0) Completely disable Anti-Virus Software while installing and patching, then re-enable.
1) Do a clean install from a retail CD. (First, uninstall existing mods, the game, and delete its folder) - DO NOT install to "Program Files" on Vista/7 put it in a folder of your own creation on the root of the drive
2) Patch to 2.5.5.2:
ftp://www.dynaverse.net/sfc2_op/patches/SFCOP_Patch_2500-2552.exe (run as admin on Vista/7)
3) Edit your shortcut to point to StarfleetOP.exe and correct the "Start In" folder as described in the 2552 patch readme, then use this shortcut to launch the game henceforth. (The correct shortcut can be created easliy by copying StarFleetOP.exe and "paste shortcut" on the desktop)
4) Install the directory server fix:
ftp://www.dynaverse.net/sfc2_op/patches/sfc2_directory_server_updater.exeYou're good to go!
(with a free Gamespy account) <--- This means go to gamespy.com, download the gamespy arcade client and create a free account, subscription accounts are not required.
Now most servers are using the OP+4 shiplist or one based on it, so if you wish to login to one of these servers then:
5) Install Firesoul's OP+4:
http://klingon.pet.dhs.orgAdditionally most servers are using custom scripts written by the community. Most of which are included in:
6) Install the SFC:OP Community Scripts:
ftp://www.dynaverse.net/sfc2_op/Scripts/scripts.exe (OPTIONAL)
Finally, most servers will have their own customisations that will require their own downloads usually linked in clearly labelled threads in the Dynaverse II Experiences forum:
http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/board,12.0.htmlFollowing these steps ought to minimise the pain and get you logged into the D2 quickly!
Currently the Dynaverse.net/Xenocorp D2 server "The Forge" also requires its own missions installer:
ftp://www.dynaverse.net/sfc2_op/Scripts/TheForgeScripts.exeAlso,
ftp://www.dynaverse.net/sfc2_op/Tools_and_Utilities/setup-ezini.exe will come in handy for changing the game resolution etc.
If you are behind a router you will need to forward ports 2300-2400 TCP&UDP and 47624 TCP to login. (allow pings from the WAN) Port forwarding applies to a static LAN config. The following site may be of assistance in this:
http://www.portforward.com/Some ADSL and cable modems have router capabilites in them that the ISP does not tell you about and often poorly understand themselves.
Understand what a private IP address is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_IP_addressDetermine if you have one: "ipconfig /all" at the command prompt on WinXP/NT or Start..Run.."winipcfg" on Win9x.