Testing FAZ Beta: Difference between revisions
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= Testing FAZ Beta = | = Testing FAZ Beta = | ||
This entry is intended to help you get the latest | This entry is intended to help you get the latest [[R5|Allegiance R5]] build running so you can help test [[FAZ]] beta. To simplify the instructions, the entry assumes you don't even have the release build (regular) Allegiance installed on your computer. It is recommended to treat this as a different install from your normal installation to avoid custom install issues during testing. | ||
== What is this all about? == | == What is this all about? == | ||
| Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
== When should I test? == | == When should I test? == | ||
It's usually not necessary to test by yourself unless you are a developer or you are helping a dev. with a specific test case. To organize other people to play test with, the FAZ Beta team has scheduled weekly events on Wednesdays. There is more tester activity throughout this day of the week than any other and tries to make testing a more enjoyable experience. Sometimes larger scale beta events will be held on the weekends, watch the home page for information regarding these. | It's usually not necessary to test by yourself unless you are a developer or you are helping a dev. with a specific test case. To organize other people to play test with, the [[FAZ Beta team]] has scheduled weekly events on Wednesdays. There is more tester activity throughout this day of the week than any other and tries to make testing a more enjoyable experience. Sometimes larger scale beta events will be held on the weekends, watch the home page for information regarding these. | ||
== Where do I report bugs/suggestions? == | == Where do I report bugs/suggestions? == | ||
| Line 55: | Line 55: | ||
=== Allegiance client === | === Allegiance client === | ||
http://fazdev.alleg.net/FAZ/Allegiance_R5beta_090724.zip | http://fazdev.alleg.net/FAZ/Allegiance_R5beta_090724.zip (updated 24/07/2009) | ||
==== The artwork ==== | ==== The artwork ==== | ||
http://freeallegiance.sourceforge.net/Artwork_R5test.exe | http://freeallegiance.sourceforge.net/Artwork_R5test.exe (updated 24/07/2009) | ||
== Setup == | == Setup == | ||
| Line 65: | Line 65: | ||
=== Files & Folders === | === Files & Folders === | ||
Extract the client and artwork downloads into a new empty folder. | Extract the client and artwork downloads from above into a new empty folder. | ||
When you execute the artwork file it will create the artwork sub directory and dev sub directory for you, point the extraction to the same folder you extracted the client to. | When you execute the artwork file it will create the artwork sub directory and dev sub directory for you, point the extraction to the same folder you extracted the client to. | ||
Do | {{Note|Do NOT manually create an artwork folder, a dev sub directory or a beta sub directory.}} | ||
Simply extract the client and artwork to the same folders, it can be wherever you want. | Simply extract the client and artwork to the same folders, it can be wherever you want. | ||
=== Windows registry === | === Windows registry === | ||
If the registry edits scare you, run this small utility and [b]you | If the registry edits scare you, run this small utility and [b]you are done:[/b] | ||
http://freeallegiance.sourceforge.net/betareghlp.exe | http://freeallegiance.sourceforge.net/betareghlp.exe | ||
| Line 80: | Line 80: | ||
http://alleg.pastebin.com/f6ee919a2 | http://alleg.pastebin.com/f6ee919a2 | ||
Or do it manually: | |||
Open regedit, in Registry Editor: | Open regedit, in Registry Editor: | ||
| Line 108: | Line 108: | ||
Close regedit. | Close regedit. | ||
[b]You | [b]You are done[/b] | ||
== Troubleshooting == | == Troubleshooting == | ||
| Line 114: | Line 114: | ||
=== ASGS === | === ASGS === | ||
It is not necessary to use ASGS when testing FAZ Beta nor is it recommended. To launch the game just double click the Allegiance.exe (the application file with a red icon) or your shortcut. A shortcut to the application is recommended, see the testing tip | It is not necessary to use [[ASGS]] when testing FAZ Beta nor is it recommended. To launch the game just double click the Allegiance.exe (the application file with a red icon) or your shortcut. A shortcut to the application is recommended, see the testing tip about [[using multiple clients|Testing FAZ Beta#Use multiple clients]]. | ||
=== Artwork === | === Artwork === | ||
It is highly recommended that you have "clean" artwork. Clean artwork being an unmodified artwork folder, | It is highly recommended that you have "clean" artwork. Clean artwork being an unmodified artwork folder, which can be found in the downloads section [[above|Testing FAZ Beta#downloads]]. Testing FAZ Beta with custom mods, chat packs, etc. can have unexpected results and may prevent you from launching the game, connecting to the lobby, joining a server and piloting/commanding. | ||
=== Downloads === | === Downloads === | ||
If you have strange issues with the client or artwork download, verify | If you have strange issues with the client or artwork download, verify its integrity. To do this compare the check sums from your download with the ones here. If they don't match up, clear your browser's cache and download them again. The tool used to verify the check sums can be found here: | ||
http://downloads.activestate.com/contrib/md5sum/Windows/md5sum.exe | http://downloads.activestate.com/contrib/md5sum/Windows/md5sum.exe | ||
Allegiance_R5beta_090724.zip md5sum: 750d05dbab426c930e91bce8f936ce1d | Allegiance_R5beta_090724.zip md5sum: 750d05dbab426c930e91bce8f936ce1d (updated 24/07/2009) | ||
Artwork_R5test.exe md5sum: 34be934cf1382fccbdd24e51535fb93b | Artwork_R5test.exe md5sum: 34be934cf1382fccbdd24e51535fb93b (updated 24/07/2009) | ||
=== Vista === | === Vista === | ||
The Allegiance.exe beta is built with "Require Administrator". This should make it easier for Vista users as the UAC dialog will appear. You will need a username and password for an account in the Administrators group if you | The Allegiance.exe beta is built with "Require Administrator". This should make it easier for Vista users as the UAC dialog will appear. You will need a username and password for an account in the Administrators group if you are not logged in as one already. | ||
= Playing the game = | = Playing the game = | ||
Revision as of 09:04, 27 July 2009
Testing FAZ Beta
This entry is intended to help you get the latest Allegiance R5 build running so you can help test FAZ beta. To simplify the instructions, the entry assumes you don't even have the release build (regular) Allegiance installed on your computer. It is recommended to treat this as a different install from your normal installation to avoid custom install issues during testing.
What is this all about?
Free Allegiance Zone Beta is similar to Shadow Allegiance. Shadow Allegiance was used by MSRG during their development of the game. It allowed for people "in the know" to connect to a lobby that automatically updated the client and artwork to a pre-release version. This let MSRG developers get feedback from a select few and help decide to release the updated versions to the masses or go back to the drawing board.
Why is testing important?
The number one reason testing is important: developers require timely and constant feedback. There are many more obvious reasons, one of them being to check if the next update will be compatible with your computer.
How should I assist development?
Carefully follow the instructions that have been conveniently placed here all in one location.
When should I test?
It's usually not necessary to test by yourself unless you are a developer or you are helping a dev. with a specific test case. To organize other people to play test with, the FAZ Beta team has scheduled weekly events on Wednesdays. There is more tester activity throughout this day of the week than any other and tries to make testing a more enjoyable experience. Sometimes larger scale beta events will be held on the weekends, watch the home page for information regarding these.
Where do I report bugs/suggestions?
If you know a specific developer was working on a similar issue, send them a private message:
http://www.freeallegiance.org/forums/index.php?act=Msg&CODE=01
Bugs that don't effect game play, remember to search first:
http://allegzilla.alleg.net:8080/
Suggestions or "Bugs" that effect game play if "fixed":
http://www.freeallegiance.org/forums/index.php?showforum=87
Who is responsible for FAZ Beta?
The Free Allegiance Zone Dev Team.
Getting Started
Downloads
This section lists all the downloads you may need to run the latest allegiance build for FAZ beta. Download and install the libraries. Download and install your latest video card driver.
Visual C++ libraries
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a5c84275-3b97-4ab7-a40d-3802b2af5fc2
DirectX libraries
DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3
Video card drivers
Use the most recent versions with FAZ Beta.
ATI
http://support.amd.com/us/psearch/Pages/psearch.aspx?type=2.4.1&contentType=GPU%20Download%20Detail
Nvidia
http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx
Intel
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/
Choose Graphics->Products->Desktop graphics controllers or Laptop graphics controllers
Allegiance client
http://fazdev.alleg.net/FAZ/Allegiance_R5beta_090724.zip (updated 24/07/2009)
The artwork
http://freeallegiance.sourceforge.net/Artwork_R5test.exe (updated 24/07/2009)
Setup
This section provides instructions to configure your computer to run the latest allegiance build for FAZ beta. Ensure you have first installed the libraries and drivers from the links provided.
Files & Folders
Extract the client and artwork downloads from above into a new empty folder.
When you execute the artwork file it will create the artwork sub directory and dev sub directory for you, point the extraction to the same folder you extracted the client to.
Note Do NOT manually create an artwork folder, a dev sub directory or a beta sub directory.
Simply extract the client and artwork to the same folders, it can be wherever you want.
Windows registry
If the registry edits scare you, run this small utility and [b]you are done:[/b]
http://freeallegiance.sourceforge.net/betareghlp.exe
If small utilities scare you, the source code has been made available:
http://alleg.pastebin.com/f6ee919a2
Or do it manually:
Open regedit, in Registry Editor:
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft.
From the menu bar choose Edit->New->Key. Type Microsoft Games then press enter.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft Games.
From the menu bar choose Edit->New->Key. Type Allegiance then press enter.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft Games\Allegiance.
From the menu bar choose Edit->New->Key. Type 1.1 then press enter.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft Games\Allegiance\1.1.
From the menu bar choose Edit->New->String Value. Type ArtPath then press enter.
Double left click your new ArtPath entry (in the right-hand side pane), type the full path to your artwork folder that was created when you extracted the zip file. i.e. C:\test\artwork (note: no trailing slash) then press enter.
From the menu bar choose Edit->New->String Value. Type CfgFile then press enter.
Double left click your new CfgFile entry (in the right-hand side pane), type or copy/paste http://fazdev.alleg.net/FAZ/FAZR5.cfg (note: case sensitive) then press enter.
Close regedit.
[b]You are done[/b]
Troubleshooting
This section provides tips for common errors when following these instructions.
ASGS
It is not necessary to use ASGS when testing FAZ Beta nor is it recommended. To launch the game just double click the Allegiance.exe (the application file with a red icon) or your shortcut. A shortcut to the application is recommended, see the testing tip about Testing FAZ Beta#Use multiple clients.
Artwork
It is highly recommended that you have "clean" artwork. Clean artwork being an unmodified artwork folder, which can be found in the downloads section Testing FAZ Beta#downloads. Testing FAZ Beta with custom mods, chat packs, etc. can have unexpected results and may prevent you from launching the game, connecting to the lobby, joining a server and piloting/commanding.
Downloads
If you have strange issues with the client or artwork download, verify its integrity. To do this compare the check sums from your download with the ones here. If they don't match up, clear your browser's cache and download them again. The tool used to verify the check sums can be found here:
http://downloads.activestate.com/contrib/md5sum/Windows/md5sum.exe
Allegiance_R5beta_090724.zip md5sum: 750d05dbab426c930e91bce8f936ce1d (updated 24/07/2009)
Artwork_R5test.exe md5sum: 34be934cf1382fccbdd24e51535fb93b (updated 24/07/2009)
Vista
The Allegiance.exe beta is built with "Require Administrator". This should make it easier for Vista users as the UAC dialog will appear. You will need a username and password for an account in the Administrators group if you are not logged in as one already.
Playing the game
This section gives you background on what's changed and provides instructions for testing specific issues.
Change log
The list of changes can be found here:
http://freeallegiance.org/FAW/index.php/R5#Changelog
Test cases
Zapper is currently writing test cases? He can provide a link to his entry here!
Stub This article is incomplete This is an article about a topic that should be covered in more detail by the FreeAllegiance Wiki, but is lacking in content.
You can help by improving it!
Testing tips
Use multiple clients
Create a shortcut to launch Allegiance with the -multi and -windowed command-line switches. After creating a shortcut, right click on it then left click properties. Append (add to the end) of the target -windowed -multi after the quotes (if any).
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