Needing help to get custom campaigns to run

[redthunder]

Newbie here, obviously, and one who is feeling a bit dumb at the moment.  I've downloaded several campaigns from this site and have followed the instructions in the read me files for installing them (i.e., basically placing the map files in my maps/campaign folder and the .exe files in the main directory), but nothing is running successfully.  Part of the problem has to be the fact that the read me files keep referencing portrait and sound files that simply aren't in the .zip files I've downloaded, but I'm also suspecting that there must be a necessary upgrade to Starcraft that I've missed, because every single custom file I've opened has started the same way (with a Hatchery next to either a Command Center or a Nexus, with four building/collecting units for each (at which point my four drones get slaughtered by the other four units.))  Additionally, when I try to restart the mission, the basic set up is the same, but the map and location are different and obviously randomly generated. 

Um, help?

(I'm running Windows Vista (damn it) and have Starcraft and the Brood War expansion set, version 1.05.  Neither one is specifically labelled for Vista, but I've had no problem with the original campaigns.)

Thank you in advance!

[Lavarinth]

Are you running the correct version of SC for the specified campaigns? Some vary on the version requirements.

Also, take a look at this post as well by Whiplash!:

index.php?topic=1179.0

[redthunder]

I'm using Brood War, since that's the one mentioned in the read me file, but just to be on the safe side I gave it a shot with the original StarCraft.  No dice, it couldn't even read the map files.

Also, Vista apparently doesn't recognize the commands given in Whiplash's post (arg!)

Any idea where the portrait and sound files might have gone?  As an example of one of the campaigns I'm trying to work with, I've downloaded Celestial Irruption.  I can run the .exe file and I get a pretty new splash screen and main menu, but when I go to the level menu to select custom game it looks just like the original Brood War level menu (which may or may not be what should happen.)

Frustratingly, I don't even know what information I can give that would be helpful in finding an answer.  Please let me know if more info would be helpful.

(BTW, thanks for moving my thread -- I dithered between the two forums and clearly picked the wrong one:)

[redthunder]

Okay, restarted Vista and was able to disable DEP though no telling why I couldn't before (Vista is such a pile of crap).  Restarted again and, well, at least things are different though, I suspect, still not correct:

Now when starting up CI, I get just one (or, mysteriously enough, two) hatcheries, but there aren't any minerals nearby, there are no stated mission objectives, and when I restart the mission I continue to get random colors and locations.  I'm assuming that the map is the same, at least, but I can't tell for sure.  But hey, at least my drones aren't getting beat down by a handful of SVCs!

Edit:  Nevermind -- another restart of the mission means I'm next to a command center and getting my ass kicked again by SVCs.  *sigh*

[Lavarinth]

The sounds and portraits would not cause an issue. Perhaps they are in the EXE.

Attempt to upgrade 1.07 and see what happens.

EDIT: Did you place the MPQ in the same directory as the EXE?

[redthunder]

Okay, installed the only patch I could find (1.161), which didn't help (I'm starting to hate those SVCs).

The .mpq is in the same directory as the .exe. 

Also, I'm quite sure now that the map itself is random as well, because it doesn't have the dimensions listed in the map description (which is definitely not random, and which doesn't appear to relate in any way to the map that pops up).

[IskatuMesk]

An exe compiled for 1.07 will not work on 1.10, 1.161, or 1.15. It will only work on 1.07.

[redthunder]

Is there a way to remove a patch, or do I need to uninstall and reinstall Starcraft?

EDIT:  I uninstalled StarCraft, reinstalled it, applied patch 1.07, and ran the CI .exe.  Still no luck, I'm afraid.

(Also, I checked CI's read me file and it doesn't specify which patch it was complied on, only that upgrading to the latest patch should clear up any issues.)

EDIT 2: I'm now playing Brood War and I've noticed that the music is definitely different than it was before.  (Frankly I don't remember there being music before, but it's very possible that I disabled it when I first installed the program.)

[Lavarinth]

Hm. Vista.

Okay, so you have 1.07 installed, you are running the EXE within the SC folder, with the MPQ in the directory as well, and you are loading the map through Use Map Settings on?

I have a feeling you're using Melee.

[omega20]

Most campaigns only work with the 1.10 (at least to me) which you can download from here.

Anyways, if it still didn't working for you, you can download all the remaining patchs from here, and test with them all. The campaign exe should work with any of them.

Also, remember to put the campaign exe in the main StarCraft directory (were the patch.mpq, StarDat.mpq, BrooDat.mpq, storm.dll, etc are placed). Some exes are independent and can work even if they're placed in their own separate directory. But the exes which logo is the same as the Brood War exe must be placed in the main SC directory.

Cheers!

~omega20

[redthunder]

Oh, wow.  I am an idiot.  Turns out I was set on Free For All.  *facepalm*  Also, I'll get the 1.10 patch, just in case.

On the plus side, I've learned much from this post.  Thank you, everyone!

[Lavarinth]

Great to know you got it working. Hope to see you around the forum

[omega20]

And great to know I was also of help... not entirely but...