multiple installs

Mini Me · Post by **Mini Me** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 2:38 pm

I currently have BG2 installed on my E drive, full of mods. I want another, clean install for something else, and I was wondering if install it to my C drive would be possible (I cant do the usual method of copying the folder and changing the .ini because of the mods)

would it be?

if not, would I be able to copy some files from the modded directory, and get files such as the chitin.key from friends, or perhaps a kind person here? Which files should be alright to copy?

Numinor · Post by **Numinor** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 3:03 pm

A way to install two copys would be to remove all registry settings of your current installation from your computer, it should work fine without those. After you've done that you can install a clean version anywhere you want, even in the same harddrive.
To get rid of the registry settings there are 2 ways:

1)You delete them using regedit. There's a thread here somewhere here with a link that says which you've to remove.

2)You copy (not move) your current installation somewhere and then uninstall BG2. After that place the backup you made in the folder BG2 was installed before. (that isn't necessary actually, but some mods could make problems otherwise, though I doubt it)

Now that all registry settings of your first installation are gone you can safely install a new, clean copy anywhere you want (except where the 1st installation is of course

).

Patches etc. will only recognize the new installation, though you can install mods to any of them.

Boris · Post by **Boris** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 9:28 pm

Not sure if I understand the original question...

...eg. what's an "E drive"? But I suspect I've been grappling with similar issues.

I'm playing two very different games at the mo., with different mods et al. After much faffing-about, I've discovered/decided upon the following -

Registry settings will only look at the "standard" installation (eg. BGII - SoA, or whatever it was called on install from disc). So do a normal install, inc. patches, Baldurdash & appropriate Mods, & play away. When you want to change, simply Rename the main folder to something else (eg. "BGII - SoA CHARNAME"), then install a new version (with preferred Mods, etc.) to the "standard" folder-name. When you want to switch games, simply rename the current folder to an alternate name, then rename the alternate copy to the "standard".

You could do the same using Copy instead of Rename & this would lessen the chances of accidental overwriting, etc. But BGII uses quite a lot of files, so Copying can take quite a while; Renaming takes an instant & should do the job nicely, so long as you keep track of your different versions & don't get confused!

Similarly, you can keep a clean installation (eg. just std. patch & Baldurdash) on your hard drive, suitably renamed, to avoid the tedious CD-swapping should you need to re-install for any other reason.

B.

Numinor · Post by **Numinor** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 6:15 am

The problem is you can't install the second (clean) copy as long as the computer thinks BG2 is still installed.

Luis Antonio · Post by **Luis Antonio** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 6:55 am

Wow!!! I'll do that on my new powerhouse...

Man, always wanted to play them 2 versions, modded and unmodded on my computer.

icelus · Post by **icelus** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 8:17 am

There are very good instructions for setting up a multiple install here: http://forums.camagna.net/index.php?showtopic=291

Mini Me · Post by **Mini Me** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 10:21 am

is this the thread you were referring to Numinor? should I do as Yshania suggests?

icelus · Post by **icelus** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 10:52 am

Before you go hacking away at registry entries, make sure you've read *both* threads thoroughly. The method posted in the link I have given has been tested quite a bit by experienced modders, so I would recommend you at least read it before you mess with anything.

Numinor · Post by **Numinor** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 11:36 am

Originally posted by Mini Me
is this the thread you were referring to Numinor? should I do as Yshania suggests?

It was not exactly that thread, but that's the way it works.
But I would recommend the "copy -> uninstall ->copy back ->new installation"-method I described, it takes a bit longer but is easier to do.

@Icelus: I only looked shortly at the link you posted, but I got the impression it described the same procedure I explained but assumed you have a "clean" copy installed, which Mini Me hasn't.
If you want to keep your current "unclean"

installation and install a new clean installation additionally the way I explained should work.

Mini Me · Post by **Mini Me** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 2:36 pm

i shall proceed with your second way thanks very much numinor

thanks too to icelus, but, as numinor said it is unclean and wont work unfortunately (hence my original asking)

Boris · Post by **Boris** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 10:48 pm

Originally posted by Numinor
The problem is you can't install the second (clean) copy as long as the computer thinks BG2 is still installed.

Really? Don't remember any such problem, but have faffed-around so much I can't remember/argue.

Anyway, the solution would then be to do a clean install, rename it to sommat else, then copy it back to the "standard" name & work away from there. Maybe that's what I did, myself...

I've had a look at the other thread, but it seems over-complex - no way would I recommend messing with Registry! Am pretty sure simple renaming/copying should do the job, since I've been working those methods for the last few weeks without noticeable (sp?) problems.

B.