Some help for an Ultra Newbie! :)

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

no1 will it ask again for the serial code

Yes. When reinstalling, you'll need to enter a valid serial number for the installer to proceed. That's a mandatory step.

no2 will the one they supplied work again or will that be a 1 time only thing

This may be different with other games. But as far as I'm aware, SC4 serial numbers don't require an online validation check. They can be used again on a new installation. So since it worked fine previously, there should be no problems with reusing it.

[mattias333 3]

This is the full log that comes if I just click ok to all the file not found messages

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   PATCH  Version 6.50 - RTPatch® Professional - Software Update System

                    DOS/16-bit Windows/32-bit Windows Edition

       © Copyright Pocket Soft, Inc., 1991-2002.  All Rights Reserved.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------





----- Processing Patch File -----



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'DELUXE.exe'



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'Graphics Rules.sgr'



warning wpt0015: Old File does not exist



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'RUSHHOUR.exe'



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'SimCity_1.dat'



warning wpt0015: Old File does not exist



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'SimCity_2.dat'



warning wpt0015: Old File does not exist



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'SimCity_3.dat'



warning wpt0015: Old File does not exist



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'SimCity_4.dat'



warning wpt0015: Old File does not exist



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'Danish\SimCityLocale.DAT'



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'Finnish\SimCityLocale.DAT'



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'French\SimCityLocale.DAT'



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'German\SimCityLocale.DAT'



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'Italian\SimCityLocale.DAT'



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'Spanish\SimCityLocale.DAT'



Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'Swedish\SimCityLocale.DAT'





----- Patch File Processing Complete -----





-----------------------------------------------------

-        Results of Application of Patch File       -

-----------------------------------------------------

File Patches Applied ......................... (   0)



   Files Modified .................. (   0)

   Files Renamed. .................. (   0)

   Files Added ..................... (   0)

   Files Deleted ................... (   0)

   Temporary Files Processed........ (   0)



File Patches Skipped: New Files Up-To-Date.... (   0)



File Patches Ignored: Old Files Missing....... (  14)

                      Old Files Invalid....... (   0)

-----------------------------------------------------

Total File Patches Processed ................. (  14)

-----------------------------------------------------
 

Really hope someone has the answer as im totally at a loss at the minute. Scared to uninstall incase I cant reinstall again because of the serial number issue. god what a headache! may just play on without the patches or mods

thank you cyclone didnt see your message.

 

Ill try re-installing. Thing is they supplied me with the serial code as the one on the manual didnt work. Blooming annoying there support is shut on a sunday.

[GeometryMath Algebra 614]

Really hope someone has the answer as im totally at a loss at the minute. Scared to uninstall incase I cant reinstall again because of the serial number issue. god what a headache! may just play on without the patches or mods

thank you cyclone didnt see your message.

 

Ill try re-installing. Thing is they supplied me with the serial code as the one on the manual didnt work. Blooming annoying there support is shut on a sunday.

Welp, in case if you can't get the serial numbers to work, buy the game digitally via Amazon. It's currently on sale, ($4.99 or 3.66 Euros) and not only that, it's also pre-patched already, so you don't need to download and install those pesky patches. 

[mattias333 3]

That may be an option. Wonder how big the file is though. usually have to purchase from shops as internet is utterly shocking in my area. Were so behind the times. Lucky if we get 1.6 on a good day. Will do this as a last resort. Ill wait until after work tomorrow night and try talk to EA support though I dont hold up much hope. Just dont wanna uninstall incase the serial number they supplied doesn't work a 2nd time if you catch my drift.

 

Fingers crossed as really want to get NAM up and running etc....an play on. Cant understand whats causing the patch not to patch so to speak. The file it says isnt there, clearly is there in the folder.

[Turjan 1,048]

From the log I would think that the patch is looking for the game somewhere else than where it is installed. However, I have no idea. I never had anything else than a download version.

 

By the way, you can try and look whether one of the codes works on Origin. Some of the EA codes do, even if the game was bought somewhere else.

[mattias333 3]

This was actually my thinking but im no expert so wasnt sure. I thought it was odd on installation that it didnt try auto install it in a certain folder. I just picked and made a folder within the program files folder.

 

Would where its installed effect it though as the help txt says the exe can be opened anywhere?

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

The serial you got from EA will most likely work.  Considering all the trouble you have been having, if the period is not very long, I'd return the game as defective since it won't install with the package key.  I think your vendor has been had by a software thief.

 

Your best bet is one of the digital downloads.  I don't know if the UK has support for Amazon.com or GamersGate, but you should be able to get it from Steam.  Not sure if Origin provides to the UK.

[infamousjbe 593]

Was an official sealed copy of sc4 deluxe.

 

Were there 2 discs in that package? Since it hasn't been mentioned, it sort of peaked my curiosity.

 I think your vendor has been had by a software thief.

Or the vendor themselves are the culprit.

 

After reading through this thread, this is the exact inclination I was starting to get as well. Hence the reason for the above question. A serial number from a sealed box that doesn't work is certainly not typical. 

[z1 566]

no1 will it ask again for the serial code

Yes.

 

 

no2 will the one they supplied work again...

 

Almost definitely yes.  If you have another computer, I'd try installing it there first to see if it will accept the serial code.  I don't see any reason why it shouldn't, though.

[mattias333 3]

Thanx guys, game was new and sealed. Game doesn't often get had by crooks and it was in there new games section not the 2nd hand one.

 

I assumed crooked hacks had just got lucky and stolen my serial no as its just a number not really unique to my actual game. EA handed me out a new one almost immediately as well luckily. Such a shame as digitally downloading although not impossible is much harder for me due to shocking internet coverage where I live. Im highly suspecting its something to do with my installation. will try an get my head rounds this again tomorrow evening

[mattias333 3]

Superb news! Im a genius and cracked it myself lol.

 

Tried installing on another laptop and instantly noticed the install location was different. When I originally installed on my laptop I thought it was odd how the installer didnt suggest a location to install the game. Uninstalled and reinstalled and bingo the patch did its job correctly and im now at 1.1.638.0

 

Guessing im now fine to install NAM (while reading carefully through the steps lol!)

[Cool_Z 1,547]

Great news... now you'll need the 1.1.640 update too (or you won't have nightlights for downloaded content) 

[mattias333 3]

any ideas where to go for that download. couldnt see any further patches other than that one on the links everyone provided?

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

any ideas where to go for that download. couldnt see any further patches other than that one on the links everyone provided?

 

The nightlights patch can be found on this page at SC4Devotion.

Just scroll down to the link named "SimCity 4 Buildings Update". It's installed the same way as the EP1 patch.

 

Anyway, good to hear you've solved the problem!

As a matter of interest, can you remember the where the game was installed when the patch failed (or where installed now)? Might just be helpful for people with a similar situation.

[mattias333 3]

yeah good idea!

 

Well on original install for some reason the installation line was totally blank. Whether I accidentally hit a key or it was just blank I dont know. But certainly when installing on another lap top a suggested place to install was already listed. (the usual program files/maxis/sim city 4 deluxe etc.....something along those lines).

 

On the original install when that line was blank I just assumed it would be "program files/SIMCITY4/" etc.......so the maxis part and official names of the official names of the folders were not there. Surprising but has to be it surely. The .exe patch just couldnt find the folders it must have to search for despite the files it says it cant find being there. if you catch my drift lol!

 

Now to try an tackle the NAM installation with no hick ups. When I get a free chance this evening anyway.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Use the custom install and select things carefully.  You should approach the NAM with considerable caution because of the steep learning curve with some of the features, particularly: RHW, RRW, GLR.  These features should be approached gingerly as they require considerable understanding and in some cases considerable civil engineering.

[mattias333 3]

Blimey! As you likely have guessed, you've lost me already! haha!

 

RHW, RRW? Obviously im what they call a super Newbie! Is there some sort of idiots guide to all this. Im still learning the basics of the game etc...like I said previously im not overly keen on modding etc as like this issue has shown, im short on time to actually play the game full stop.

 

Who knows in the future im sure I will want to. By then of course things like RHW will hopefully be 2nd nature to me but right now im in the dark completely in alot of whats said on the boards. Ill follow the custom install instructions extremely careful. Already quite paranoid regarding what to and what not to do. Another helpful member mentioned something about the nightlights but following that link it states you need BAT which from what I could find on that link didnt sound like something I should get involved with. Any help appreciated as always

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Lots of alphabet soup.  It makes writing so much easier.  Actually for NAM 31, but the NAM 32 documents come with the installer.  If you venture into the world of Real Highways (RHW) be prepared for a large portion of alphabet soup again.  Quite systematic once you get used to the nomenclature.

 

Documentation, as will all things programming, lags the release by about a year.  Hop into the NAM Discussion for a better picture.  This is quite an active forum, so try not to get overwhelmed.

[mattias333 3]

Many thanx, had a quick browse through but will try have a more indepth read this evening. At a glance from a distance it appears there is many pitfalls to modding. Hopefully NAM is as straight forward as you guys have explained. Ideally all im after is the traffic bug (amoung others) fixed, especially while im still learning the basics of the sim. Fingers crossed

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Well, you will find that the NAM installer allows for setting up only the Simulator.

[jmsepe 2,039]

Welcome to Simtropolis and welcome to the Simcity 4 life. First, I would like to congratulate you for making the right choice that is buying the game than downloading a fake version (night lights for BAT only works for original simcity copies). Second, I would like to congratulate you again for deciding to download NAM, it is a vital element of Simcity that will help you in the construction of your transportation works.

 

As a fellow player, I advise you to arrange your plugins very well. For sure, you might have already discovered the STEX, LEX and PLEX. So no need for an introduction there. You might have already started downloading a lot of plugins. Just one tip, make sure they are arranged in proper folders. Why? Sooner or later you might encounter problems with some mods and bats as some are actually not compatible with each other and during times like this, it is easier to fix it if at least you have an outline of your plugins folder. 

 

Cheerios and good luck fellow city builder. 

[mattias333 3]

Thanx again guys. im going to dive in....although very careful! Hopefully it will all come to me fairly naturally as my tiny brains a little lost without experiencing many of the things mentioned. Im still reading through the NAM manual lol! Once I get home from work & get my little boy to bed ill sit down and crack on. Need to nail down the game basics before I go crazy ha!

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Take it slow and simply acquire some experience.  The learning curve is fairly steep at first, but once you catch on, things will be OK.  Remember where cities come from and act accordingly.  Don't rush into a big layout, but grow your village into a great city with some care, and stay in the black once you get there.

[Bdub01 201]

Hi! As others have said. Have fun. Take it slow. I played for many months before I even downloaded custom content. It does take the game to a whole new level though!

[mattias333 3]

Thanx Bdub. Do agree. Im in no rush to mod etc...just learning (an trying to find time to play) the game. No doubt in the future I will. Started to read through all the NAM info when double clicking the .exe but it was very late and I was shattered and there was ALOT to take in just reading the first few bits of information. Head was spinning so went to sleep. Will tackle trying to get NAM installed this evening. Ideally I only want the traffic fix at this stage as im enjoying the game. Sounds extremely confusing though. Fingers crossed either way. Ill have to read through the custom install (which im guessing would've been the next page of the .exe had I not gone to bed) part extremely carefully.

[mattias333 3]

Finally installed NAM. Did the custom installation as suggested by you guys. To be fair dont think I uncheck/checked anything. Read through it all an left it as it is. Guessing that means should I want to mod in the future ill be able to.

 

Not a major problem but the games certainly running slightly slower now. Not the end of the world but is there any tips to speeding it up. While Im thinking of it will the game get slower as the city grows?

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Yes, rerun the installer and omit the stuff you are not ready to use.  You'll get a much smaller controller and it will be faster.  If you are not ready to embark on big highway projects, omit RHW (Real Highways) and the Maxis highway override (Project Symphony).  This will cut things down considerably.  You will still have the default Maxis highways.

[Magneto 316]

Oh yes, game's speed will definitely decrease as population increase. Same thing will occur as you accumulate custom content in your plugins folder,

 

The NAM can have quite some impact on speed, mainly due to the size of its controller. Actually, since you just started using NAM I'd recommend you to rerun the installer and tick off the RHW for 2 reasons: it has a steep learning curve and it drastically increase the size of the controller more than any other component in the NAM (thus slowing that much your game). Save that one for later, when you'll feel more comfy with the other stuff NAM has to offer. You could also consider skipping NWM, GLR, HSRP  and RRW for a first install and add them one by one as you get the grip of things and feel the need for them.

 

To minimize the loading times you can use the datpacker, a nifty program that merges your plugins in single dat files thus giving a tiny boost. If you decide to use it don't forget to keep a backup of your plugins: once the merge is done, there's nothing to reverse engineer the process.

[Ltw 401]

To minimize the loading times you can use the datpacker, a nifty program that merges your plugins in single dat files thus giving a tiny boost. If you decide to use it don't forget to keep a backup of your plugins: once the merge is done, there's nothing to reverse engineer the process.

 

I use datpacker as well, it's really helpful. In my case Simcity 4 wasn't playable before I used datpacker. I have another plugin-folder as a back-up. Each time I download a plugin I place it in the two folders, if I don't want it anymore I can just delete it and datpack my plugin folder again. An important sidenote when using datpacker: for some mods it's better not to be datpacked. In my case I don't datpack CAM and NAM, I also don't datpack plugins that should be loaded as last (the folder names of these plugins start with z_ ). If you're using the extracheatsdll you shouldn't datpack that either, if you do that it stops working.

[mattias333 3]

Many thanx again guys. You guys have really been superb! Couldn't have asked for more help.

I noticed a few of you saying simply re-run the installer. Does it work as simple as that. No awkwarduninstalling? Just click the NAM.exe and run again unticking what I dont want. To be fair its not unplayable. Just a little notchy an slower, but of course as you guys mention it'll slow up more I suppose as I go on. Already made use of some of the rather helpful round abouts and other road items that wasn't there previously.

 

Obviously tell me if im wrong regarding anything i've just said. Games really picking up nicely now. Loving it in fact! Still using the helpful lets play youtube videos by arsenalrobert (think thats the correct name) just to learn the basics etc then ill start a fresh.