Version discrepancy

[Saito S]

My first post is here instead of in the occasions forum, because I'm hoping to get help with a rather irritating problem.

So I've had RMXP on my desktop computer for years. I originally purchased it back in 2007. Recently, I got back into the program after a long hiatus, and thought it'd be neat to also have it on my netbook (which I didn't have before). I downloaded the trial just to see how well it would run (my understanding is that I will have to pay for it after the trial is over to have it on a second computer; correct me if that's wrong. At least it's down to $30 now...). It works fine, however, it's the newer "version 1.04". Whereas the copy of the program on my desktop is "version 1.02a". This means that projects created/modified on the netbook cannot be opened on the desktop (it throws up the error, "This project is from an old version of RPG Maker and cannot be loaded." Which makes no sense, because it's the desktop version that is the older one, but whatever).

If I cannot work on the same project on both computers, having the program on the netbook is worthless. I have not been able to find any information anywhere on a way to simply update the desktop RMXP to version 1.04, which - if I could do so - would solve this problem, I would think.

Any ideas?

[deValdr]

You don't have to buy it over and I think they should open in both anyways.

Open "My computer", go to "programfiles(x86)" or "programfiles" if the first doesn't exist. Find the folder called Enterbrain. Put it on a flashdrive or upload it to somewhere.
Put the flash drive in your netbook and put the folder in the "programfiles(x86)"/"programfiles" of your netbook, open it from there and right click the "RPG Maker XP.exe" file. In the dropdown, select "Send to" and from there "desktop (create shortcut)". You have got RMXP on your netbook. It worked for me at least.

[DerVVulfman]

When I downloaded RPGMaker, I saved the install on a CD, including my serial number. All I had to do to re-install was to generate a new activation code after submitting my serial number and paste the new code into the system. Even version 1.02a is still activatable (is that a word?). So if you have your original download and serial... you wouldn't need to get the trial version. There's virtually nothing different.

On the other hand, look at your project's INI file. One would have a value of
Library=RGSS102E.dll
and the other (likely) to be
Library=RGSS104E.dll

See what happens if you copy your older 1.02a project to your lappy, and changing the entry to use the newer .dll. That may do it.

[MetalRenard]

DerV is absolutely right, often it's just a case of changing the .dll file and updating the .ini file!

[Draycos Goldaryn]

If you are getting this error when trying to open a project in rmxp to edit further, then you may want two different .rxproj files in your project directory, one for the version on your netbook and one for your desktop. it doesn't matter what they are named, so you can name each one differently so that you can work on your project from either computer. as an added precaution, go ahead and install the new rtp on your desktop as I believe it should install all the rgss dll's including the old ones, and japanese ones.

[DerVVulfman]

Actually, there has been a bit of research between the two versions. Both are actually identical save for the .dll file and the trial code system which is harder to crack. It isn't the rxproj file that is any different, just the .Ini file. But if he has the original installation for his 1.02a as well as his original serial number, he's set.

[Saito S]

Thanks for the replies! ^^

DerVVulfman: I'm pretty sure I do still have my old installer, and I definitely have my original serial #. I'll take a look tonight and see if that works... somehow I just ASSUMED that there was no way it could be as simple as that! I'm at work now, so I can't check on anything, but when I get home I'll see if I can find that installer... if I do have it I'll throw it on my memory stick, port it over to the netbook, and see what happens. After uninstalling the trial 1.04, of course. Thanks again!

[DerVVulfman]

No prob. My PC had to be re-formatted, and I had to reinstall RMXP. You should have no problems.

[Saito S]

No prob. My PC had to be re-formatted, and I had to reinstall RMXP. You should have no problems.

I'm in disbelief that that worked. But it did! Somehow, I just didn't think it could possibly be that simple. Thanks Vulf! ^^

Now that THAT hurdle is behind me... onto other hurdles, such as trying to make an interesting game despite my vast lack of scripting know how!

Seriously, any recommendations for help in that regard? Aside from posting in the forums when I have specific issues/questions, of course... obviously I'll do that, but what I meant was, are there any particular guides/tuts I should check out? Not on how to actually script, which obviously requires ability with Ruby and is well beyond my capabilities for the time being, but even just how to effectively use complex existing scripts in a game, making use of features that require more than just pasting the script, dealing with incompatibility, etc... When one has been away from RMXP for as long as I have, phrases like "you will have to call the method" and whatnot have me scratching my head in confusion. =p

[DerVVulfman]

Well, it's a separate thread for you. But you may want to look what collection of Ruby Scripts we have to offer. the Forum Script Listings is an index of what scripts we have. It's even in categories. Hopefully, the scripts you're interested in have instructions.