Gaming

[TheAnomaly]

Games Mega-Tutorial

written by: TheAnomaly

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Table of Contents

Part 1: How to Use Downloaded Games

Introduction to the STF Games Forums
Introduction to Downloaded Games
Burning, Mounting, Installing, and Using Serial Numbers
How to Use Cracked Games (Applying Game Cracks)
How to Use Cloned Games
How to Use Ripped Games
Updating Your Game

Part 2: Common Questions and Technical Support

Gaming Knowledge Issues
Downloading/Installing/Burning Issues
Technical Gameplay Issues

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How to Use Downloaded Games

written by:
TheAnomaly

Introduction to STF Games

STF provides users with a wide variety of games available for download via the ed2k network.

There are five main game forums:

PC Cracked- This forum is meant for PC game releases that have been cracked or do not have any security protection on them.
PC Clones- This forum is meant for PC game releases that are copies of the original game disk and do not require a crack. However, they may require 3rd party tools in order to bypass the disk protection.
PC Other- This forum is meant for PC Rips, Mini-games, DOX files, and Abandonware games.
Consoles- This forum is meant for console releases, emulation software, and ROMs.
Games Support & Discussion- This forum is meant for discussion of games, as well as technical support relating to games.

Please use this guide as your main source for technical support and general games help. If after reading this tutorial you cannot find a solution to your problem, use Google to search for the problem. If you still cannot find the solution to your problem, please post your question in the thread of that release. If you are unsure of the release you downloaded, and are unsure where to post your question, post it in the Games Support & Discussion forum.

Do you have a request? If so, you can request a game here: Requests & Reshares.

Furthermore, please read the STF Rules, and especially take note of Rules 4 and 5:

4. No FTP servers or direct links to copyrighted material! This is strictly forbidden! This includes using online file hosting such as RapidShare or Megaupload.

5. No cracks, serials or keygens! This includes requesting and even linking to websites that directly host them. Providing information on how to crack, hack or bypass copy protection is also not allowed! Posting eD2k links to cracks and already cracked software or games is acceptable.

Introduction to Downloaded Games

To download games, you will need eMule. To learn how to download games, please read this guide: eD2k/eMule - The Guide

After downloading the game release, go to your eMule's default download directory, and find your game. Now, depending on the release, the file extension of your game will vary.

To view extensions properly, you will first need to enable Extensions on Windows. To do this, open Windows Explorer. Then go to Tools->Folder Options and proceed to the View tab. There, UNCHECK the "Hide Extensions for Known File Types" option. Press OK to exit the Options window and now you should be able to see the extensions on all your files.

The most common file extensions are ISO, img, bin/cue, and mdf/mds. All of these formats are considered to be CD or DVD image formats, which means that the game you have just downloaded is actually an image of the game's CD or DVD. The ISO, bin, and mdf files are the game images, while the cue and mds files are "burning instructions" meant for your CD/DVD burning software.

You will want to read the .NFO file which contains important information on the release you have just downloaded. This information includes: Install instructions, serial numbers, release group information, as well as anything else that can aid you in making the game work properly. Here is a more detailed guide on NFO files: How to Use NFO Files

Burning/Installing Your Game

At this point, you have successfully downloaded your game and have located it on your computer. You now have two options, you can either burn the game onto a CD or a DVD, or use a disk-drive emulating program to create a fake CD/DVD drive on your computer and mount the game.

Burning:
If you would like to burn your game, I recommend using burning software such as Nero. Depending on the size of your disk image, put either an empty CD, DVD5, or DVD9 disk into your burner.

Burning an ISO file with Nero
Bin/cue Files Tutorial

If you would like to burn mdf/mds files, you will need to use Alcohol 120%.

Mounting:
Mounting requires you to install either Virtual CloneDrive or Daemon Tools. What these programs do is create a fake CD/DVD drive on your computer, making your computer believe there is an additional drive. After you create a drive, you can "mount" your CD/DVD image onto this drive. You can now proceed to install the game normally, as if you had a real CD/DVD-ROM drive on your computer.

Installing:
Follow the on-screen installation instructions. If asked for a serial number, the serial can be found in the NFO file. Many times, the NFO file can be found on the disk (i.e. CD/DVD image). If not, then it can be found by searching the edonkey network. Use eMule's search function to search for serial numbers or codes.

How to Use Cracked Games (Applying Game Cracks)

Nearly all games these days have CD/DVD protection on them. If you have downloaded a cracked game, you will need to apply a game crack to make the game work. A game crack is simply an edited game file(s) that prevents the game from detecting any type of protection security. With the use of a game crack, you don't have to worry about using the CD or DVD to play the game (meaning once you've installed the game and applied the crack, you can remove the disk). After you have installed the game, you will need to copy the game crack from the DVD and replace it with the installed files. To do this:

1. Browse to your disk directory, and look for a folder called "Crack" or a folder name dedicated to the release group.
2. Copy all of the contents to where you've installed the game.
3. It will ask you if you would like to overwrite the files, choose Yes.
4. Unmount or remove the disk (or disk image), and run the game.

This is the basic method of applying a game crack, for more information read the .nfo file that comes with the release. Also note that many games are considered "Cracked" even though they have no disk protection on them, and don't require any crack to play after installation.

How to Use Cloned Games

If you have downloaded a clone game, what you have done is downloaded an exact copy of the game. This means that disk protection is still active, and you'll need to use a third-party tool to block it. In this case, it is VERY IMPORTANT you read the NFO file, because the NFO will tell you which tools will work and which tools won't. The NFO will also tell you whether or not this game will burn properly or whether it needs to be mounted in order to work. Some of the popular disk protections you will encounter are SecuROM, SafeDisc, and StarForce.

Here is a list of popular tools that are used in blocking copy-protection:

Y.A.S.U.- Used against SecuROM v7 and SafeDisc v4
SR7.Stop- Used against SecuROM v7.
sfclean/Nightmare/StarF**ker- Various tools used to clean out StarForce v3 or higher from your system.
Complete List of CD Protections and Tools (including other popular tools such as Anti-Blaxx and CureROM)

How to Use Ripped Games

A ripped game is simply a game that has been condensed and packaged into a smaller release. These games are heavily compressed and can take time to install. In many cases, some of the cutscenes, movies, and music are taken out of the game, leaving you with the essentials required to play the game with minimum satisfaction. To install a ripped game, simply follow the instructions in the NFO file (I know, I keep telling you to read the NFO file, now you can understand how important it is to a release!). Usually, you will be asked to extract the contents of the rar files (using WinRAR), run setup.bat or setup.exe (this actually installs the game onto your computer), and register the game into your Windows registry.

No crack downloads are required for ripped games, as everything comes packaged for you. Once you complete the install, just run the main .exe file for the game to play.

Updating Your Game

If you have updated a game, you will need to download a new game crack. For example, if you downloaded a version 1.2 update, the crack that you have WILL NOT WORK! You need to download a new crack for version 1.2. For individual cracks look here or on one of these sites:

MegaGames
GameCopyWorld

[TheAnomaly]

Common Video Game Problems and Solutions

written by:
stevenrollastercoon and TheAnomaly

Due to the overwhelming amount of questions in the Games Discussion forum, we have decided to make this easy to use FAQ guide to help you answer any problems you might have. In this thread you'll learn all the solutions to your common video game problems.

Questions:

Gaming Knowledge Issues:
Where Can I get Cheats, FAQs, and Walkthroughs?
What are some good websites where I could get information on PC or console games?

Downloading/Installing/Burning Issues:
What's the best p2p network for downloading games?
Why doesn't it work after I installed it?
What are .bin and .cue files and what are their purpose?
What's an .NFO file and how do you open/use them?
It's asking me for a CD key or Serial #, where can I get that?
OK I installed it, but it is asking me to insert the CD even though the CD is in the drive. How do I solve this?
I don't have any blank CDs/DVDs, is there a way I can still play downloaded games?
I downloaded a game for PS1, PS2, Xbox, Gamecube and burned it but it won't work. What do I do?

Technical/Gameplay Issues:
Why won't the game load when I try to play it?
Why am I having trouble playing online?
I downloaded a game RIP. How do these work?
Is there anyway to play console games on a PC?
What type of computer hardware is best for running the latest PC games?
What type of controller should I get for PC gaming?

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Gaming Knowledge Issues:
Q: Where Can I get Cheats, FAQs, and Walkthroughs?
A: You can get cheats and walkthroughs through GameSpot or GameFAQs. Google Search is also a useful tool.

Q: What are some good websites where I could get information on PC or console games?
A: There are quite a few websites out there, however we recommend visiting GameSpot, GameFAQs, or AllGame for information on PC and Console games. For older games, we recommend MobyGames.


Downloading/Installing/Burning Issues:
Q: What's the best P2P network for downloading games?
A: All P2P networks have the availability of games, some more than others. If there's a new game that just came out you'll have better luck on Bit Torrent or Newsgroups, however new games also prove to be relatively fast on the eDonkey network. With Bit Torrent you can get faster speeds than eDonkey in most cases. The eDonkey network boosts rare files and older games.

Q: Why doesn't it work after I install it?
A: Make sure you do not burn the image files as data, rather you must select the Burn Image option (most CD burning programs have an option like this). Image files (bin/cue, ISO, img, nrg, etc.) contain the files required for the game. Also make sure you've properly applied the crack or set up the correct tools required to play the game. Make sure to read the NFO or instructions that come with the game release. Make sure your firewall is configured to grant access to the game. Also make sure your game is compatible with your computer system by using SystemRequirements Lab.

Q: What are .bin and .cue files and what are their purpose?
A: You'll find the answer here. On how to make your own .cue files you'll find the answer here

Q: What's an .nfo and how do you open/use them?
A: NFO's are information files. When a release group releases a game, most of the time they will supply a file with a .NFO extension. These files are essential to the downloader, because they contain information about the release. These files can be opened with Notepad or a program called DAMN NFO Viewer. You can find NFOs on the net on sites such as NFOrce and THEiSONEWS however they don't supply CD key's because of security reasons. For CD keys/serials you should search the P2P networks. The NFO file contains everything you need to install and play the game, READ THEM CAREFULLY!

Q: It's asking me for a CD key or Serial#, where can I get that?
A: Check the answer above. Most CD-keys and serial numbers are included in the NFO file. If there is no NFO file available, look in the CD/DVD image file for a folder named after the release group or a folder named "Crack." Serial numbers can be found here, or in the main directory of the CD/DVD. Many times, releases will have key generators (keygens) that you can use to generate a serial.

Q: OK, I installed it, but it is asking me to insert the CD/DVD even though the CD/DVD is in the drive. How do I solve this?
A: You'll need a CD crack. A crack is an .exe file that replaces the existing .exe file in your installed directory. Cracks are meant to bypass CD protection. You can get them at GameCopyWorld or MegaGames. You'll also need WinRAR to extract the cracks you get there. Extract it to the installation directory or where the .exe is located. Say yes when asked to overwrite the previous .exe. You can also find the cracks in the CD images of Cracked releases. Insert the DVD/CD and check for a folder named Crack or a folder named after the release group. Remember to read NFO files because they give instructions on how to install the game!

Q: I don't have any blank CDs/DVDs, is there a way I can still play downloaded games?
A: Yes, you can setup a virtual drive. Programs like Daemon Tools, Virtual CloneDrive, or Alcohol 120 can create fake CD/DVD drives which allow you to "mount" the disk image. Mounting on a virtual drive would be the same as inserting a disk on a real drive. Your computer will recognize the fake disk as if it were a real one, and you will be able to install the game.

Q: I downloaded a game for a console and burned it but it won't work. What do I do?
A: That's because you need a mod-chip. It'll modify your console system so you can play burned games on them. Mod-chips are quite expensive, however there are other ways to modify your console such as using the swap-disk method. For help with Consoles, please visit our Console section where you can easily find help for any console and handheld. Also, check to make sure your console can handle the disk-type (PAL/NTSC/REGIONs etc.). Make sure to burn your DVDs at a low speed to prevent corruption.

Technical/Gameplay Issues:
Q: Why won't the game load when I try to play it?
A: There are dozens of possibilities to why your game is not loading or that you are experiencing weak gameplay. Here is a list of solutions you can try:

• Update your video card drivers- Visit your video card manufacturer's website and update the drivers to the latest version.
• Change your screen resolution- Many times your game will not load because the screen resolution is too large. Try changing it to a smaller resolution.
• You did not install it correctly- Did you read the instructions in the NFO file correctly? Many times users do not read the instructions carefully, resulting in misplaced crack files or incorrect settings. Most of the time, users will not place the crack correctly. They'll copy over the .rar file the crack came in, instead of the crack itself. Make sure to EXTRACT the crack and then copy it over the folder where you installed the game. If you didn't overwrite anything, the game hasn't be cracked! Make sure an overwrite occurs.
• Faulty crack file- The crack file could be corrupted. You might need to get another one. You can download CD/DVD cracks at GameCopyWorld or MegaGames.
• Too many other programs running- Depending on the game and the amount of RAM your computer has, your game might not load because there is not enough memory. Turn off P2P clients, close web browsers, virus-scanning programs, firewalls, and anything else that takes up memory for best results. Make sure your hard-drive isn't running out of space!
• System requirements check- Make sure your computer can handle the system requirements for the game. I recommend you use SystemRequirements Lab to check to see if your computer can handle the game you are trying to play. This website analyzes your computer and nicely organizes your computer's specifications and tells you whether or not your computer can play the game.
• A restart always helps- Try a restart, it'll refresh your system's performance.
• Game is corrupted- There is always a possibility that the copy you downloaded has become corrupted (corruption can happen during the download process). If you do have a corrupted game, re-download it from another source. Also, check your hard-drive to see if it needs defragmentation.
• Scan for viruses lately?- Your game could have been infected with a virus. Run your Anti-virus program and make sure there are no viruses on your PC.
• Update your DirectX- Make sure to go to Microsoft's website and download the latest version of DirectX.
• Reinstall the game- Sometimes reinstalling the game can help.
• Firewall permissions- Make sure your firewall and security programs have given access to the user to play the game.
• Reduce graphics- If your gameplay is slow and laggy, your video card as well the as rest of your system might not be up to par with the system requirements for this game. Try reducing the graphics settings from within the game's options menu and see if it improves gameplay performance.

Q: Why am I having trouble playing online?
A: Playing pirated games online can be very frustrating. If you want to play online, the server that you want to connect to will ask you for your CD-key. This is where the problem arises. Your CD key has to be unique, and since you have a pirated copy (that gets downloaded by thousands of users), the CD-key that has been supplied has already been registered online and will therefore not work. However, there are servers out there that don't require authentic CD-keys! These are called private servers and should be the ones you connect to if playing a pirated game. There are usually private server patches available as well with the game release.

Q: I downloaded a game RIP. How do these work?
A: Game RIPs are full version games that have been compressed to a smaller size. A game rip has the bare essentials needed to play the game. Most of the time music, certain audio, and video have been "ripped" from the game (which explains the small file size). If the RIP comes with instructions (such as an NFO file), READ THEM! Game RIPs can be tricky to install sometimes, so follow the instructions carefully.

Q: Is there anyway to play console games on a PC?
A: Yes through the use of an emulator. Please make sure to visit our Consoles section to find games and emulators, as well as anything else you might need for Console gaming.

Q: What type of computer hardware is best for running the latest PC games?
A: The idea is simple, if you want a better gaming experience, you will have to spend more money on hardware. Look into having plenty of video memory and CPU. To check for compatibility you will want to go to System Requirements Lab.

Q: What type of controller should I get for PC gaming?
A: There is really no best model out there when it comes to game controllers. The quality of gaming you will experience with a controller correlates to the price of the controller. As price increases, so will your gaming experience, so it really depends on how much you want to spend. Also, depending on what types of games you play, you might want to consider getting a steering wheel with pedals (for racing games) or a joystick (for flight sim games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator).

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This sticky will be updated with more information as time goes on. If you require further assistance, come visit us on our IRC channel.

[TheAnomaly]

Updated: July 21st, 2007.

[TheAnomaly]

Updated: June 23rd, 2009.

[TheAnomaly]

Updated: October 22nd, 2012.

[aas82]

Since I have to repeat this often I'm writing this:

How to block a game's access to internet using Windows Firewall
NOTE: example EXE is from Battlefield 3

1) Control panel -> System and security -> Windows firewall section -> Allow a program through Windows Firewall
2) If you already have run the game you should be able to find game EXE in the list (like bf3.exe) and then make sure there is no check-marks in the boxes.

If you want to setup the block before running the game still using Windows Firewall in Win7/Vista (should be similar in other versions):
1) Open Start-menu and type wf.msc in the Search or Run field and press ENTER
2) Click Outbound Rules on the left
3) Click New Rule... on the right
4) Make sure Program is selected and press Next
5) Press Browse and then find your game install directory and select game EXE (like bf3.exe)
6) Make sure Block the connection is selected and press Next
7) Make sure all 3 options are checked and press Next
8) Type game name (like Battlefield3) or whatever you like and press Finish
9) DONE! Repeat steps for any other game EXE's that might connect to internet like separate updater etc.