Difficulties playing FFVII on PC

[Griffin5150 0]

Here are my system specs. I have an HP Vectra Pentium 4 1.4 Ghz. I do not have a video accelerator card. My sound card is a Mad Dog Prowler Soundwave 4.1, and, naturally, I have a 4.1 speaker system. I am running Windows 2000 Professional (no Service Pack), upgraded from Windows NT 4.0. Recently, I have been trying to get my copy of Final Fantasy VII for the PC version running on my computer. I've run the config program, and everything checks out. I tried to play FFVII. I got a blank screen. I tried to mess with the settings. It outright CRASHED until I set them to their original settings, and I was back to the blank screen.

 

I tried downloading the Applications Compatability Toolkit from Microsoft's website... and it says that I need Service Pack 3 to run the program.

 

I tried the method posted at http://www.activewin.com/tips/win2000/1/2000_tips_43.shtml, but I don't have the slayerui.dll file it says I need to access.

 

I am not about to try downloading Service Pack 3, since my modem is a hella-slow 56K modem, and I have no clue as to what it will do to my system, and I am nervous about messing with the settings, since I have had several bad experiences with W2K, such as it displaying the Blue Screen of Death when I tried to start it, and losing sound when it froze on me once. I was referenced here from the Gamingforce Forums by somebody who said that this site had helped them get FFVII running on Windows XP. Is there anything that I can do to get this thing running? I am not going to install Windows 95 or 98, since I am afraid of losing W2K, which besides the lack of compatability isn't a bad OS, AND my system is only designed for NT Workstation 4.0 and W2K Professional. Oh, yeah, and don't tell me "Download an emulator and the ISO's, idiot" or "buy a PS2." Unless, of course, you're willing to supply me with a PS2 and a copy of the game...

 

So, is there anything that can help me run this game, or am I doomed to playing it on the junk computer in my parent's room?

[pmistry 0]

Yeah I understand your frustration, however you can also order Service Pack 3 on CD for a minimal fee.

 

For Final Fantasy 7, have you looked at these tips:

http://www.ntcompatible.com/compdet.php?id=5313

 

You should also search the forums, since alot of users have tried getting this game to work.

 

Report back and tell us what happened.

 

Of all the games for Windows 2000, Final Fantasy 7 ranks up there with Need For Speed: High Stakes as one of the most fussiest to get running.

[Griffin5150 0]

Yeah, I looked at that place. In fact, that's where I downloaded the Applications Compatability Toolkit from. Thanks for the advice, though, I'll search the forums. (One thing, though... I don't exactly have gold-lined pockets, if you know what I mean... *sigh* Ah, well. I guess if my dad'll let me, I'll order it from Microsoft's website... or wherever you get that thing.)

[pmistry 0]

It's too bad you don't have a friend with high speed access and CD-Burner. Then you could download it and burn it. There really is no other way to get SP3.

[Griffin5150 0]

Well... my dad's computer at work has high-speed access and CD Burner... but my computer hasn't been too good at reading (or even RECOGNIZING) burned CDs. My dad tried to bring a copy of Norton Antivirus for Win2K home and install it on our computer, but it wouldn't work. Also, recently, my dad tried to play a music CD on our computer he had burned... it wouldn't read it. Plus, even if it would work, I doubt that Verizon (the company my dad works for; he basically makes sure everybody gets paid the right amount of money) would be too pleased if he used one of their computers simultaneously for personal AND illegal activities. So, it's a good idea, but I don't think that it'll fly.

[Xiven 0]

I see from the other thread that you've managed to get hold of a copy of the App Compat toolkit 1.1. Firstly, well done, that thing's almost impossible to find Secondly, for a guide on how to get FF7 to work try http://www.ffseven.com/aboutff7/index.shtml (it's a bit out of date but it'll probably do).

 

Finally, a good place to check out if you're still having problems with it is http://forums.qhimm.com (EDIT: though that seems to be down at the moment...)

[Griffin5150 0]

Okay. I have a feeling I'm going to hate myself for this later, but right now I'm installing Service Pack 3... God, I hope that this doesn't screw up my computer... *prays vehemently* Well, on a lighter not, if you see me again, you'll know that it worked. ;(

 

EDIT: Yay, it worked. And it has slayerui.dll, too! Double yay!

[Griffin5150 0]

Update:

 

Alright, I give up. Final Fantasy VII has held up under my seige and defeated me. I have literally tried everything I can think of. And every time, it hangs up and doesn't even read the disc. 'Course, it probably doesn't help too much that I have a burned copy of this game (my brother-in-law burned it for me as a Christmas gift several years ago), but I figured that it shouldn't pose too much of a problem, since my computer can read it fine, and if my computer can read it fine, why shouldn't FF7? But, nonetheless, after weeks and weeks, I have now officially broken down. I have around 7 bucks, so I'll persuade my parents to take me to a Funcoland tomorrow, and I'll pick up a copy of FF7 and download ePSXe. Thanks for the tips, at least. One last thing: any tips for getting ePSXe to work on my computer?

[adamvjackson 0]

ePSXe works very well, but you will need to have the exact bios from your playstation. There are some cables available to backup the PSX bios to a file, you will need one of those. Also, you will need plugins for the display, sound, input devices and the CD drive. I personally suggest Pete's plugins, a simple google search will turn up the correct addresses.