How to upgrade from SC4 v610 to v638 for NAM install?

[Sir Rich 4]

Haven't played my SCR Rush Hour 4 in over 15year, ok ok, I know, I'm slacking,,, but finally dusted it off and installed it on my new system (Win 10) (yes, first error).  Load and runs fine, but I sure missed all the addons I faintly remember having, NAM being one of the best. My original retail version of the game is v 1.1.610, so, after exhaustive searches to try and upgrade so I could install NAM, (since that seems to be the issue at hand, I'm not compatible, I've reached an impasse, no, roadblock, no, dead end! Tried the upgrade patch to v638, nope, says old file not fond, no update done.  SO, can anyone point me in the direction I need to go to continue, not just upgrade, but install NAM after I do? The HOW is leaving me back in my dust.

[Flann 1,709]

Is your game by chance from Origin?  I am not an expert on this subject but I believe the version is not properly patched and is not able to be patched which EA should be ashamed of but apparently aren't.  If this is the case I suggest seeking a refund from Origin and buying the game from Steam or from GOG.com (best choice).  It does occasionally go on sale for $4.99 but unfortunately not at the moment.

See @Tarkus blog for more info on this problem https://simtarkus.wordpress.com/category/origin/

[Sir Rich 4]

It's actually a retail version, off the shelf, if I remember correctly from Best Buy ages ago!

[Sir Rich 4]

Found the box, I remembered, it was Best Buy, but damn, I didn't remember I paid THAT for it, lol 

[Ulisse Wolf 4,444]

I have the solution. SC4 Retail version does not work with Windows 10 and later operating systems. Microsoft has removed support for SafeDisk along with SecurRom and therefore games will never work. The only solution is to buy SC4 digital version from Steam or GOG

[twalsh102 1,601]

@ulisse beat me to the punch on this one.

Not sure how you got the CD version to even run on Windows 10. The CD version required that the CD be in your CD player to run, and Microsoft removed the DRM Security drivers (SafeDisk and SecurROM) required for this to happen with the Windows 10 release. This MAY be the reason you can't upgrade. Use of any software that allows one to run such games without the CD being in the tray will probably also prevent the game from being upgraded. Please note that it has been a long-standing policy of this website that any such installations of SC4 not be provided any support.

Your best, most trouble-free bet would be to do as @Flann and @ulisse suggest and watch GOG for SC4 to go on sale (it isn't currently) and purchase a digital DRM-free copy. If you do so, get the stand-alone version, not the version that requires GOG Galaxy. Any digital version of SC4 (other than Origin) comes already fully upgraded.

 

[Turnstyled 539]

It is possible to install the SafeDisc drivers in Windows 10. If you'd like more information, that can be found on the PC Gaming Wiki. I won't link to it because of the security concerns that had gotten those drivers removed from Windows.

Over a decade ago, I created a DVD with the files from Disc 1 and Disc 2. I have no idea if that DVD would've required SafeDisc.

[simmaster07 1,221]

The Origin copy of SimCity 4 should only be unpatchable if you buy a new copy. If you contact EA Support to redeem your CD key for a digital copy, you should get a patched version, so it may be worth a shot.

And if the digital version you get turns out to still be unpatched, you'll have lost a bit of time talking to customer support, but otherwise no harm done.

 

[Sir Rich 4]

Thanks everyone for the advice, tips, and direction.  I went to GoG and got the downloaded version, installed and have NAM 44 installed along with a few other mods.  It's running fine, now just have to fine tune my skills to start building.  GoG was a little less than half what I paid back in the day, but it's all worth it to be back up and running.  Seems to be fine, with the exception that my water in the region and cities turn dark blue when I run them after saving.  Probably a better question to dress in another forum than this thread.  Probably one of the other mods I loaded.  Anyway, thanks again all, what a great group of skilled and knowledgeable players.  Thanks!!!