Vista with FFXI( Vanadiel Collection CD)Follow

OK, there have been alot of posts recently as to how to get FFXI working with Vista. I would like to post this method here. I don't know if this works for the Installation of the 4 CDs that are individually installed, but this method works for sure with the Vanadiel Collection FFXI Installation CD.

I would like to thank Warped Reflection and Misfitwonder's Realm(Styxrtp) for their help in putting this together and helping with links, and the Vista Patch Downloads on http://styxrtp.com/ and http://styxrtp.com/forums/index.php

So here it is. This way should work for those trying to use Vista and play FFXI at the same time.

1. Install the Playonline Viewer (since you're using the vanadiel collection, install from the Playonline folder, or wait until vista launches the setup.exe on autorun)
2. Install Final Fantasy XI Online. If you're letting the computer install the CD atutomatically this will not take long. (Notice, you will not see that ROZ, COP, and ToAU, have been installed. I say this because you'll see the artwork as each of the individual expansions after they've been installed. In this instance, you will not see the artwork or the installation).
3. Run the Playonline Viewer Vista Patch (1.1 or 1.15 works just as well) http://styxrtp.com/
4. You do not need to run playonline in compatibility mode, whoever made this step is prolonging the process. Playonline can run just fine without extra compatiblity settings.
5. Last but not least, run the playonline viewer. You should see that the viewer will start up this time with no problems and update accordingly. The Playonline Viewer should then restart, and you should be able to update Final Fantasy XI.

Also, make sure all files are installed to their default folders. They are located under:

C:/Program Files/Playonline/SquareEnix/

AT THIS POINT YOU ARE NOT FINISHED YET, THERE ARE A FEW MORE THINGS YOU MUST DO TO "TWEEK" THE GAME AND IT WILL BE READY

When you ran the install from the CD (when the CD autoran), the installation is for the Playonline Viewer only.

There is a recurring bug with how Vista treats the setup file on all Vana'diel collections. Instead of running their normal routine (menu with options to install each application one by one), the only thing that autoruns is the Playonline Viewer and tetra master setup. If you haven't done this yet(Which most of you won't have done already), please go to Computer -> (Disc with vana'diel collection), and open it (don't run it). After that you should see some folders in there. These folders correspond with these installations:

INST1 = Final Fantasy XI Core Game

INST2 = Rise of the Zilart Expansion Pack

INST3 = Chains of Promathia Expansion Pack

INST4 = Treasures of Aht Urghan Expansion Pack (Vana'diel collection 2007 folder)

You need to run the setup.exe from each one of those folders as well, then the Playonline Viewer should recognize FFXI. Basically you must open and install each of these 4 folders manually, one at a time. At the end, you will have installed each of these 4, along with the POL and Tetra Master you installed first off. Turn the game on, and start playing!

Well, play as in enjoy a few hours of updating your files :D But after that, it's game time!

I hope I have put everything in here in a manner in which it's easy for most to understand. If there is anything you'd like to add, or I put something in wrong, post here and I'll change it accordingly. Thank you, and I really hope this works for all of you to enjoy FFXI. Once again, thank you to WarpedReflection and Misfitwonder's Realm.




Edited, Mar 21st 2007 12:52am by zedster

Edited, Mar 22nd 2007 6:36am by Pikko

Edited, Mar 22nd 2007 2:12pm by Pikko

Bumping so people in the afternoon to evening crowd can get a look.

You should probably submit it to Pikko's thread on Legendary Threads and Stickies.

Well, I honestly can not tell you about how to set up FFXI using each disc. In this case, I'd apply to Misfitwonder's Realm at
http://styxrtp.com/forums/index.php and post your problem on the forums there. I'm sure you can be helped there, so try that out and good luck to ya!

EDIT: Spelling

Edited, Mar 21st 2007 8:24pm by zedster

This is an experimental sticky. I'd appreciate people adding in any information for others in different situations than what the OP describes.