Problems installing Arcanum

Hi, this is my first post here. This appears to be the most active Arcanum forum so far, so I hope I'd be able to get a solution.

I decided to dig out my old copy of Arcanum (At least...4 years old or so?) and tried to install it on my PC, after getting bored of mmorpgs.

The 2 cds still look brand-new, no scratches or dust on them. Unfortunately, I can't get the game to install itself.

I could get to the screen right after you choose the directory to install to - but once I click 'next', instead of the installation screen with the progress bar, nothing appears, and I am thrown back to my desktop. Under task manager, I can see the two processes running: SETUP.EXE and msiexec.msi (the two processes installing Arcanum normally), and on my drive, I can see the SIERRA/Arcanum folders and files being copied.

Unfortunately, there is no progress screen, and after about 2 minutes, the processes end and the Arcanum directory disappears. All the files, until the process ended, seems to be copied normally - but instead of prompting me for the play disk (no installation screen in the first place), the process ends and all the files in Sierra/Arcanum gets deleted.

I have not encountered this problem before, and years ago, when I bought Arcanum, it installed flawlessly. I've tried the usual suspects:

1. Used Alcohol 120% and made backup images of both cds - same problem
2. Manually copying every file from cd onto a directory on my hard disk - same problem
3. Checking cds for scratches - nil. CRC errors - nil.
4. Updated windows, drivers, dvd/cd-rom firmware and whatnot
5. Used a different cd-rom drive.

I do not have access to another PC, so I can't try it out somewhere else just yet.

While exploring the install disk, I realised that it actually has the directories Arcanum/modules/**.**, with files like Arcanum.dat inside. Then it struck me - why not I try to manually copy over the needed files and structure, hoping it will work?

I did try, but Arcanum failed to launch. Must have messed up some of the structure while copying, since I don't have a filelist/structure to refer to. Would someone be kind enough to post me a list, or screenshot of his arcanum game directory? This seems to be my last resort.

I'd hate to throw away the almost mint condition game.

My PC specs:
Windows XP SP2
Intel P4 3.2Ghz with HT
1Gb RAM
20Gb/120Gb/200Gb hdds
Gigabyte 8IPE1000-Pro2 motherboard
TDK DVDRW882N dvd drive
TEAC W58E cdrw drive

What other details would be helpful?

Sorry for such a long post, but I'm eager to get back to playing Arcanum again!

Edit: I've tried the search tool, Google, Sierra forums and whatnot, but no go

Edit 2: I assure you, I am not trying to install a pirated/downloaded copy of Arcanum. If further proof if needed, I could post pictures of my gamebox/covers.

 

My guess. Doesn't like SP2.

 

That's a surprise (on the other hand.. maybe not). Is there anyone here who could install it on SP2? Its hard to imagine it's caused by SP2, though.

It's difficult to do a rollback, and reinstalling windows for one game appears to be a trifle too troublesome, i think.

The manual installation might be worth trying, if someone could list me the actual gamefiles on the hard disk.

 

I'm running my Arcanum on a SP2, and it works just fine. Though, when I first installed Arcanum I had some small problems, but when I bought a new copy of Arcanum, it worked just fine to install and play.

 

A new copy of Arcanum would be a little difficult to find now, considering the age of the game.

Could you post, or send me screenshots of your game folders? Good to know it's working great for you though!

 

I'd suggest to look around on Ebay or Amazon, if you want a new copy. I know that you can find a copy there. Here is the screenshot you wanted I belive.

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That's great! Could you also post the screenshot inside 'modules' folder? That's very much for your help

Edit: Inside the modules folder would be 'movies' and 'sounds'. Under sounds there is 'music'. Is there anything else?

Edit 2: What's inside the 'data' folder? Is it some .dat files? Or is it just your save games? I'm wondering where do the files from the playdisk go.

Edit 3: Woot! I managed to get it to work! It all seems to work alright now - except that no cinematics seem to play...

Thanks very much Mr Van Stran!

 

In the modules folder, you should find Vormantown, among other things.
The data folder is where your rules and mes folder should go, if you feel the need to create custom backgrounds or schematics. Also, your save games do indeed go there.
So, you didn't get the whole blimp explosion, and no, "Find the boy," from Preston? That's unfortunate. However, I think there are only three or four cut scenes in the entire game, so you're not missing much.

 

Yes, the blimp explosion, opening cinematic (of the gunslinger), find the boy, all that are missing. The .bik files are in the folders, so I do not know why they are not playing in game. (they are playable using an external bink player, so the files are not corrupted)

More alarmingly, there is absolutely no background music in the game at all, which means, somehow, the mp3s/biks in the folders are not being used by the game. Do you actually have any sound files/biks in your folders? Or maybe the installer compresses them into the .dat files....

 

You're most welcome. I'm glad to be of any help .

 

You're from Singapore?

 

I already helped him, and I'm proud of that.

 

To Vyenna: Yes, I am. Is that forbidden? :roll:
To Mr Van Stran: I still appreciate your help very much, since I can actually play the game now. Missing movies and music don't bother me too much

 

Not forbidden, just exotic. And your english is so good, I wouldn't have thought it. Forgive me for my prejudice.

 

Naw, there is nothing to forgive. I'm flattered by your compliment, thank you! I've always thought my English is atrocious

As for being exotic, I'm chinese. You speak very elegantly too, and I assume you are Norwegian?

Woot! Having a blast, messing around in Arcanum again. (managed to get 6 characters killed in the beginning)

Edit: Mee speeks horrigible engrish! (typo errors)

 

Relcome to-a shitty rok, a-take-a order prease?

 

I laughed soo much when I saw that South Park episode.