rec.autos.simulators

I am having absolutely NO luck with the direct link in World Circuit.
I have the latest version (1.05).  I'm using the "edited" GP.EXE from
F1ED200.ZIP, so the GP.EXE file is 600k.  Could this be the problem?
For those who are able to connect directly, are you using the original,
non-edited GP.EXE supplied by MicroProse?  Or, are you able to use
the edited GP.EXE also?  Oh, that reminds me, I'm using the cracked one--
the one that has "monza" as the password.  Thanks for any help.

I made sure of that by copying the same gp.exe file on both machines.

It is not connecting at all.  One says waiting and the other says starting.
And, it just sits there.

Just to be sure, how do I check what version I'm running?
I remember installing 1.05 a while back.  When I try to load up
with that one, it asks me which language my manual is in.  I'm
pretty sure it's 1.05.  The serial lines are 16450 and 16550 for
the two machines, respectively.

Ok, more detail on what's going on.  I'm using null modem and a null
modem cable.  I'm also using a gender changer on both ends.  
Do I need a null modem?  Or is the cable good enough?

The 'crack' has nothing to do with your problem.

When you play WC/F1GP over the modem (or direct link), the GP.EXE files
on both computers MUST match EXACTLY.

You must have:

 - the same grip
 - the same car colors
 - the same car HP/driver settings
 - QTYRE settings must match (ie loaded or not)

I do not have the unpacked version, but I'm sure it isn't helping matters
any.

BTW, the game should still connect and it will not look like anything is
wrong.  It is only once you get into the car that you will see the
problem.  It will be a nice big red warning sign on the top of the screen
saying that there is a link error.

If you are having problems just getting it connected then that is a
different problem completely.

: Ok, more detail on what's going on.  I'm using null modem and a null
: modem cable.  I'm also using a gender changer on both ends.  
: Do I need a null modem?  Or is the cable good enough?

If you are 100% sure that it is a null modem cable AND you are using a
null modem adapter then that is your problem.  You should only use 1 or
the other, not both.

Ok, initially I was using a NULL MODEM and a serial cable with a bunch
of gender changers.  Then I went and got a null modem CABLE.  Still no
luck.  I'm thinking it may be the serial ports.  I'll have to
look more closely.  One machine has 16550 and the other has 16540.
Both machines run the exact same copy of WC/F1GP.  I'm trying to use
COM2 on both machines.  COM1 is 9 pins and is used by the mouse.
This is really frustrating.  I have two computers that run WC very nicely
sitting next to each other and I can't get it to hook up.
If WC only had TCP/IP or IPX support. . .

I'm reminded of the time I had 8 hours at it and never got the two
machines to connect on a Null Modem.  It turned out to be the serial port
on the other machine (not mine, but borrowed).

The serial port was built into the motherboard.  What I ended up doing
was disabling the serial port on the motherboard and installing a serial
card.  Then it connected with absolutely no problems.

I can assure you that it is not WC that is causing your problems.  Try a
serial card and see how that works.

The farthest I've come was having both screen's with the little computer
link at the top left hand corner.  Usually it just sits there.  How long
am I suppose to wait?  The readme file says a few seconds.  I've waited
minutes.

:
:

:
: > Quick race seems to be most succesfull though, how far do you get, alt M
: > sends messages, alt H is hang up etc...
: > I hope you get it sorted out...
: >
:
: The farthest I've come was having both screen's with the little computer
: link at the top left hand corner.  Usually it just sits there.  How long
: am I suppose to wait?  The readme file says a few seconds.  I've waited
: minutes.

4 seconds is the longest I've ever had to wait.

Am I the only person who's had no problems whatsoever, then? I've played
linked games on various machines, from 386sx25's to 486dx2/66 without
a single failure. Various com ports have been used too. All machine ran
(a completely standard) version 1.05...

Pete

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