rec.autos.simulators

I've been enjoying DTR (the original) offline for some time now. After
so much fun with DTR, I decided to follow some advice and
purchase/install DTR-Sprint Cars. I purchased Sprint Cars via the
"Dirt Thrills" pack set that includes another copy of the original
DTR, DTR-Sprint Cars, Kawasaki Motocross, and Test Drive 3.

Unlike DTR, which installed/runs on my system no problemo, after
installation Sprint Cars will not start. It appears to install, but
simply won't start. Nothing. Not even an error message. The computer
just sits there as if I had not clicked on a thing. The only evidence
that SOMETHING happened is the DTR-Sprint Cars button appears on the
taskbar. I then have to use "ctrl/alt/delete" to end task.

During the install, I'm prompted that a newer version than the
game-supplied DirectX 7 is installed, and wants to know if I want to
install DirectX 7 anyway. I selected "No" (as I also did with the
successful DTR installation). If I should I say "Yes", would it
overwrite my DirectX drivers for the entire system, or just that game?
 Could this be it?

I used Google Search to try to find some Sprint Car websites that
might have some answers/patches/whatever... but support for this sim
seem sketchy at best.

The real puzzler is the fact that the original DTR installed/runs
fine.

My system:

1.3 Ghz Celeron
Win XP Home
D3D compatible vid card and sound card.
40 GB HD (36 GB free)
128 MB SDram

ANY input would be much appreciated.

Andre Ming

As a "whatever", I installed/loaded the Testdrive 3 offroad game that
was included in the 4-pack. It runs fine. (Though a lamer for sure. I
uninstalled it after about 6 minutes.)

I think I'm going to try to install/run the Motocross game that also
was supplied to see if it installs/runs. If so, that's 3 outta' 4...
sort of tells me something may be wrong with the Sprint Car CD??

Andre Ming

Ratbag games are the flakey. If you were to get Leadfoot you'd probably have
a third problem.  Under win2000 I can get DTRSC to run in D3D, but not DTR.
I can't get DTR to run on ME with anything overclocked, CPU or video card.

Lets see if it runs in software mode, and go from there.

You may want to try over at www.onlineracing.cc but alot of the 'good'
people are gone and the kiddies are trying to take over. Its about the
biggest place for Ratbag games

MadDAWG

Following MadDAWG's suggestion, I tried launching it via "Software"
and not "D3D" or "Autodetech".  It started! The ugly little brats with
the spray cans shot their graffitti and ran off, then the WofO video
began to run. Yippee!

Then it locked.

SOOO... I exited, hit my DTR-SC start up options menu and deselected
the intro foof.

Try again: Presto! I'm in!

BUT... it taxes my machine via software mode, so I had to turn down
the resolution. :-(

Also, I had some calibration problems with my wheel, but no biggie.
Got that sorted.

At long last, I got to give these monsters a whirl and so far: Fun!!

Raced with the Big Boys at Muskogee, OK for several ***s and noted
the AI at about 50% seems better in Sprint Cars than in DTR. I love
the close racing, and REALLY like the way you can hear the revving
engine beside you when locked in a close battle for position.

I went ahead and started a novice season, and I won the series.
Started another series, and bummer, I had a lock-up while at the
Manzinita, AZ track.

However, the game is now playable, eventually I'll tweak out the snags
(I hope).

Think a Voodoo 5500 will aid the game considerably?

Thanks to all that offered some input!  

BTW, after sending them my MSinfo file, I'm awaiting word back from
Infogames concerning why I can't run it through my Intel graphics card
like I can their other dirt titles.

Andre Ming