Tomb Raider 1 on Windows XP Technical FAQ

Problem Solving FAQ - Atlantean Scion

Written and produced by Simulation

Index

Essential Software

Optional Software

Installing the game

Common problems [ General ] [ Sound ] [ Glidos ] [ dgVoodoo ]

Acknowledgements

Essential Software

Tomb Raider was originally designed to run on MS-DOS and Windows 95/98/ME. To install Tomb Raider on Windows XP/2000 follow the guidelines below.

VDM Sound V2.10 (Download - Freeware)

VDMSound is a program that allows Windows XP/2000 to play the in-game music and sound effects. VDMSound emulates an MPU-401 interface (for outputting high-quality MIDI music), a SoundBlaster compatible (SB16, SBPro 2, SB2, SBPro, etc.) implementation (for digital sound effects and FM/AdLib music), as well as a standard game-port interface (for playing games with joystick support).

Advanced Tomb Raider Installer (Download - Freeware)

To run Tomb Raider Original on Windows 2000 or Windows XP, install the game using the Advanced Tomb Raider Installer from Bokkie. It Sets up audio and visual elements of the game and optionally works with with VDM Sound and Glide emulators GLIDOS or dgVoodoo (included in Installer).

 
          Optional Software

dgVoodoo Glide Emulator (Freeware)

dgVoodoo is a Glide emulator that brings high resolution graphics to Tomb Raider. dgVoodoo is included with the Advanced Tomb Raider Installer.
dgVoodoo implements Glide 2.11 and Glide 2.43 using DirectDraw7 and Direct3D7. dgVoodoo provides support to run Windows-based and DOS-based applications that use Glide. DOS applications can only be wrapped without VESA emulation under Windows XP.

GLIDOS Glide Emulator (Download - Free to Install, $10 to remove Logo)

GLIDOS (© Paul Gardiner 2002-2003) is a Glide emulator. Until the development of GLIDOS, there has been no way for the original Tomb Raider game to make use of modern graphics cards. GLIDOS is the first program to provide Glide emulation for DOS, and allow games like Tomb Raider to show their full detail on modern computers. You can download and install GLIDOS to try out the high resolution graphics. Once you are happy with the results you can purchase GLIDOS to remove the "Spinning logo".

Tomb Raider Xtra (Download - Freeware, Under development)

Tomb Raider Xtra is a project to make the original Tomb Raider game look better by replacing the graphics with high resolution images. This texture package is currently under development and has completed the title graphics and the first level (The Caves).

GLIDOS v1.29 or later is required.

CD Audio Repair (How To - Instructions)

The Sold Out version of Tomb Raider sometimes does not contain valid audio tracks and the game loses a lot of its atmosphere as a result. However, this situation can be rectified if your PC has a CD-RW drive. Download the audio tracks from Tomb Raider Chronicles and burn your own replacement CD-ROM.

Audio Pack (Download - Freeware, Under development)

Supplied by GLIDOS, this audio pack brings the PlayStation Audio to the PC. When the original Play Station version of Tomb Raider was ported over to the PC platform, it was such a shame that so much of Nathan McCree's haunting music was lost. This method will, when complete, provide an alternative solution for the corrupted audio tracks on the Sold Out version.

GLIDOS v1.29 or later required.

Unfinished Business Add-on (Download - Freeware)

Tomb Raider Unfinished Business/ Shadow of the Cat are four additional bonus levels released on the TR 1 Gold version. Players that have the original version can download the add-on for free. Download the 3DFX/PC version if you are using GLIDOS or dgVoodoo. Installation NOTE: You must have the original TOMB RAIDER game installed and the game CD in your CD-ROM drive in order for the free levels to install & work correctly. Install by Double-click on the .EXE file and the new levels will be installed to your hard drive (default is c:\tombraid). If you have the game installed in a different directory type in the correct path in the dialog box. Run the game by double-clicking on TOMBUB.EXE.

ESCAPEplay (Download - Freeware)

If you are having trouble viewing the FMV (full motion video) files or wish to see them again, download this FMV player.

 
          INSTALLING THE GAME

The installation program on Tomb Raider CD cannot work correctly on Windows XP/2000, so you may need a little help.

1. Download VDMSound and the ATR Installer.

2. Install VDMSound. On the "Choose Components" page select Complete from the pull down list. Reboot PC when complete.

3. Place the Tomb Raider CD into the drive (must be first drive if you have more than one).

4. Start the ATR Installer. This program will guide you through the installation process by taking you through the options available to you. This includes the option to run Tomb Raider with GLIDOS or dgVoodoo. Tomb Raider will be installed in C:\TOMBRAID. There is no choice available as the game will assume this directory.

Select between Tomb Raider Original release (this includes the Sold Out version) or Tomb Raider Gold (4 additional levels). If you want the additional levels then download the pack from TombRaiderChronicles. If you are installing either GLIDOS or dgVoodoo download the 3D/FX PC version.

Now is the time to decide which version you wish to install? We would recommend either of the Glide versions which will provide high resolution graphics. dgVoodoo is free and is included in the installation program and does not require any additional software. Glidos will cost $10, but does allow you to install aditional software, such as texture packs and audio tracks.

Time to setup the sound card. If you are running Windows 2000/XP you must install VDMSound before this installation. Nearly all computers will work with IRQ7 and this should be selected. If you do not hear the music when playing the game re-run the Installation program and select IRQ5 instead.

Ok.This is it....... Time to install your Tomb Raider. Press that Next button NOW!

Final Installation Page - GLIDOS only If you have chosen GLIDOS you need to start Tomb Raider by clicking on the Glidos Desktop Icon that was created by the GLIDOS Installation. Start the Glide Server and select Adjust. We would recommend that Full Screen is Checked. Press Start Game. TR1 will be started with VDMSound. When you are happy GLIDOS is working correctly you can purchase the software (this gets rid of the spinning logo after Level 2 in the game).

Final Installation Page - dgVoodoo only Normal VDD Mode Just tick the "Create a game shortcut" and press Finish. Now all you have to do is double click on the desktop icon which will automatically start VDMSound, dgvoodoo and Tomb Raider.

VDD Mode Disabled (ATI cards only) Now this is important!!! So pay attention. dgVoodoo can be started in two modes. Normally it starts up in VDD mode, but this is a problem for ATI Radeon graphic cards. They will either crash the application or can even reboot the PC when you try and run Tomb Raider. So make sure you tick the box "Disable dgVoodoo VDD Mode" if you have an ATI card. If this option is selected an additional Information dialog is displayed by the Installer and Desktop Shortcut Icon for "Disable VDD Mode is created. Double Click on "Disable VDD Mode" and the Server Process is started (Leave it on the screen). Now double click on the Tomb Raider icon and the game will start. Once you have finished playing TR you can dismiss the Server Process by clicking on the Close button. It is recommended that you tick the option to create a Desktop Icon as this will launch Tomb Raider with VDMSound. ONLY tick "setup dgVoodoo" if you understand how this program works.

Final Installation Page - No Glide Wrapper Choose the option to create a PIF and shortcut to the game and select the icon to start. If VDMSound is used, it creates Tomb Raider (VMD).LNK shortcut on desktop If VDMSound is not used, it creates Tomb Raider.PIF shortcut on desktop. Press F1 to switch from VGA to SVGA mode for improved graphics, but then, if you wanted better graphics install Glidos or dgVoodoo..........

COMMON PROBLEMS

General Issues

The game freezes at the end of the first level.

This can occur on systems with two CD-ROM drives. Try temporarily disabling the second drive. Control Panel > System > Device manager >

When you have finished playing the game repeat the procedure and Enable the CD-ROM device.

In the cut- scene where Lara confronts Larsen for the first time the audio often stops short and the game may freeze.

Press Esc or enter - persevere and then keep a saved game past this point.

How do I get rid of the Frame Rate?

Press F2. The game may pause for a second before removing the FPS.

Error message when you install or start Tomb Raider :
C:\Windows\System32\Autoexec.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications.

This issue may occur if one or more of the following files are missing or damaged.

CONFIG.NT
AUTOEXEC.BAT
COMMAND.COM

For full explanation and solution read this Page.

The error message "Cannot find *LASERLOK* CD_ROM in any drive."

Some Tomb Raider CD-ROM's used a copy protection system called LASERLOK.
Download DOS4GW.ZIP. The zip file contains a non-laserlok DOS4GW.EXE that can be copied to C:\TOMBRAID folder to replace your installed version.

The Start screen is only using half the screen.

The game was started when the Command Prompt window was not in Full Screen mode.

I want to use my PSX Game PAD on PC.

You can purchase a PSX/PC converter and use an application called JoyToKey, which is a keyboard emulator for joysticks. See related Tech Threads : Thread #1 Thread #2 .

Sound Issues

I cannot hear any gun fire or foot steps.

Either VDMSound has not loaded or your Sound Card configuration is wrong for your PC.

I cannot hear any music.

1. VDMSound has not loaded.
VDMSound has to be installed on Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems. Make sure you reboot the PC after the installing VDNSound before playing Tomb Raider

2. Sold Out Version of Tomb Raider
The Sold Out version can have corrupted music audio tracks. Download the music tracks and burn your own replacement CD. Instructions can be found HERE

3. CD Audio is muted. The CD Audio may have been muted. Check the Volumn Control panel
and any sound control program installed with your sound card.

4. Audio cable missing from CD-ROM drive. It is possible that the CD-ROM does not have an audio cable connected and therefore does not play music. To rectify the missing audio problem try enabling "Digital CD Audio" Control Panel > System > Device manager. Right mouse click on the CD-ROM Drive and select Properties. On the Properties Tab tick the option "Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device". If your CD-ROM has an audio jack plug in a headphones set to see if the music can be heard. Now check and see if the audio cable has been connected between the CD-ROM drive and the sound card.

When I use VDMSound the game hangs with the message:
C:\TOMBRAID\DOSDRV TOMB.EXE (no such command or filename) FAILED TO LOAD VDDLOADER.DLL

You probably installed VDMSound but your computer has not been restarted. Restart the computer and start the game again, it should work.

Glidos Issues

The in-game cut scenes have no sound.

Edit the file Glidos.ini (Program Files\Glidos).
Remove the line Mp3BackgroundSounds: Yes and Set RedbookEmulation: Yes

Click here to see a standard glidos.ini file.

The game runs really slow.

Try to disable Mipmapping If you don't have Anisotropic option, your graphic card probably does not support Anisotropic filtering.

I can't see the health bar.

The screen size needs adjusting. First of all set the GLIDOS screen resolution to the same value as your Desktop. If there is still a problem adjust the monitors Horizontal/Vertical position and size while in the game.

Setting up Unfinished Business with GLIDOS.

After installing TRUB you may need to edit Glidos.ini (Program Files\Glidos) and remove the line CDCheckFile: data\End2.phd from the Unfinished Business section. The TR1 CD must still be placed in the first CD-ROM drive.

Click here to see a standard glidos.ini file.

I start Tomb Raider, but what I get a is a black screen.

Start the game within Glidos. Then press ESC and after few seconds press ESC again to skip introduction movies. After few moments you will be in the game main screen.

dgVoodoo Issues

I start Tomb Raider, there is a background sound, but I don't see any introduction movies.

Start the game by double clicking on TOMB.VLP file located in C:\TOMBRAID folder or click on TR desktop shortcut if it's created. Press ESC key two times to skip introduction movies. After few moments you will be in the game main screen and ready to go raiding.

Game crashes to desktop immediately just before introduction FMV (WinXP SP2).

This may be due to the VDMSound settings.
Right-click on Tomb Raider (Glide) shortcut, click Properties, in VDMSound tab click Advanced, choose SoundBlaster tab, and set 'DSP ver.' to '3.02 SoundBlaster Pro 2'. All other settings except from Sound Blaster 16 work as well.

ATI graphic card and ATI Catalyst 4.7 drivers (or higher). The game doesn't seem to work at all or it's not working well.

Ensure that you selected the option "Disable dgVoodoo VDD mode" and follow the installation instructions.

nVidia drivers v6x.xx on Windows XP. Game crashes.

Ensure you have updated to v71.84 or later.

Are there additional settings available with dgVoodoo?

Yes, there is. When installation is finished, check the following checkbox 'I want to setup dgVoodoo after Installer closes itself' or double click dgVoodooSetup.exe in C:\TOMBRAID folder. In Platform groupbox always choose DOS (it defaults to Windows). Choose 32-bit screen depth. Then go to Glide tab and select 32-bit Direct3D textures and resolution you want to use.

Tomb Raider Advanced Installer implements the following dgVoodoo settings automatically:

32 bit screen depth

FullScreen mode

VDD Mode (Windows XP)

32 bit Direct3D textures depth

Enables W-buffering

Applies Texture memory size to 8192kB

Sets a screen resolution to 1024x768

Forces tripple buffering

Fixes TR1's shadow-problem

The game is running too fast.

If your game runs too fast right click on tomb.vlp, go to 'Properties', switch to VDMSound tab, click 'Advanced' button, switch to 'Performance' tab, move CPU usage slider to the right.

Change the screen resolution.

Run the program C:\TOMBRAID\dgVoodooSetup.exe. In Platform groupbox always choose DOS (it defaults to Windows). Select the Glide tab and change the Resolution and Refresh Rate to suit your monitor's capabilities.

Remove Frame Rate from top left corner.

Press F2. The game may pause for a second before removing the FPS

Run the game in windowed mode

Run the program C:\TOMBRAID\dgVoodooSetup.exe. In Platform groupbox always choose DOS (it defaults to Windows). See Setup Image Ref 2

White outline on Lara's guns and edges of scenery.

This can occur when the glide program has become corrupted. Re-install.

Game crashes when exiting the program.

Check you are running VDMSound v2.10Beta or later.

Game has missing textures (ATI cards).

Try changing the Colorkeying Method to Alpha Based. See Setup Image Ref: 13

Lara is invisible.

Ensure Depth Buffering is set to Emulate W-buffering. See Setup Image Ref 9

Taking screen shots with dgVoodoo.

Run the program C:\TOMBRAID\dgVoodooSetup.exe. In Platform groupbox always choose DOS (it defaults to Windows). Select the Glide tab and tick Screen Capturing On. Choose between Saving to File or Clipboard. If File is selected the images will be saved to c:\temp.
Press the 'Pause/Break' to take a screen shot.
See Setup Image Ref: 4

About dgVoodoo.

For more information about dgVoodoo visit http://dege.freeweb.hu/
You can also view the readme.txt supplied with dgVoodoo in English or Hungarian

Acknowledgements

Glidos - Paul Gardiner � 2002-2003

Tomb Raider Xtra Matthew Hill - � 2003

Advanced TR Installer - Slobodan Ratkovic � 2003

dgVoodoo Glide Wrapper - D�G� � 2004

ESCAPEplay - Eidos Technologies � 1997

TRF Members: Bokkie, Elen, Joseph, Neteru, Nicky, SYS tlr online and Zebius

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