line 12: Line 12:
 
|taxonomy    =
 
|taxonomy    =
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }}
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person, Third-person }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person, Third-person }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Vehicle combat }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Action, FPS, TPS, Vehicle combat }}
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Robot }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Robot }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Stylized }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Stylized }}
Line 28: Line 26:
 
|hltb        = 5765
 
|hltb        = 5765
 
|strategywiki = MechWarrior 3
 
|strategywiki = MechWarrior 3
−
|mobygames    = mechwarrior-3
+
|mobygames    = 284
 
|wikipedia    = MechWarrior 3
 
|wikipedia    = MechWarrior 3
 
|winehq      = 3124
 
|winehq      = 3124
 +
|lutris      = mechwarrior-3
 +
|igdb        = mechwarrior-3
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
−
{{--}} Poor performance on modern systems
+
|introduction      =
 +
 
 +
|release history  = The game received two [[#Patches|official patches]], as well as the '''''Pirate's Moon''''' expansion in December 1999, which introduced a new campaign, multiplayer maps and 'Mechs.
 +
 
 +
|current state    = Since the Windows XP era, the game has had severe compatibility issues, which would manifest in one or more of the following: rendering and control issues, refusal to start up, [[#Fix bouncing APCs and dysfunctional AMS|broken physics]] and [[#Variable game speed|uncontrollable game speed]]. [[#Adding compatibility for modern Windows|Two methods]] are known to resolve most of these issues on modern systems.
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
Line 47: Line 52:
 
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc | {{DRM|SafeDisc}}. | | Windows}}
 
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc | {{DRM|SafeDisc}}. | | Windows}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} This game is not available digitally.
 
 
{{ii}} Free demos are available from GameFront: [https://www.gamefront.com/games/mechwarrior-3/file/mechwarrior-3-singleplayer-demo singleplayer], [https://www.gamefront.com/games/mechwarrior-3/file/mechwarrior-3-multiplayer-demo multiplayer].
 
{{ii}} Free demos are available from GameFront: [https://www.gamefront.com/games/mechwarrior-3/file/mechwarrior-3-singleplayer-demo singleplayer], [https://www.gamefront.com/games/mechwarrior-3/file/mechwarrior-3-multiplayer-demo multiplayer].
  
Line 65: Line 69:
 
{{ii}} An official map pack has been released, and is available [https://www.gamefront.com/games/mechwarrior-3/file/mechwarrior-3-official-map-pack here].
 
{{ii}} An official map pack has been released, and is available [https://www.gamefront.com/games/mechwarrior-3/file/mechwarrior-3-official-map-pack here].
  
−
===Enable high resolutions with launcher===
+
===Adding compatibility for modern Windows===
−
A launcher for the game that enables support for widescreen and high resolutions (beyond the 1024 x 768 supported officially in the game) is available [https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=42714 here]. The launcher must be set to run in Windows 7 compatibility mode in order to work.
+
The following methods apply to both MechWarrior 3 and the Pirate's Moon expansion pack (except for the official patch step, as none were ever released for Pirate's Moon).
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Method 1: Use dgVoodoo 2|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Install the [[#Patches|1.2 Patch]].
 +
# Download [[dgVoodoo 2]].
 +
# Extract {{file|dgVoodooCpl.exe}}, as well as the following files from the {{folder|MS\x86}} into {{folder|{{p|game}}}}: {{file|D3DImm.dll}} and {{file|DDraw.dll}}.
 +
# Set the {{file|Mech3.exe}} [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility options]] to Windows 98 / Me compatibility mode, with administrator rights and display scaling disabled.
 +
# From the Windows Control Panel, enable [[DirectPlay]].
 +
# Run the game.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Method 2: Configuring compatibility settings|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Install the [[#Patches|1.2 Patch]].
 +
# Set [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility settings]] for {{file|mech3.exe}} to Windows 98 / Me.
 +
# Through the graphics card's control panel, enable "Vertical sync" and "Triple buffering".
 +
# From the Windows Control Panel, enable [[DirectPlay]].
 +
# Run the game.
 +
}}
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
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===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/config|Windows|}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|hkcu}}\SOFTWARE\MicroProse\MechWarrior 3\1.0\}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
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|4k ultra hd wsgf award    =  
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    =  
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
−
|widescreen resolution notes= Use [[#Enable high resolutions with launcher|hi-res/widescreen patch]].
+
|widescreen resolution notes= See [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2621-mechwarrior-3-widescreenultrawidesuperwidemultimonitor-fix/ Widescreen Patch].
−
|multimonitor              = unknown
+
|multimonitor              = hackable
−
|multimonitor notes        =  
+
|multimonitor notes        = See [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2621-mechwarrior-3-widescreenultrawidesuperwidemultimonitor-fix/ Widescreen Patch].
−
|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
+
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
−
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
+
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2621-mechwarrior-3-widescreenultrawidesuperwidemultimonitor-fix/ Widescreen Patch].
−
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
+
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
−
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
+
|4k ultra hd notes          = See [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2621-mechwarrior-3-widescreenultrawidesuperwidemultimonitor-fix/ Widescreen Patch].
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|windowed                  = false
 
|windowed                  = false
−
|windowed notes            =  
+
|windowed notes            =
 
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
Line 107: Line 128:
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
−
|upscaling                  = unknown
+
|upscaling                  = false
 
|upscaling tech            =  
 
|upscaling tech            =  
 
|upscaling notes            =  
 
|upscaling notes            =  
−
|vsync                      = false
+
|vsync                      = always on
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
−
|60 fps                    = unknown
+
|60 fps                    = true
−
|60 fps notes              =  
+
|60 fps notes              = FPS should be limited to 30, see [[#Fix bouncing APCs and dysfunctional AMS|issues fixed]].
 
|120 fps                    = unknown
 
|120 fps                    = unknown
 
|120 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps notes              =  
−
|hdr                        = unknown
+
|hdr                        = false
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|hdr notes                  =  
−
|color blind                = unknown
+
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
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|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option notes =  
 
|acceleration option notes =  
−
|mouse sensitivity        = unknown
+
|mouse sensitivity        = false
 
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu                = true
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|invert mouse y-axis      = true
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = true
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
−
|touchscreen              = unknown
+
|touchscreen              = false
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|controller support        = true
 
|controller support        = true
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|mute on focus lost      = false
 
|mute on focus lost      = false
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
−
|eax support              = true
+
|eax support              = false
−
|eax support notes        = A3D, QSound<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/19990203035731/http://www.3dai.com/oldnews/97-09.html 3D Audio Immersion - Old News: September 1997]</ref>{{CN|please check if rumors were right}}
+
|eax support notes        = A3D and QSound only.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990203035731/http://www.3dai.com/oldnews/97-09.html|title=3D Audio Immersion - Old News: September 1997|date=May 2023}}</ref>{{CN|please check if rumors were right}}
 
|royalty free audio      = always on
 
|royalty free audio      = always on
 
|royalty free audio notes =  
 
|royalty free audio notes =  
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Alternatively, open task manager, go to details tab, right click setup.exe, click "analyse wait chain", tick both boxes to end both processes. Repeat these steps until setup launches.
 
Alternatively, open task manager, go to details tab, right click setup.exe, click "analyse wait chain", tick both boxes to end both processes. Repeat these steps until setup launches.
  
−
===Adding compatibility for modern Windows===
+
===Fix bouncing APCs and dysfunctional AMS===
−
The following methods apply to both MechWarrior 3 and the Pirate's Moon expansion pack (except for the official patch step, as none were ever released for Pirate's Moon).
+
{{Fixbox|description=Limit the game's framerate to 30 FPS and/or force v-sync through a third-party application|ref={{cn|August 2023}}|fix=
−
 
 
−
====Method 1====
 
−
{{ii}} This method fixes most rendering, FPS, and loading issues with the game. Also helps with 'rainbow colours' artifacts in game'.
 
−
 
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Use dgVoodoo 2|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
−
# Install the [[#Patches|1.2 Patch]].
 
−
# Download and setup [[dgVoodoo 2]].
 
−
# Once the initial setup is done, go to the {{file|MS\x86|folder}} subfolder.
 
−
# Copy the {{file|D3DImm.dll}} and {{file|DDraw.dll}} files and paste them into {{file|{{p|game}}|folder}}.
 
−
# Set the {{file|Mech3.exe}} [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility options]] to Windows 98 / Me compatibility mode, with administrator rights and display scaling disabled.
 
−
# Run the game.
 
−
}}
 
−
 
 
−
====Method 2====
 
−
{{ii}} Use this method only if dgVoodoo cannot be run properly.
 
−
 
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Configuring compatibility settings|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
−
# Install the [[#Patches|1.2 Patch]].
 
−
# Set [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility settings]] for {{file|mech3.exe}} to Windows 98 / Me.
 
−
# Through the graphics card's control panel, enable "Vertical sync" and "Triple buffering".
 
−
# Run the game.
 
−
}}
 
−
 
 
−
===Fix bouncing APCs/AMS not working===
 
−
Use a tool like Rivatuner to limit the game's framerate to 30fps. Enabling V-Sync helps too.
 
−
 
 
−
===Game won't start (Windows 10)===
 
−
{{ii}} If the game won't start and you encounter an application error message
 
−
 
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Enable [[DirectPlay]]|ref=|fix=
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Variable game speed===
 
===Variable game speed===
 
{{ii}} Game speed may constantly shift between too fast and too slow when the computer uptime is high.
 
{{ii}} Game speed may constantly shift between too fast and too slow when the computer uptime is high.
−
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=September 2019}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2621-mechwarrior-3-widescreenultrawidesuperwidemultimonitor-fix/ Widescreen Fix]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-04-19}}</ref>}}
−
# Reboot Windows.
 
−
}}
 
  
−
===Pirate's moon 4th pirate mission crashes often===
+
===Pirate's Moon 4th pirate mission crashes often===
 
{{ii}} Caused by corruption of data used by the game's physics code.
 
{{ii}} Caused by corruption of data used by the game's physics code.
 
{{ii}} The game physics may still glitch out and destroy the player's mech, but the chances of completing the mission normally remain higher than on an unpatched game.
 
{{ii}} The game physics may still glitch out and destroy the player's mech, but the chances of completing the mission normally remain higher than on an unpatched game.
 
{{Fixbox|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|fix=
−
#Download [https://archive.org/details/mech3pmpatch unofficial patch] from archive.org
+
# Download the [https://archive.org/details/mech3pmpatch unofficial patch].
−
#Copy file to install folder
+
# Copy file to {{folder|{{p|game}}}}.
−
#Run the patched .exe
+
# Run the patched .exe.
−
#Try to complete the mission
+
# Try to complete the mission.
 
}}
 
}}
  
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===API===
 
===API===
 
{{API
 
{{API
−
|direct3d versions      = 7
+
|direct3d versions      = 6
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
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|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
−
|windows arm app        = unknown
+
|windows arm app        =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|macos intel 32-bit app =  
 
|macos intel 32-bit app =  
 
|macos intel 64-bit app =  
 
|macos intel 64-bit app =  
−
|macos arm app          = unknown
+
|macos arm app          =  
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 
|linux 64-bit executable=  
 
|linux 64-bit executable=  
−
|linux arm app          = unknown
+
|linux arm app          =
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}

Latest revision as of 02:26, 19 February 2024

MechWarrior 3
MechWarrior 3 cover
Developers
Zipper Interactive
Publishers
MicroProse
Hasbro Interactive
Engines
GameZ
Release dates
Windows June 1, 1999
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person, Third-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, FPS, TPS, Vehicle combat
Vehicles Robot
Art styles Stylized
Themes Sci-fi
Series MechWarrior
Icon overlay.png
MechWarrior 3 on HowLongToBeat
MechWarrior 3 on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
MechWarrior 3 guide on StrategyWiki
MechWarrior 3 on MobyGames
MechWarrior 3 on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
⤏ Go to series page
Subseries of BattleTech
MechWarrior 1989
MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat 1995
MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries 1996
MechWarrior 3 1999
MechWarrior 4: Vengeance 2000
MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries 2002
MechWarrior: Living Legends (unofficial game) 2009
MechWarrior Online 2012
MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries 2019
MechWarrior 5: Clans 2024

Warnings

SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see Availability for affected versions).

MechWarrior 3 is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person and third-person action, FPS, TPS and vehicle combat game in the MechWarrior series.

The game received two official patches, as well as the Pirate's Moon expansion in December 1999, which introduced a new campaign, multiplayer maps and 'Mechs.

Since the Windows XP era, the game has had severe compatibility issues, which would manifest in one or more of the following: rendering and control issues, refusal to start up, broken physics and uncontrollable game speed. Two methods are known to resolve most of these issues on modern systems.

General information

BattleTech Wiki - A massive wiki for everything BattleTech related
MechWariorsUnited - A community with patches and multiplayer maps
Mech3Mod - A community with mods
MechWarrior3.org - A huge fansite for MechWarrior 3 (archived)

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 SafeDisc DRM[Note 1].
Windows
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
Free demos are available from GameFront: singleplayer, multiplayer.

Version differences

The Gold Edition includes the base game and the Pirate's Moon expansion.

Monetization

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Pirate's Moon
Windows

Essential improvements

Patches

The latest patch for the game (v1.2) can be downloaded from the Files section. The patch is available in English, French, and German.

Official map pack

An official map pack has been released, and is available here.

Adding compatibility for modern Windows

The following methods apply to both MechWarrior 3 and the Pirate's Moon expansion pack (except for the official patch step, as none were ever released for Pirate's Moon).

Method 1: Use dgVoodoo 2[citation needed]
  1. Install the 1.2 Patch.
  2. Download dgVoodoo 2.
  3. Extract dgVoodooCpl.exe, as well as the following files from the MS\x86 into <path-to-game>: D3DImm.dll and DDraw.dll.
  4. Set the Mech3.exe compatibility options to Windows 98 / Me compatibility mode, with administrator rights and display scaling disabled.
  5. From the Windows Control Panel, enable DirectPlay.
  6. Run the game.
Method 2: Configuring compatibility settings[citation needed]
  1. Install the 1.2 Patch.
  2. Set compatibility settings for mech3.exe to Windows 98 / Me.
  3. Through the graphics card's control panel, enable "Vertical sync" and "Triple buffering".
  4. From the Windows Control Panel, enable DirectPlay.
  5. Run the game.

Game data

In-game general settings/options menu.
In-game general settings/options menu.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MicroProse\MechWarrior 3\1.0\

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\pilots[Note 2]

Video

In-game video/audio settings.
In-game video/audio settings.

Graphics feature State Notes
Widescreen resolution
See Widescreen Patch.
Multi-monitor
See Widescreen Patch.
Ultra-widescreen
See Widescreen Patch.
4K Ultra HD
See Widescreen Patch.
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
High-fidelity upscaling
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
60 FPS
FPS should be limited to 30, see issues fixed.
120+ FPS
High dynamic range display (HDR)

Input

In-game control settings.
In-game control settings.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Full controller support
Controller remapping
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
PlayStation controllers
Generic/other controllers
Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Speech volume is tied with music.
Surround sound
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
German
Infantry can not be crushed, as they vanish when a 'Mech aims at them or approaches them.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
8
Online play
8 The official multiplayer service has been shut down.

Issues fixed

Installing under modern Windows

For many people, the version of Installshield which MechWarrior 3 uses refuses to start, and instead just hangs. This appears to be caused by conflicting programs running in the background. Singling out which program this is can be quite difficult. A simple workaround is to create a new account with administrative privileges, and install MechWarrior 3 under that.[citation needed]

Alternatively, open task manager, go to details tab, right click setup.exe, click "analyse wait chain", tick both boxes to end both processes. Repeat these steps until setup launches.

Fix bouncing APCs and dysfunctional AMS

Limit the game's framerate to 30 FPS and/or force v-sync through a third-party application[citation needed]

Variable game speed

Game speed may constantly shift between too fast and too slow when the computer uptime is high.
Install the Widescreen Fix[3]

Pirate's Moon 4th pirate mission crashes often

Caused by corruption of data used by the game's physics code.
The game physics may still glitch out and destroy the player's mech, but the chances of completing the mission normally remain higher than on an unpatched game.
Instructions
  1. Download the unofficial patch.
  2. Copy file to <path-to-game>.
  3. Run the patched .exe.
  4. Try to complete the mission.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 6
Software renderer
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Multiplayer MSN Gaming Zone

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95 98
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 166 MHz Intel Pentium 200 MHz
System memory (RAM) 32 MB 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 240 MB 390 MB
Video card (GPU) 2 MB of VRAM
DirectX 6.1 compatible 		8 MB of VRAM


Notes

  1. ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[1] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[2]
  2. ↑ When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).

References