Written and Edited By: MarkEAW

Related Dowloads:
game-patch-misc - This holds the empty Movies CDF file you most likely will need. Also small DSETUP.DLL. Read in the end of this document to know why.

[ GOTO THE MAIN EAWHS PAGE ]

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

MODERN SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Modern Machine Requirements
Suggested Reading | Reality of Hardware Required | Updated Drivers | Performance Consideration

LEGACY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Legacy Supported
Minimum Requirements | Recommended Machine
Optimized For | Further Requirement
Legacy Tested Hardware |  Install On Legacy OS

-+-

GETTING STARTED
 Is The Game Already Installed | Create A Game Folder | Manually Adding EAW From The CD
Clean Installed Folder For v1.0 

UPDATE WITH PATCH
About v1.0 | About v1.1
Clean Installed Folder For v1.1

UPDATE TO v1.2
Note Infogrames CD Patch | Patching Steps
Safe Keeping | No CD In Drive | Game Shortcut | Compatibility Mode/Tab Settings Warning
Clean Installed Folder For v1.2

FINAL STEPS
An Empty Movies.CDF
Run The Game | Can You See The Menu Screens Properly?
 Do Not Move Note | See Troubleshoot Help Document
Saving Some HD Space

Problems launching or running the game? See my 'Troubleshoot Help Document' to learn more.

"EAW has captured most of the tremendous amount of action that took place in WWII!" Others and I have determined the following to be useful guidelines for system requirements on Modern Windows OS Desktop Computers.

Modern Machine Requirements (NT based Windows , 1999 to Today):

Running on a Windows OS version higher than WinME will work. However this is done with some sort of WinOS compatibility layers / fixes provided by the OS itself automatically or introduced by the player. (Note that, any form of software compatibility regardless how seamless it is, can cause slowdowns-lower frames per second). Wrapper programs are another software solution. Despite all this, EAW runs well on a modern Window OS, some better than others. Read my NOTES further down after you read the following:

• 32 or 64 bit WinOS.
   
• -WinNT no multiplayer and several other issues... (use w/ wrapper program).
  -Win2k no multiplayer and a few issues (native compatibility; with the ACT Toolkit, manually configured).
  -WinXP with at least SP1 needed (native compatibility; comes w/ compatibility database).
  -WinVista/Win7 with some correctable issues (native compatibility and w/ reg fix or wrapper program)
  -Win8.1/Win10 with little to no issues (native compatibility or w/ wrapper program).
   
• Uses DirectX9.x, however runs with backward compatibility, some problems can occur.
  (Enable Legacy supported DirectX DirectPlay in Windows 10 Features if you plan on multiplayer.)
   
• Single Core CPU (Two or more Cores for WinVista or later) Four cores preferred for Win8.1/Win10.
  Approximately a 3.8Ghz CPU (The less cores the faster you want it).
   
• 3D Graphics Card (256MB or more memory). No integrated to the cpu or motherboard video, game runs too slow.
   
• 2x CD-ROM drive to copy files off of the CD for a Full 'Install'. (high speed not required with full install).

NOTES

Suggested Reading:
If you do not have an old Win9x system (many of us no longer do) or if you prefer to use a modern Windows OS, I suggest you to read and examine this 'Install Help Document' in it's entirety, along with referring to my other help document; the 'Troubleshoot Help Document' for example includes issues that may arise with modern NT based Windows OS computer use. It's a catch all help document that will inform you of issues on each major version of the WinNT OS has with the game. There are further details with getting your the game in-place and running in that help document.

Note: The unofficial Source Coded games with custom frontend launchers such as the CodeGroups builds, will require WinXP or later versions due to the frontends using older Visual Basic 6 runtime files. See my 'CodeGroup Patches Help Document' for install instructions for those versions.

Reality of Hardware Required:
EAW is very CPU and Motherboard / System Memory intensive rather than Graphic card intensive, especially when your game is loaded up with extra mods and extra planes. A Better CPU and fast MB with fast memory is wiser than a better Graphic card, as long as you meet the minimum requirements, a 3D Hardware Card. (Modern systems with integrated video will usually result in 11 Frames per second or lower on a Win10 system. A Win7 system will run it faster but may still be too slow with integrated graphics).

Keep in mind that EAW is a Single Threaded game; it was made before multi core CPUs. However old CPU's that support multi threading of some sort, like something called HyperThreading will work better. Multi-Core, like Quad cores still support single threading, some do it better than others. 6 Core CPUs from what I can tell have less support for single threaded games (old games).

Updated Drivers:
Before adding the game to your computer, you will want the latest drivers and updates for your Windows OS, Motherboard Chipsets, Video Card, Sound Device, and Controller Device (If available). You could rollback your video Drivers if you think you need too (some legacy Vid Cards require this).

On Modern Windows, regardless of the problem (unless the issue is extreme), I would NOT use older drivers. I've found you need the latest drivers and OS updates for the game to work properly under compatibility layers, fixes and Wrappers etc found on those systems. On this help site I have include much information on such methods to properly use compatibility etc for EAW use, to be read later in another few help documents.

Performance Consideration:
For the users that wish to know more; Testing on all the same modern hardware (from 2010) while updating only the video card, I did not see any improvement, the frame rates stay the same. (I went from a NVIDIA GTX 560SC 1gig ram to an upgrade of a NVIDIA GTX 960 2gig ram). There was no improvement in FPS.

However on that same hardware, Just Over Clocking the CPU slightly provided a few more frames. There was a greater increase in FPS when I continued with the OCing; So next I increased the speed in the MB and System Memory (Bus Speeds , HyperTransport Speed etc.). But, just because I OCed my older but modern system, doesn't mean you must do it yourself, OCing can be difficult if done from the motherboard bios.

Also updating my old Monitor that can not Scale the Display and is stuck at a maximum of 60hz refresh rate, would only allow the average 30FPS. A new modern Monitor that has a higher 120hz refresh rate and Scaling abilities yielded actual higher 41FPS during 4:3 set aspect ratio resolution, the games native ratio.

I checked the stock EAW v1.2 for smoothness. It rates Good (at least 30fps) On my Win10 system.

I also tested the FXEXE Modification by VBH and its comparable to v1.2 as far as smoothness, (FXEXE has been optimized to support it's own new features). (Keep in mind, with the FXEXE all objects remain visible for their maximum view distance, even above the clouds. That and an extra cloudlayer and 3D clouds add significant amount of textures + polygons, all added to your views and WILL slow down the game. How much just depends on the power of the PC used.)

For old computers, Win95, 98 , ME.

Legacy Supported:

These are the Official Machine System Requirements to run the stock game properly on legacy hardware. There is no software layers or fixes used on Win9x systems. These requirements have been slightly increased with my suggestions (and notes follow) to take into consideration that the game needs to run smoothly , especially when using extra custom add-ons.

The Technical Prerequisites for this Win95 stock game to work, there are a few things your computer must have.

Minimum Requirements:

• Windows 95/98/ME
   
• DirectX version 6.0 or higher (Works with DirectX9.x, however runs with backward compatibility, some problems can occur above DX7...). You can install version 6.0 as part of the installation process.
   
• Pentium 166+ Processor
  (without Hardware Accelerated 3D Video Card)

• Pentium 133 Processor
  (with Hardware Accelerated 3D Video Card)
   
• 32MB System RAM (working memory)
   
• Super VGA Graphics (640 x 480 x 256 colors)
  To use the game’s 3Dfx Glide support, you must have Glide API version 2.43 (or higher) installed and working.

• DirectSound compatible Sound card
   
• Hard drive (5MB free + 45MB swap file)
   
• Uses 2MB(compact install) to 55MB+(typical install) of HD space
   
• Mouse (or a device that fulfills the same function)
   
• 4x CD-ROM drive to read the CD during in game activity.
  Since the installation program will copy parts of European Air War onto your hard disk, you must have a lot of empty storage space on your hard drive. How much you need depends on how much of the game you choose to install; the different amounts are calculated for you by the installation program, and it shows you what you need versus what you have.

Recommended Machine:

• Windows 95/98/ME
   
• DirectX version 6.0 or above
   
• Pentium II 200+ (Pentium II 233-400) Processor
   
• 64MB System RAM

• Hardware Accelerated 3D Video Card (Table Fog Support) (DirectX 6 or 3DFX)
   
• DirectDraw Support (256 colored 8 bit Front-end Menu Screens)
   
• DirectPlay for Multiplayer (DirectPlay6 (8 works as well)); Modem, Direct Connection, Internet (2-8players)
   
• Hard drive (200MB free)
   
• Uses 552MB of HD space (full install)
   
• Joystick with 8 or more buttons with POV Hat, Throttle and Rudder Twist Handle, all built in or chain-linked.
  (Most types that Windows Recognizes). Foot pedals (for the rudder) recommended.
   
• 3 Button Mouse with Wheel.
   
• 8x CD-ROM drive to read the CD during in game activity. (on less than a full install)

NOTES

Optimized For:
One of the original EAW Team programmers (Chris Coon) once said sometime after EAW was released, that the game was generally optimized or adjusted for 4MB graphic cards, 32MB system RAM and around a 250MHz CPU. This of course was for the the stock game on (legacy machines) Win95/98 at the time. Keep reading.

Further Requirement:
It has been recommended by many past and current virtual pilots to have a higher than optimized spec machine if your running a bunch of custom add-ons. Perhaps if you have many new terrains, skies and high Quality sounds. Keep reading.

Legacy Tested Hardware:
On mid-range machines (from 1998), gameplay is smooth, and runs extremely well; In Win98, A Celeron 300A / 128MB System RAM / RIVA TNT 3D Card, the system handles max-detail D3D duties with ease.

With lower-end machines (from around 1998) it runs respectably well too with detail settings lowered; A Pentium 166/ 64 MB RAM/ Voodoo system required most settings to be at minimum for smooth play.

EAW runs in Direct3D runs very nicely on a VoodooII-8MB at 1024x768 (from 1999). A single 12MB Voodoo2 card will defiantly handle 800 x 600. Voodoo3 cards or Voodoo2 in SLI mode can handle much higher resolutions. A Voodoo3-2000 AGP card, at 1280 x 1024 resolution is possible.

TNT and TNT2 video cards can also handle very high resolutions.

Install On Legacy OS:
Its not really practical to run EAW on the old Windows OS which it was designed for, Win95. However if you have an older system that meets or exceeds the system requirements, you may want to use the included EAW CD auto installer to place the game on your hard drive. The stock game will run properly on that system without any OS modifications.

 

Is The Game Already Installed:
So if you have installed the game previously from the CD with SETUP.EXE or AutoInstall on anything but Win9x, such as on any WinNT OS, uninstall EAW with the uninstaller, restart your computer system and come back to this document here and continue reading (This is to avoid problems on a modern Windows OS; Win2000, XP and above).

Create A Game Folder:
Create your folders where you want the game on your HD to be. However you do NOT want to use the location of the \Program Files sub-folder to place your Game Folder, this will cause problems on WinXP and Crashes to Desktop on modern computers, especially WinVista/Win7 and Win8/Win10. (For more information: See my 'Troubleshoot Help Document' and read the '\Program Files sub-folder' topic.)

It is important to Put your game folder on the root of drive C:\ or better yet perhaps on a second hard drive or partition, if you have one. (The default game path and folder names are shown in the table further below.)

Manually Adding EAW From The CD (v1.0):
Put the CD in and do NOT let the Auto Run program load up. If it does, exit it. Instead you will be copying and pasting specific files from the CD directly to your Hard Drive as a 'full installation' for best performance. Keep reading on.

Manually 'installing' or as the case really is, adding (copy and paste) EAW solves all kinds of hassles and problems for different Windows Versions and different Game CD types. You do not need to have an automated installer move the files for you, the game will operate correctly with the preferred method of copy and paste. The game does not require any installer registry entries to be present, other than those provided by the Windows OS itself, and those are created once the game is added and run on your system, more on that later.

To manually add EAW withOUT running the automated installer (AUTORUN.EXE or SETUP.EXE) from the CD follow these directions:

• Highlight and copy over only the files listed in the table below to your new Game Folder. (The rest of the files on the CD are just for used by the automated installer.)
  (You may need to turn on by un-checking in Windows Folder Options Settings (on WinXP or later) the 'Hide extensions for Known File Types' to see the full filename, this includes the three letters after the period).
  
  Copy these files for a full 'installation';
  
  "eaw.exe"
  The "\Music" folder
  "d3d.dll"
  "SMACKW32.DLL"
  "Dsetup.dll"
  "chatline.txt"
  ALL "***.CDF" files
  
   
• Once your done Copying and Pasting, make sure none of the files are marked as read-only since copying them directly from the CD usually results in this. (Some of the files need the read-only lifted from them for future updates. There is a file (the eaw.ini) that the game will want to write too and change).
   
• Do NOT run your game yet, See instructions in the next section below this table for updating from the CD v1.0 to a newer version.

Clean Installed Folder For v1.0 (for reference)

\MicroProse Software\European Air War\
3d.cdf		4,896,269	10/17/1998 03:50
chatline.txt	438		10/8/1998 23:03
COCKPITS.CDF	20,899,837	10/16/1998 00:28
d3d.dll		130,560		10/14/1998 20:44
DATA.CDF	1,433,420	10/18/1998 18:10
Dsetup.dll	127,488		7/29/1998 18:00
eaw.exe		1,367,040	10/18/1998 19:32
FLT.CDF		39,540		10/18/1998 18:10
FONTS.CDF	960,576		10/15/1998 02:28
GRBRIEF.CDF	9,438,292	10/15/1998 02:30
Menu_eng.cdf	37,760		10/16/1998 17:57
Movies.cdf	298,809,288	10/15/1998 02:49
Music.cdf	1,452,428	10/15/1998 02:28
PIC.CDF		26,334,148	10/15/1998 02:31
readme.rtf	27,987       	10/18/1998 19:10
SMACKW32.DLL	96,256		6/9/1998 09:21
SOUND.CDF	1,203,659	10/15/1998 02:28
SOUND16.CDF	2,501,836	10/15/1998 02:33
SPEECH1.CDF	10,431,783	10/15/1998 02:51
SPEECH2.CDF	11,943,211	10/15/1998 02:33
SPEECH3.CDF	12,407,240	10/15/1998 02:29
Sprites.cdf	250,040      	10/16/1998 00:25
TERRAIN.CDF	7,942,132	10/15/1998 02:30
Text_eng.cdf	168,543		10/18/1998 05:02
UKBRIEF.CDF	10,101,180	10/15/1998 02:33
USBRIEF.CDF	11,970,136	10/15/1998 02:32
WSOUND.CDF	9,310,061	10/15/1998 02:50
Wsprites.cdf	25,140,369	10/15/1998 02:50
\Music
AmerProm.bgm	5,523,468	8/26/1998 21:59
BritProm.bgm	6,513,556	8/29/1998 15:10
Captured.bgm	9,071,660	8/31/1998 15:30
Drum1.bgm	1,459,968	9/30/1998 09:58
GermProm.bgm	6,513,796	8/31/1998 11:02
HallOFam.bgm	7,056,968	9/1/1998 16:47
MenuMus.bgm	7,836,020	8/14/1998 12:00
Rescued.bgm	5,082,520	9/30/1998 10:02
ViewObs.bgm	9,408,380	9/16/1998 14:05
YouDead.bgm	11,813,424	9/21/1998 15:45

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

Updating the game with the official MPS patches can be done with either v1.1 or v1.2. Some players will want to keep different versions 'installed' on their hard drives in order to compare game play experience or basic comparison among the available versions. This would naturally allow you to see the changes MicroProse (or others) have made to the game, thus making the changes more prominent and notable. This is strictly an optional course of action. If you want, you can read my 'MicroProse Patches Help Document' for more specifics on those versions and their changes and fixes. Read On here.

About v1.0:
If you intend to keep a copy of stock (out of the box) EAWv1.0 around, then for safe keeping so you don't need to install v1.0 again, optionally copy your game folder you "installed" (actually copied and pasted) from the CD, some place else, and rename it to a NEW folder name, or Burn it to a CD. This will be your backup full install of v1.0. Saves you hassle later on too.

About v1.1:
If you intend to update v1.0 to v1.1, and keep that version around, then follow the steps under the next section below titled 'UPDATE TO v1.2' and substitute where the text reads v1.2 with the v1.1 patch program, those instructions will teach you how to patch to v1.1. Then for safe keeping so you don't need to install v1.1 again, optionally copy your newly patched game folder some place else and rename it to a NEW folder name, or Burn it to a CD. This will be your backup full install of v1.1. Saves you hassle later on.

Clean Installed Folder For v1.1 (for reference)

\MicroProse Software\European Air War\
3D.CDF 		4,895,593 	12/15/1998 14:27
chatline.txt	438		10/8/1998 23:03
COCKPITS.CDF	20,899,837	10/16/1998 00:28
d3d.dll 	130,560 	12/17/1998 14:30
DATA.CDF 	1,433,420 	12/21/1998 11:29
Dsetup.dll	127,488		7/29/1998 18:00
eaw.exe 	1,411,072 	1/11/1999 18:43
FLT.CDF 	39,540 		12/31/1998 15:59
FONTS.CDF 	1,067,664 	12/16/1998 13:01
grb_031.snd 	105,644 	12/15/1998 11:36
GRBRIEF.CDF	9,438,292	10/15/1998 02:30
Menu_eng.cdf 	37,876 		12/22/1998 19:55
Movies.cdf	298,809,288	10/15/1998 02:49
Music.cdf	1,452,428	10/15/1998 02:28
PIC.CDF		26,334,148	10/15/1998 02:31
readme.rtf 	35,003 		1/8/1999 00:18
SMACKW32.DLL	96,256		6/9/1998 09:21
SOUND.CDF	1,203,659	10/15/1998 02:28
SOUND16.CDF	2,501,836	10/15/1998 02:33
SPEECH1.CDF	10,431,783	10/15/1998 02:51
SPEECH2.CDF	11,943,211	10/15/1998 02:33
SPEECH3.CDF	12,407,240	10/15/1998 02:29
Sprites.cdf	250,040      	10/16/1998 00:25
TERRAIN.CDF	7,942,132	10/15/1998 02:30
TEXT_ENG.CDF 	168,738 	1/11/1999 09:58
UKBRIEF.CDF	10,101,180	10/15/1998 02:33
USBRIEF.CDF	11,970,136	10/15/1998 02:32
V1.1 Details.rtf 16,801 	1/10/1999 21:35
WSOUND.CDF	9,310,061	10/15/1998 02:50
Wsprites.cdf	25,140,369	10/15/1998 02:50
\Music
AmerProm.bgm	5,523,468	8/26/1998 21:59
BritProm.bgm	6,513,556	8/29/1998 15:10
Captured.bgm	9,071,660	8/31/1998 15:30
Drum1.bgm	1,459,968	9/30/1998 09:58
GermProm.bgm	6,513,796	8/31/1998 11:02
HallOFam.bgm	7,056,968	9/1/1998 16:47
MenuMus.bgm	7,836,020	8/14/1998 12:00
Rescued.bgm	5,082,520	9/30/1998 10:02
ViewObs.bgm	9,408,380	9/16/1998 14:05
YouDead.bgm	11,813,424	9/21/1998 15:45

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

Note Infogrames CD Patch:
If you have the 2001 re-release CD by Infogrames (their logo is on the CD), the official v1.2 patch is located on your CD in the \Patch folder, other players without this particular CD will have to download it. (The Infogrames v1.2 patch is identical to the MicroProse patch and includes everything that the older v1.1 has. The v1.1 patcher is not on the Infogrames CD, you will have to download it, if you want it).

Patching Steps:
The official v1.1 and the v1.2 updaters just need the eaw.exe to be present for the patch installers to extract their files, read on.

• Copy the official MPS v1.2 patch (eawv1-2.exe) into your EAW game folder and run it. (On WinVista/Win7/Win8 You may need to run the patch program as an Administrator to get it to work correctly. Windows 10 seems to apply an automatic compatibility fix to the file upon its first run. There is a long delay after running it so wait about 10 to 20 secs for the patch updater program to show that something is happening.)
   
• The patch will look for the closest eaw.exe file and it should find your v1.0 too patch (This will happen almost instantly once it appears to be working, this is because you ran it in the game's root folder directly.)
   
• Once patched, delete the patcher exe file from your game folder. (You no longer need it and its just in the way.)

Safe Keeping!:
For safe keeping so you don't need to install v1.2 again, optionally copy your \European Air War\ game folder some place else and rename it to a NEW folder name or Burn it to a CD. This will be your backup full install of v1.2. (Also its always nice to have a stock version of 1.2 running someplace else along side a newer or older version, for game play comparison!)

No CD In Drive!!: (Optional)
Even though you do a full install, the game will still require the EAW CD in its drive. See my 'Hexedited Patches Help Document' to download the NoCD replacement exe. Also that document in the last section has instructions on how to use a NoCD patch properly. A 'Full install' and using the NoCD patch together will provide better performance since their will be no sound, music and other delay loading issues.

Game Shortcut:
Go back to your original 'install' (the one you will be playing from for now) and you can create a desktop shortcut to eaw.exe by right-clicking the mouse on the eaw.exe file and choosing Create Shortcut. Put this on your desktop.

Compatibility Mode / Tab Settings Warning:
Do NOT run the game using a Compatibility Mode that is found In the Games Shortcut Tab settings for any reason. Read my 'Troubleshoot Help Document' and see the section titled 'OTHER PROBLEMS RUNNING THE GAME' under that title find and read 'Conflicts With The Compatibility Tab' area for further troubleshooting information about Tab settings and why they should not be used. (other than in Win2000).

Clean Installed Folder For v1.2 (for reference)

\MicroProse Software\European Air War\
3D.CDF		4,895,593	12/15/1998 14:27
chatline.txt	438		10/8/1998 19:03
COCKPITS.CDF	20,899,837	10/15/1998 20:28
d3d.dll		130,560		12/17/1998 14:30
DATA.CDF	1,433,420	12/21/1998 11:29
Dsetup.dll	127,488		7/29/1998 14:00
eaw.exe		1,430,016	7/29/1999 15:24
EXTRA.SPT	3,924		4/13/1999 17:54
FLT.CDF		39,540		12/31/1998 15:59
FONTS.CDF	1,067,664	12/16/1998 13:01
grb_031.snd	105,644		12/15/1998 11:36
GRBRIEF.CDF	9,438,292	10/14/1998 22:30
Menu_eng.cdf	37,876		12/22/1998 19:55
Movies.cdf	298,809,288	10/14/1998 22:49
Music.cdf	1,452,428	10/14/1998 22:28
PIC.CDF		26,334,148	10/14/1998 22:31
readme.rtf	44,954		7/26/1999 10:38
SMACKW32.DLL	96,256		6/9/1998 05:21
SOUND.CDF	1,203,659	10/14/1998 22:28
SOUND16.CDF	2,501,836	10/14/1998 22:33
SPEECH1.CDF	10,431,783	10/14/1998 22:51
SPEECH2.CDF	11,943,211	10/14/1998 22:33
SPEECH3.CDF	12,407,240	10/14/1998 22:29
Sprites.cdf	250,040		10/15/1998 20:25
TERRAIN.CDF	7,942,132	10/14/1998 22:30
TEXT_ENG.CDF	168,743		1/8/1999 11:13
UKBRIEF.CDF	10,101,180	10/14/1998 22:33
USBRIEF.CDF	11,970,136	10/14/1998 22:32
V1.1 Details.rtf16,801		1/10/1999 21:35
WSOUND.CDF	9,310,061	10/14/1998 22:50
Wsprites.cdf	25,140,369	10/14/1998 22:50
\Music\
AmerProm.bgm	5,523,468	8/26/1998 17:59
BritProm.bgm	6,513,556	8/29/1998 11:10
Captured.bgm	9,071,660	8/31/1998 11:30
Drum1.bgm	1,459,968	9/30/1998 05:58
GermProm.bgm	6,513,796	8/31/1998 07:02
HallOFam.bgm	7,056,968	9/1/1998 12:47
MenuMus.bgm	7,836,020	8/14/1998 08:00
Rescued.bgm	5,082,520	9/30/1998 06:02
ViewObs.bgm	9,408,380	9/16/1998 10:05
YouDead.bgm	11,813,424	9/21/1998 11:45

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

An Empty Movies.CDF:
If running on any Windows version other than Win9x, most likely the game videos will not play correctly or at all on NT Windows and will most likely cause problems for you. The game may CTD before it even loads up, or you'll get a blank black screen. This is because there is a MicroProse Logo smk video (and an INTRO video) when you run and load up EAW and with the built in smacker type player not being compatible with Modern Windows. Some WindowsOS will try to play it, but most of the time it will CTD / Black Screen.

Even though the movies (including in game movies) are nice to have, they are not necessary for you to play the game. I suggest you download what is called an 'empty' 1kb MOVIES.CDF file that replaces the in game movies to get around these kind of crashes to desktop problems, it also saves 284mb of space on your hard drive. The empty .CDF file goes in the games main folder, over write the one that's in there already. If you forgotten to replace the file, try using the ESC key to move the game along to the menu screens so you can exit it normally.

Too also resolve problems, you can set in the eaw.ini file (this file is in your game folder and opens with Notepad) under [EAW] PlayIntro=0  to zero. Also under [Media] Video Playback=0 to zero.

You may want to read my 'Troubleshoot Help Document' to know more about the crashing of the game since the CTD problems are listed on that help document.

Run The Game:
(you may need the EAW CD in its drive, if you opted out of the No CD optional step).
Now that you followed and read ALL the above instructions, RUN the game for the first time by running (double-clicking) eaw.exe or use your shortcut. Load up and it should enter to the Main Menu (do NOT enter the Flight Screen). This will create a new file called eaw.ini in your Games Folder. This new file contains most of the games configuration settings and is covered else where. Exit the game now and read on in this help document. ESC Key followed by a 'Y' will also exit EAW.

Can You See The Menu Screens Properly?:
Now if your game is running and you can get to the Menu Screens without problems, read my 'First Use Help Document' in the last section and follow those steps.

If your getting menu screens with problems, such as garbled/tearing or color issues, exit the game (Its possible to use the ESC Key and Y key to exit the game). Or if the game won't run to even get you to the Menus, then read my 'Troubleshoot Help Document', section titled 'PROBLEMS RUNNING THE GAME', this all depends on which Windows OS version your using. Then come back here and read on.

Do Not Move Note:
Now since you have run the game once, you will NOT want to move your game folder, for compatibility reasons with the Windows OS and it's Registry. This is important, and more details about this can be read in my 'Troubleshoot Help Document' under the section titled 'WINDOWS REGISTRY' and read the 'About Registry Entries Produced by Windows' topic if you wish to learn more, and then come back here to continue reading on.

See Troubleshoot Help Document:
If you are getting errors or the game won't load properly or even crashes. See my 'Troubleshoot Help Document'.

Saving Some HD Space: (Optional)

• To save some hard drive space and remove clutter you can move or delete the files: readme.rtf , V1.1 Details.rtf
• Once you configure your game for 16 bit sound, you can remove the SOUND.CDF file. This file contains  8-bit sounds designed for slow computers, you won't need them on modern computers as you should be using the 16 bit sounds setting in game. EAW won't miss it.
• And finally there is the newer and smaller Dsetup.dll (from DX9.0c) file that can be replaced to save a bit of pre game memory. (not at all necessary for modern computers). Information is here for those still using Win9x machines.

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