User:Garrett

Oh hi! This is my me page! I also do some editing via Garrbot, a semi-automated bot account using AutoWikiBrowser.

You can often find me hanging around on IRC. You might also see me on WSGF as Garrett or GOG.com or Steam as Arkose.

My games collection (so I can keep track of things)

My testing process

• I do primary testing on Windows 8 (64-bit).
• If I suspect/know compatibility differs I also test in 7 (64-bit) and XP (32-bit, virtualised).
• I always install to the default location with the full install option (if an install size choice is given).
• I test full versions where possible; demos sometimes have differing compatibility.
• For DOSBox games I test in the supplied version (for GOG.com etc.) or the latest version.

My computer

• Windows 8 Pro (64-bit)
• Intel Core 2 Duo E8200 2.66 GHz
• ASUS HD6450 1GB
• Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800 2GB
• Western Digital Caviar SE 500GB HDD

Useful programs

• Regshot - very useful for tracking the registry keys a game needs to run (e.g. for games with 16-bit installers that need to be copied over manually).
• Process Explorer - useful for investigating the DLLs and launch parameters a process uses (e.g. Microsoft Golf 3.0 relies on a bullfrog parameter not found in the shortcuts).
• Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit - advanced compatibility tweaking.
• MSI Afterburner - highly compatible screenshot feature (works for games Fraps can't capture from).

Common fixes

• User:Garrett/Common fixes - useful boilerplate text for common fixes.

Problems

Unresolved problems (major)

• Flight Unlimited II - crashes at launch on Windows 8
• Sea Dogs - windowed mode has corrupted UI
• Chessmaster 5500 - sounds and voice features cause crashes if enabled; swapping mss32.dll from other games doesn't fix it.
• Wizardry: Llylgamyn Saga - doesn't seem to work on Windows 7 or 8 (tested the demo version).

Unresolved problems (minor)

• Wing Commander: Privateer - forces controller calibration at launch if two controllers are connected
• Hover! - music only starts playing after Sound Options has been opened
• Might and Magic IX - higher resolutions break the menus

Resolved problems

• Gothic - fullscreen border on Windows 8; fixed with ForceSimpleWindow
• Gothic II - fullscreen border on Windows 8; fixed with ForceSimpleWindow
• Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX - using Program Files causes crash even when elevated
• Microsoft Golf 3.0 - workaround for 16-bit launcher
• Might and Magic IX - fullscreen border on Windows 8; fixed with ForceSimpleWindow

Unresolvable problems

• Indiana Jones and his Desktop Adventures - 16-bit; swapping files with Yoda Stories didn't work.
• Tinker - level editor cannot detect the Games for Windows - LIVE version; it requires the Windows Vista Ultimate Extras version.