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Miscellaneous Forums => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Ossott on 2007-12-26 21:39:51

Title: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Ossott on 2007-12-26 21:39:51
Three things,

First, does anyone know if this could possibly help with the crashing in Dollet communication tower bug? After multiple attempts I finally made it up the elevator to see Biggs talk, however now as soon as I get up, I crash again. =/

Second, When running this program in both Vista & XP (I dual boot), I receieve:

CreateProcess(FF8.exe) returned an error...
ERROR CODE:2

I've found an easy work around by passing the location of my FF8.EXE to it in the command line. My registry of course has the correct location, so I'm not sure why this is needed.. but oh wells. No biggie

However, when I start FF8 in this manner, using your loader, the game goes full screen, but it stops there. It's the same problem as I was having prior to applying the 1.2 patch 'n all that good stuff. I ctlr+alt+del out, and if I then start FF8 directly, I receive the proper EIDOS logo, and seconds later the FF8 menu, so it's not that I'm not all properly patched. I've already devoted a few good hours of my life, once again, to the game.


Any ideas on why your loader would be causing an issue with the game? Should I try an old (1.0) FF8.EXE? I run a GFX 8600 GTS & the latest drivers.

Thanks for any info bro, it's much appreciated.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2007-12-26 23:24:42
Quote
First, does anyone know if this could possibly help with the crashing in Dollet communication tower bug? After multiple attempts I finally made it up the elevator to see Biggs talk, however now as soon as I get up, I crash again. =/
The launcher does not fix any bugs in the game. I have played past that part in 1920x1440 with 16xQ FSAA / 16x Anisotopic F. without crashing. Maybe there's something wrong with your CDs.

Quote
Second, When running this program in both Vista & XP (I dual boot), I receieve:

CreateProcess(FF8.exe) returned an error...
ERROR CODE:2

I've found an easy work around by passing the location of my FF8.EXE to it in the command line. My registry of course has the correct location, so I'm not sure why this is needed.. but oh wells. No biggie
Error Code 2 translates to ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND. At that point in the code the launcher has already successfully received the value of the FF8 AppPath key. I don't know what could be causing this unless the path in the key is indeed wrong.

Quote
However, when I start FF8 in this manner, using your loader, the game goes full screen, but it stops there. It's the same problem as I was having prior to applying the 1.2 patch 'n all that good stuff. I ctlr+alt+del out, and if I then start FF8 directly, I receive the proper EIDOS logo, and seconds later the FF8 menu, so it's not that I'm not all properly patched. I've already devoted a few good hours of my life, once again, to the game.


Any ideas on why your loader would be causing an issue with the game? Should I try an old (1.0) FF8.EXE? I run a GFX 8600 GTS & the latest drivers.
I wrote a note about this in the readme for version 1.21. I got the same error when testing the launcher on Vista and narrowed it down to an issue with the Creative Soundblaster drivers and EAX (OpenAL). When deinstalled the launcher would work once again. I'm not sure what could cause this behaviour and haven't had a chance to take a closer look at it.

It should be noted though that Vista support is basically "what works, works" at this stage. All testing has so far been carried out on XP and I lack the tools and patience to dig deeper into Vista. It's hard enough to work out bugs on XP with dynamically injected dlls and hooks in a process that I have no sourcecode for; my only two options are basically to either step through the process manually in a disassembler or to break when a fatal error is thrown.

Quote
Thanks for any info bro, it's much appreciated.
No problem, sorry I can't be of more help at this time. Meanwhile I recommend running the launcher on XP; There are quite a few people who have successfully used without any issues that I'm aware of.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: ryg on 2007-12-27 04:44:33
Wunderful!
It works perfect!

My first System Cofiguration is:

AMD Athlon XP 64 2400
Geforce 7300 GS

The Second:

AMD Athlon X2 6000+
Geforce 8800 GTS

On the second Configuration i have little Problems with the background Grafics. I can see little Cuts on 2 or 3 Backgrounds in Balamb Garden.


Can support your Louncher any Widescreen Resolution like 1440 x 900 ?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Lucleonhart on 2007-12-27 10:27:14
Hey again! :)
I tried your new versions now, but no effect for vista... The game does not start! Got a black screen all the time.
Tried
- Launcher in Main Folder, FF8.exe in main folder
- Launcher in Main Folder, FF8.exe in Game Subfolder
- Launcher in Game Subfolder, FF8.exe in main folder
- Launcher in Game Subfolder, FF8.exe in Game Subfolder
using The Command line parameter for the exe.

Just black screen.... :(
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Borde on 2007-12-27 10:39:28
FF8 isn't my favourite game, but this patch is great. Great job magixts.

With my x800XT, FSAAx16 and AFx8 it works very well. There are some corrupted graphics displayed on the black bands on the upper and lower part of the screen during movies and the backgrounds show some little cuts here and there, but nothing very noticiable.

By the way, I never noticed how unstable the 3D looks in this game. Doesn't it use perspective correction?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Kinseek on 2007-12-27 15:46:27
Nice christmas present!

I just have one snag though, the launcher crashes at once when I try any resolution above 1024x768 on XP, while it worked on Vista (though with the other bugs mentioned of course). Got a clue as to why?

And could it be possible to add 1280x768 (common HDTV rez) as a custom resolution?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Lucleonhart on 2007-12-27 19:45:22
Hey Kinseek! Can you tell me your config with vista, cause it does not work for me at all.. :(
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Kinseek on 2007-12-27 19:57:12
Err, what config? It pretty much does not work for me on vista either, since you have big glaring black boxes (that this patch fixes if you run on XP).

If it matters I have a Geforce 8800 GTS, using Windows Vista 64-bit. I just installed the game completely ordinarily.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2007-12-27 20:11:52
On the second Configuration i have little Problems with the background Grafics. I can see little Cuts on 2 or 3 Backgrounds in Balamb Garden.


Can support your Louncher any Widescreen Resolution like 1440 x 900 ?
In the next release of the launcher (version 1.3) i will add an advanced option to be able to adjust the UV-mapping compensation on-the-fly through a set of direct input hotkeys. The value of the compensation giving the best looking result is very dependant on the game resolution and additional settings like forced FSAA.
The value in version 1.21 of the launcher is the same in all resolutions and settings and therfore the result is varied and sometimes truly bad.

Non 4:3 aspect-ratio resolutions are also included in the next release. Left/right and top/bottom of the screen will be padded with black borders to maintain the same scale in both directions.

Hey again! :)
I tried your new versions now, but no effect for vista... The game does not start! Got a black screen all the time.
Tried
- Launcher in Main Folder, FF8.exe in main folder
- Launcher in Main Folder, FF8.exe in Game Subfolder
- Launcher in Game Subfolder, FF8.exe in main folder
- Launcher in Game Subfolder, FF8.exe in Game Subfolder
using The Command line parameter for the exe.

Just black screen.... :(
Yeah, I feel ya. :(

I dual-booted my computer with Vista x32 yesterday and I'm going to look into this and all the features that are broken. Hopefully I'll manage to come up with something.

There are some corrupted graphics displayed on the black bands on the upper and lower part of the screen during movies and the backgrounds show some little cuts here and there, but nothing very noticiable.

By the way, I never noticed how unstable the 3D looks in this game. Doesn't it use perspective correction?
The black bands issue have been dealt with and will be fixed in version 1.3 (will release it once I have a look at the Vista problems and update the launcher with some new configurations).

Not sure what you mean by "unstable" but the vertices I work with are already transformed so any possible perspective correction done by the game is already baked into the data and indistinguishable.

Nice christmas present!

I just have one snag though, the launcher crashes at once when I try any resolution above 1024x768 on XP, while it worked on Vista (though with the other bugs mentioned of course). Got a clue as to why?

And could it be possible to add 1280x768 (common HDTV rez) as a custom resolution?
Do you mean the process really crash or just terminate itself? The latter it's the result of the FF8 excecutable failing to change the display mode to the requested one and hence not being able to continue.

There's a weird issue with it not being able to change the display mode even when it's supported by the system. I can't run the game at 2560x1600 which is the native resolution of my display and I've heard others that can't run it at 1280x960 while 1920x1440 works just fine. At first I was quite puzzled about this but I then discovered that this is the case with any Direct3D 6.1 SDK example i try to run aswell. Hence it's probable to be some kind of backwards-compability issue with DirectX itself.

1280x768 will be added in version 1.3.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Lucleonhart on 2007-12-27 21:49:32
Yeah, I feel ya. :(
Kay, waiting for ya...

Tried to run with software mode via Virtual PC: Sound is crappy
Tried to run on my other little PC with XP: Very very very slow.

Grah! ^^
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Borde on 2007-12-27 22:40:13
Yes, don't get me wrong magixts. It has nothing to do with your program, it already worked this way without the launcher. I just was curious if you knew something about it.
I meant that vertices show a strange movement, as if there was some kind of precision problem. Just like in the PSX version.

By the way, nice to hear about the black band. Sure you are fast :-P
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2007-12-28 05:43:16
Yes, don't get me wrong magixts. It has nothing to do with your program, it already worked this way without the launcher. I just was curious if you knew something about it.
I meant that vertices show a strange movement, as if there was some kind of precision problem. Just like in the PSX version.

By the way, nice to hear about the black band. Sure you are fast :-P
No idea about the PSX version of FF8, haven't played it from what I can recall. It's probably a bug or optimization in the original engine. With the higher resolutions that the launcher enables it becomes quite apparent that there are more than a few graphical glitches in the game especially in the 3d models. Missing polygons in character models and normals that are turned the wrong way are both pretty common.



Vista "Black screen of death"-issue
I've done a bit of debugging in Vista x32 now and I've got a working fix for the black boxes ie. "8-bit Paletted Textures Fix" for Vista. There were a few other bugs and issues, most due to the new code in 1.3, that have been corrected.

As for the "black screen of death" when running the game on Vista; it is 100% an issue with sound hardware acceleration. Here are my notes:

No Creative (Sound Card) Drivers Installed
- FF8 Launcher works, custom resolutions work
- FF8.exe launched from within FF8 installation directory (No \Game\ FF8.exe & binkw32.dll workaround needed)

AFTER Creative Drivers are Installed
- FF8 does NOT work ("black screen of death")
- FF8 Launcher does NOT work
- D3D/DDRAW/DINPUT log no errors


Here's a quote from the Creative Support Knowledge Base:
Quote
3# The Vista audio architecture disables DirectSound 3D hardware acceleration; resulting in legacy DirectSound based EAX game titles not working as they did in XP.

Issues that may be encountered:
Could range from loss of EAX functionality in EAX enabled games to a complete game incompatibility, depending on how the game title was authored. This would only happen with games that render 3D audio using DirectSound, it should not affect games that render 3D audio using OpenAL.

Status:
These issues cannot be addressed by the Creative audio driver, because the functionality was purposely removed by the operating system. We look forward to game titles moving away from DirectSound and toward OpenAL for fully optimized Creative 3D audio hardware and technology support.


There's some good news though. Creative have released a program called "Creative Alchemy" for just this purpose. It relays DirectSound3D calls to OpenAL and tries to emulate hardware acceleration. With this program and a profile for Final Fantasy VIII enabled, the game runs just fine. The quality of the sound is much worse than in XP with EAX though.

Creative Alchemy is available for both Audigy and X-fi type soundcards at the following link:
http://connect.creativelabs.com/alchemy/default.aspx


If anyone has this same problem but do not have a Creative X-fi or Audigy soundcard; the "black screen of death"-issue is very likely to be caused by this incompability with EAX in Vista. Check your soundcard manufacturers homepage and see if they have any workarounds available. If not, it's not impossible that turning of hardware acceleration or EAX in the soundcard somehow could force the game to run using software acceleration and therfore work.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Lucleonhart on 2007-12-28 11:19:29
O_O OMG, thats true.
I've deactivated my soundcard, and everything works!

But.. my soundcard is from "Microsoft" .. Dell Laptop. Hmhm.. what to do now...


When i deinstall eax alone, ff8 does not start because eax.dllis not there... maybe start it without eax support..? ^^
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2007-12-28 12:10:45
O_O OMG, thats true.
I've deactivated my soundcard, and everything works!

But.. my soundcard is from "Microsoft" .. Dell Laptop. Hmhm.. what to do now...


When i deinstall eax alone, ff8 does not start because eax.dllis not there... maybe start it without eax support..? ^^
I'm going to check to see if theres something I can do through DirectSound in the launcher, but it's not a safe bet. I'll report my findings.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Kinseek on 2007-12-28 15:07:17
Do you mean the process really crash or just terminate itself? The latter it's the result of the FF8 excecutable failing to change the display mode to the requested one and hence not being able to continue.

There's a weird issue with it not being able to change the display mode even when it's supported by the system. I can't run the game at 2560x1600 which is the native resolution of my display and I've heard others that can't run it at 1280x960 while 1920x1440 works just fine. At first I was quite puzzled about this but I then discovered that this is the case with any Direct3D 6.1 SDK example i try to run aswell. Hence it's probable to be some kind of backwards-compability issue with DirectX itself.

1280x768 will be added in version 1.3.
It just terminated itself. It certainly defies all logic that Vista is the one that would be more compatible in that regards (if what you say is correct). Maybe 1280x768 willl work, since that is what rez my screen is set at afterall, so I`ll wait for the next version.

I also tried Alchemy (before you mentioned actually), and it did nicely add the option for EAX on Vista, but I can only select the microsoft synthesizer (or general midi or whatever vista calls it), whereas on XP I can select SB X-fi audio. Is there a big quality difference between these? You mentioned a lesser audio quality in vista, is that what you meant?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2007-12-28 16:09:33
Do you mean the process really crash or just terminate itself? The latter it's the result of the FF8 excecutable failing to change the display mode to the requested one and hence not being able to continue.

There's a weird issue with it not being able to change the display mode even when it's supported by the system. I can't run the game at 2560x1600 which is the native resolution of my display and I've heard others that can't run it at 1280x960 while 1920x1440 works just fine. At first I was quite puzzled about this but I then discovered that this is the case with any Direct3D 6.1 SDK example i try to run aswell. Hence it's probable to be some kind of backwards-compability issue with DirectX itself.

1280x768 will be added in version 1.3.
It just terminated itself. It certainly defies all logic that Vista is the one that would be more compatible in that regards (if what you say is correct). Maybe 1280x768 willl work, since that is what rez my screen is set at afterall, so I`ll wait for the next version.

I also tried Alchemy (before you mentioned actually), and it did nicely add the option for EAX on Vista, but I can only select the microsoft synthesizer (or general midi or whatever vista calls it), whereas on XP I can select SB X-fi audio. Is there a big quality difference between these? You mentioned a lesser audio quality in vista, is that what you meant?
I have quite bad experiences with Vista so I'm gonna spare you how I feel about it and compability. :P

I did not check as much as to what synthesizer was available and used. I'm not entirely sure what hardware effects Creative ALchemy does not support or what effect it has on the sound quality but the difference from XP was pretty obvious. Not terrible but good either.
I can check later if I have any other synthesizers than the microsoft one you mention when I run it.



Version 1.3 is now available to download below:
http://rapidshare.com/files/79664278/ff8_launcher_v1.3.rar

Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable Package is required to run version 1.3 of the launcher due to being built using Visual Studio 2008 instead of 2005:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9b2da534-3e03-4391-8a4d-074b9f2bc1bf&DisplayLang=en

[ Version 1.3 ]
- Vista x32 is now supported
- Non 4:3 aspect-ratio resolutions added. The display is padded with black borders to retain original
  4:3 picture aspect-ratio.
- Texture flickering on black borders fixed
- New option "Expert Mode" enabled advanced control of display properties. See OPTIONS in the readme.txt for more details.


I'm interested in hearing how this version of the launcher works in Vista for you guys and if there are any bugs that I haven't found. I have no idea if it will work on Vista x64 but hopefully it does, and if not, tell me what issues/bugs are encountered and I will try and see if I can possibly fix them.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Ossott on 2007-12-28 16:33:48
I know you're only supporting vista to make us cry babies happy, and i know you hate the beast that it is. But we realllly are super grateful.

I just tried running your updated version, I get an error telling me to check eventlog, I do, and this is what I get.

Activation context generation failed for "E:\games\FF8\GAME\FF8_Launcher.exe". Dependent Assembly Microsoft.VC90.CRT,processorArchitecture="x86",publicKeyToken="1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b",type="win32",version="9.0.21022.8" could not be found. Please use sxstrace.exe for detailed

(Yes, i'm running 32bit)

--- 

EDIT: fixed. If anyone else is having that issue, download http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9b2da534-3e03-4391-8a4d-074b9f2bc1bf&DisplayLang=en

the VS 2008 Runtimes.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Archer Mac on 2007-12-28 17:13:15
Hi!
I got a problem with this new v1.3,it doesn't want to start.All the previous versions start and work but this one gives an error.I tried changing settings manualy in the config.cfg file but it didn't help.
Windows XP SP2
"This application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect.Reinstalling the application may fix this problem."
(http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2905/errcx9.th.jpg) (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=errcx9.jpg)
Hope you can help :)

EDIT:fixed....Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable Package (x86) is what it needed to start...funny...the same problem as Ossott's but Vista gives other info than XP :P

Well looks like magixts can freely add the info that v1.3 needs Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable Package :P
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2007-12-28 17:25:14
I know you're only supporting vista to make us cry babies happy, and i know you hate the beast that it is. But we realllly are super grateful.

I just tried running your updated version, I get an error telling me to check eventlog, I do, and this is what I get.

Activation context generation failed for "E:\games\FF8\GAME\FF8_Launcher.exe". Dependent Assembly Microsoft.VC90.CRT,processorArchitecture="x86",publicKeyToken="1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b",type="win32",version="9.0.21022.8" could not be found. Please use sxstrace.exe for detailed

(Yes, i'm running 32bit)

--- 

EDIT: fixed. If anyone else is having that issue, download http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9b2da534-3e03-4391-8a4d-074b9f2bc1bf&DisplayLang=en

the VS 2008 Runtimes.
Was just about to post a link. :) I switched to Visual Studio 2008 when installing Vista and apparently those runtimes are not already incuded in the system.

Gonna update the last post to include links to the 2008 runtimes.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Lucleonhart on 2007-12-28 21:19:42
OMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!11 It worxxxx... Did a stupid trick and it works!!!
Now a tut how to do this:

Got FF8 to run on Vista x86 without any Graphic Glitches
You need:

Now installing:

Now the fun:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Ossott on 2007-12-28 21:28:56
Wow, nice find on the eax.dll that fixes the launching of it.

I finally get to use it.. after trying everything under the sun! Now my game has huge graphical lag, and i barely get like 10 FPS. I give up, jesus hates me.

(for the record, Geforce 8600 GTS, Athlon 64 X2 4200+, 2gb ram, no AA on, forceware 169.25 drivers)

Glad that vista people will finally get to enjoy it though.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2007-12-29 02:49:36
OMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!11 It worxxxx... Did a stupid trick and it works!!!
Now a tut how to do this:

Got FF8 to run on Vista x86 without any Graphic Glitches
You need:
  • FF8 ^^
  • 1.2 Patch (for me,i needed the NON GeForce Patch for my GeForce 6200!!!)
  • The Loader from Magixts, v1.3 or higher (great tool.. GREAT!)
  • The Visual C++ 2008 runtime from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9b2da534-3e03-4391-8a4d-074b9f2bc1bf&DisplayLang=en
  • A new eax.dll .. i've downloaded from http://www.dll-files.com/dllindex/dll-files.shtml?eax

Now installing:
  • Install FF8 normally, EAX will install itself at the end of the installation
  • Copy 1.2 patch files to installation directory (no Game subfoler at all!)
  • Copy the loader files to the installation directory
  • Install the Visual C++ 2008 runtime
  • Got to the software deinstallation in the control center and UNINSTALL eax unified
  • Extract the new downloaded eax.dll to {Windir}/system32

Now the fun:
  • Run FF8_Loader.exe, Set Resolution to whatever, check the 8bit paletted texture fix checkbox, click PLAY and enjoy! :)
That's great! Works like a charm on my Creative X-Fi as well!

I'm not sure what I was on about earlier when I commented on the sound quality in Vista. After trying out both the EAX.dll technique and the Creative ALchemy one (same result but using Alchemy EAX can be enabled in the FF8 Config utility - no idea if it has any actual implication on the quality of sound) I have to say that the sound quality is good, if not great. It's identical to the sound in XP using the Mirosoft Synthesizer.

I'll make sure to include the EAX.dll in the next version on the launcher.

Wow, nice find on the eax.dll that fixes the launching of it.

I finally get to use it.. after trying everything under the sun! Now my game has huge graphical lag, and i barely get like 10 FPS. I give up, jesus hates me.

(for the record, Geforce 8600 GTS, Athlon 64 X2 4200+, 2gb ram, no AA on, forceware 169.25 drivers)

Glad that vista people will finally get to enjoy it though.
I really wish I could help you with this problem but I have no idea what might cause it. Ryg reported that the launcher worked on his AMD Athlon X2 6000+, NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTS and there are others that have had it running on GeForce 8600GTS cards as well. And you were running 32-bit OS so it couldn't be that either...

It would be really weird if this problem is limited to FF8 and the Launcher alone. You haven't had any similar problems in other games? That would probably be an easier way to finding a fix as the userbase is most certainly larger.

I just realized celestria posted about a similar problem in the "FF8 Enhancing"-thread earlier. Not sure if it could make any difference but here are his posts quoted.
found a bug here for ya for some reason it runs jumpy (puttering?) on my system i have a amd 3800+ running at 2.5 with 2gb platinum ocz xtc ram on a evga 7600 (forceware 169.06) and windows xp sp2
just wondering if anybody else is havening this problem?

its like stop and go motion could it be the drivers im useing? also on a 2nd note my anti aliasing is set to application controlled (sorry forgot to turn compatibility mode to win98.....) thank you for the patch no one would release^^ you are a hero!@
Win 98 compability mode apparently fixed the issues he/she were having. I have no idea as to why; might be something with AMD processors that I'm unfamiliar with.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: 2Mourty on 2007-12-29 04:51:01
I must say that my hat is off to you sir!  The time you must have spent programming this is unimaginable.  I have never been able to get FF8 to run on my laptop with a quadro 1400fx go in it.  It now runs perfectly.  I have to do some fine tuning with "ctrl .and," but this is simply amazing.  I just wanted you to know that I am very grateful that I can now run this game on my "modern" computer.  I want you to know that at least for this one person all of your hard work has paid off.  Thank you again.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: xlovelikewinterx on 2007-12-29 10:04:54
Thanks alot for that =]

Spent all day trying to find a fix or a patch to fix the "black screen of death" that comes up when you run FFVIII with vista, and i couldn't find a single thing till my boyfriend linked me to this page :)

Just going to list my specs so everyone knows what its compatible with:

Dell Inspiron 1520
32bit Vista Home Basic
Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 1.8ghz
2gb memory
Sigmatel High Def Audio
nVidia GeForce 8600M GT (BTW, I didn't have to put the patch on)

This launcher is absolutely pimping :D  :mrgreen:

At first the FMVs were upside down, but i just uninstalled ff8 and re installed, and re did the steps , and it went fine after that.

If anyone has any questions at all, feel free to ask

Thanks alot for the launcher


PS: To the person who made the launcher, is this a late Xmas present  :lol:

And a happy new year to all  :-P
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2007-12-29 16:08:58
I'm glad the patch works for both of you guys! It nice to know that it's appreciated! :D
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Maf on 2007-12-29 22:13:14
Had to register and reply for this.

Simply put .. AWESOME
Been waiting for years for this.

The only other option for FF8 on the pc (with new hardware) was a playstation emulator.
You have no idea how many souls you've saved with this tool :)

Hope I can get it to work on my 1366x768 display (damned HD ready sigh).

--edit

Unfortunately 1366x768 can't be used (obviously) , hope it'll get on the list.
Perhaps you can modify the tool to fetch the resolutions directly from windows ?
It's the way most games do it, will save you some time from adding every resolution people need as well.
Unsure on how hard it is though, no coder here :)
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Kinseek on 2007-12-30 11:49:48
Great, 1.3 worked with my HDTV resolution. 16xs & 16AF worked as well. Haven`t tried it on Vista 64-bit yet (as the bloody thing stopped working...).

Just one request though; right now I have black bars on the side, which seems awfully claustrophobic to me :). Could you perhaps make it so that we have the option to stretch it or not?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Tsetra on 2007-12-30 16:20:01
Have to toss in my applause, the launcher is great. It's good to see FF8 getting some love, too. I wish there were more tools available to tweak it as we have with FF7.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2007-12-30 18:22:24
Here's a new version of the launcher (v1.31):
http://rapidshare.com/files/80132624/ff8_launcher_v1.31.rar

[ Version 1.31 ]
- New option "Stretch 4:3 Aspect Ratio" stretches the picture to the full screen width and height without maintaining original 4:3 picture aspect ratio. OPTION ONLY APPLIES TO NON-4:3 RESOLUTIONS.
- Added 1366x768 custom resolution.
- Fixed UV-map Compensation bug that made it impossible to remove all line-artifacts in background textures (very noticeable in wide-screen resolutions.)
- Fixed bug where the entire Black Borders Flicker Fix was not included in the release build of version 1.3 as intended.


I found some bugs in the last release of the launcher (version 1.3) as seen in the patch notes above. The uv-map compensation one actually had quite a bit effect on the background textures with lots of line-artifacts all over the screen that appeared and disappeared as you moved around. I’m surprised no one has made any comments about this. Anyway it should be fixed in this release and background textures be completely ridden of line-artifacts.

Also ran the readme.txt through a spellcheck (I really can't seem to spell some words correctly huh..? :) ) and changed my made up terms x32 and anisotopic filtering to x86 and anisotropic filtering respectively.


The new "Stretch 4:3 Aspect Ratio" option should do what you were asking for Kinseek. It won't remove the black bars put there by FF8 itself as to keep the entirety of the picture from the original but it will stretch the image in both directions to fit the current resolution and hence mess up the proportions (like on tv).

I have added the 1366x768 resolution to the launcher so give me a shout if it does not work for you Maf. I could modify it to do a check for possible resolution settings on the computer but originally refrained from doing so due to expecting different resolutions to need different values for different settings  (like with the uv-map compensation except I ended up making it user configurable due to it depending on external factors like FSAA).

Speaking of FSAA; I originally had the thought to include it as a setting in the launcher as given away by the UI. It has since become apparent that the Direct3D interfaces being used in FF8 do not support setting any specific settings (from what I can tell there’s only one). I might look into it more at a later point but more likely than not I will just remove that option in an upcoming version or leave it like it is currently as a reminder that it will actually use the global setting.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Mattie on 2007-12-30 22:34:00
This is amazing :-) well done on creating it and thanks a bunch! Glad to see FF8 getting some tweaks for once! Just one problem. It doesn't stretch for me. I'm not sure why. I've tried lots of the resolutions but none seem to stretch. My resolution is 1680x1050. If you can help me that would be great!

Thanks, Mattie.  :-)
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2007-12-31 02:09:22
This is amazing :-) well done on creating it and thanks a bunch! Glad to see FF8 getting some tweaks for once! Just one problem. It doesn't stretch for me. I'm not sure why. I've tried lots of the resolutions but none seem to stretch. My resolution is 1680x1050. If you can help me that would be great!

Thanks, Mattie.  :-)
Make sure you use the 1.31 version of the launcher and have checked the "Stretch 4:3 Aspect Ratio" option. Otherwise it will pad the screen with black borders to maintain 4:3 aspect ratio (so that everything has the right proportions).

This works for me in 1680x1050 on Windows XP SP2. I have yet to test it on Vista but it should work the exact same way.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Maf on 2007-12-31 10:10:00
1366x768 working great , thanks again  :mrgreen:

-edit

Also like to add that I couldn't get picture perfect with 1.2 normal.
I had to use the 1.2geforce patch to get 100% perfect.

Another issue (unsure if it's related to the launcher) , is that the game gets slower after a while.
As well as a minor soundmod issue with the battle song (something sounds off in it).
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Mattie on 2007-12-31 11:32:45
I definitely have the 1.31 version and have checked the "Stretch 4:3 Aspect Ratio" but it still isn't stretching :/ Maybe I'm doing something wrong. I am running it on Vista. Hmmm :/

Thanks, Mattie.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Kinseek on 2007-12-31 12:20:42
The new "Stretch 4:3 Aspect Ratio" option should do what you were asking for Kinseek. It won't remove the black bars put there by FF8 itself as to keep the entirety of the picture from the original but it will stretch the image in both directions to fit the current resolution and hence mess up the proportions (like on tv).
Excellent, worked perfectly as well. I would have tested it on Vista 64 if I could, but its not been working and I don`t think I`ll mess with that until SP1.

So there is no way to stretch it horizontally just a tad more to remove the black bars on the top and bottom? That would improve the aspect ratio somewhat as well.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: The Skillster on 2007-12-31 13:39:00
Hi is there anyway to manipulate the music? Like FF7music lets you assign MP3s to replace midi tracks?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2007-12-31 14:15:46
Maf:
GeForce patch is probably required for all GeForce cards. It’s possible that the launcher somehow impact the performance of the game over time but unless you see it using up more memory than normal after awhile it is more likely to be caused by the original game.

The launcher does not hook any sound or music interfaces or make any changes to the ff8 assembly apart from rewriting parts of the import address table so I don't see how it could possibly have any effect like like what you mention.


Mattie:
I’ve now tested the patch on Vista and the stretching works fine for me.

What resolution are you trying to use? Is it the native resolution of your monitor? If not and your monitor is a LCD you should check the flat panel scaling option to make sure that it scales non-native resolutions instead of pixel-mapping them. On Nvidia GPU’s this is done in “NVIDIA Control Panel” -> Display -> “Change flat panel scaling”, make sure it’s set to Use NVIDIA scaling.

Are you using Vista 32bit or 64bit?


Kinseek:
I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to remove those black bars. They are present in the original game and I would have to assume it’s for a reason.

I know for sure that movies use up the full screen including the space that those black bars occupy. In video-sequences where the characters move over the video surface it could possibly lead to some unwanted side-effects but I’m not sure. I could take a look at it later on.


The Skillster:
Yes it should be possible but it's likely that you'd have to make changes to the assembly for something like that to work. The same thing goes for other resources like textures; I can replace them using the DirectX hooks used in the launcher but I have no way of knowing what texture is what as they are not loaded through DirectX but rather copied into a surface created using DirectX.

One of the great things about the launcher in its present form is that it is independent on what version or patches you have applied to the ff8.exe as it makes no actual changes to the game code.

Either way it’s not a project that I’m likely to undertake, at least not anytime soon. I have another month off until I’m going into military service so time’s running out. I’ll make sure to release the source code of the launcher under GPL before then for anyone who wishes to make changes or continue development.


Anyway, I wish you all a Happy New Year!
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Mattie on 2007-12-31 14:21:17
Thanks for the reply. I've managed to get it working. I just deleted the files and tried it again and it worked! Thanks for your help :-)

Thanks, Mattie.

Happy New Year Everyone :-D
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: JetBlack on 2007-12-31 17:46:41
Hi is there anyway to manipulate the music? Like FF7music lets you assign MP3s to replace midi tracks?

Probably one of the main reasons I found this forum was through Qhimm's mainsite (http://www.qhimm.com/), and also the soundfonts and patches that were found at http://ffsf.cjb.net/

The soundfont site is really good, it helps to have soundblaster live, but there are plenty of options out there.
 :mrgreen:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: ryg on 2008-01-01 00:04:37
The newest Version dosent work for me. it open a message like "The Application Config are corrupt. Please reinstall..."
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: celestria on 2008-01-01 06:40:10
u need to install Microsoft c++ x86 runtime w/e
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: alysun on 2008-01-01 07:23:43
Hi I tried installing the visual c++ file but whenever I try to install it, this comes up:

(http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1328/errorbh4.jpg)

Anyone know what it means cos I'm a bit of a computer moron!
My comp spec:
Asus notebook pro31 series
Vista Biz 32-bit
1015MB memory
Intel Core Duo T2350 1.86ghz
Mobile Intel(R) 945 Express Chipset Family
thanks a bunch!
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-01-01 13:59:40
Seems like either your Vista installation or the filesystem is somehow corrupt. I'm not an expert on Vista but the threads linked below seem to have solutions to both cases:
http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3c058577
http://207.46.196.83/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1943869&SiteID=1
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Lucleonhart on 2008-01-01 18:14:45
Hey Grandmaster! :)
Everything is working fine here... i just found an old loader "ff8w" that was able to launch the game in window mode.. does not work in vista of course. :( ^^
Maybe you will add such a functionality? :)
-Luc-
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: alysun on 2008-01-02 03:02:22
hey thanks a lot for the help!
Just something really weird is going on...
I installed the Visual C++ and it's fine but now I still can't load the newest version of the ff8 launcher.
Don't know if I'm right but I was thinking of something about that 1.2 patch that Lucleonhart mentioned earlier.
What is it?

OMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!11 It worxxxx... Did a stupid trick and it works!!!
Now a tut how to do this:

Got FF8 to run on Vista x86 without any Graphic Glitches
You need:
  • FF8 ^^
  • 1.2 Patch (for me,i needed the NON GeForce Patch for my GeForce 6200!!!)
  • The Loader from Magixts, v1.3 or higher (great tool.. GREAT!)
  • The Visual C++ 2008 runtime from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9b2da534-3e03-4391-8a4d-074b9f2bc1bf&DisplayLang=en
  • A new eax.dll .. i've downloaded from http://www.dll-files.com/dllindex/dll-files.shtml?eax

Now installing:
  • Install FF8 normally, EAX will install itself at the end of the installation
  • Copy 1.2 patch files to installation directory (no Game subfoler at all!)
  • Copy the loader files to the installation directory
  • Install the Visual C++ 2008 runtime
  • Got to the software deinstallation in the control center and UNINSTALL eax unified
  • Extract the new downloaded eax.dll to {Windir}/system32

Now the fun:
  • Run FF8_Loader.exe, Set Resolution to whatever, check the 8bit paletted texture fix checkbox, click PLAY and enjoy! :)

Or maybe I typed something wrong in the command prompt
I followed the advice from the thread that magixts gave me

"Turns out I had a corrupt transaction log on my C drive. There was an fsutil command that i ran at the command prompt:
fsutil resource setautoreset c:\ <enter>
ran that command, rebooted, and 1.3.1 installed without a hitch"

so I typed: fsutil resource setautoreset c:\ true
is that right or did i muck up?
thanks so much!
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-01-02 04:12:20
Lucleonhart:
I did a few tests to try and make it windowed before I started working on the custom resolutions. I got it to run in a window and while you could hear everything working in the background the entire window was black. I didn't do much of any debugging on it before I shifted focus to custom resolutions so it's possible I could pick it up again. It's almost guaranteed that it should be possible on both xp and vista.

Haven't done a lot of coding over New Years but what I'm working on currently is to port the launcher to work with Final Fantasy VII. My Final Fantasy VII does not work in XP though since I have a GeForce 8800GTX and from what I understand there's some kind of driver issue. The errors I get are very elaborate and probably not something that can be easily worked around so I'm stuck with Vista.

alysun:
If you got the Visual C++ 2008 Runtime Redistributable to install but still can't load the launcher then what error are you getting now?

The 1.2 patch that Lucleonhart was talking about is the official 1.2 patch from Eidos. There are two versions; one meant for Nvidia GPUs and another generic one.

The fsutil command was mean to fix the previous error with installing "Visual C++ 2008 Runtime Redistributable" that you posted a screenshot of. From reading your last post I gather it worked, no?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: alysun on 2008-01-02 04:43:37
The visual C++ runtime worked after the advice from the threads (thanks so much!) but the launcher is still not working, still has the "application is either in unknown format or corrupted" message.
Hmm whenever I download the launcher it's only 6kb, and that's all the versions.
Is it supposed to be that small, for all versions?
If not, then there's obviously a problem... grr

and I can't see the visual c++ program in my list of programs for uninstallation in control panel... am I supposed to or is it normal for it not to be seen?

The weird thing about this is that I can now play the game after putting the eax.dll in the installation directory of FF8 but it's small, the game display only takes up a quarter of the screen excpt its in the middle and I want to play it in full screen. I tried configuring it in the FF8 config but it's still not full screen. and it's like that for all games I play, it used to be normal full screen mode but recently you can only play games in this quarter center screen mode! anyone know how to fix this?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-01-02 08:09:53
The launcher archive (.rar) that you download should be about 40-50kb. When you extract it (using winrar or .rar extraction software) you should have 4 files: FF8_Launcher.exe (~30kb), dx_hook.dll (~70kb), config.cfg (~1kb) and readme.txt (~9kb).

The Visual C++ 2008 Runtime Redistributable not showing up in Add/Remove Programs is not a problem.

If both FF8 and other games only occupy a small area in the center of the screen it's likely because you have a LCD monitor, are not running the game at your monitors native resolution and have "Flat Panel Scaling" set to not scale the image in the preferences for your graphics card (for Nvidia cards: NVIDIA Control Panel -> Display -> Flat Panel Scaling).
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: xlovelikewinterx on 2008-01-02 10:42:28
Heyy Magixts

I was wondering if I can put in a request for something to be put on the patch?
I was thinking, maybe you can put in like a Windowed Screen box that we can select, since you put in a stretched screen option so that we can do other stuff like forum jump or I.M while we're playing :D:D

Just an idea :lol:
=]

xLoveLikeWinterx


ps: I had a little bit of lag in the World Map.. Not sure if its coz of the patch, but maybe someone should check it out?  :?

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: alysun on 2008-01-03 00:06:20
thanks heaps!!
Got it to work now XD :-D :-D
Now with the fun! :mrgreen:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-01-03 00:42:51
I've been waiting for this for a looong time, thanks a lot. Just one problem... It works normaly if the resolution is the original one, but when I put it on 1280x960, I get gridlines on the menus and backgrounds (Note: Expert mode is checked)

I tried with both the 1.2 Nvidia patch and Non-Nvidia. I have a GeForce 7600GS, BTW.

Any thoughts?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-01-03 01:01:28
xlovelikewinterx:
I might look into adding support for windowed-mode if I have the time. I have worked on it previously but did not finish before moving on to working on implementing custom resolutions.

If I don’t add it I’m sure someone else could when I release the source for the launcher.

alysun:
I’m glad you finally got it working! :)

terid_k:
Did you use the hotkeys that are enabled in Expert Mode to adjust the uv-map compensation? The hotkey are as follows:
- Decrease background-texture uv-map adjustment (ctrl+, [CTRL+COMMA])
- Increase background-texture uv-map adjustment (ctrl+. [CTRL+PERIOD])
- Decrease interface-texture uv-map adjustment (alt+, [ALT+COMMA])
- Increase interface-texture uv-map adjustment (alt+. [ALT+PERIOD])
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-01-03 01:59:45
Thanks, it looks the way it should now. Congrats on the tool. Did you consider enabling 32-bit support?

Edit: The FSAA settings are greyed out for me. It won't accept anything other than global configuration, is it supposed to be like that?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-01-03 02:58:31
Thanks, it looks the way it should now. Congrats on the tool. Did you consider enabling 32-bit support?

Edit: The FSAA settings are greyed out for me. It won't accept anything other than global configuration, is it supposed to be like that?
Enabling 32-bit really messes up the graphics, I haven't looked into it any more than that yet.

FSAA settings can be set in the NVIDIA Control Panel -> 3D Settings -> Manage 3D Settings. I originally intended for it to be an option that could be set from within the launcher (hence the option being there but grayed out) but it turned out that the Direct3D version being used by the game only supported one setting. The launcher however enables support for FSAA in the game through global and application specific settings by supplying the user with a way to deal with the graphical glitches that it causes (uv-map compensation).
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Ossott on 2008-01-03 04:18:52
Wow, nice find on the eax.dll that fixes the launching of it.

I finally get to use it.. after trying everything under the sun! Now my game has huge graphical lag, and i barely get like 10 FPS. I give up, jesus hates me.

(for the record, Geforce 8600 GTS, Athlon 64 X2 4200+, 2gb ram, no AA on, forceware 169.25 drivers)

Glad that vista people will finally get to enjoy it though.
I really wish I could help you with this problem but I have no idea what might cause it. Ryg reported that the launcher worked on his AMD Athlon X2 6000+, NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTS and there are others that have had it running on GeForce 8600GTS cards as well. And you were running 32-bit OS so it couldn't be that either...

It would be really weird if this problem is limited to FF8 and the Launcher alone. You haven't had any similar problems in other games? That would probably be an easier way to finding a fix as the userbase is most certainly larger.

I've been on vacation since posting. No, I have zero problems in any other games. That really only consists of EQ2 and some really basic games though. I got home tonight and decided to play again. I've figured out the problem though, and I feel like a big dumby.

The NOCD "crack" i was using was for non geforce cards. I had a geforce crack, but it quit working after disk1, and all I could find was a non-gf crack. I found a gf 1.2 no-cd exe tonight, ran it, and the game runs perfectly using your launcher.

So for the other guy that had a "good" system like myself and experienced massive lag, you may wanna check that.

[link removed]
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-01-03 04:44:48
But... there's no way to play the movies if you use no CD. The movies are all stored within the CDs and, unlike FF7, you can't copy them to your Hard Drive. It's better to make an iso out of your CDs and mount it on DAEMON Tools.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Ossott on 2008-01-03 05:50:01
But... there's no way to play the movies if you use no CD. The movies are all stored within the CDs and, unlike FF7, you can't copy them to your Hard Drive. It's better to make an iso out of your CDs and mount it on DAEMON Tools.



We're getting completely off topic, but if that's the case then someone can just use the 1.2 gf .exe w/o a no-cd crack and be fine. My whole post was just referring to the problem-solution that myself and a very few select others were experiencing when using the Launcher.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Catcher38 on 2008-01-03 20:18:36
i tried the launcher all versions and all i get is an error saying "The Application has failed to start because its side by side configuration is incorrect". I'm using windows Vista Ultimate, with 2gigs of ram, nvidia 8800gts 320Mb graphics card and realtek Highdef 7.1 sound and i have an xbox360 controller connected to usb. any ideas why I'm getting this error, tried running as administrator and stuff but it makes no difference.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: celestria on 2008-01-03 20:20:26
stop upgrading to vista PPL just wait for SP3 for xp....
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Ossott on 2008-01-03 20:23:03
i tried the launcher all versions and all i get is an error saying "The Application has failed to start because its side by side configuration is incorrect". I'm using windows Vista Ultimate, with 2gigs of ram, nvidia 8800gts 320Mb graphics card and realtek Highdef 7.1 sound and i have an xbox360 controller connected to usb. any ideas why I'm getting this error, tried running as administrator and stuff but it makes no difference.

I got that once, IIRC, i didn't overwrite all the previous [version] files. I'd try re-extracting to the folder you're running it from.

And there's nothing wrong with vista. People who whine about vista sucking either run some obscure ass software or just like to repeat what they read on some random website.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Catcher38 on 2008-01-03 20:37:18
Ok i didn't install it over previous versions so that can't be it but i read in a previous message that i need Visual c++ 2008 re-dist so I'm gonna try that to see if it works and i Will let you know and i agree with you there is nothing wrong with Vista I've been using it since it was released and the only trouble i had was finding a compatible firewall when it first came out apart from that i have had no trouble with Vista what so ever and i find it easy to use.

Ok i installed Visual c++ 2008 redist and it starts but when i click on play ff8 i now get the message CreateProcess(ff8.exe) returned error code: Error Code 2 Which means nothing to me so any ideas?  BTW i'm using the latest version of Directx its dated Nov2007
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Ossott on 2008-01-03 21:13:30
The path in your registry to your FF8.exe isnt 100% accurate according to the program.

Try starting it from start->RUN

So, lets say the launcher is in C:\FF8\GAME\ and so is your FF8.exe

you'd put this in the run dialog

C:\FF8\GAME\ff8_launcher.exe C:\FF8\GAME\FF8.EXE

Then hit play and it should work okay. You can also create a shortcut to the launcher, then right click the shortcut, select properities. In the 'Target' just make a space at the end, then add yoru C:\path\to\ff8.exe
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: medicman4444 on 2008-01-04 03:35:17
tested on a hp/compac TC1100: works like a dream =)
 (looks good in normal mode aswell, has 8bit texture support onbord [bonus]) 

tested on xp SP2 with a GF FX5500 256MB card w/GF patch 1.2: dident like my monitor lol but it rescaled it perfect (still have thoes evil 1pixle with lines at top and bottom of screen and on menus  *srugs* i can live with that =)

it dident like being set to my screens native res for somereason it keped on reverting back to a lower size but heck it looks good anyway on next size down =)

i will be testing it our on a projector soon to see how big i can realy get it =D
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: w33dEC on 2008-01-04 08:39:22
Tested on an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ with 1 gigs of RAM and a GF 8500GT with the NV patch 1.2 and the FF8 Launcher v1.31... works like a charm.
Thanx magixts for this neat program...
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Danitheman on 2008-01-04 09:47:49
This is not working for me!! Please help me i still get the CreateProcess(FF8.exe) returned an error Problem!!.
Ive tried doing everything youve said, and it still isnt working!
Deerly appreciates an answer quickly!
/ Dani
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-01-04 10:44:30
This is not working for me!! Please help me i still get the CreateProcess(FF8.exe) returned an error Problem!!.
Ive tried doing everything youve said, and it still isnt working!
Deerly appreciates an answer quickly!
/ Dani
CreateProcess usually fail when the path to the Final Fantasy VIII installation directory in the registry is incorrect or the ff8.exe is not located in the installation directory. Ossott explained how to fix this problem two posts up. I've quoted the post below:

The path in your registry to your FF8.exe isnt 100% accurate according to the program.

Try starting it from start->RUN

So, lets say the launcher is in C:\FF8\GAME\ and so is your FF8.exe

you'd put this in the run dialog

C:\FF8\GAME\ff8_launcher.exe C:\FF8\GAME\FF8.EXE

Then hit play and it should work okay. You can also create a shortcut to the launcher, then right click the shortcut, select properities. In the 'Target' just make a space at the end, then add yoru C:\path\to\ff8.exe

If this does not solve the problem you're having then you need to supply more information for us to be able to help you. The error message/number returned by CreateProcess, your OS (WinXP/Vista etc.) and the steps you have taken to install FF8, additional patches and the launcher itself.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Danitheman on 2008-01-04 10:59:48
Yes, i read and did exactly what Ossott said, yet it didnt work.
It was start->RUN then type in the directory for FF8.exe and the one for FF8 Launcher.exe right? if so i typed in both at the same time, and clicked ok. the same issue came up saying CreateProcess(FF8.exe) returned an error....
ERROR CODE: 740.
I tried downloading that eax.dll again placing it inside of the FINAL FANTASY VIII folder, but it still didnt work.
I tried running both the cracks that he posted aswell, didnt even work to patch with them, it said ''Patching FF8..............File access error!''
i even went into the adminstration for each file and made it so that it has full access, still didnt work.
I dont know what to do further more, and i hope this helps conclude ur decision.
/ Sincerely, Dani.

Oh and my computer details are: Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH
                                              Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 3.00GHz
                                              2046 MB RAM Memory
                                              My Systemtype is 32-Bits.
/ Dani
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-01-04 13:15:01
Yes, i read and did exactly what Ossott said, yet it didnt work.
It was start->RUN then type in the directory for FF8.exe and the one for FF8 Launcher.exe right? if so i typed in both at the same time, and clicked ok. the same issue came up saying CreateProcess(FF8.exe) returned an error....
ERROR CODE: 740.
I tried downloading that eax.dll again placing it inside of the FINAL FANTASY VIII folder, but it still didnt work.
I tried running both the cracks that he posted aswell, didnt even work to patch with them, it said ''Patching FF8..............File access error!''
i even went into the adminstration for each file and made it so that it has full access, still didnt work.
I dont know what to do further more, and i hope this helps conclude ur decision.
/ Sincerely, Dani.

Oh and my computer details are: Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH
                                              Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 3.00GHz
                                              2046 MB RAM Memory
                                              My Systemtype is 32-Bits.
/ Dani

Error code 740 = ERROR_ELEVATION_REQUIRED. Basically this means that the launcher process does not have the privileges to create a new process (ff8.exe). If right-clicking and choosing “Run as administrator” does not work then you might try to turn off UAC temporarily or running the launcher from another account that has limited/full administrative privileges (could be needed if you're not on an administrative account which may be the case for example if the computer came preinstalled with Vista).

I have no idea why this would be required though, the testing I have performed under Vista x86 has been with default security settings (UAC enabled, limited administrative account etc.) and I’ve had no problem with process elevation.

I don’t have a lot of experience with Vista so maybe someone else can help you out if neither of what I suggested work or if you have already tried it.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Danitheman on 2008-01-04 13:32:48
Oh, alright so it worked when i clicked ''run as adminstrator'', however now i get the ''Please insert disc 1'' Error.
Ive tried doing the regedit way, by putting in where ive mounted the image file, but it still says that.
If this has anything to do with the crack then i dont know, because the crack gives me the ''Patching FF8.......File access Error''.
/ Dani
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Ossott on 2008-01-04 15:05:20
Copy the files over (FIELD.*, DISK1* DISK2*,etc..) to the directory your ff8.exe is in.

Then scroll up a ways, to one of my previous posts, and you'll see I posted a link to a archive with a fully cracked geforce and non geforce ff8.exe & bwink*.dll's. Both work absolutely fine with the Launcher.

(also to note, regardless of what another poster said, the FMVs will play fine as well)
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Danitheman on 2008-01-04 16:18:35
I did exactly what you said, yet when i press the A button for patching [ive tried other keys], the crack program just automatically shuts down.
Hopefully you'll understand what i mean now
/ Dani
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Ossott on 2008-01-04 17:11:20
I scrolled up.. for you

[Link removed] <- Don't include no-cd cracks  :evil:

Just overwite your .exe and .dll with the ones in that archive. They're *already* cracked. The patch you're using is flaky.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Danitheman on 2008-01-04 17:40:24
Oh.. Finally it worked.
Thank you Ossott, Magixts, i really appreciate all youve done.
Sincere apologies if i wasted your time, and once more, thank you.
/ Dani.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Ossott on 2008-01-04 18:24:10
np bro. Now you get to have the game crash every time it knows there's no save point within an hour. I played through the bridge/escape-from-prison part 6x today before finally getting past it and saving. :(
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: little-hollow on 2008-01-05 03:30:22
i cant get the launcher to start its just come up with an error msg that says "the application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect. Reinstalling may fix the problem". i got one of the earlier version to work a while ago but i dont have a copy of it now.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-01-05 04:12:14
i cant get the launcher to start its just come up with an error msg that says "the application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect. Reinstalling may fix the problem". i got one of the earlier version to work a while ago but i dont have a copy of it now.
Install the Visual C++ 2008 Runtime Redistributable. There's a link in the first post of this thread.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Danitheman on 2008-01-05 09:48:24
By the way, i get a tiny bit of lag when i walk around normally and when i get into fights, and i get a huge amount of lag when in the world map.
Why is it like this, and how do i fix it?
/ Dani
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Ossott on 2008-01-05 14:23:59
Do you have a nvidia card? Geforce something?

Odds are you do, and you're using the non-geforce .exe from the archive you downloaded. Re-download and copy over the gf package. It should take care of that hard graphic lag.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Danitheman on 2008-01-05 16:48:50
I have an NVIDIA GeForce card yes, i tried out ur solution, but it did not work.
Any other ideas?
/ Dani
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: w33dEC on 2008-01-05 17:18:56
First of all, what system do you have?
And second, check the antialiasing settings in the Nvidia Control Panel to see at what setting it is. At a resolution of 1024x768 and above, FSAA 2x is (more than) enough
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-01-05 22:45:19
I get 60fps on the menus, 30fps on the world map and towns and 15fps in battles. I think it's supposed to be this way, since they remain constantly the same. It's the same thing in FF7 as well. Seems to be a built-in frame limiter the game has.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Danitheman on 2008-01-06 10:53:45
Ive written my system in page 3, so please check there.
By the way, what does FSAA mean anyway?
Appreciating any help on this topic!
/ Dani
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: w33dEC on 2008-01-06 11:33:45
FSAA = FullScene AntiAliasing. In some games it's simply AA, in others is FSAA. The FSAA is used to sharpen everything that is rendered on screen (very usefull at low resolutions, at the cost of performance).
As I said earlier, try playing with the settings in the Nvidia Control Panel, an AA of 2x and an AF (anisotropic filter - used to enhance the quality of the textures especially at distance) to 4x or 8x.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Danitheman on 2008-01-06 21:18:28
Nope that didnt change it.
I think ill start playing the PSX Version or maybe go install it on my older computer.
Thank you for all help and great program!
/ Dani
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-01-13 16:13:05
Not sure if this is a bug related to the program or not, but some of the effects in Diablo's summon animation are invisible (like the bats and yellow electric waves). Just to let you know.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: yuuyan on 2008-01-17 18:16:57
Is it possible to put the loader on a different sever (such as Mediafire) for me?

Rapidshare is being a pain.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: squallsiow on 2008-01-18 04:04:45
Somebody help mi!!! i oredi try the lucleonhart method but the 8-bit texture still didnt fix!!! I still can saw little cutting on the back ground....it seems like the ff8 1.3 launcher doesnt working throughly... Another thing is i wonder why the lucleonhart use NON geforce patches for his ge 6200?? IS he type wrong?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Lucleonhart on 2008-01-18 05:17:59
No, i was confused, too. I've downloaded them both, but the nvidia fix was doing nothing to me, except of breaking the game while loading. :(
The non geforce patch worked perfekt. straaaaaaaaaaaaange! ^^
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: squallsiow on 2008-01-18 10:06:28
btw, my comp is
win vista 32
geforce 7300GT
2.2ghz
1400x900 screen
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Truth Unknown on 2008-01-18 13:36:02
Is it possible to put the loader on a different sever (such as Mediafire) for me?

Rapidshare is being a pain.

ff8_launcher_v1.31.rar (http://hostfile.org/ff8launcherv131.rar) Here's a temp mirror until magixts says otherwise. It's permanent since its only a US Quarter to keep it there almost forever. Donated 20 bucks so I have a lot of tokens at hostfile.org  :-P .

EDIT: PS: This Launcher is the best.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-01-18 23:52:36
Is it possible to put the loader on a different sever (such as Mediafire) for me?

Rapidshare is being a pain.

ff8_launcher_v1.31.rar (http://hostfile.org/ff8launcherv131.rar) Here's a temp mirror until magixts says otherwise. It's permanent since its only a US Quarter to keep it there almost forever. Donated 20 bucks so I have a lot of tokens at hostfile.org  :-P .

EDIT: PS: This Launcher is the best.
I don't mind at all with it being uploaded or hosted on different sites. :)


On another note I haven't been able to work on the launcher a lot since version 1.31. I have windowed mode working in 16-bpp but in 32-bpp the game crashes frequently during the "battle swirl" due to a texture memory addressing issue in the FF8 executable (hardcoded). From what I can tell D3DWindower and similar programs must somehow force the game to run in 16-bpp even when the display is set to 32-bpp.

I've modified the launcher to work moderately well with FF7 but since I have a GeForce 8800GTX it has proved almost impossible to run the game to do some test runs. In Vista the Nvidia drivers keeps crashing every few seconds until the computer bluescreen and in XP all character/npc models textures are black and the game is very unstable.
Been looking into converting all the Final Fantasy DirectX calls to DirectX 9 to try and circumvent this but it's a long process and nowhere near complete.

I’ll try my best to have the launcher source (C/C++, Visual Studio 2008) up for download before the end of next week for anyone who is interested.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Shades on 2008-01-20 18:56:29
Got FF8 to run on Vista x86 without any Graphic Glitches
You need:

FF8 ^^
1.2 Patch (for me,i needed the NON GeForce Patch for my GeForce 6200!!!)
The Loader from Magixts, v1.3 or higher (great tool.. GREAT!)
The Visual C++ 2008 runtime from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9b2da534-3e03-4391-8a4d-074b9f2bc1bf&DisplayLang=en
A new eax.dll .. i've downloaded from http://www.dll-files.com/dllindex/dll-files.shtml?eax

Now installing:

Install FF8 normally, EAX will install itself at the end of the installation
Copy 1.2 patch files to installation directory (no Game subfoler at all!)
Copy the loader files to the installation directory
Install the Visual C++ 2008 runtime
Got to the software deinstallation in the control center and UNINSTALL eax unified
Extract the new downloaded eax.dll to {Windir}/system32 (NOTE by magixts: It's also possible to put the .dll directly in the ff8 installation directory to achieve the same result)

Now the fun:

Run FF8_Loader.exe, Set Resolution to whatever, check the 8bit paletted texture fix checkbox, click PLAY and enjoy!



thanks for the tip, it does work until you get to Timber then it crashes...any ideas why?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: kite.hack on 2008-01-20 19:11:31
Hi ! Thank you for your super launcher(patch) ! :lol: i love it  :-). there are only some issue with the menue with some sort of currupted line when i use the ati catalyst ctrl. center... i wonder it does that :? well, i'll find out !
EDIT : I found the problem  :-D i just had to disable the expert mode ^^ now it works like a charm yay ! :lol:

Converting all the final fantasy 8 DirectX calls to DirectX 9 like you say, could take a while :| but we'll wait ^^. BTW what it'll do ?? I suppose you'll be able to put the ''color quality'' up to 32-bpp  :-)

Well , what would be the best but I know it won't happen before a while, is that someone will convert the texture to be way less ''pixalated'' and tuning up the character/monster model to be more realistic but it will take a long time before someone do it . I however hope that some sweet people will do it  :roll:. :lol:

See ya and good job  :wink:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Jamoid on 2008-01-20 19:18:48
i've only just installed, so not even sure i need this yet, but i just wanted to say thanks. many many talented people on this forum.

glad i found it. it's hard to find final fantasy forums that aren't either full of plain idiots, or guys pretending to be cutesy anime girls.

edit: turns out i did need it, and it works perfectly. thanks a lot. (:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: S_BryaN_M on 2008-01-22 01:49:27
Hi my name is Bryan, i am running xp home sp2, nvidia geforce 6800 series graphics card, my actual display properties are at 1024x768 with 32 bit color quality i have my AA set to none because when i had it on 2x it had a bunch of lines in the picture, and my AF is set to 8x, in my final fantasy original config file FF8Config i have 3d hardware acceleration on, high quality videos and text on and 640x480 (full screen) selected, when i run the FF8_launcher i have 1024x768 selected with the 8bit pallet fix but when i run the game and get to first seen with squall laying down it has a bunch of black boxes, i cannot find out how to fix this problem its making me upset. if someone could help me it would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-01-22 04:26:14
S_BryaN_M: Update your FF8.exe to version 1.2.

Also, am I the ONLY ONE who is getting missing effects on Diablos' animation?

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: S_BryaN_M on 2008-01-22 11:19:26
I did update my exe it is 1.2 geforce version. i have done everything it says to, also it wont let me change the FSAA setting in the
FF8_Launcher. I dwonloaded rivatuner but that hasn't helped either would somone help plz.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: w33dEC on 2008-01-22 17:04:20
S_BryaN_M: Update your FF8.exe to version 1.2.

Also, am I the ONLY ONE who is getting missing effects on Diablos' animation?
You're not the only one, it happens to me too.

@S_BryaN_M: You'll problem with the Black Box can be caused by the OS and/or the Direct X. Try installing Windows XP Professioanl with SP2 and update your DirectX 9.0c version to the latest (November 2007). It could help. Also, try to play with all the settings in the Nvidia Control Panel -> Manage 3D Settings. Also, try to change the video cards drivers. I use the 169.21 drivers for my 8500GT and everything runs without a problem.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: S_BryaN_M on 2008-01-22 19:31:37
Is it free to upgrade from home to pro? and also do i want it to be on software renderer or hardware renderer because it didnt fix the black boxes when i used hardware and the AA, also couldnt find a way to switch to FSAA it wouldnt let me dont know why.  And should i use this custom launcher? And if i am using software mode and i change my nvidia settings specifically for the FF8.exe will it change the way it runs even though its in software renderer mode?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: kite.hack on 2008-01-23 19:54:13
To Bryan : If you put it to Software renderer, it will work, BUT you won't have the AA(FSAA) neither an 'higher' graphic(texture in the background and character) quality. Hardware renderer use your graphic card and use the effect we like, like the AA and I think it also use AF but I'm not sure about that.

So to come back to your problem,I'll suggest you to :
 - Upgrade the Directx if it can help...
 - If you downloaded the 1.31 version of the launcher, check if the expert mode isn't activated(it helped me),
 - Also you may want to download your latest driver for your graphic card. 
 - You can put a more detailled specification of your computer if you want more people to help you...
 - Then check if you have selected the 4:3 stretch, maybe u have a 4:3 screen and if so u should disable the 4:3 stretch if it isn't already off.

If that doesn't work then ask magicxts if he can help you with that, after all he's the one who created that launcher :wink:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: S_BryaN_M on 2008-01-23 19:58:03
Tryed all of that im not worried about it anymore im just gonna put up with the shitty software renderer.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: kite.hack on 2008-01-23 20:09:51
Awww, that is so dull  :xwell, at least you tried all you were able to do ^^. Maybe it'll work for you in a future version, you can still hope  :wink:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-01-23 20:44:07
Tryed all of that im not worried about it anymore im just gonna put up with the sh*tty software renderer.
I don't really understand from your posts what it is you are trying to do.


Using the launcher is pretty simple:
Run the FF8 config application and set the game to run in hardware accelerated mode (640x480 fullscreen). This won't be possible unless 8-bit Paletted Textures check reads "Pass" or if you applied the Nvidia 1.2 patch in which case it will simply read "-".

If you experience black boxes around textures on a Nvidia GeForce 6+ series GPU you need to check the "8-bit Paletted Textures Fix" option in the launcher. ATI cards and earlier models of Nvidia GeForce cards should run the game fine without black boxes so no fix is needed.

Expert mode enables hotkeys (see the readme for details) that lets you adjust the uv-map compensation applied by the launcher. With Expert Mode disabled they are set at a fixed value which will yield bad results in many custom resolutions (especially if FSAA is being used). Hence with Expert Mode enabled it is possible to get rid of the line artifacts that you mentioned (note though that the default uv-map compensation value with Expert Mode checked is 0 which mean there's a good chance the artifacts will be visible until you make the necessary adjustments).

Stretch 4:3 Aspect Ratio should only be checked if you want the image to be stretched to fit your entire display. It only applies to non-4:3 AR custom resolutions. There will still be black borders at the top and bottom of the screen as they are included in the original game and I did not want to mess with them in the 1.31 release.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: S_BryaN_M on 2008-01-24 00:09:36
Well i cannot get the 8bit to pass and when i use the 8-bit fix on the custom launcher it still doesn't help with the black boxes.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-01-24 04:36:39
Well i cannot get the 8bit to pass and when i use the 8-bit fix on the custom launcher it still doesn't help with the black boxes.
If you can't get the test to read pass then you need to download and install the official FF8 Nvidia GeForce patch from Eidos. It can be found here:
http://www.eidosinteractive.co.uk/support/patchinfo.html?ptid=38

After applying the patch the test for 8-bit Paletted Textures in the FF8 config application should read "-" and you will be able to choose hardware acceleration using D3D. If it does not; it would be the first time I've ever heard of it not working.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-01-27 17:11:52
I have uploaded the source for Final Fantasy VIII Launcher 1.31 rev9 to rapidshare (released under GPLv3):
http://rapidshare.com/files/87080293/ff8_launcher_v1.31.r9-source.rar

DirectX 6.1 SDK
http://rapidshare.com/files/87123406/dx61sdkimage.exe
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: squallsiow on 2008-01-31 02:57:29
how to install ff8 launcher 1.31 rev9?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: squallsiow on 2008-01-31 03:03:21
somehow after i installed the latest nvidia driver.......THE GAME BECOME DAMMED LAG!!!!!!!!! Why did it happen???????
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-01-31 08:54:49
somehow after i installed the latest nvidia driver.......THE GAME BECOME DAMMED LAG!!!!!!!!! Why did it happen???????

Indeed. The lastest driver is lagging the game horribly whenever there's a special object on-screen. I suggest to stick with 94.24.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Vradash on 2008-02-02 18:44:51
Wow, works like a charm! Thank you! :D

Would love to see something like this for Metal Gear Solid for the PC...hehe.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Troopermanaic on 2008-02-06 19:59:58
Hey I have a problem that plagues my game. I can play for 20-30 minutes before the game stops, it dosent crash just stops. All movement would stop but games music will continue to play. I can ctrl alt delete out but I have to restart from last checkpoint. Does anyone else have this problem?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-02-06 20:15:35
Hey I have a problem that plagues my game. I can play for 20-30 minutes before the game stops, it dosent crash just stops. All movement would stop but games music will continue to play. I can ctrl alt delete out but I have to restart from last checkpoint. Does anyone else have this problem?

Which videocard are you using? This seems to be an issue with the newest Nvidia drivers. Downgrading them may help solve the problem, but I can't recomment any driver version unless I know which video card you have and which driver version you are currently using.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Troopermanaic on 2008-02-06 20:19:21
I am useing a ORIGINAL nvidia 7900GS with the newest drivers. Also I drop fps sometimes and is very frustrating.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-02-06 20:23:08
Use the 93.71 drivers:

http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_2k_93.71_2.html (http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_2k_93.71_2.html)

I use these with my GeForce 7600GS, and I have no problems whatsoever. Let me know if it works.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Troopermanaic on 2008-02-06 20:24:54
Use the 93.71 drivers:

http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_2k_93.71_2.html (http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_2k_93.71_2.html)

I use these with my GeForce 7600GS, and I have no problems whatsoever. Let me know if it works.


OK ill play until it does it again if it dosent I will let you know.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Troopermanaic on 2008-02-07 00:22:43
yep did the trick thanks
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: xlovelikewinterx on 2008-02-17 00:29:43
has anybody made a windowed patch?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: NellyD on 2008-02-24 20:31:19
HMM It all sems to start fine,  but the  FMV, it's INCREDIBLY choppy and laggy, completely un watchable and takes about 3 times as long to go through. Sound is jsut as choppy, this affects the Eidos loading graphic as well.
IF I Set the Launcher  to VIII's default resolution, it plays lag free.
Any fixes?

XP Pro, 933mhz, 1GB RAM.

I've tried lowering FF's FMV quality as well, tried software rendering, all the config files basically.
Had to do the C++ and EAX file installation as well.
Plays great without launcher. I have the 1.2 patch (non Nvida) installed, andd graphics get Pass, btw....
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: bchan009 on 2008-02-25 07:08:15
I'm using a Geforce 8 series card, so I can't use any driver older than 101.xx or 169.xx...does anyone know of a driver that I can install so that I won't get the evil lag/stuttering problem?  Thanks!  :oops:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: NellyD on 2008-02-25 11:57:19
HMM It all sems to start fine,  but the  FMV, it's INCREDIBLY choppy and laggy, completely un watchable and takes about 3 times as long to go through. Sound is jsut as choppy, this affects the Eidos loading graphic as well.
IF I Set the Launcher  to VIII's default resolution, it plays lag free.
Any fixes?

XP Pro, 933mhz, 1GB RAM.

I've tried lowering FF's FMV quality as well, tried software rendering, all the config files basically.
Had to do the C++ and EAX file installation as well.
Plays great without launcher. I have the 1.2 patch (non Nvida) installed, andd graphics get Pass, btw....

Just to further add to my situation/info:

I've got the K-Lite Codec pack, and Div X, also I'm running off genuine FF VIII discs.

In another topic, someone mentioned (just FFVIII not the launcher specifically) that turning sound acceleration to zero helps FMV's, no such luck for me.

I've even updated my sound drivers but oddly, this makes the game not start at all, so I've had to roll back.

And trying both apps in win98 compatibility yielded no results :(
As a side note, I can run both just fine in XP, no compatibility issues or anything. (in quarter screen of course)
Any ideas anyone?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-02-25 12:29:27
K-Lite Codec pack has no effect on FF8. It uses the bink codec to render the movies, and it already comes with the game (binkw32.dll). K-Lite Codec pack does not support bink playback (At least the standard version doesn't), so don't worry about it.

Oh, and don't try to replace the bink dll. All it will do is prevent FF8 from starting up.

The only thing I can suggest right now is for you to turn off Eax in the FF8 Config. Are you using an Ati card?

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: NellyD on 2008-02-25 14:40:29
I've not messed with  the .dll's at all :)

It's an on-board laptop (toshiba Portege 4010) gfx card, nothing good, but not that complicated either.

And low and behold your post has helped... in an indirect way.
I closed the lap top lid to reply, and when I've openen it up again, the FMV has switched to Quarter screen (default res) and plays fine, but when the game kicks in, it's in the launcher controlled 1278x940 resolution! Heh!

It's  an unfathomable work around, but it'll have to do, I guess.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: X002 on 2008-02-28 21:48:30
hello having little trouble with ff8 with the 1.3 loader . it gets rid of the black blocks well enough but when enemies in the game cast certain spells like demis or sigh or certain animations come into the screen i get a big slow down till the animation for the spell or whatever is done . if i software emulate this slow down does not happen but except for the slowdowns the hardware looks much better does anyone know what might be the cause of these slow downs for me and a way around them . iv played lots with my video card settings in nvidia control panel . also when i go to ff8config says 8 bit textures fail i have the 1.2 ff8 and other file for geforce cards in there .
my specs are

board - a8n sli deluxe
video - 2 geforce 7900 gtx
cpu - 4800+ amd
audio - realtek build on my board
memory - 2 gig

any help would be appreciated
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: NellyD on 2008-03-01 12:09:33
ahh, X002 seems magixts was active just the other day, but no answer to our respective problems :(

Never mind, he's still done an incredible job, that  I could never do, and at least my gameplay is full  screen, :D cheers magixts.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: X002 on 2008-03-01 23:15:49
ahh k well i still haven't figured out why I'm gettin lagged out at certain areas from certain spells cast at me but i have figured out if your game crashes to desktop and it don't matter where but it will usually be the same spot. had this happening to me a bit finally figured out it was the midi music and windows media player not playing midi files right so downloaded winamp and told windows to open .midi file extensions with winamp and it seems to have fixed that problem anyhow .

still hoping to hear about any possible cures to the slowdowns from certain spell/animations happening !

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: BigNutter on 2008-03-01 23:40:48
I know this may not be the place for it.. But How to I get FF8 to even RUN on my Toshiba Lappy.

I'd paste the System specs.. But when Toshiba has online should help: http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/cgi-bin/ToshibaCSG/jsp/SUPPORTSECTION/discontinuedProductPage.do?PRODUCT_ID=128131&DISC_MODEL=1&service=UK

I've got a gig of RAM in Windows Vista reports it a 894 Meg of ram.

All it does is say "FF8.exe has stopped working." No matter what I do. I've boosted it up to 1.2 Non-Geforce.

I understand that an Error Log would help. How do I get that?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: NellyD on 2008-03-02 05:52:45
Have you tried just right clicking the launcher and setting it compatible to windows 98?
Some people have reported that installing the 1.2GeForce patch works even on none GeForce cards.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-03-02 09:26:05
ahh, X002 seems magixts was active just the other day, but no answer to our respective problems :(

Never mind, he's still done an incredible job, that  I could never do, and at least my gameplay is full  screen, :D cheers magixts.
There are a lot of different issues with FF8 that the launcher does not have a fix for. The launcher only acts as a wrapper for the DirectX calls being made by the game and does not alter alter the assembly code in any way except overwriting the IAT of the loaded DirectX modules. Hence all compability issues with new hardware will still be there, any crashes that are present without the launcher active will still happen.

I don't have the time to work on the FF8 launcher anymore. I have very little free time during the weekends which is also the only time I have access to a computer or the Internet. This is the reason I made the source of the launcher public; anyone is free to add new features or fix old ones that are broken (cause crashes or missing graphic effects that I did not get around to try and fix).


If the launcher works for you in the original resolution but not any higher custom resolutions it may be because your laptops cpu or gpu is to slow to handle the scaling routines that are being applied. The code is not optimized for speed and any wrapper is bound to make the code run slower than before. In the readme file theres a list of different systems specifications that have reportedly run the game without problems.

I'm not aware of any crashes in the game that are comfirmed to be caused by the launcher. The only such crash that I've come across was when I was working on windowed mode support. When I forced the game to run in 32bit (same as the desktop) the combat swirls would occasionally cause the game to crash. There's always the possibility that there are other issues that are caused by the launcher (slowdowns/memory leaks could be caused by the launcher but I never had any such issues after a few hours of gaming).
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: NellyD on 2008-03-03 02:49:35
Cheers for taking the time to reply, and As  Isay, I'm more than happy just to play the thing full screen, slow FMV's may very well be a poor GPU!
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Onigami on 2008-03-06 20:53:51
I'm at a bit of a loss, I installed Miscrosoft C++ 2008 fine. The config file says that I still fail the 8bit Pallete Textures. I am not using any nVidia Geforce, I'm using a simple VisionTek X1300 card. I'm not sure if the C++ 2008 program is supposed to help me pass the 8bit Pallete Textures or no... I've read all the posts but I'm still slightly lost on what exactly I'm supposed to do/download to fix this.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

~ Oni
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Ben-Adar on 2008-03-13 16:09:56
Hi, I have a Problem getting FF8 started with the launcher.
Everytime I try to start FF I get an errormessage that tells me "This application couldn't be started, because the application configuration isn't correct. To solve this problem, you should reinstall the application."

My System : A64 3200+
                  1GB RAM
                  MSI 7900GTO
                  Win XP SP2
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: sup0man on 2008-03-14 01:28:54
Thanks alot for that =]

Spent all day trying to find a fix or a patch to fix the "black screen of death" that comes up when you run FFVIII with vista, and i couldn't find a single thing till my boyfriend linked me to this page :)

Just going to list my specs so everyone knows what its compatible with:

Dell Inspiron 1520
32bit Vista Home Basic
Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 1.8ghz
2gb memory
Sigmatel High Def Audio
nVidia GeForce 8600M GT (BTW, I didn't have to put the patch on)

This launcher is absolutely pimping :D  :mrgreen:

At first the FMVs were upside down, but i just uninstalled ff8 and re installed, and re did the steps , and it went fine after that.

If anyone has any questions at all, feel free to ask

Thanks alot for the launcher


PS: To the person who made the launcher, is this a late Xmas present  :lol:

And a happy new year to all  :-P



Hi I realize that you've been working on this problem for a long time now but I'd appreciate it if you could lend a couple minutes to helping me out with this issue. My system has the same specs as this poster (except I'm running on vostro 1500, but still using GeForce 8600M GT).

I managed to get the launcher to launch correctly but even though I downloaded the 1.2 patch and the eax.dll and the C++ runtime mod, I still get black box borders. I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling multiple times and I haven't come up with anything. I've also tried following the procedure exactly as posted in that topic you pinned to the first post. I've read these threads and I don't seem to see anyone with the same problem. Any thoughts?

Anyway, thanks in advance for your time, I really appreciate it.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: sup0man on 2008-03-14 08:22:14
Magixts, you are freaking great.

When I got home today I thought about one thing I didn't try- I dled your launcher from different link off of rapidshare and after installing this new one, everything's worked out; apparently the link I was directed to the first time sucked. Anyway, thank you for helping me enjoy this wonderful game.

Blessings
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Insight on 2008-03-26 19:21:52
okay mate,the launcher is great,but i have ... a little problem left.is there any way to get this ... erm,without those stuff?

http://insight.ohost.de/Error.JPG
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Truth Unknown on 2008-03-27 17:05:22
I think the readme says something about it, but to fix it you need to enable Expert Mode and make the adjustments. Controls for Expert Mode is in the readme as well.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Insight on 2008-03-27 20:50:57
when i click on expert mode,does the launcher change? because when i click on this option,nothing happens.

edit:
nvm,i got it perfectly working,thanks to this great launcher xD

edit2:
what about an ff7 launcher?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: fasen on 2008-03-28 20:34:55
hello!

Thank you all for your tips but I still can't manage to get it to work. I've googled and read soo much so i dont know what to do anymore.
I ran ff8 in the beginning, but i had the problems with black stripes and boxes so i tried to download your ff8 launcher. It all goes good until when i press on "New Game" and it says "insert disc 1". But I've mounted it on L and I have changed it to L in the regedit, but still it doesn't work...

Hope someone can help a FF8 fantast.

Cheers,
fasen
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Godlike on 2008-03-28 20:55:48
what is the difference between Version 1.31 rev9 source and Version 1.31?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-03-28 21:58:00
what is the difference between Version 1.31 rev9 source and Version 1.31?
1.31 rev9 source - C++ source code for the launcher (a few changes in the source from the 1.31 release - 16bit windowed mode code)
1.31 - Release binary
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Gezzaman on 2008-03-29 14:17:12
been looking all over the place for this.. GJ!


anyways a lil problem.... CG movies hangs when it plays.. [actually they dont even play, it just hangs with a black screen]

Windows XP Pro SP2Sound Max Audio
AMD Athlon 2400+
Geforce 8600 GTS
1.5GB ram


PS: cant wait for window'd or 32bit support ;o

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Fahrvergnugen on 2008-04-02 19:48:53
Hi There,

I am following the procedure to install the loader, but when I finally go to run it, I get an error code 740. Any help would be great
daniel.

btw, I tried to disable my sound in the system screen, but I still got the same message.

tx
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: ViagraPolice on 2008-04-03 23:48:32
Hi, first off I'd like to thank you for making a great patch. I've been forced to play Final Fantasy 8 in software mode for a while now and it's a relief to finally be able to play it in hardware mode. Just a quick question though. While everything looks great when I'm running around the world, whenever I go into my menu interface the colors seem to wash together. I notice different lines of red and green scattered throughout the gray boxes. I don't know if this due to the patch but I just thought I'd point it out and see if anyone can help me.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: celestria on 2008-04-13 08:28:07
has anybody had problems running wide screen mode 1680x1050? when i try to run it the screen just stays narrow? (do i need to check on stretch 4:3 aspect ratio?)
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: raelag on 2008-04-15 15:08:11
what is the difference between Version 1.31 rev9 source and Version 1.31?
1.31 rev9 source - C++ source code for the launcher (a few changes in the source from the 1.31 release - 16bit windowed mode code)
1.31 - Release binary

Hi, I'm new here at Qhimm..

Been starting to play FF8 back on Playstation many years ago.. But I didn't finish the game and miss it..
so, I'm searching for PC version of the game and voila.. found one.. then installed it to Vista...

I did the guide that Lucleonhart gave and used your launcher v1.31 stuff..

The game started well.. Until I halt at the Squall's SeeD Ball event... At that moment, the game crashed on the FMV..
Low resolution move setting kicked me to desktop real soon.. But under high resolution, it crashed after Rinoa leaves the dance..

Basically, I stopped there and don't know what to do..

So I'm here to ask for solution to this.. AND new feature request for your launcher.. (maybe on next release v1.4 or so..)

please add option to DISABLE FMVs on the game through the launcher.. Sooner, it's better..
I think that it may give us all the benefit to play the game smoothly, without dealing with corrupted fmv or the so-alike-trouble..

Thanks for listening!!  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-04-15 17:40:35
The FMV crashes in FF8 are completely random, and it doesn't matter if the FMVs are corrupted or not. There are no fixes for this problem, and I've been having it since I bought the game when it was released. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to go through the entire game without those, but I've had them at least three times on every playthrough. Every time in a different place.

BTW, magixts has stopped working on the Launcher. Unless someone else takes over the project, don't expect an update to happen.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: zlib on 2008-04-16 06:35:37
Hello everyone.
I'm on Windows Vista and have big problems with sound in FF8. I copied new eax.dll in windows/system32 directory, installed Creative ALchemy for my Audigy4 and created profile for FF8 (based on default settings). After that option EAX in FF8Config.exe became active, but I have no sound in main menu at all (with EAX checked or unchecked - there is no difference). When I chose new game or try to load save state FF8 crashes. Looks like ALchemy is not working? I installed OpenAL, but it didn't help. And yes, I installed GeForce patch for FF8 (also tried non-GeForce version too). If I remove ALchemy profile for FF8 sound and music work but only in main menu (loading new game still crashes FF8). Could you help me with my problem?

And about graphics. Look at these screenshots of menus in software mode and Direct3D:

(http://keep4u.ru/imgs/b/080416/bb/bb564d2699b467c338.jpg)
 
(http://keep4u.ru/imgs/b/080416/ba/baa542af6e8d40812b.jpg)

Menus in Direct3D mode have wrong colors. But it is not normal! When I had GeForce 2 MX (yes, it was long time ago) menus in Direct3D were fine with Detonator 28.xx (with other versions of Detonator menus were ugly as at screenshot of Direct3D above). magixts, I understand that you don't have time to release new versions of FF8 launcher, but could you at least say what I can do with Direct3D to fix that bug if I edit your source code of launcher?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-04-18 09:06:20
That's not something that can be fixed through a patch. All newer Geforce cards look like that on 16-bit mode (It has a green tone to everything). On any game that supports it. It's a hardware issue.

ATI cards don't have this problem AFAIK. It's not that big of a deal anyways... I mean, besides FF7/8, what other games will you ever play on 16-bit?

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: zlib on 2008-04-18 17:22:10
To tell the truth I had the same colors in FF8 on ATI Radeon X1600. But what about 8-bit Paletted Textures? Someone said it was also hardware problem... :roll:
Well, maybe someone knows solution of sound problem?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: sunny_123 on 2008-04-23 14:34:34
Hi!
The laucher works great!
Thanks lotz!  :-)

I have a bit of problem though.. When i load FF8, everything runs fine, including the FMV.. BUT, the the main page and menu(when u press D) simply white out, ie i cant see any words.. With the game itself and FMV though it's ok.. I was wondering if anyone has an idea how to solve this? Thanks!  :lol:

I'm running a vista basic machine with Intel Graphics..
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: lolmancow on 2008-04-27 05:52:38
After a few months, I wanted to play again, so I take out my CDs and installed the game.  I had these weird black squares everywhere and I found this program.  The program worked like a charm until I got to the Dollet Communication Center.  Whenever I go up the elevator, it just crashes...  Also, it goes really fast on one time I open the program, or it goes really slowly.  Either way, it just crashes when I go up the elevator.  Once, I got through the speech and fought Elvoret.  He was about to explode but the game crashed again!
I have no idea what the problem is but I found out that several people also have this problem which had no solutions to...
I found some possible problems though, one person said that it was the CDs fault. 

My specs are:
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 3800+ 2.00GHz
Memory(RAM): 1.00 GB
System type: 32-bit Operation System
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 6100

Sorry I'm not very good with computers...  and this is probably unrelated.   :cry:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-04-27 16:44:51
Get the 1.2 patch for FF8. Those crashes are common in the version 1.0 of the game.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Swampthing15 on 2008-04-29 02:14:40
ok guys....new to the ff8 moding....i downloaded you launcher and following the readme (i think...) but when i start the launcher i get an error as follows...

....\ff8_launcher_v1.3\ff8_launcher.exe

this application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect. reinstalling the application may fix the problem.


i ahve a feeling im missing something obvious here....sorry if this problem has been fixed i tried to read the posts but for some reason im having problems staying focused today....may have skimmed over it

as i said im just starting my ff8 pc expierence....recent finished ff7 with some mods...are there any mods that u guys recomend....it seems that graffically every1 focuses more on 7 than 8...very few mods that ive found for 8....thx again



EDIT: lol ok i was right...it was obvious...i forgot to download that microsoft thing...so that problem is fixed...still havent done anything else yet...
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Striker on 2008-05-24 20:16:58
Hello,

I did this procedure to hope to make work FF8 on PC via Vista.

"OMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!11 It worxxxx... Did a stupid trick and it works!!!
Now a tut how to do this:

Got FF8 to run on Vista x86 without any Graphic Glitches
You need:

FF8 ^^
1.2 Patch (for me,i needed the NON GeForce Patch for my GeForce 6200!!!)
The Loader from Magixts, v1.3 or higher (great tool.. GREAT!)
The Visual C++ 2008 runtime from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9b2da534-3e03-4391-8a4d-074b9f2bc1bf&DisplayLang=en
A new eax.dll .. i've downloaded from http://www.dll-files.com/dllindex/dll-files.shtml?eax

Now installing:

Install FF8 normally, EAX will install itself at the end of the installation
Copy 1.2 patch files to installation directory (no Game subfoler at all!)
Copy the loader files to the installation directory
Install the Visual C++ 2008 runtime
Got to the software deinstallation in the control center and UNINSTALL eax unified
Extract the new downloaded eax.dll to {Windir}/system32

Now the fun:

Run FF8_Loader.exe, Set Resolution to whatever, check the 8bit paletted texture fix checkbox, click PLAY and enjoy!"

--> But i've got no luck yet, after seeing the logo of EIDOS, the game crash and return to windows Vista.  Any help will be very appréciate.

Striker
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Lucleonhart on 2008-06-03 06:54:47
Hey there!
Just wanted to ask another time for the window mode function here... Would be the ultimate tool for FF8 than... Hope it will work sometime. :)
Thanks! :)
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: JasE on 2008-06-24 09:47:51
Hi, I am on Vista with graphic card intel(R) 945 Express Chipset Family, have anyone with same graphic card successfully install the game? Can anyone confirm me whether can i play ff8 with my laptop or not? Also, should I download patch 1.2 too, as my graphic card is not Geforce? Thanks in advance! :-)
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: jakeslogan on 2008-06-25 04:59:24
Hey, I really need launcher for win98SE, I've tried v1.2 and it didn't work. :-D
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-06-25 07:44:38
Hey, I really need launcher for win98SE, I've tried v1.2 and it didn't work. :-D

Windows 98 is dead. I'm surprised there are still people who use it. Upgrade to XP (NOT to Vista... yet).

Besides, magixts has stopped working on the Launcher, so don't expect an update.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: gotenksssj22002 on 2008-07-30 21:26:14
ok u guy will proberly hate me for this but i've found a problem with the launcher works fine and everything but after a few mins of playing the game the screen goes blank cud it be cuz i'm using the geforce patch and not the non-geforce one any ways i'm gonig to see if the non-geforce one lets me continue to play the game




edit: just tryed it with the non-geforce patch same problem just happened a few moments later my vid card is nvidia geforce se 512meg any ideas on what i can do?


edit 2: sorted it its was my damn video drivers to modern for the game >.< i'm back to using some really old drivers
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Tekkie.X on 2008-08-01 09:51:11
Does anyone have a non-Rapidshare link to the launcher?, the site claims I'm already downloading a file and has been saying that for the last 2 hours.

Site works now nevermind  :roll:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: abw42 on 2008-08-02 10:38:01
I need help. I am running XP with a 7900gtx with the latest drivers.

I installed FF8
I installed the nvidia 1.2 patch
I copied over the launcher files
I installed the Visual C++ 2008 runtime file

The game launches fine. However when I check that 8bit setting under config it still shows fail. When the game runs the intro plays perfectly and the game doesnt crash or anything. However whenever I am moving around the game chops terribly. To the point where it isnt worth playing. Whenever my character moves around the game chops and chops. I dont understand why. It runs better if I go into my nvidia settings and force it to load with AA. The higher AA I load the better it runs but it still not really playable at any level.

I dont wanna get some old computer or any older equipment to play it. Is there some combination of settings I can do to get the game to run. I dont care how it looks I just want it to run smoothly so I can enjoy it.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Tanuki on 2008-08-23 04:12:45
Hello. A widescreen report for FFVIII using the launcher has been posted here.

http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=137803#137803 (http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=137803#137803)

When testing I noticed that the 1280x768 option is actually outputting at 1280x720. Checking the source material it looks like a typo in one of the config files. I do not have Visual Studio but I was able to find a solution for 1280x768 users with a HEX editor.

Quote
There is a bug in the launcher that has 1280x768 output as 1280x720. To fix this open "FF8_Launcher.exe" with a HEX editor. Search for the following...


80 02 00 00 E0 01 00 00 10 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 CC 46 40 00 20 03 00 00 58 02 00 00 10 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 FC 46 40 00 00 04 00 00 00 03 00 00 10 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 30 47 40 00 80 04 00 00 60 03 00 00 10 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 64 47 40 00 00 05 00 00 D0 02 00 00 10 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 98 47 40 00 00 05 00 00 D0 02


Change the bolded "D0 02" to "00 03".


Then open "dx_hook.dll" with a HEX editor. Search for the following...


80 02 00 00 E0 01 00 00 10 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 DC BA 00 10 20 03 00 00 58 02 00 00 10 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 F4 BA 00 10 00 04 00 00 00 03 00 00 10 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 10 BB 00 10 80 04 00 00 60 03 00 00 10 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 2C BB 00 10 00 05 00 00 D0 02 00 00 10 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 48 BB 00 10 00 05 00 00 D0 02


Change the bolded "D0 02" to "00 03".



If the creator magixts or someone could update or recompile the launcher that would be great. I could also see if I can get the files I tweaked a download link at the site above. That would depend on the creator's approval however. :-D Hope this helps someone.

And a big thanks to magixts.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2008-08-23 07:12:25
I need help. I am running XP with a 7900gtx with the latest drivers.

There's your problem. Any driver newer than 163.75 will cause that effect.

Geez people really need to learn how to use the search button.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Aveyond06 on 2008-08-23 15:58:56
Erm...


Hi there,

I've got this Error about the path directory...I mean my FF8.exe won't budge from C:\Program Files\Eidos Interactive\Squaresoft I\FF8\Game but the launcher wants it into the FF8 normal folder (without \game).

I tried running it from the thing that must be Run in Vista; no success. Same went for the shortcut, I did the steps in page 4 but it only led me to an "illegal path".

So there am I, I'm looking for either a way to have FF8 with the 8-bit textures passed (I have a GeForce 8600) or maybe a way to tweak the program so it actually runs the FF8.exe program.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: isosian on 2008-08-25 09:06:47
Hi, can anyone upload the file to another host? I can't download from rapidshare.Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: MiChOcO on 2008-09-01 16:54:02
Oh guys ... I need to know ... I installed the patch but I don't have a Ge Force, I've a RADEON 9600 SERIES.

And this is how it looks on my computer :
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/4731/ff8mochehp3.png
http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/9471/ff8moche2yn2.png

I need to know if it's because I don't have a Ge Force card, or if it's the best we can have for this game on PC  :?
'Cause on the PSX the graphics are much better than that !  :| I can't stand to see a bunch of pixels and polygons when I go on the map  :-o
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: moetown on 2008-09-07 11:25:03
Hey,I got a question concerning the launcher,maybe you you can help me.I got the Game running under XP using the ff8_launcher with the following specs:

Athlon XP 2600+
Geforce 7600 GT
1 GB RAM

Works fine and all,but what's really annoying is that all the text in the game is not "smooth" like it is in the screenshots ZLIB posted above,but it's quite "pixely" like it isn't filtered or not in a correct way.This Problem occurs in 3D-Mode and in Software-Mode as well.Does anyone know a possibility how to adress this problem or,better,how to solve it?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Tekkie.X on 2008-09-07 12:16:49
Enable high res fonts in the regular FF8 config, if they are not already enabled.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: moetown on 2008-09-07 13:21:51
Oh,yes,lol,i finally found the checkbox "enable high-res fonts",thank you.

But now i got another problem,doesn't concern the ff8_launcher",but i'll post it here anyway.After installing the new ff8_config from the STICKY-Thread,i don't get any music any more.In the game i get the soundeffects,but not the music.Testing the musicfiles with this configuration tool resulted in a "failure" notice.Re-installing the game in a different path didn't solve the problem,so i guess it's got to be a problem with the midi-synthesizer.But it worked properly before.Any idea?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Gezzaman on 2008-09-09 10:09:55
OK i got this to work guys perfectly on windows XP sp 2

i installed FF8
patched it up with to 1.2 geforce patch
installed C++ 2008 blah blah

ran launcher with 8-bit texture fix

OK here is what ive learnt!

IF game hangs on movies / intro movie logo etc. UPDATE UR SOUND CARD DRIVER
yes i know it sounds weird. but it used to hang for me. now it doesnt and FF8 runs perfectly and runs so beautifully with 8x AA 8x antistroping thingy and 1280 x 1024 on LOL

ye i forced it on with geforce ;p



Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: moetown on 2008-09-09 17:55:35
Everything worked fine until I installed the new configuration tool from the link in the "Sticky" Thread.But now I have a clue,the homepage where i can get this config tool says that the tool changes a value in the registry entry for ff8.I'm gonna try to set it to default and will tell you if it worked.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: sanosuke_hidane on 2008-09-15 12:01:01
I've been reading this thread for a couple of hours now, downloading everything that had worked for other people, but now I'm stuck.  I click the launcher and check the 8 bit box, but I still receive an Create Process(FF8.exe) returned an error...ERROR CODE 2. 

I understand that Ossott had replied to a post that also had that problem, so I followed what Ossott had recommended with the launcher and putting it through the Run dialog and all, but it still gives me ERROR CODE 2. 

Does anyone know what I should do?   

Any tip would be GODLY at this point.   :cry:

Thanks,
Sano
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: sanosuke_hidane on 2008-09-15 12:05:49
Hi There,

I am following the procedure to install the loader, but when I finally go to run it, I get an error code 740. Any help would be great
daniel.

btw, I tried to disable my sound in the system screen, but I still got the same message.

tx

I have the same problem, but someone answered this question some posts back (I think it's on the 3rd page) and it worked for them.  However, now I have a different problem.  T_T

Good Luck!

jaa,
sano
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-09-15 16:56:51
I've been reading this thread for a couple of hours now, downloading everything that had worked for other people, but now I'm stuck.  I click the launcher and check the 8 bit box, but I still receive an Create Process(FF8.exe) returned an error...ERROR CODE 2. 

I understand that Ossott had replied to a post that also had that problem, so I followed what Ossott had recommended with the launcher and putting it through the Run dialog and all, but it still gives me ERROR CODE 2. 

Does anyone know what I should do?   

Any tip would be GODLY at this point.   :cry:

Thanks,
Sano
Error code 2 means file cannot be found. Make sure the FF8.exe is located in the same directory as the launcher exceutable.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: sanosuke_hidane on 2008-09-16 08:09:05
I've been reading this thread for a couple of hours now, downloading everything that had worked for other people, but now I'm stuck.  I click the launcher and check the 8 bit box, but I still receive an Create Process(FF8.exe) returned an error...ERROR CODE 2. 

I understand that Ossott had replied to a post that also had that problem, so I followed what Ossott had recommended with the launcher and putting it through the Run dialog and all, but it still gives me ERROR CODE 2. 

Does anyone know what I should do?   

Any tip would be GODLY at this point.   :cry:

Thanks,
Sano
Error code 2 means file cannot be found. Make sure the FF8.exe is located in the same directory as the launcher exceutable.

But it is...I'll try installing FF8 again and see what happens. 

...

So I installed it again, and now I receive error code 740.  So I run FF8 Launcher as an administrator, and now I receive:  "FF8.exe Application Error-Application failed to initialize properly (0xc00000ba).  Click OK to terminate the application."

When I click OK, FF8 stops working and now I'm stuck again.   :cry:

Is there something wrong with the installation itself? 

By the way, thank you for replying to my post.  I really appreciate it.  =D 

jaa,
sano
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Nagi on 2008-09-18 15:05:27
ok ive done everything in the links fmv,s run fine dont seem to have aby lines any were but still got huge black boxes everywere any ideas
 
i runing vista32
8800gtx 756mb
amd athlon 64 x2 3.20 ghz
and 4 gig ram
 
and also if any one know any fixes for ff7 cause the toons dont be have right in the fmv movement action like when im on t elevator in joun

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Nagi on 2008-09-18 16:31:58
ok  i can get rid of the boxes if i dont use direct 3d hardware acceleration but textures reall suck the 8 bit paletted textures patch dosent seem to be working so any ideas would be great  thanks
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-09-18 19:30:12
I've been reading this thread for a couple of hours now, downloading everything that had worked for other people, but now I'm stuck.  I click the launcher and check the 8 bit box, but I still receive an Create Process(FF8.exe) returned an error...ERROR CODE 2. 

I understand that Ossott had replied to a post that also had that problem, so I followed what Ossott had recommended with the launcher and putting it through the Run dialog and all, but it still gives me ERROR CODE 2. 

Does anyone know what I should do?   

Any tip would be GODLY at this point.   :cry:

Thanks,
Sano
Error code 2 means file cannot be found. Make sure the FF8.exe is located in the same directory as the launcher exceutable.

But it is...I'll try installing FF8 again and see what happens. 

...

So I installed it again, and now I receive error code 740.  So I run FF8 Launcher as an administrator, and now I receive:  "FF8.exe Application Error-Application failed to initialize properly (0xc00000ba).  Click OK to terminate the application."

When I click OK, FF8 stops working and now I'm stuck again.   :cry:

Is there something wrong with the installation itself? 

By the way, thank you for replying to my post.  I really appreciate it.  =D 

jaa,
sano
Error code 740 means the application requires elevation to run. From your post I understand that you are already running the launcher as administartor through "right-click -> Run as administrator" which should do the trick. You might try and disable UAC and see if it helps but other than that I don't know what could be causing the error.

I remember there were someone else that had the same problem and posted in this thread who got it to work after awhile. Don't know what he did though.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: sanosuke_hidane on 2008-09-19 04:14:30
Um...!  I'm a computer retarded and I don't know what you mean by UAC.  >_<  ( I know!  I'm horrible!  Go on and laugh!)  Anyway, putting that aside.  Do you think you could explain to me how you go about disabling the UAC?  I'm so sorry for being incompetent!  *cries!*

But thank you so much for helping me! =D  It's been so frustrating trying to figure out how to work this whole thing out...>_<;

Thanks again!

jaa,
sano
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Nagi on 2008-09-19 09:02:10
UAC = user account control
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-09-19 15:29:40
Um...!  I'm a computer retarded and I don't know what you mean by UAC.  >_<  ( I know!  I'm horrible!  Go on and laugh!)  Anyway, putting that aside.  Do you think you could explain to me how you go about disabling the UAC?  I'm so sorry for being incompetent!  *cries!*

But thank you so much for helping me! =D  It's been so frustrating trying to figure out how to work this whole thing out...>_<;

Thanks again!

jaa,
sano
Control Panel -> User accounts -> Activate or inactivate UAC.

Do note though that it should not be needed to turn off UAC for the launcher to work.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: sanosuke_hidane on 2008-09-19 19:59:45
So I managed to disable UAC, but now every time I click 'play ff8', it just gives me 'FF*.exe-Application Error:  The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000ba).  Click OK to terminate the application.'  Afterwards, FF8 stops working. 

I tried running it in windows 95 and 98 settings but it didn't work, and I tried working with the run program.  Hmm...I be confuzzled.   :? 

Is there anything else I can do?

Thank you for all the help that you've been giving me, by the way!  =D

jaa,
sano
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2008-09-19 20:56:53
So I managed to disable UAC, but now every time I click 'play ff8', it just gives me 'FF*.exe-Application Error:  The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000ba).  Click OK to terminate the application.'  Afterwards, FF8 stops working. 

I tried running it in windows 95 and 98 settings but it didn't work, and I tried working with the run program.  Hmm...I be confuzzled.   :? 

Is there anything else I can do?

Thank you for all the help that you've been giving me, by the way!  =D

jaa,
sano
Does it work without the launcher?

Could be a CRC error in the FF8 installation or Launcher. Or faulty memmory. I'm afraid I can't give you much help except to try reinstalling windows/drivers/ff8/launcher etc.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: TomZ on 2008-09-22 18:34:11
....
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Kudistos Megistos on 2008-09-22 20:49:52
Sorry, there is a policy against helping people with downloaded games.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: GrammerNatzi on 2008-10-06 21:57:31
Is there a way to get this to work with Final Fantasy 8 Configurator?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: mistdragon on 2008-10-08 05:25:19
Hi all~ I created an account just to say THANKS for this wonderful program!

It really works, I almost can't believe it, forgive  the 2-4 lines slashing down the screen but, its cool. It WORKS and that's all that matters :D

Though, I would like an insight on... is it possible to... remove those lines permanently?

Oh and, I have a few problems, not really related, but if anyone knows, please help me with it. :3

--
1.
I created image (.iso) files from my disc, and tried to use a mount. I am using Alcohol120%. Anyways... I changed the regedit thingie to fit my Virtual Drive, which is 'd:'. But it still won't load, repeatedly asking me to put in the right disc. This issue isn't that big, since I can put in the real discs. But the real discs are getting old, full of scratches (I got it in 2001). Can anyone help?

2.
Erm, I 'transported' my Save folder from my old computer which is an XP, to my new Vista laptop. The thing is, save slot 1-3 seems to be... 'stuck'. I can't erase it. Is there some sort of problem? ._.
--

Thanks if you can help, if not,  I might create a new thread soon... kinda don't want the ancient discs to spoil. :3

And once again, sincere, heartfelt thanks to the threadstarter and this program!
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: divertiti on 2008-10-08 18:43:08
Thank you very much for this :D

Now I'm just gonna put this out there, is there a chance at all that you might do something like this for FF7?
Saint's High res patch doesn't have the resolution that's compatible with my HDTV (1366*768) so I can't use it :(

Please please please and thank you.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Cazador on 2008-10-28 19:52:16
I know this is a bit off topic but it's easier than wasting new thread space. I can't enable EAX in the config the checkbox is just grayed out. I have EAX installed so I don't know what the problem is, I just want some good sounding music.

P.S. great work on the launcher, I love it!
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Goku7 on 2008-10-28 20:43:21
What type of sound card do you have?  I assume you've already installed the whole EAX unified thing and/or whatever EAX drivers that came with your sound card.

If you're using a Soundblaster Live! or Audigy series card, check to see if the sound acceleration slider is set all to the way to "Full".  I've noticed that if its not on full, games will refuse to see your card's EAX functionality regardless of whatever driver you have installed.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Cazador on 2008-10-30 02:55:35
My sound card is called Realtek. I don't know anything about it haha

Edit: After looking around it seems Vista doesn't support EAX ( I have Vista) Can anyone confirm this. Maybe someone knows a way to fix it?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: noreply on 2008-11-03 01:17:25
Hello people! I just wanted to ask how I can change the resolution, for example to 1600 * 1200?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: GrammerNatzi on 2008-11-07 20:37:48
I've got a question: which language did you use? I think you probably used C# or C++, but if you used anything else, tell me. I'd be glad to hear.  :wink:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: b0b360 on 2008-11-10 21:22:36
Hi guys,

First up I'd just like to say thanks a lot for this patch. I probably haven't had as much trouble as the rest of you as I've literally just tried to play FFVIII for the first time tonight on the PC with Vista. Obviously I was lucky enough to find this!

I just want to confirm that even running this game with the 1.31 patch at a resolution of 1024 for example should still be full screen?

If I run the game in its original 640 x 480 resolution it fills my screen. If I was to run it as anything else i.e. 1280 x 1024 or 1024 x 768 - the game will run in a window in the top left of the screen. Whatever movie has just played will fill the full screen with the window on top of it in the top left.

I'm running Vista 32 bit, Inter Quad Core (2.4GHz), GeForce 8500 GT.

Sorry for being a total n00b and thanks in advance :)
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Goku7 on 2008-11-11 09:56:35
And now for more of the same:  I've got an error report! :roll:

I've been trying to get ff8 running correctly in hardware mode on my friends computer (an HP Pavilion Slimline), which is some random ~2ghz Core2duo running Vista with an nVidia GeForce 6150 LE built into the motherboard.  Hardware mode continues to give me the "black boxes in background" problem, even when using the launcher and checking the 8bit textures fix.  I can't remember the exact driver version ofhand, but I seem to remember it saying something like "version 178".  And yes, I have installed the 1.2 GeForce patch for FF8.

Software mode runs without problems, and also makes things look as crappy as they tend to when I first get up in the morning. :wink:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: kim_mandy36 on 2008-11-11 22:37:06
Does anyone know where I can download the loader with going through rapidshire? I can't dl it from there ... or can someone e-mail me the file? I really really really want to play FF8 properly on my Vista and my only problem is the black square conundrum ...
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: angelnite on 2008-11-19 06:29:16
Hi, I have a question. Everytime i play, after a awhile, it'll start to get laggy and hangs. To be more specific, the graphic stays still but the music and the background still goes on, meaning that i can still press X and continue walking and stuff, but the picture still stays the same as the point where it hung. Anyone knows how to fix this? Thanks!
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: gotenksssj22002 on 2008-11-23 18:08:01
ok guys can anyone tell me how to get the launcher to use my AA nvidia settings cuz i'm having no luck at all
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: td854 on 2008-12-02 10:53:57
Hello, I have a small issue.

I'm using a 3.4Ghz Pentium 4, and a Geforce 6600.

I get the same texture errors on the world map that MiChOcO mentioned earlier shown here:
http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/9471/ff8moche2yn2.png

I'd really like to get rid of these, I've tried many settings such as changing the Negative LOD Bias offset to no avail. I really could use some help, this is the only thing stopping me from playing this atm.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: agentclam on 2008-12-13 17:03:03
Had to register to say thanks!

I'm not sure how or why, but I'm running an older ATI card and the launcher still works without a hitch.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Kam on 2008-12-22 18:40:13
Huge thanks to magixts for this launcher. I'd exausted all other options before coming across this.

Along with VII that I also got working today, and X that I have emulated flawlessly.. I am in FF heaven.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: andytankk on 2008-12-25 09:58:28
hey guys...
i'm a bit lost here.
i've downloaded the loader but it's in a zip file and requires a password to unzip!
i've been browsing the forum for the longest time to look for the password but cant seem to find it.
am i missing something here?
please help!
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Jonnylossus on 2008-12-26 15:41:44
i've downloaded the loader but it's in a zip file and requires a password to unzip!
i've been browsing the forum for the longest time to look for the password but cant seem to find it.

Sure? Did you try this link?

http://rapidshare.com/files/80132624/ff8_launcher_v1.31.rar

It didn't ask for a password here.. Tried a different program?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: andytankk on 2008-12-28 02:37:17
i've downloaded the loader but it's in a zip file and requires a password to unzip!
i've been browsing the forum for the longest time to look for the password but cant seem to find it.

Sure? Did you try this link?

http://rapidshare.com/files/80132624/ff8_launcher_v1.31.rar

It didn't ask for a password here.. Tried a different program?

yeah i downloaded my file from that link.
used winrar to open the file. is there anything else i can use?
or anyone kind enough just to send me the exe file?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Jonnylossus on 2008-12-28 13:30:54
Weird.. Try this archive (i created it), or download the 4 files one by one..
     
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MENEJFSW < zipped archive

http://rapidshare.com/files/177548321/config.cfg.html < config.cfg
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CHIH1ZRI < dx_hook.dll
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VDN2NI2N < FF8_Launcher.exe
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0O6UCKZ8 < readme.txt

There you go. =P
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: andytankk on 2008-12-30 15:17:48
Weird.. Try this archive (i created it), or download the 4 files one by one..
     
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MENEJFSW < zipped archive

http://rapidshare.com/files/177548321/config.cfg.html < config.cfg
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CHIH1ZRI < dx_hook.dll
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VDN2NI2N < FF8_Launcher.exe
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0O6UCKZ8 < readme.txt

There you go. =P
]

thanks bro.
it worked!
thanks a whole bunch!!!!!!11
 :-D
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: YunaX on 2009-01-05 05:55:13
Hey, guys. I wonder if it's just my, but I get this game error message when the Intro movie players for a minute. It just jumps out from the game and terminate the program... I can get to the main menu everything, but after i select New Game, the intro movie crashes and jumps out to desktop before I can even play the game.
I'm running Vista x86 btw... any idea?

I've Updated patch 1.2, done everything! but still...

please help D:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Tomkins on 2009-01-11 22:54:44
hey everyone
i have FFVIII on my pc and it runs fine even though the 8-bit palleted texture failed
i don't get those black boxes but instead my backgrounds and towns on the world map are in very few colors
everything is just lacking in detail  :-o

i applied the patch from back on pg. 1 and i selected the 8-bit fix but it does nothing to help

i just want to know if this is a fixable problem or will i just have to deal with the lack of detail?

im running in on windows vista with an ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 graphics card
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: polaris_027 on 2009-01-14 12:11:46
hey everyone
i have FFVIII on my pc and it runs fine even though the 8-bit palleted texture failed
i don't get those black boxes but instead my backgrounds and towns on the world map are in very few colors
everything is just lacking in detail  :-o

i applied the patch from back on pg. 1 and i selected the 8-bit fix but it does nothing to help

i just want to know if this is a fixable problem or will i just have to deal with the lack of detail?

im running in on windows vista with an ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 graphics card

i think i have that same problem too..is this mod only for nvidia cards? i have ATI Radeon X1650
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Tomkins on 2009-01-15 03:15:32
hey everyone
i have FFVIII on my pc and it runs fine even though the 8-bit palleted texture failed
i don't get those black boxes but instead my backgrounds and towns on the world map are in very few colors
everything is just lacking in detail  :-o

i applied the patch from back on pg. 1 and i selected the 8-bit fix but it does nothing to help

i just want to know if this is a fixable problem or will i just have to deal with the lack of detail?

im running in on windows vista with an ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 graphics card

i think i have that same problem too..is this mod only for nvidia cards? i have ATI Radeon X1650

polaris 027, when you are on the world map, do grid lines appear in the forests and on the beach?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: polaris_027 on 2009-01-15 10:21:02
nope..cant remember..i just tried it once and the frame rate was slow and choppy..and  i cant configure the fsaa drop down list so i thought that this was made only for nvidia cards..
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: WoW007 on 2009-01-17 22:45:23
Why It Looks Like This? lol
 :-o :-o

(http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7707/ff8ef9.th.jpg) (http://img209.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ff8ef9.jpg)
[/b]
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: WoW007 on 2009-01-17 22:47:02
EDIT: double posted sorry! >.<
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: masterzx on 2009-01-23 23:54:35
:?
First, I'm sorry that i can't English well. But please read.

my systems
CPU : Intel Pentium 4 3.0GHz
Graphic card : Ge force 6600 GT 128Mb
Ram : 1GB

I play FF8 using FF8 launcher v 1.31
and I also check 8-bit fix.

But game is very slow down when I play the game for about 10minute(?).
When I summon the GF or Cast spell, The Game is very very Slow!!


I didn't solve the problem on other web site in my country, plz give me any solution.
thanks
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Hamerisxx on 2009-01-26 06:33:05
how i can play with ff8 launcher wen i using nevest nvidia drivers?

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Undeadborn on 2009-01-27 14:29:54
Why It Looks Like This? lol
 :-o :-o

(http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7707/ff8ef9.th.jpg) (http://img209.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ff8ef9.jpg)
[/b]

You must select 3D Hardware Acceleration in Graphics tab of FF8config
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Insight on 2009-01-31 12:47:59
:?
First, I'm sorry that i can't English well. But please read.

my systems
CPU : Intel Pentium 4 3.0GHz
Graphic card : Ge force 6600 GT 128Mb
Ram : 1GB

I play FF8 using FF8 launcher v 1.31
and I also check 8-bit fix.

But game is very slow down when I play the game for about 10minute(?).
When I summon the GF or Cast spell, The Game is very very Slow!!


I didn't solve the problem on other web site in my country, plz give me any solution.
thanks

same problem here as well and i have a sony vaio vgn-fe31m
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Hamerisxx on 2009-02-03 04:38:44
please help what to do if final fantasy VIII is laggy and freezes at times on nuwest nvidia forcevare in direct 3d hardvare acceleracion
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Squall21 on 2009-02-06 00:07:24
Hi everyone, I'm new here so bear with me.

I have got FF8 working, and everything looks pretty good except for one thing.......I have these grid-lines all over my world map, and not only that, the world map looks like its missing a ton of detail and color, its hard to tell what things even are. The forests are just weird green blobs and the mountains are grey blobs, all with grid-lines on them. The regular backgrounds in places like balamb garden are a bit blurry but don't have any lines. Everything else in the game is fine so it confuses me tremendously. I have gone into the nvidia control panel and fiddled with different settings for about an hour, to no avail. I have applied the geforce patch and am using the FF8 launcher v 1.31 and I am using an nvidia 8800 GT. I tried using the expert mode hotkeys but they haven't helped either. I have seen that a few other people have had my problem but I didn't see any suggestions for solutions. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: thaiboi1 on 2009-02-10 23:27:06
The 8-bit paletted texture fix does not seem to be working, I sill have black outlines in battle scenes and other stuff. It should be transparent but it's not  :?. Can anyone help please  :-D

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk183/tvc1/ff8.jpg -the black outline on the mountain
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Prince Lex on 2009-02-27 02:04:56
I absolutely love this program.
 
Is there any way the same thing could be done for FF7? I'd like to be able to choose my resolution with that too, instead of being stuck with just the two from the high res patch.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Landarma on 2009-02-27 08:19:53
I absolutely love this program.
 
Is there any way the same thing could be done for FF7? I'd like to be able to choose my resolution with that too, instead of being stuck with just the two from the high res patch.
I don't think it can be done if it is a game engine issue.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Assa on 2009-03-19 15:10:52
Hello. Thanks for this amazing program. The only problem I have got is that when I choose any of the custom resolutions, the game will be visible only in a part of the screen, depending in the resolution. In 1440x900 for example the playable screen will be very small. Is there any way to fix this? Thanks.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2009-03-21 02:02:49
I absolutely love this program.
 
Is there any way the same thing could be done for FF7? I'd like to be able to choose my resolution with that too, instead of being stuck with just the two from the high res patch.
I don't think it can be done if it is a game engine issue.
It's on my todo-list as I'm a big fan of FF7 (much more so than FF8 to be entirely honest).
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2009-03-21 10:31:33
I absolutely love this program.
 
Is there any way the same thing could be done for FF7? I'd like to be able to choose my resolution with that too, instead of being stuck with just the two from the high res patch.
I don't think it can be done if it is a game engine issue.
It's on my todo-list as I'm a big fan of FF7 (much more so than FF8 to be entirely honest).

That's nice to hear. The Saint's High-res patch is very well done, but is also very limited. Being able to choose your resolution will make a lot of laptop users happy.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: HighLight on 2009-03-22 14:28:22
I started a game today playing normally, without the launcher. After an hour or so, I saved. Later, I tried the launcher and the game looks great, but it won't read my save file. I have been able to save a new one, but then I can't find it in my computer (I want to do some editing). So I'd appreciate it if someone could tell me a way to make the launcher read my previous save file or at least tell me the location of the save files you create while using the launcher.

Oh, and sorry if something went wrong with my writing... English is not my first language.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: 2Mourty on 2009-03-23 02:32:08
I await with baited breath for a version of this patch that runs with FF7.  FF7 and FF4 are the two that I keep coming back to.  :-D
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: gotenksssj22002 on 2009-03-29 01:43:46
ok guys can anyone tell me how to get the launcher to use my AA nvidia settings cuz i'm having no luck at all

rite i asked once now its annoying me i can not get the launcher to use my nvida settings at all its annoying me so i ask once again will someone plz tell me how to do it i have a 2.8 dual core with 1 gig ram and a 8400gs 512meg nvidia card with vista ultimate on my comp so will u plz tell me i've read through the whole post and repiles and nothing has helped me get to be able to use my nvidia settings although the no black blocks is a + but i get lines across me screen when i use a screen bigger then 800x600
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Prince Lex on 2009-04-03 19:39:16
I absolutely love this program.
 
Is there any way the same thing could be done for FF7? I'd like to be able to choose my resolution with that too, instead of being stuck with just the two from the high res patch.
I don't think it can be done if it is a game engine issue.
It's on my todo-list as I'm a big fan of FF7 (much more so than FF8 to be entirely honest).


Wow really? Thats great news!

EDIT: This is a random thing to be adding into this post, but I don't want to double-post, so here goes!

Just wanted to say again, thanks for this tool. It took me a while to get it working this time round (for some reason I kept getting the "Please insert disc one" rubbish that seems to be happening an awful lot with Vista... I know what I'm doing when it comes to installing the FF games, even on Vista... but for some reason this time around it gave me more problems than usual.) It's nothing to do with FF8 Launcher though, it works a treat.

And the expert mode is an absolute godsend. My game looks awesome now. Roll on FF7! WOO!
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Silent Warrior on 2009-04-07 14:39:32
Uh... Is it just me, or doesn't this have some unexpected side-effects? (Or maybe the main executable farted?) When I looked in at the Junk shop in Balamb, right in the beginning, I could get maybe half of Squall's different gunblades, Quistis' and Selphie's strongest weapons, at least one glove for Zell... (Well, I say 'get' - components notwithstanding, dig?) That's not having read any weapon-magazine at all at that point - I don't remember that from my previous play-through. Not that I complain, I suppose... :evil:
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: magixts on 2009-04-07 18:09:19
I don't think the launcher could have such an effect on the game. It only makes alterations to the DirectX calls.

On the topic of FF7; Aali seem to have found a better way to modify the graphics driver so I'm holding off on doing any work.
http://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=8306.0
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: gotenksssj22002 on 2009-04-09 02:56:07
i had the same thing happen to me when i first played the game never happened since but i was told it was a glitch in the first version of the game
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: roy on 2009-04-10 17:04:57
Why It Looks Like This? lol
 :-o :-o

(http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7707/ff8ef9.th.jpg) (http://img209.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ff8ef9.jpg)
[/b]


Hi I'm having the exact same problem.I don't have Nvidia or geforce, I've got an INtel Grpahics Media Acclerator X3100.
I've tried the Launcher,Tired the 3D Direct Hardware option, the Software Rendering option and nothing seems to work.
The resolution I need to run it at is 1280 x 800.Can anyone help? I've been at this all day

The EIDOS Screen comes up full screen but the squaresoft and the game itself is stuck in the corner.The 8bit and 4:3 mapping have been ticked.Can anyone help?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Prince Lex on 2009-04-11 14:37:53
Are you sure you've changed FF8Config to run in Fullscreen 640x480?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: roy on 2009-04-12 14:00:13
I reinstalled FF8 and when I opened it up it was running fullscreen on it's own. I'm using a Hp Pavillion dv2000 laptop.Try reinstalling,it might work.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: asd4free on 2009-04-26 20:42:48
Hellou

First of all, thanx a lot for this great fix.
My only problem is, the patch seems to be transparenting the black color, not just the border.
Like, the blind effect shown on an effected character's head during battle, or the shadow of Squall character on world map etc.
Maybe it has already been fixed, but yet unknown to me. An help will be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Klaw117 on 2009-04-27 22:00:31
EDIT: Never mind. Reinstalling the game, patch, and launcher worked. Great job making this launcher!
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Klaw117 on 2009-05-02 16:28:17
I just tried playing it again...the launcher didn't work, even with the non-nvidia patch. If no one has anymore suggestions, I'm uninstalling this for good. It's more trouble than it's worth right now.

By the way, is it possible to put compress the launcher into a .zip file instead of a .rar file? I don't want to spend the money to buy WinRAR.

EDIT: Wow, very weird. I tried reinstalling again for the heck of it and it's working. It seems to be temperamental with me...either way, it's working. The tool is great when it's not temperamental with you.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: nabuceht on 2009-05-04 22:19:11
like a lot of people out there......

THANK YOU !!!!!!

I have waited years for this.  I just got my FF8 back from my mom.  Only to install it and look at the piddly 640x480 resolution.  Thus I started my search AGAIN for resolution fixes.  This time I actually found one!!!

THANK YOU !!!!!!


System:
Windows XP SP2
AMD Athlon XP 3200 2.2 ghz
ATI Radeon 9600
SOYO Dragon 2 MOBO w/Via Chipset
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: microAlexx on 2009-05-27 11:55:15
Hi

Thanks for this great launcher !

Tested on :
1. @ Office
- Windows XP Pro SP3
- Intel Core 2 Duo E6850
- NVIDIA Quadro FX 1700
-> Works fine.

2. @ Home
- Windows XP Pro SP3
- Intel Core 2 Duo E6550
- NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS
-> Works fine.


Question :
Is it possible to add a windowed/fullscreen option on the launcher ?
or there is a way to run FF8 windowed but with a specific resolution ?


thx.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: gotenksssj22002 on 2009-06-09 19:15:54
I'm sorry to ask once again but i can't seem to get the FSAA to work at all i've added it to my nvidia control panel and told it to use globle settings but i still can't get it to alow me to use the drop down arrow for the settings although its a great patch i'm running it on an nvidia 8400 gs 512meg
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: DLPB_ on 2009-06-09 19:32:04
I just tried playing it again...the launcher didn't work, even with the non-nvidia patch. If no one has anymore suggestions, I'm uninstalling this for good. It's more trouble than it's worth right now.

By the way, is it possible to put compress the launcher into a .zip file instead of a .rar file? I don't want to spend the money to buy WinRAR.

EDIT: Wow, very weird. I tried reinstalling again for the heck of it and it's working. It seems to be temperamental with me...either way, it's working. The tool is great when it's not temperamental with you.

Winrar is shareware and will work without any money.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Terid__K on 2009-06-09 22:40:48
Why not just use 7-Zip, which is completely free (and small)?

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: CygnusRekcah on 2009-08-07 01:55:57
can someone help me, I am running windows vista 64 bit and the game runs fine I DL the patch and the new dll and the launcher but whenever I set a resolution it doesn't show it at that res., for example: I select run at 1400x900 and it looks like original res 640x480 and the same happens with all other resolutions, anyone have a solution for this?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Prince Lex on 2009-08-07 03:01:46
Use Aali's custom driver instead.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: CygnusRekcah on 2009-08-08 03:41:32
Aali's custom driver? where can i DL that?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Prince Lex on 2009-08-08 06:53:12
Use the search function. It's on this forum.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: CygnusRekcah on 2009-08-08 17:43:19
ok thanks for the suggestion but i tried Aali's driver and still not working for me, I dont understand why the launcher wont change ff 8 res to 1440x900, the resolution stays the same 640x480
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Prince Lex on 2009-08-11 22:14:42
Don't use the launcher, just use the custom driver. Change the resolution yourself in the ff8_opengl config file.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Phun on 2009-08-12 11:14:47
ok thanks for the suggestion but i tried Aali's driver and still not working for me, I dont understand why the launcher wont change ff 8 res to 1440x900, the resolution stays the same 640x480

http://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=8306.0
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Admiral Crunch on 2009-08-30 22:33:10
k guys, i need some major help here. I've got one day before i have to get cracking on my summer english homework. anyway, heres my problem:

When i first DL'd the ff8 launcher i got ERROR CODE: 2. no problem, just move the .exe. fixed.
Then i got 740. again, no problem, just run as admin.
But now, oh hohoho. I am super pissed. The error i get reads as follows:

The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000005) Click OK to terminate the application.

I've tried a few hings, but i can't get rid of this thing.

Specs:
Vista 32-bit home basic SP2
GEforce 7050/ NVIDIA nforce 610i
Driver: 178.13
1026 mb (x2) ram
DirectX 10.0

I can run the game just fine in software, but it looks soooo ugly, and i want to see Quezacotl without being able to see squares in the sky at the beginning of the Gf summon animation, and without all of the characters looking like an N64 version of Thom Yorke. :P
please help however you can, I will greatly appreciate it.

FORGET IT I GOT IT WORKING :D
The problem was that for some reason i had left ff8.exe set to run as admin and in cmpat for XP SP2. Lmao, yeah, I'm pretty dumb.

And might i add that it looks absolutely stunning. words cannot begin to thank you enough. marry me.  :-D
I'll be sure to ask for help again if i experience any further bugs.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: billy66bare on 2009-10-01 03:39:46
The drivers didn't really work for me, but your loader did!  Thanks Magixts!!

And thank you for your service!
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: renosky on 2009-12-01 23:47:36
I had problems with this for a while! I finally downloaded 1.31 and ran it from my desktop as opposed to 1.3 in my FF8 folder. I am running it at 1280x980 with all my nVidia graphics options cranked to the max. Here is the comparison.
Before:
(http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/skyguyfromasr/Untitled.jpg)
After:
(http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/skyguyfromasr/ff83.png)
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: faquemon on 2010-01-13 02:00:11
hey! i have been using your launcher for a while!
however now i am running windows 7 x32 and i re installed the game and when i was reeding your readme i have found these:

- FSAA / Anisotropic Filtering settings in NVIDIA Control Panel are not applied on Vista

since i have a nvidia geforce 9400g on my laptop will the definition from nvidia control panel affect my ff8 image ?
i have been all the time playing FF8 on vista with your launcher thinking that i was taking advantages of AA and AF from nvidia control panel!

and what about the fsaa option in the launcher ? it should be turned on ? however it only goes to x4 FSAA isn't it ?

thanks for your attention !
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: aladore384 on 2010-01-14 14:53:52
Hello,

The patch works nearly perfectly for me. My only problem is this :

(http://www.noelshack.com/up/aac/sanstitre1-5cdacce126.png)

How do I solve this problem ? The font without the patch :

(http://www.noelshack.com/up/aac/sanstitre1-7f4f23a174.png)
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: finalfantim on 2010-01-16 16:59:09
Could someone please upload ff8_launcher_v1.31.rar to a more decent sharing site?
RapidShare is constantly overloaded. I download once in a while from RapidShare and its always overloaded...crappy service.

Anyway great launcher! but i have to same problem as aladore384.
Its far more superior than Aali's OpenGL driver since it has jittery 3d models like the psx version?

Im using it with a ATI 3870x2 with a resolution of 1680x1050 and apart from AA (flickering video when enabled), some minor text texture issues and black edges on transparent textures, its working like a charm.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: aladore384 on 2010-01-18 23:42:29
I am hosting it : http://ffhuit.free.fr/ff8_launcher_v1.31.rar

If the author want me to remove it, just email me at : [email protected]
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: finalfantim on 2010-01-19 00:09:29
I am hosting it : http://ffhuit.free.fr/ff8_launcher_v1.31.rar

If the author want me to remove it, just email me at : [email protected]

Thank you so much!

I just hate it when you have to wait for a 10kb file :S, RapidShare is constantly overloaded.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: ChopstickZ on 2010-01-24 19:22:23
Hey there. I have got a problem concerning my SAVEGAME and ff8 launcher.

Running FF8 from the launcher, resolution is a lot better but I can't find my old savegames. Starting from the normal ff8.exe, everything is fine.

I couldn't find this using the forum search...

Does anyone know how to fix this?


greetZ,
Chop

edit: I sort of fixed it by -- I don't really know HOW-- using the ff8 editor...
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Brad_mo123 on 2010-03-17 12:49:27
Hi, I pretty much just downloaded this and started using it and the problem I get is no matter what options I select I get the game in a box on the top left of my screen (smaller box the higher the resolution). I have a ATI Radeon HD 4600 series and my desktop resolution is 1600x900 (if that even matters) I have ran the launcher with every possible option and no fix.  Any ideas?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Brad_mo123 on 2010-03-17 13:24:11
Hi, I pretty much just downloaded this and started using it and the problem I get is no matter what options I select I get the game in a box on the top left of my screen (smaller box the higher the resolution). I have a ATI Radeon HD 4600 series and my desktop resolution is 1600x900 (if that even matters) I have ran the launcher with every possible option and no fix.  Any ideas?

Well, I fixed the issue with the picture being on top left of screen, I just changed it from software render to hardware render and it seems to work except for when I go to new game the game crashes, I think it has trouble running the video intro, not sure.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Jamers on 2010-03-17 15:11:32
Well, I fixed the issue with the picture being on top left of screen, I just changed it from software render to hardware render and it seems to work except for when I go to new game the game crashes, I think it has trouble running the video intro, not sure.

You should try using Aali's custom graphic's driver for FF8, instead. Here's the link (http://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=8306.msg130504#msg130504). The launcher is a great utility that I used for a long while, but Aali's driver allows for more customization.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Natsuke on 2010-03-17 19:06:53
Thank you so much for this great program. It's helped me so much.

I run Vista, so you can tell it's been hell trying to get my games to work. At first, I thought it was my CDs being screwy with me and was fuming over buying the game without ever being able to play it, since I got the black boxes and it crashed every now and then. But after getting the updating patch, using a different directory, getting the EAX dll and using your wonderful program, it's been awesome. Haven't looked back since. Thank you so much.

Question! Is it possible to run this launcher and play in a window instead of full screen? I don't know any windower programs, but I'd like some advice~
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: aladore384 on 2010-03-18 18:14:15
I am hosting it : http://ffhuit.free.fr/ff8_launcher_v1.31.rar

If the author want me to remove it, just email me at : [email protected]

Hosted it somewhere else : http://aladore3viii4.free.fr/files/FF8/ff8_launcher_v1.31.rar
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: squaling_cloud on 2010-03-26 21:11:46
Hey guys this is my first post on this Forum

so i got the launcher downloaded...i set it to be the same as my native desktop resolution...and now the game will play a nice properly formatted edios start up screen but after that when the squarsoft logo comes on its position weirdly to the top left...the rest of my screen is black...its making me go nuts i tried lowering the resolution to a non w/s  and it does the same thing just in a more narrow field of the screen...Ive been playing with it for a bout 2 hours and have gone through this forum quite a bit...i am getting dizzy with scrolling through other peoples questions so i thought id post ...

PLEAAAAAAASE SOME ONE HELP ME!...this was my favorite game as a kid and i cant afford to get XIII so i wanted to relive some memories

e-mails are welcome

[email protected]
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: cloud9 on 2010-03-31 12:32:15
Hey guys this is my first post on this Forum

so i got the launcher downloaded...i set it to be the same as my native desktop resolution...and now the game will play a nice properly formatted edios start up screen but after that when the squarsoft logo comes on its position weirdly to the top left...the rest of my screen is black...its making me go nuts i tried lowering the resolution to a non w/s  and it does the same thing just in a more narrow field of the screen...Ive been playing with it for a bout 2 hours and have gone through this forum quite a bit...i am getting dizzy with scrolling through other peoples questions so i thought id post ...

PLEAAAAAAASE SOME ONE HELP ME!...this was my favorite game as a kid and i cant afford to get XIII so i wanted to relive some memories

e-mails are welcome

[email protected]

config your ff8. set the render to direcrt3d hardware instead of software render to properly use the ff8 launcher. my computer's resolution is 1360X768 but i set my ff8 launcher to 1024x768 and check the 4:3 ratio. but when i use the 640x480 the screen stretches... i' have to stick to my 1024 resolution.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: griffin25 on 2010-04-11 21:14:26
i new to this but u guys are fucking geniuses i am serious from this site i have pretty much got everything figured out an i am running perfectly god damn i love it
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Elio2690 on 2010-04-25 19:53:50
Hi guys, im new to this forum.
Actually im having problems with FF8 exactly at the first laguna appereance, right after the forest part when i arrive on deling, im supposed to go to the bar but when i want to go east, my game crashes with the FF8.exe stopped working.
Any help please? :( thanks!
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: ellelaby on 2010-06-13 06:24:43
Okay... I've got FF8 working in quarter screen mode, software rendering, etc... but I feel it isn't good enough and I would enjoy the game so much more if I could get 8-bit pallete textures working.

I've downloaded the launcher.. etc etc, I have installed the nvidia 1.2 patch and i've also tried to use the 1.2 patch (the normal one) to see if there are any differences, but I haven't seen anything yet.

My graphics card is a GeForce 6100 or 6150...

The problem is: Even though I've copied the launcher files into my FF8 main directory, the problem is, the only "fflauncher.exe" file is a "manifest" file - which doesn't even do anything when I double click it or when I drag it onto my FF8.exe. But after reading this forum as well as reading the included text files included in the download, I'm under the impression I should be able to open the FF8.exe file that is included and I should actually be able to select an "8-bit pallete textures" option. The "FF8 config" file that comes with the PC game originally does not allow me to "pass" 8 bit pallet textures or even "-".

Could the problem in fact be that I also have a "FF8 configurator" in my main ff8 director, could this have something to do with it?

Or do I need to get a program to be able to open the manifest file??

Sorry when it comes to this stuff I'm pretty nooby.

Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: smf052910 on 2010-06-17 05:29:39
You should be able to extract the files to your FF8 directory, run the launcher, and edit the configuration through the UI. If all else fails, you can change the file extension of the configuration file to '.txt' and manually edit it.
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Rajiyn on 2010-06-22 20:01:21
(http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/6403/screensc.jpg)

Screen looks really good but I get this. It doensn't take the full screen neither goes to the top left
any help?

Thanks

Edit: Tried everything.
Tried every resolution. Change from Direct3D to software
Note: Software does change the resolution but screen is top left
Direct3D doesn't change the resolution but screen is centered with black sides.
Both ways suck.

Tried putting different Options.
Nothing works.

Please any help?
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: pyrozen on 2010-06-22 22:36:04
this program is obsolete, use Aali's driver instead:
http://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=8306.msg142017#msg142017

if you have trouble search around, there are tons of guides on how to install/configure it.

lee
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: Rajiyn on 2010-06-23 20:48:17
Great!

I got fullscreen.
Starting the game. And the game quality is just like it was! Pixally and PS1 style.
So I'm back to the start with the driver?

Any help?
(Thanks for the hint btw. Did solve a problem. But made me go back where I started)
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: pyrozen on 2010-06-24 19:25:35
there is a problem with FF8 for PC, the world map textures never use their hi-res counterparts. So the world map always looks like crap. Some people started investigating if it is possible to turn these textures back on, but i haven't heard much about it lately. I'll bet you have everything setup just fine, your looking for quality that just isn't there.

lee
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: smf052910 on 2010-06-24 22:05:04
(http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/6403/screensc.jpg)

Screen looks really good but I get this. It doensn't take the full screen neither goes to the top left
any help?

Thanks

Edit: Tried everything.
Tried every resolution. Change from Direct3D to software
Note: Software does change the resolution but screen is top left
Direct3D doesn't change the resolution but screen is centered with black sides.
Both ways suck.

Tried putting different Options.
Nothing works.

Please any help?

This is what it's supposed to look like. It prevents the client from stretching the image to fit the display, which reduces pixelation. As for Aali's driver--I am having different results with the default OGLHA (looks like D3DHA) and his driver (looks like Software Renderer).
Title: Re: FF8 Launcher - Custom resolutions and 8-bit paletted textures fix (patch)
Post by: aladore384 on 2011-08-06 19:16:20
@Steven Pyon : couldn't send by mail.

new link : http://aladore3viii4.free.fr/files/FF8/ff8_launcher_v1.31.zip