I (still) need a tech wizard

August 13, 2010

Ok, if any of you saw the message where I awkwardly tried explaining the Rollercoaster Tycoon situation, I spoke with my brother and what I had thought was an issue wasn't really the issue I was thinking. Rather, he had installed the expansion and it had wiped all our progress in the process. That's a glitch I had read about some time ago, so I can find a way how to fix it.

However, I still need help with the Telltale thing because I am having a genuine filepath issue with that one. For whatever reason, when I try to load the game, it creats a new Telltale folder in the My Documents folder in my computer. There was initially only one file there, which I moved to the proper game folder to see if it would make a difference. Instead the game didn't even load at all saying there was some sort of error message. However, since I never actually tried loading the game before I did all this, I don't know if that message would have appeared regardless. Restoring the file didn't make a difference, either, so I'm actually inclined to think that it's another problem entirely.

Either way, the game still acts like it wants to read from the wrong folder - the Telltale folder in My Documents rather than the Telltale folder in Program Files, which is weird. If anyone knows how to fix that, I'd be grateful.

But since I think there's another problem at work there (possibly a compatibility issue with my computer), I might have to wait to experiment with a few more things when I get back to school.

This is kind of depressing.

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CoarseDragon - August 13, 2010 (11:43 AM)
Not sure how up you are on computers but most games have a file ending in "ini" or "cfg", this file tells the game what to do when after being loaded. Perhaps there is a way to place an entry in that file to specify the save directory - maybe something like SaveDIR=C:\My Documents\Telltale - for example.

Leroux - August 13, 2010 (01:00 PM)
Replacing the file even with the same file of the same name might still result in linking errors if it was originally hard-linked and is looking for the inode. The inode was modified each time the file was moved.

wolfqueen001 - August 14, 2010 (08:57 AM)
Hm... Those are some interesting ideas on the subject, though my understanding of computer language and terminology is so poor that I have to admit that I'm considerably confused at what it all means, and I still have no idea on how to fix it. Like, I wouldn't even know where to begin on changing the directory - I can't even see where the directory leads to. I also wouldn't know how to correct the problem if the cause is that stuff about inode (whatever that is) because it sounds like, in the process of deleting and then restoring the seemingly unnecessary data, I screwed that whole thing up to the point where the little I know won't help any.

Still, though, I appreciate the input from you both; at least I have some sort of idea of where to look or what could be wrong now. Thanks.

When I get back to school, maybe I'll try to provide screenshots and things to make this whole process easier, since it really is hard (for me at least) to explain with just words.

I'm not sure how much this'll help, but I did download this from the website when it was offered for free (not sure how clear I had made that when I rewrote this post), so part of me is wondering whether it's a license thing that I'd need to be connected to the internet for in order for the game to recognize that I'm legit. Granted, I've never had this issue with the Sam & Max games I have on here, but those I'd also first played while I was connecting, so if that's an issue, then maybe it's a one-time thing that the game or system or whatever needs to verify.

That kind of doesn't make sense though...

EDIT: EDIT: I looked more closely at the specific game files (using the properties menu because that's about all I know how to do), and I found that there aren't any files labeled as CFG or INI. Instead, in the proper game folder, there are files labelled as .dll and TTARCH or something, and in the My Documents folder, the one file sent there is a PROP file or whatever that is. Maybe I'm missing some files or something after all. =/ Unless those dll files serve the same purpose as the CFG or INI ones.

fleinn - August 14, 2010 (12:56 PM)
.. if you installed the game before an upgrade, maybe, and the user-path was set somewhere along the way, then the save-directory could be dependent on that path, something like that.

If it's changed, and that's why the program wants to read the new directory, you should find the old directory somehow.. (say, "view->properties->filetypes->advanced->annoying things->don'tlookhere->and unhook "hide system files and folders". Search for the directory name. Then copy the files to the new directory.

Might not work - but changing the right user-string back to something else.. After many years with windows voodoo, my advice is: don't waste your time. Even if it might work, actually finding the string and getting it updated, without restored back again, is completely futile.

If it comes to the worst, find the save-files, back them up, install everything from the beginning again, and then copy the save-files back. Not very often the save-files had path-dependent strings. But if it's something new with another entertaining drm, then it could be that.

If so - hex-time. Curses too, probably.

zippdementia - August 18, 2010 (03:45 PM)
This is why computer games frighten me. I do think a big part of my console love comes from the fact that I've never had install errors or file damaged errors. Similarly, I prefer getting games for a Mac when I can.

Don't try to tell me that PCs are better. PCs use Windows and I can now definitively tell you, after spending hours a day working on Nuclear Energy IT, that Windows blows massive bloody chunks. It's one of the stupidiest programs ever, which is made worse by the fact that it continually tries to guess what I want to do.

It's like having a five year old child sit behind me and grab the mouse every few seconds to click where they are SURE I'm going to click next.

CoarseDragon - August 18, 2010 (07:47 PM)
Your PROP file is a properties file that hold instructions for the game that can be edited - similar to the CFG of INI files I spoke of earlier. If you open the file - Right-click on the file and choose Send To then left-click Notepad - You should see somethings like this (only a lot more of them):

WinHeight = 716
WinWidth = 834
WinPosX = 2
WinPosY = 22

The TTARCH file is an archive file that contains smaller files, you don't need to mess with that.

A dll file is a library file that holds set of instructions for the game and the computer to use while the game is running. You don't want to mess with that either. Now it is possible that a corrupt dll file could be causing your problem and reinstalling should fix that if all the files are removed properly when the game is removed.

What is the name of this game again? Do you know who made the game?

Suskie - August 18, 2010 (10:17 PM)
I once told someone that PCs are better than Macs for the same reason driving stick is better than driving automatic.

wolfqueen001 - August 19, 2010 (04:49 AM)
Hm... Ok, that makes sense. I'll try to look at the PROP thing more closely next time I get a chance. Thanks!

The game is Tales of Monkey Island: Launch of the Screaminng Narwhal developed (or at least produced) by Telltale. I'm not sure if I'll be able to reinstall it again simply because I downloaded it when they were giving it away for free and I doubt that that'll be the case if I uninstall and then go to their site to try and reinstall it.

zippdementia - August 19, 2010 (06:51 AM)
It's a misomer, Suskie. People think they have more control over their PCs and what goes into them, but you can boost up a MAC just the same.

The one main difference, and Apple should get off their high horse about this, is that MAC parts are proprietary and PC parts are not.

Also note that I have nothing against PCs as much as I do against their usual operating system of windows. You could maybe sell me on a PC machine, but you can never sell me on Windows. And it has nothing to do with the company. It's the product. I just can't stand it. Now that I use it every day at the Nuke site, it's even worse. We get about 600 errors a year (no joke) and about 93% are caused by Windows related errors.

CoarseDragon - August 19, 2010 (11:24 AM)
One other thing to check WQ. Make sure you are the administrator or have administrator privileges on the computer. You can check that in the Control Panel usually under "Users".

Did you get any sort of serial number or unlock code with the game? Maybe in an e-mail.

wolfqueen001 - August 19, 2010 (04:28 PM)
I'm an administrator. I made sure of that when I set up my account on my computer.

As for what's in the Prop file, I sent it to Notepad, but all it has for text is a bunch of gibberish. There wasn't anything "ordered" like what you had described. Rather, it was a bunch of characters I don't know how to duplicate on here along with a bunch of random letters and symbols that didn't make sense. (Things like yyyy-->>ttt or something.) SO I have no idea what's up with that.

Dose it matter that the actual title of the file is prefs.prop?

As for some sort of internet code or something, I could've sworn I took care of that as soon as I downloaded it... I know I still have that e-mail saved, but I won't be able to go back and check (or at least actually do something with it) until I get back to school, so that'll have to wait.

CoarseDragon - August 19, 2010 (06:02 PM)
That's to bad about the PROP file. It is saved in a format you can not edit. I have done a bit of searching but so far nothing that really helps much. I have found that there seems to be quite a few problems with TellTale Games and that is rather disturbing. If I come up with something else I'll let you know.

wolfqueen001 - August 20, 2010 (09:13 AM)
Hm... Well, that kind of sucks. Thanks for all your help so far, though. I really appreciate it.

at least I haven't had any issues with the other Telltale games I have on my computer.

CoarseDragon - August 20, 2010 (11:35 AM)
Well, sorry but without more hands-on I really don't have much more to give you. I will keep my eyes open and let yuo know if I find something.

Feedback
	CoarseDragon - August 13, 2010 (11:43 AM) Not sure how up you are on computers but most games have a file ending in "ini" or "cfg", this file tells the game what to do when after being loaded. Perhaps there is a way to place an entry in that file to specify the save directory - maybe something like SaveDIR=C:\My Documents\Telltale - for example.
	Leroux - August 13, 2010 (01:00 PM) Replacing the file even with the same file of the same name might still result in linking errors if it was originally hard-linked and is looking for the inode. The inode was modified each time the file was moved.
	wolfqueen001 - August 14, 2010 (08:57 AM) Hm... Those are some interesting ideas on the subject, though my understanding of computer language and terminology is so poor that I have to admit that I'm considerably confused at what it all means, and I still have no idea on how to fix it. Like, I wouldn't even know where to begin on changing the directory - I can't even see where the directory leads to. I also wouldn't know how to correct the problem if the cause is that stuff about inode (whatever that is) because it sounds like, in the process of deleting and then restoring the seemingly unnecessary data, I screwed that whole thing up to the point where the little I know won't help any. Still, though, I appreciate the input from you both; at least I have some sort of idea of where to look or what could be wrong now. Thanks. When I get back to school, maybe I'll try to provide screenshots and things to make this whole process easier, since it really is hard (for me at least) to explain with just words. I'm not sure how much this'll help, but I did download this from the website when it was offered for free (not sure how clear I had made that when I rewrote this post), so part of me is wondering whether it's a license thing that I'd need to be connected to the internet for in order for the game to recognize that I'm legit. Granted, I've never had this issue with the Sam & Max games I have on here, but those I'd also first played while I was connecting, so if that's an issue, then maybe it's a one-time thing that the game or system or whatever needs to verify. That kind of doesn't make sense though... EDIT: EDIT: I looked more closely at the specific game files (using the properties menu because that's about all I know how to do), and I found that there aren't any files labeled as CFG or INI. Instead, in the proper game folder, there are files labelled as .dll and TTARCH or something, and in the My Documents folder, the one file sent there is a PROP file or whatever that is. Maybe I'm missing some files or something after all. =/ Unless those dll files serve the same purpose as the CFG or INI ones.
	fleinn - August 14, 2010 (12:56 PM) .. if you installed the game before an upgrade, maybe, and the user-path was set somewhere along the way, then the save-directory could be dependent on that path, something like that. If it's changed, and that's why the program wants to read the new directory, you should find the old directory somehow.. (say, "view->properties->filetypes->advanced->annoying things->don'tlookhere->and unhook "hide system files and folders". Search for the directory name. Then copy the files to the new directory. Might not work - but changing the right user-string back to something else.. After many years with windows voodoo, my advice is: don't waste your time. Even if it might work, actually finding the string and getting it updated, without restored back again, is completely futile. If it comes to the worst, find the save-files, back them up, install everything from the beginning again, and then copy the save-files back. Not very often the save-files had path-dependent strings. But if it's something new with another entertaining drm, then it could be that. If so - hex-time. Curses too, probably.
	zippdementia - August 18, 2010 (03:45 PM) This is why computer games frighten me. I do think a big part of my console love comes from the fact that I've never had install errors or file damaged errors. Similarly, I prefer getting games for a Mac when I can. Don't try to tell me that PCs are better. PCs use Windows and I can now definitively tell you, after spending hours a day working on Nuclear Energy IT, that Windows blows massive bloody chunks. It's one of the stupidiest programs ever, which is made worse by the fact that it continually tries to guess what I want to do. It's like having a five year old child sit behind me and grab the mouse every few seconds to click where they are SURE I'm going to click next.
	CoarseDragon - August 18, 2010 (07:47 PM) Your PROP file is a properties file that hold instructions for the game that can be edited - similar to the CFG of INI files I spoke of earlier. If you open the file - Right-click on the file and choose Send To then left-click Notepad - You should see somethings like this (only a lot more of them): WinHeight = 716 WinWidth = 834 WinPosX = 2 WinPosY = 22 The TTARCH file is an archive file that contains smaller files, you don't need to mess with that. A dll file is a library file that holds set of instructions for the game and the computer to use while the game is running. You don't want to mess with that either. Now it is possible that a corrupt dll file could be causing your problem and reinstalling should fix that if all the files are removed properly when the game is removed. What is the name of this game again? Do you know who made the game?
	Suskie - August 18, 2010 (10:17 PM) I once told someone that PCs are better than Macs for the same reason driving stick is better than driving automatic.
	wolfqueen001 - August 19, 2010 (04:49 AM) Hm... Ok, that makes sense. I'll try to look at the PROP thing more closely next time I get a chance. Thanks! The game is Tales of Monkey Island: Launch of the Screaminng Narwhal developed (or at least produced) by Telltale. I'm not sure if I'll be able to reinstall it again simply because I downloaded it when they were giving it away for free and I doubt that that'll be the case if I uninstall and then go to their site to try and reinstall it.
	zippdementia - August 19, 2010 (06:51 AM) It's a misomer, Suskie. People think they have more control over their PCs and what goes into them, but you can boost up a MAC just the same. The one main difference, and Apple should get off their high horse about this, is that MAC parts are proprietary and PC parts are not. Also note that I have nothing against PCs as much as I do against their usual operating system of windows. You could maybe sell me on a PC machine, but you can never sell me on Windows. And it has nothing to do with the company. It's the product. I just can't stand it. Now that I use it every day at the Nuke site, it's even worse. We get about 600 errors a year (no joke) and about 93% are caused by Windows related errors.
	CoarseDragon - August 19, 2010 (11:24 AM) One other thing to check WQ. Make sure you are the administrator or have administrator privileges on the computer. You can check that in the Control Panel usually under "Users". Did you get any sort of serial number or unlock code with the game? Maybe in an e-mail.
	wolfqueen001 - August 19, 2010 (04:28 PM) I'm an administrator. I made sure of that when I set up my account on my computer. As for what's in the Prop file, I sent it to Notepad, but all it has for text is a bunch of gibberish. There wasn't anything "ordered" like what you had described. Rather, it was a bunch of characters I don't know how to duplicate on here along with a bunch of random letters and symbols that didn't make sense. (Things like yyyy-->>ttt or something.) SO I have no idea what's up with that. Dose it matter that the actual title of the file is prefs.prop? As for some sort of internet code or something, I could've sworn I took care of that as soon as I downloaded it... I know I still have that e-mail saved, but I won't be able to go back and check (or at least actually do something with it) until I get back to school, so that'll have to wait.
	CoarseDragon - August 19, 2010 (06:02 PM) That's to bad about the PROP file. It is saved in a format you can not edit. I have done a bit of searching but so far nothing that really helps much. I have found that there seems to be quite a few problems with TellTale Games and that is rather disturbing. If I come up with something else I'll let you know.
	wolfqueen001 - August 20, 2010 (09:13 AM) Hm... Well, that kind of sucks. Thanks for all your help so far, though. I really appreciate it. at least I haven't had any issues with the other Telltale games I have on my computer.
	CoarseDragon - August 20, 2010 (11:35 AM) Well, sorry but without more hands-on I really don't have much more to give you. I will keep my eyes open and let yuo know if I find something.

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