Cannot reinstall KRS

[daniellouwrens]

Hi

I have a fairly new PC with Vista Ultimate.

I have backed up my install and deleted it in case I need it later, now I am trying to reinstall KRS on my PC but when I get to entering the key and press enter, it goes nowhere, the install dialogue just disappears.

Any idea what is happening??

thanks

[OTTODAD]

Oh dear, Daniel !

What on earth has made you get a VISTA computer, not the best of the WIN O/S to date ? :mad:

You deleted the RS install ? After having made a BACK-UP of the Rail Simulator folder did you not Uninstall it using it's option in Start/Programs/Rail Simulator ?

Take care, O t t o.

[daniellouwrens]

Hi Otto

I used the Windows uninstall programs to do the uninstall.

I got Vista because I enjoy getting software to work, but KRS is beyond me.

But with your help I'm sure I'll get there......

regards

[OTTODAD]

Hi Daniel !

Try running the RS DVD's Setup.exe as Administrator.

You will find that option by right-clicking on it to open it's Properties.

Take care, O t t o.

[rjdiii]

Oh dear, Daniel !

What on earth has made you get a VISTA computer, not the best of the WIN O/S to date ? :mad:

Take care, O t t o.

Maybe because you can't buy a non Vista non business, aka personal, MS OS computer after 30 June? Did they change that? And yes, I know, there are 10,000 ways to get around the proclamation if you feel it is necessary.

Besides, my PC is dual boot and I prefer Vista to XP. XP at 1 was a POS too and a worse one taboot.

Vista is significantly faster, more stable, has better security, and is much more like my mac :)

But on point, As Otto says, I do believe you have to uninstall it to reinstall it. It stops when you enter the key because the RS install script thinks it's already installed with that key. If you just deleted everything and the uninstall isn't there anymore you may be able edit the registry (whatever they call it in Vista, seems to me regedit32 still works) and remove the key and the other RS info to start over. It's most likely the RS install script you've offended by trying to double install, not Vista.

Richard

[daniellouwrens]

Thanks Otto,

I tried that and it did not work, I guess the Windows Uninstall did not do a good job, I'm about to go away for three days so will get back to this on Monday.

thanks for your help

regards

[Capt_Scarlet]

Copy the contents of the DVD to a folder on the hard drive and run the setup.exe from there, then it should work. It has for others with the same problem.

John

[OTTODAD]

Hi Daniel !

I guess the Windows Uninstall did not do a good job.

If that is the case then look for this section in the Registry, I think you know how to find:

http://www.otto-wipfel.co.uk/rsa/rs-registry.jpg (http://www.otto-wipfel.co.uk)

and delete all Rail Simulator entries listed on the right in the Folders key and try to run the RS DVD Setup.exe again, wherever it may be. ;)

Have a good weekend.

Take care, O t t o.

[daniellouwrens]

Thanks Otto

I am away at the moment so cannot get to my Sim PC but I will try the registry edit as soon as I get back. (of course I will back up first)

John, I tried the DVD to hard drive thing and it did not work, it was different though, I got an error "system cannot open specified device or file" which from memory is a Windows Installer error, related to encrypted folder, not the case here though.

Regards

[OTTODAD]

I tried the DVD to hard drive thing and it did not work, it was different though, I got an error "system cannot open specified device or file" which from memory is a Windows Installer error, related to encrypted folder, not the case here though.

I have many times read in these forums about installing what is on a CD /DVD after copying it's contents to the hard drive, but trying it never worked.

The CD / DVD's Setup.exe is looking for a CD / DVD drive it expects to install from and can not see how you can fool it, unless the Setup.exe has been poorly coded ! ;)

If that were possible then copying the contents of Software Install CDs / DVDs and then illegally passing them on to others could be done easily ! :mad:

O t t o

[Capt_Scarlet]

I have many times read in these forums about installing what is on a CD /DVD after copying it's contents to the hard drive, but trying it never worked.

The CD / DVD's Setup.exe is looking for a CD / DVD drive it expects to install from and can not see how you can fool it, unless the Setup.exe has been poorly coded ! ;)

If that were possible then copying the contents of Software Install CDs / DVDs and then illegally passing them on to others could be done easily ! :mad:

O t t o

Otto, you would be normally be right that it shouldn't work but for RS it does seem to be able to handle it. You still need the disk in the drive but it seems that it is able to find it ok.

daniellouwrens, Sorry it didn't work but it has for others in similar circumstances. The only thing I can think of is that it could be a problem related to the location you put the dvd contents and or not running the setup as administrator.

John

[OTTODAD]

Otto, you would be normally be right that it shouldn't work but for RS it does seem to be able to handle it. You still need the disk in the drive but it seems that it is able to find it ok.

You are right, John ! ;)

Tested it on my cheap Internet only VISTA-Home computer and after copying the 1.8 Gb from the RS DVD to the hard drive, the DVD still in it's drive and running the Setup.exe it proceeded to install and aborted when it asked for the installation registration code.

That's having User Account Control turned off, I do not need on this computer.

O t t o

[Capt_Scarlet]

You are right, John ! ;)

Tested it on my cheap Internet only VISTA-Home computer and after copying the 1.8 Gb from the RS DVD to the hard drive, the DVD still in it's drive and running the Setup.exe it proceeded to install and aborted when it asked for the installation registration code.

That's having User Account Control turned off, I do not need on this computer.

O t t o

Otto, did you abort the install or did the setup do it ? From what Adam said once on the RSDL forum the problem on Vista where the setup doesn't seem to get past the input of the serial number is actually due to a securom issue. He advised the user to contact securom but most who have tried installing from the hard drive instead of the disk have succeeded in installing it. One does wonder if this would work ( or makes a difference ) on a non-internet connected PC.

Perhaps the actual problem might be some left over securom registry entries seeing that I have only heard of this problem when some users have had to reinstall.

John

[OTTODAD]

Otto, did you abort the install or did the setup do it ?

I did, John !

So I did another test install and as always when I install anything, the Internet was disconnected and no other programs were running.

Inserted the 5 blocks registration code and went on to where the installer wants to know where to install to and aborted.

O t t o

[daniellouwrens]

Hi

I thought I would post a report on my progress.

NONE :-(

Otto, I did a search in my registry and could not find any mention of a "Rail Simulator" entry, I had a Kuju entry which I exported (backup) then deleted.

I did a system restore to before I uninstalled Rail Simulator and the folder was back in Program Files but RS would not run, I then ran a Repair install, it still did not work, I used the "Uninstall" on the disk and tried reinstalling after a hard boot, that did not work.

It should not be this difficult, I certainly will not be buying any more EA software in future.

I have sent an email to support at RS, we'll see what comes back.

regards

[OTTODAD]

Hi Daniel !

Now that RS seems to be back in ?:\Program Files\Rail Simulator try uninstalling it with the Start / Programs / Rail Simulator / Uninstall Rail Simulator option.

Can't remember whether you have VISTA and if you have then before running any RS executable mark it to be run as "Administrator", starting with the above Uninstaller and then the DVD's Setup.exe before running it !

That done, check that the Rail Simulator folder has disappeared and if not then DELETE it and re-start your computer.

Install RS from DVD and when done again restart your computer to make sure that the Registry has been updated with all the RS numerous entries.

If RS loads then install the MARK-1 update followed by the MARK-1 DevTools update.

I have UAC turned off on my Internet only VISTA computer, getting fed up with all it's interference, the AGV Pro taking care of security.

If all that worked then create a COPY of the MARK-1 Rail Simulator folder before installing MARK-2 !

O t t o

[daniellouwrens]

Hi Otto

thanks for your patience and help, I uninstalled with the Disk because there was no entry in my Start menu.

I have Vista but I do not have any other problems so cannot blame Vista. I guess it was
my own stupid fault for using the Windows add/remove programs to uninstall instead of the
Start / Programs / Rail Simulator / Uninstall Rail Simulator option.

But that said it should not be so hard, what do people do who just want to play a game, I have MSTS, FSX, Tomb Raider (two of them) Rome and never have any problems with them.

Anyway, enough complaining, when I finally get this fixed I will follow your advice on the reinstall process, hopefully I will get Otto-Alps working, which is why I started this all in the first place.

regards

[MikeSimpson]

Hi Daniel,

A friend of mine had a similar problem with RS and sent an email to RS support. They sent him a file to run which apparently cleared up the registry or some other cache, after which RS reinstalled fine, so it might be worth asking them.

As for uninstalling via the Windows Control Panel or the Uninstall in the program's folder, it is the same thing, the control panel just looks for the uninstaller and runs it.

Mike

[daniellouwrens]

Thanks Mike,

so it was not my fault after all, but what a buggy program.

I have sent an email to RS support and have everything crossed.

When I saw your email on UKTS, I thought STREWTH, if a placid, nice guy like Mike is upset what hope do I have!!

Still, while there is life there is hope.

regards

[OTTODAD]

As for uninstalling via the Windows Control Panel or the Uninstall in the program's folder, it is the same thing, the control panel just looks for the uninstaller and runs it.

There were many reports saying that using the Control Panel's REMOVE not always deletes the MSTS Train Simulator folder and found in the past that some Un-Installers do not remove all traces of un-installed programs from the Registry and installed into drives/folders.

Hence the need for utilities like the "Reg-Cleaner" ! ;)

Take care, O t t o.

P.S.: I have not yet seen a program which has installed as many Registry entries as RS has listed in it !

[daniellouwrens]

Hi Otto

well I've basically given up, I've tried two registry cleaners, deleted every registry entry I could find that had a mention of Kuju, Rail, Railsim, RSDL, etc.etc.etc. (except those aligned to MSTS) and it STILL will not reinstall.

A post I made on the RS forum for a download or link to the RS registry cleaner got me nowhere, and my email to RS support has not been responded to but I see on their site that "email support" is down.

It is very disappointing, I have every commercial add on available, I was trying to give RS a fair go, but there is little point if I cannot run the game.

I guess I'll bundle it all up and put it on eBay.

See you on the MSTS forums.

Regards

[OTTODAD]

Hi Daniel !

I get very annoyed if I can not sort a problem with a computer or software and it ruins my day. :mad:

So all traces of RS have gone in the Registry and on the hard drive ?

After starting your VISTA computer then shut down all programs running, including the Internet and it's associated firewall and virus checker.

Turn off User Accounts Control and then try to install RS again and pay attention to what the installer does, how far it gets after having entered the correct 5 groups registration code and report back.

There has got to be a logical reason for RS refusing to install, it does not on my cheap Internet only VISTA computer !

Whatever, when all is done or not, turn on the User Account Control and re-start your computer.

Take care, O t t o.

[daniellouwrens]

Thanks Otto,

I am away for a few days but will do as you recommend when I return....

Watch this space, perhaps eBay will not be hearing from me :-)

regards

[daniellouwrens]

Hi Otto

I gave it a go and got the same result, after the serial number NOTHING happens.

I have a clone of my hard drive from 10 days ago, done with Casper 4.0 back-up program, I will copy that across and go through the whole process using the correct uninstalling procedure.

Thanks, I'll keep you posted.

regards

[OTTODAD]

I have a clone of my hard drive from 10 days ago, done with Casper 4.0 back-up program, I will copy that across and go through the whole process using the correct uninstalling procedure.

Is that a clone of the hard drive including the VISTA system drive as it was 10 days ago ?

If that is the case then try running RS after you have restored it as it will have restored the Registry too !

That not working you can then proceed un-installing RS using it's Start / Program un-installer, re-start your computer and have another go installing RS !

I would still recommend to shut down all running programs including the Internet before you start installing RS.

Take care, O t t o.

[daniellouwrens]

Otto

yes it is an exact clone of the Vista PC with RS prior to my uninstalling it, I was reluctant to use it because I had done some work since the clone and would lose it, but I think I have copied all the new stuff to a backup key and will copy it back when this is all over.

I will follow your advice on uninstalling/reinstalling.

RS is now running fine except that Otto-Alps is not showing up.

I will try installing your newest files, I think the ones I installed were your original download, it is so long ago, I'm not sure.

Perhaps you can help with this question.

If I use RS tools TMB to delete a route, does it remove it from the installation or just from the RS tools TMB list.
I ask this because I figure I should delete the Otto-Alps before I reinstall it.

thanks and regards

[OTTODAD]

RS is now running fine except that Otto-Alps is not showing up.

If my route is not showing then perhaps you installed the original before mine. It had a problem with it's Routes.xml paragraph, preventing it and other routes installed after it from being visible.

Rather than explain how to fix that problem it might be the easiest if you could ZIP your Routes.xml and attach it to an e-mail using this link: http://www.otto-wipfel.co.uk/oaw_000011.htm and I shall return it fixed as soon as it hits my Inbox ! ;)

Take care, O t t o.

P.S.: I am shutting down now. Talk to you tomorrow !

[daniellouwrens]

Otto

thanks for the offer, it seems the backup/clone of my C: Drive was from before I installed Otto-Alps and I have also lost the downloaded file.

I have a slow connection and big downloads always fail or time out, I will tyry to download it again but if not I will have to wait until Monday when I am at work on a super fast connection.

regards

[daniellouwrens]

Hi Otto

okay I got it done, the file is in the mail.

thanks and regards

[OTTODAD]

Thanks, Daniel !

The fixed Routes.xml should be in your INBOX by now.

The problem was caused by the RSPackager which somehow screwed up the Routes.xml during inserting the ALPS paragraph, adding this rogue section into the file in two places:

http://www.otto-wipfel.co.uk/rsa/routes-xml-flaw.jpg (http://www.otto-wipfel.co.uk)

This is what that part of it should look like:

http://www.otto-wipfel.co.uk/rsa/routes-xml-fixed.jpg (http://www.otto-wipfel.co.uk)

Looking forward to your report that all your routes including the ALPS and ALPS-OTTO are now listed in the RS Routes Menu and all their scenarios are working, providing that you have downloaded my web site's ALPS assets and rolling stock Zips and have installed them.

If they had used Mike Simpson's RouteSetup.exe, they said they would, all these install problems many had could have been avoided.

Also noticed that since the MARK-2 update 30 additional languages options are being inserted into the Routes.xml by the RSPackager. Are there really that many different language versions of WINDOWS and RS, including some countries like Macedonia ? ;)

Take care, O t t o.

[daniellouwrens]

Hi Otto

yes, it is all running very well now with both Alps in place and running, what an excellent route, well worth the effort to get it all working.

Thank you so much for your help in getting my system up and running again.

The work you do to keep RS on the improve (Aussie grammar) is very much appreciated by most, especially those of us who do not have the time or training to fix thing up.

Should I install MK2 now?? :-)

Best regards

[OTTODAD]

Glad to have been of some help, Daniel ! ;)

The original ALPS and my ALPS-OTTO version do not work in the with MARK-2 updated copy of RS, but the new single player scenario MARK-2 version does.

I would stick with the MARK-1 version of RS for as long as other new route add-ons will still work with it.

Or you could do what I did, have 2 copies of RS, one for proven in the MARK-1 add-ons and another one for MARK-2 for new add-ons which do not work in the MARK-1 version.

Should you wish to do that then send me an e-mail for instructions, but do not see any advantage of doing that just yet, not being concerned with dynamic brakes and the modified signaling apparently having some problems, I have read about in other RS forums.

Once I am certain that everything will work as it should in MARK-2 then I might stop using the MARK-1 copy, but retain it as a routes and rolling stock BACK-UP ! ;)

Take care and enjoy the ALPS and CAJON-OTTO-Minor ! :D

O t t o

[daniellouwrens]

CAJON-OTTO-Minor, that was my favourite unto ALPS-OTTO came along :-)

cheers