esc0rtd3w's Posts

GameHouse Forums > Top Users

On Sun May 13 16:45:02 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

yusef wrote:
Any other ideas? I can just delete, but I know it leaves crap behind.

Check under "System Cleanup Techniques " on this thread for a FULL cleanup of leftover files, some registry entries have yet to be added:
http://www.gamehouse.com/forums/support-forum/GameHouse-Maintenance-Toolbox-Fix-Commonly-Reported-Errors-id22045

On Sun May 06 00:39:18 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

granndy59da wrote: It would be a whole lot easier to go windows support and download the software that they have there that will fix this.

yes, that would be wonderful if such a thing existed!!!

granndy59da wrote: Not everyone is getting this error, so where is the problem.

The problem is the way GameHouse has setup their game "installers". They rely solely on this crazy string of characters to match something on their server to even initialize the actual game download. This could all be avoided by implementing a similar method as the RealArcade setup was. The whole game just downloads and you install and unlock it (if you wish). Simple.

The problem is that GameHouse, like most other software companies, think that ALL their customers are thieves and will somehow "get one over on them" if they make it without all this crazy DRM protection, which ALWAYS causes more problems than it solves and it is ALWAYS defeated by someone anyways.

wendiann24 wrote: also adding a security threat by messing with the host file as it bypasses the dns server.

before you talk about something you don't know about, how about some facts?? what security threat does it pose? by "the" DNS server, do you mean YOUR ISP's DNS server, which is probably crap.......you should be using Google's DNS servers anyways (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4). The HOSTS file is one of the SINGLE most targeted files to modify by malware, so by modifying it to NOT contain malicious entries is a GOOD thing!!!

wendiann24 wrote: I even played with my Hosts...ended up deleting the damn thing because as my computer geek says, "you don't need it anyway".

your "computer geek" is partially correct. you DON'T need the HOSTS file, but having one that is PROPER can help avoid a crap-ton of malware from causing havoc on your machine.

clb4u4 wrote: Really, this can't be 'rocket science'. I did system analysis/software development/database debugging work for years and I'm certainly not going to get into all this 'stuff' suggested now.

for someone as knowledgeable as you sound, the above suggestions should be "cake" for someone of your "expertise".

granny59da wrote: Not everyone knows enough about computer to find all of the files mentioned and if they do things wrong it might mess things up more.

you are RIGHT!!! but when I offer a script or small program to do this automatically, my links get pulled. I DO NOT see how things could get "messed up more" as you say. If it ain't working and my methods are used CORRECTLY and it still don't work, then what have you lost? If it does work, then GREAT!!


For everyone that I have helped along the way......thank you for listening.....for the rest.....good luck


GameHouse could fix this problem easily if they really wanted to......why not have the damn thing auto-retry without an error box that just freaks out users???? Most of the time, if you just click "retry" a few times it will load fine. If this ONE simple thing was done, there would be A LOT less problems reported. And if you are going to use LUA scripting, don't let the script just CRASH and report an error right away......give it some error control and maybe force it to give some more helpful information when "CRASHING"!

For me personally, I DO NOT have these problems that most users face, probably partly because I know Windows inside and out, and partially because i don't have half the crap loaded on my computer that the average user does. I try and "re-create" these problems to help others.

Anyways, rant over.........GH Staff.....you really need to get your S%!7 together!!!!!!

SIDE NOTE: I just successfully installed "Brainville" on Windows 8 (Build 8250) without a hitch. (2012-05-06)

On Wed May 02 22:12:48 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

For users having ANY type of problems, mainly Networking problems, please check the "ERROR 1000" thread here: http://www.gamehouse.com/forums/support-forum/Error-1000-Thread-PLEASE-POST-ALL-RELATED-ERRORS-HERE-id22211 and my other thread here, which is always being updated to fix common problems: http://www.gamehouse.com/forums/support-forum/GameHouse-Maintenance-Toolbox-Fix-Commonly-Reported-Errors-id22045

On Tue May 01 21:37:56 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

granny59da wrote: no one should have to change settings that are set by Microsoft when the computer was put together.

Microsoft releases Windows with a set of common settings and features that most people will be satisfied with, and with minimal support needed. For some reason Microsoft DOES NOT include things like VC++ and Direct-X redistributables, and only includes .NET Framework in Vista and later. There are also SEVERAL settings that most people will never need or that are UNSAFE or risk factor, such as Secondary Login and Remote Desktop ON by default.

I do agree with you that MOST people should not have to modify all kinds of stuff to get things to work, but, in the REAL world, there are these issues and CONSTANT updates because of security flaws and other coding flaws. Some that may only be discovered by accident, or by some hacker, white-hat or black-hat. So if you don't have "Automatic Updates" turned ON, DO IT NOW!

And finally, to make things WORSE, all the OEM distributors, Dell, HP, Toshiba, etc, they all load up your BRAND NEW computer with all kinds of crap software. This is the single most cause of poor performance, and they give it to you right out of the box.

Bottom Line: Microsoft cannot satisfy EVERYONE with a default Windows install. There are several flavors like Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Business, Ultimate, and so on, but they ALL look the same to the average user on the face of it.

my $0.02

had to post something.....I've been out for a while

On Tue Apr 10 08:03:19 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

hmmm...i am downloading to test now.

I will post if i find anything out.


as posted in a previous thread, you may try updating DirectX just to see if anything changes: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=35

have you checked the game install folder to see if there is a "dump.log" file in there to look at? You can open it with Notepad.

On Tue Apr 10 03:34:36 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

Bellablu wrote: yep, I am on an Acer Laptop. Everything was fine til today

have you done any of the things that I suggested above?

On Mon Apr 09 22:34:43 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

kvtto wrote: I had the same problem
A big Thank You to esc0rtd3w for an easy to follow solution

thanks for the appreciation

I have been brushing up on my screenshot skills, mainly so that they fit nice and snug using the forum pixel dimensions

On Mon Apr 09 22:18:42 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

MrsB wrote: I have done as you suggested, with the same result. I even downloaded the problematic games again, with the same result. Games load, but when I try to launch they appear a half a second in the dock before disappearing. I may have to cancel my Fun Ticket subscription just because of this issue. I don't know what else to try.

as another possible solution to your problem, maybe try using a friends computer that has a Mac OSX machine to see what happens. This will at least tell you if you have a problem with your machine.

Another possible problem could be the recent virus that has run rampant. It's name is "Trojan-Downloader:OSX/Flashback.I", and it uses a Java-Based Exploit, which affected over 600,000 Mac OSX machines.

Here is a link to F-Secure. This is a safe website with the detection and removal instructions of this virus.

The page is located here: http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/trojan-downloader_osx_flashback_i.shtml


Here is a brief copy/paste from the site (further details on above link):

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trojan-Downloader:OSX/Flashback.I

Detection Names: Exploit:Java/Flashback.I, Trojan-Downloader:OSX/Flashback.I, Trojan:OSX/Flashback.I, Backdoor:OSX/Flashback.I
Category: Malware
Type: Trojan-Downloader
Platform: OSX
Summary
Trojan-Downloader:OSX/Flashback.I connects to a remote site to download its payload; on successful infection, the malware modifies targeted webpages displayed in the web browser.
Disinfection

Manual Removal

Caution: Manual disinfection is a risky process; it is recommended only for advanced users. Otherwise, please seek professional technical assistance. F-Secure customers may also contact our Support.

Manual Removal Instructions

1. Run the following command in Terminal:

defaults read /Applications/Safari.app/Contents/Info LSEnvironment

2. Take note of the value, DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES
3. Proceed to step 8 if you got the following error message:

"The domain/default pair of (/Applications/Safari.app/Contents/Info, LSEnvironment) does not exist"

4. Otherwise, run the following command in Terminal:

grep -a -o '__ldpath__[ -~]*' %path_obtained_in_step2%

5. Take note of the value after "__ldpath__"
6. Run the following commands in Terminal (first make sure there is only one entry, from step 2):

sudo defaults delete /Applications/Safari.app/Contents/Info LSEnvironment

sudo chmod 644 /Applications/Safari.app/Contents/Info.plist

7. Delete the files obtained in steps 2 and 5
8. Run the following command in Terminal:

defaults read ~/.MacOSX/environment DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES

9. Take note of the result. Your system is already clean of this variant if you got an error message similar to the following:

"The domain/default pair of (/Users/joe/.MacOSX/environment, DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES) does not exist"

10. Otherwise, run the following command in Terminal:

grep -a -o '__ldpath__[ -~]*' %path_obtained_in_step9%

11. Take note of the value after "__ldpath__"
12. Run the following commands in Terminal:

defaults delete ~/.MacOSX/environment DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES

launchctl unsetenv DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES

13. Finally, delete the files obtained in steps 9 and 11.


Note:

Some Flashback variants include additional components, which require additional steps to remove. Please refer to our Trojan-Downloader:OSX/Flashback.K description for additional information and removal instructions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hope this helps with the problems you are having. We would hate to lose another GH player

On Mon Apr 09 21:39:39 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

you may try using the Catalyst Control Center. It should have come installed with your video drivers. It looks like a little "ATI" or "AMD" icon, i think.

Try going to GPU scaling under "Flat Screen Property" in Catalyst. Also, look under "Theater". Also look for any settings that have to do with aspect ratio or resolution.

Finally, go to AMD's website and download the newest drivers for your Radeon here: http://support.amd.com/us/Pages/AMDSupportHub.aspx


these may also be helpful

Catalyst Mobile Utility 64 Bit: http://www2.ati.com/drivers/mobile/catalyst_mobility_64-bit_util.exe

Catalyst Mobile Utility 32 Bit: http://www2.ati.com/drivers/mobile/catalyst_mobility_32-bit_util.exe

On Mon Apr 09 18:47:25 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

CallMeCoors wrote: Just discovered something else. Games from another site that had errors before and would not run are fully operational! You are my New Hero esc0rtd3W!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

glad to hear that......and thank you! you made my day

On Mon Apr 09 02:09:20 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

please see these links to install/re-install VisualC++ Runtimes:

you probably only need the 2010 version.

VC++ 2010 (32 Bit): http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=8328

VC++ 2010 (64 Bit): http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=14632

VC++ 2008 (32 & 64 Bit): http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=11895

VC++ 2005 (32 & 64 Bit): http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=14431

please post if any changes happen after taking above step(s)

On Sat Apr 07 19:22:29 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

Blondie723 wrote: Thanks esc0rtd3w, that worked.

tazcaz913 wrote: Thanks esc0rtd3w, that worked.

That worked perfectly!!! THANK YOU!! Much appreciated!

You are welcome. Please post if you encounter any problems from removing those files, or if there are other instances of a similar error.

btw..... The ending sequence may not play because of the missing video file. On a good note, they all look happy and drunk, and they thank you for playing. You can download a standalone Flash Video Projector to play them if you want to see the beginning or ending sequences like a video file.

The standalone players are here, directly from Adobe:

Windows: http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/flashplayer/updaters/11/flashplayer_11_sa_32bit.exe

Windows (Debug): http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/flashplayer/updaters/11/flashplayer_11_sa_debug_32bit.exe

Mac OSX: http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/flashplayer/updaters/11/flashplayer_11_sa.app.zip

Mac OSX (Debug): http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/flashplayer/updaters/11/flashplayer_11_sa_debug.app.zip

Linux: http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/flashplayer/updaters/11/flashplayer_11_sa.i386.tar.gz

Linux (Debug): http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/flashplayer/updaters/11/flashplayer_11_sa_debug.i386.tar.gz

On Sat Apr 07 12:57:02 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

i just downloaded this to test.

Using Process Monitor, it appears to crash while trying to load an SWF file (flash) for the opening scene, here: "C:\GameHouse Games\Winemaker Extraordinaire\assets\cutscenes\opening_cs.swf"

i also tested the BF version just to get a comparison, and the results were different, maybe even worse. I got this error instead with a dialog error box: Access violation at 0xFFFF027F

Most likely this is a version conflict with the Flash Player. I am currently looking into a fix and will post if, and when I find one.

On Sat Apr 07 11:16:45 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

CallMeCoors wrote: If I delete the HOSTS file and create a new one, and then post the text you gave us, will I be able to then play the games and also navigate to the websites that were being blocked?

BTW: Thank you so much for everything you do for us. You time and help is very much appreciated.

yes, as long as whatever ad is displaying is not being blocked.

Example: If you block api.opencandy.com (127.0.0.1 api.opencandy.com), then anything that tries to connect to this exact server will NOT be displayed.....ANYWHERE!! It will instead be redirected to 127.0.0.1, which is localhost, or in easier terms, YOUR COMPUTER.

The HOSTS file is (supposed to be) the very first thing your computer looks at when it is determining the correct IP address for any given domain name. Some viruses use this method to redirect you to a malicious website, so anything that you did not explicitly add yourself can be potentially dangerous.

An example of a malicious entry might look like this:
** RANDOM IP ADDRESS BEING USED FOR AN EXAMPLE **

65.231.54.82 google.com <-- DO NOT ADD THIS TO YOUR HOSTS FILE!!
65.231.54.82 yahoo.com <-- DO NOT ADD THIS TO YOUR HOSTS FILE!!
65.231.54.82 hotmail.com <-- DO NOT ADD THIS TO YOUR HOSTS FILE!!
65.231.54.82 microsoft.com <-- DO NOT ADD THIS TO YOUR HOSTS FILE!!
65.231.54.82 facebook.com <-- DO NOT ADD THIS TO YOUR HOSTS FILE!!

If you have a HOSTS file that looks like the above example and you typed "google.com", "yahoo.com", "hotmail.com", "microsoft.com", or "facebook.com" into your web browser, then you would be redirected to "65.231.54.82" instead.

Hope that helps

oh.....and you're welcome!!

On Fri Apr 06 00:20:02 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

Updated fixes.

I spent all night testing over 60 games with great success!! I only had to click RETRY on a network problem a couple times, and after clicking one time each, the download finished and the license retrieved, then played like normal.

See First (Top) post for detailed information

I was thinking of starting a thread with all the testing results in it per game using different settings, but that would turn into a gigantic thread VERY FAST!!

** Side Note: I DO NOT run antivirus software on my personal machine for day to day use. I also run as Administrator full time. I have a Limited User account set up to do some testing. I will test with all common antivirus and antimalware software, using default settings....... very soon **

On Wed Apr 04 13:52:23 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

JodieGN1980 wrote: Hi

I am not too good with computers but would love to get the games working trying your method, but how do I do this (in very simple terms lol), i use Vista Basic and use Mozilla

Thanks very much

--STARTING FROM DESKTOP----MODIFY HOSTS FILE
- Double-Click "My Computer" or "Computer"
- Double-Click "Local Disk C:"
- Double-Click "Windows" folder
- Double-Click "system32" folder.
- Double-Click "drivers" folder
- Double-Click "etc" folder
- Right-Click "HOSTS" and open with Notepad


Some users reported that they were unable to edit this file. If this is the case, try these steps:

- Hit the WINDOWS key on your keyboard
- Type "notepad" and right-click on icon and select "Run As Administrator
- Once in Notepad, click on the top bar where it says "File", and click "Open"
- Double-Click "My Computer" or "Computer"
- Double-Click "Local Disk C:"
- Double-Click "Windows" folder
- Double-Click "system32" folder.
- Double-Click "drivers" folder
- Double-Click "etc" folder
- Double-Click "HOSTS"


if you still are unable to access this file because you are a limited user, then I suggest to make it the EASIEST, go to google.com and type this in and search --> "mvps hosts"

Once you download it (hosts.zip), right-click to extract anywhere and right-click on "mvps.bat" and choose "Run As Administrator", this should update your HOSTS file.

I am in the process of adding screenshots for all these steps, when I do, it will be updated in the original post.

On Tue Apr 03 23:18:49 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

Whizzz wrote: Thanks for replying, i got it figured out Platinum and Premium are the same **I Think.** ......

I am not sure if they are the same either??? I think the Premium was replaced by Platinum??

Not sure. Maybe a GH Rep can clear it up for us

On Tue Apr 03 23:08:11 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

I will download this and test it.

If I come up with anything useful, I will update my post.

On Tue Apr 03 17:58:24 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

AngelaPricela wrote: i want to play big city adventure . but i must have a funpass . how to make the funpass member ? please give me a comment .

please go to this page: http://www.gamehouse.com/memberships/funpass/trial

click on any of the 3 links marked in red below:

On Tue Apr 03 07:36:09 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

I just downloaded this to test and I must say........THE GAMEPLAY IS TERRIBLE!!!

So terrible in fact, it is pretty much UNPLAYABLE!!!!


.....like VforVictoria said, the gameplay is extremely horrible, specifically in one area as mentioned, but runs smooth in some areas


I will say that I am currently using onboard video for graphics.....sooooo........i don't know.

so disappointed

On Tue Apr 03 00:45:10 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

I am downloading now to test. I will post a solution, if found

On Mon Apr 02 15:28:46 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

Whizzz wrote: ....Could it be because it is 2 games in 1.

this may be a possibility because of the way the EXE files are chained together for the DRM protection scam......er...uh....scheme.

On Mon Apr 02 13:31:26 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

what game is it?

if it is an older release then the launcher looks different.


This is the OLD loader:







This is the NEW loader:

On Mon Apr 02 12:50:00 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

For users having ANY type of problems, mainly Networking problems, please check the "ERROR 1000" thread here: http://www.gamehouse.com/forums/support-forum/Error-1000-Thread-PLEASE-POST-ALL-RELATED-ERRORS-HERE-id22211 and my other thread here, which is always being updated to fix common problems: http://www.gamehouse.com/forums/support-forum/GameHouse-Maintenance-Toolbox-Fix-Commonly-Reported-Errors-id22045

On Mon Apr 02 12:30:16 PDT 2012, esc0rtd3w said:

For the past decade all of us consumers have been "BETA TESTERS" for software all across the board!! Including PC, Playstation, XBOX, and more.

Many of these companies release a "half-baked" game or other software, and from feedback and frustration the game gets fixed, in "revisions", and over time.....realMyst may not have been one of them.....lol

Good or Bad model?? Not sure