Hello, Devil Dog
Please read this guide before you do anything more with IL-2...
IL-2 related downloads -
Every download that has to do with IL-2, including graphics card drivers for example, needs to be handled correctly to ensure that it works well. On occassion, an IL-2 user will think that something is wrong with IL-2 or the hardware when it was actually a corrupt download which they installed.
Handling any download, including graphics related:
1) Scan the download for malware.
2) Test the download for corrupt files, using a program such as WinRar or 7z. Some of these programs which can test for corrupt files are free or have a free trial period, such as WinRar.
3) Open the download.
I am very surprised that no one suggested that you install IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 outside Program Files. You should do this first. If you already have IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 installed in Program Files, then you can make a copy of it to your disk drive. (Some people have it in their main drive or in an external drive.) For example, copy to
C: Drive and make it a major folder in that drive. It can be made a major folder like Windows and Users.
If you want to add mods or a mod pack to your IL-2, then this is course of action:
IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 4.07m DVD: (In this order...)
IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 4.07m DVD + 4.08m add-on patch + 4.09m add-on patch + mod pack of your choice + future add-ons of that mod pack + other mods that are compatible with that mod pack
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OR-----------------------------------
IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 4.08m digital download version: (In this order...)
IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 4.08m digital download version + special patch for digital download version 4.08m to be able to add mods with no conflict + 4.08m + 4.09m + mod pack of your choice + mod pack add-ons + mods which are compatible with your mod pack
1)... Stock Installation Install IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 Disk or download version (such as Direct2Drive 4.08) outside Program Files. My IL-2 was made a major folder in the same line as Windows, Users, PerfLogs, or any other of the largest folders. Your IL-2 will run better and you will not get conflicts which are typical of having IL-2 in Program Files. By the way, it is also a good idea to install most IL-2 related programs outside Program Files as well.
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Patch for the Digital Download version of IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 4.08m
(It is not needed for the DVD version of IL-2)
Only IL-2 users who have the digital download version of IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 4.08m will need this patch to add mods, which will ensure that every mod functions. (I wrote this to be sure that it is clear in your mind)
IMPORTANT: The Patch for the digital download version is installed into the digital download of IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 4.08m before you add anything else.
The D2D (Direct2Drive) patch is at the SAS website, but you will have to subscribe to see the link:
Digital Download 4.08m patch for compatibility with mods
http://www.sas1946.com/main/index.php/topic,1531.0.html
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IMPORTANT: It is a good idea to copy every clean installation, add-on, and download for safekeeping. When you need to rebuild, it will be available on your disk without you having to take the long time of redownloading the parts. Once you have a clean IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 with all additional content and you have thoroughly tested it, then make a copy for safekeeping.
2)... 4.08m Required The patch called 4.08m (installs into IL-2 Sturmovik 4.07m DVD) is needed for very nearly all mods(An alternative is to get the digital download version called IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 4.08m and add the patch for the digital download IL-2 which is given before this.
3)... 4.09m Base of Mods and some online combat servers such as in HyperLobby The patch called 4.09m is currently the basis for the installation of all major IL-2 mod packs. (Once 4.10m is released that will be the base for newer mod packs)
4)... Mod Pack Installation The next stage is the installation of the mod pack of your choice.
Here is a list of most of the major mod packs and add-ons (sorry if I forgot any and remember that they do not mix):
1)
HSFX 4.1 and consecutive add-ons...
viewforum.php?f=106
2)
UltraPack 2.0 and consecutive add-ons...
viewforum.php?f=71
3)
SAS skin packs and other mods...
viewforum.php?f=84
4)
MegaPack
5)
FusionPack
All of these have been used by many people and I feel that you could enjoy any one of them.
5)... IL-2 Guide My IL-2 and computer guide is very userful to prepare your computer, get ready for a mod pack, and make IL-2 look good and run smooth.
IL-2 Guide for Computers, Benchmarking, Optimizing, Tweaking
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=22314
6)... Finish Handling IL-2 After you get the basics in place, then take a look at Sticky topics at the top of the IL-2 Technical Help and PC Technical Help forums. I highly recommend the topics below:
A)...
ATI owners might need this Catalyst 10.7 which is reported by IL-2 fans to fix ATI driver defects:
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=29207
B)... Make IL-2 run in the correct processing core of your system:
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=29178
C)... Advanced tweaking of IL-2 involves the conf.ini file, which is covered in somewhat detailed fashion here:
viewtopic.php?f=29&t=29185
Devil Dog, I can speak for everyone in letting you know that we are all glad that you are here and we hope that you enjoy the community. If you have any questions, then please feel free to ask.
Enjoy the fascinating journey with IL-2! The mods will amaze you!
(Sorry, Verhängnis, but I had completed this guide today and wanted to publish it.
)
