Mp3 Music Patch Has Arrived! Updated For Windows 7

[SpyMaster]

New version as of February 22, 2010

 

This patch is for X-COM UFO CE (Collector's Edition). It will allow you to play the mp3 music from the PlayStation version. For this patch to work, you need Windows 2000/XP/Vista (using NTFS) and Windows Media Player.

 

This patch also includes the mouse fix that causes the mouse to move off screen in the bottom left of the screen.

To enable the mouse fix, run XComMusic.exe with the switch '-MOUSEFIX'.

 

For resolutions over 640x480, specify the correction using '-MOUSEFIX <max_x>x<max_y>' e.g. -MOUSEFIX 319x199

 

To run a 2nd launcher with this patch, use the following switch '-LAUNCHER <EXE_NAME>'.

 

This patch does not come with any warranty. Use it at your own risk, I am not liable for any damages you may suffer using it.

 

Instructions * READ CAREFULLY *

----------------------------------

 

This patch requires the Microsoft .Net Framework 2.0.

 

Windows Vista users must enable Last Access updates by using the following command:

(A reboot of the computer is required for the change to take effect.)

 

fsutil behavior set disablelastaccess 0

 

Disable Antivirus while playing

Antvirus software will overwrite the LastAccessTime causing no music to play.

 

 

This patch was updated for Windows 7 to prevent/reduce the flicking caused by Media Player 12.

If you still experience excessive flickering, make sure Media Player is not already running prior to

starting the game. The Windows slideshow gadget should also be closed, as this uses Media Player and

will cause flickering.

 

The newer patch is untested under Windows 2000 and XP. If it does not work, use the old music patch written in VB6.

 

1) First BACKUP your sound folder at '\UFO Defense\SOUND'!!!

 

2) Rename the following files in '\UFO Defense\SOUND'

 

GMINTRO1.MID --> GMINTRO1_alt.MID

GMINTRO2.MID --> GMINTRO2_alt.MID

GMINTRO3.MID --> GMINTRO3_alt.MID

GMLOSE.MID --> GMLOSE_alt.MID

GMWIN.MID --> GMWIN_alt.MID

 

3) Download the music at http://www.xcomufo.com/x1music.html

 

4) Rename them to the following:

 

Geoscape 1 --> GMGEO1.mp3

Geoscape 2 --> GMGEO2.mp3

Geoscape 3 --> GMGEO3.mp3

Geoscape 4 --> GMGEO4.mp3

Briefing 1 --> GMDEFEND.mp3

Briefing 2 --> GMENBASE.mp3

Debriefing --> GMMARS.mp3

Dogfight --> GMINTER.mp3

Final Briefing --> GMSTORY.mp3

Battlescape 1 --> GMTACTIC.mp3

Battlescape 2 --> GMTACTIC2.mp3

Mission Accomplished --> GMNEWMAR.mp3

 

5) Move the mp3 files (you have just downloaded and renamed) to '\UFO Defense\SOUND'.

 

6) Extract the mid files included in this zip to '\UFO Defense\SOUND', overwriting any files as necessary.

 

7) Extract the XComMusic.exe and Interop.WMPLib.dll to '\UFO Defense'.

 

To start the game, simply start it using 'XComMusic.exe -MOUSEFIX'.

 

Enjoy!

 

For those of you who like the feel of the PlayStation Geoscape shown below and want it in their PC Version of X-COM Enemy Unknown, click here

 

http://img97.echo.cx/img97/6713/buttons1yp.gif

 

Edit:

Added updated version, for better Windows 7 support and custom mousefix resolutions.

Added new version, re-written in .Net Framework with Windows Vista support.

 

New version (.Net - 2K?, XP?, Vista? and Windows 7): MusicPatch3.zip (118Kb)

Last version (.Net - 2K?, XP? and Vista): MusicPatch2.zip (116Kb)

First version (VB6 - Win9x, 2K & XP only): MusicPatch.zip (20Kb)

MusicPath2.zip

musicpatch3.zip

Edited February 23, 2010 by SpyMaster

[terrapin28]

Great job! The music adds a lot more depth to the game. I actually bought a playstation and copy of x-com just because the music was such a compliment to the game. Now I can have the best of both worlds on the collecters edition. Thanks!

[SpyMaster]

Thank you, your welcome.

 

I was actually 80% complete working with including the movie clips too.

 

Unfortunately I had to abandon / put on hold the project because of several reasons which includes:

 

I couldn’t suppress mouse clicks which could kick you out of full screen mode if you clicked the movie clip whilst it was playing.

 

There would be a 1 in 4 chance the movie clip would play under the direct draw screen, resulting in the movie clip not being displayed.

 

Had no way of determining if you had won, aborted or lost a mission. It would have been tricky and could result in the wrong movie clip being played. Further research may provide an answer to this problem.

 

Great job! The music adds a lot more depth to the game. I actually bought a playstation and copy of x-com just because the music was such a compliment to the game. Now I can have the best of both worlds on the collecters edition. Thanks!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Polarbear]

Hmm

 

Your patch doesn't seem to work for me, I did as you told above, but now I'm not having music at all in the game.

 

Edit: Rereading your post, I've found 2 interestings spots. So what's the deal with NTFS? I'm trying to avoid using it all the time, since linux doesn't like it. Could this be the problem? My WMP is v9, tho I don't usually use it, it's not my default music/video player application.

Edited May 13, 2005 by Polarbear

[SpyMaster]

The patch is using the NTFS date feature (called Last Accessed) to detect the last music file x-com attempts to play.

 

Without NTFS, I don't think it will work as its not a feature of FAT16 or 32.

 

Hmm

 

Your patch doesn't seem to work for me, I did as you told above, but now I'm not having music at all in the game.

 

Edit: Rereading your post, I've found 2 interestings spots. So what's the deal with NTFS? I'm trying to avoid using it all the time, since linux doesn't like it. Could this be the problem? My WMP is v9, tho I don't usually use it, it's not my default music/video player application.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Polarbear]

Thank you for your quick reply. Now I see! One more question. Is it enough if the game itself is on an NTFS partition, but Windows and its system files are on FAT32?

[SpyMaster]

Yes, I think that might work. Thinking of creating a small D:\ partition?

[Guest Project Nemesis]

Will it work under Windows 2000 using NTFS?

[SupSuper]

works without any problems on my computer, even though my WMP is broken. great work!

[SpyMaster]

Will it work under Windows 2000 using NTFS?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

In theory it should work, but haven't tested it... so don't know for sure.

[pcx]

Spymaster :

please see below for my question on working with xcomutil.

 

<http://www.xcomufo.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4469&st=175&p=120603&>

 

thanks !

[Project Nemesis]

Will it work under Windows 2000 using NTFS?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

In theory it should work, but haven't tested it... so don't know for sure.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I can hear the music playing fine. The problem is that the music will play for like 1 second or 2 then start over and over again. Is this a problem with it being under Win2k?

[SpyMaster]

It sounds like it might be. I was thinking of doing an update which will allow you to click though the screens at lightning speed and still plays the correct music. When I do this update, I'll program it to not re-try playing the same file if its already detected that X-COM Ufo has already tried to play the same category of music already.

 

Will it work under Windows 2000 using NTFS?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

In theory it should work, but haven't tested it... so don't know for sure.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I can hear the music playing fine. The problem is that the music will play for like 1 second or 2 then start over and over again. Is this a problem with it being under Win2k?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[FrickenMoron]

:/ so im screwed here as a windows 98 user again eh?

[FrickenMoron]

Okay another update....

I installed Windows 2000 (I wont ever get XP because i hate it) and installed the UFO CE on a NTFS partition, i installed the mp3s etc correctly, but i hear no music at all, it doesnt even start wmp or something, is it because wk has wmp9 at max?

 

Has anyone here got it to work under 2k?

[FrickenMoron]

Either nobody reads this or no one has 2k :/

[Guest t-beutel]

doesnt work under w2k for me either, but i dont know if you like such a reply

[FrickenMoron]

doesnt work under w2k for me either, but i dont know if you like such a reply

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

But why doesnt it work then? because it cant run wmp10? its ntfs after all.

[Ular]

doesn't work on my comp too.

[SpyMaster]

I have just uploaded a new version. It's been changed to work under Windows 2000.

 

I have tested it myself under Windows 2000 using Windows Media Player version 6.4

 

However, you will still need to run the game from an NTFS volume.

[Sporb]

*spits on WMP* everyone get Winamp now, no copy protection , better visuals and best of all , no microsoft. patch Should work with winamp too

[SpyMaster]

*spits on WMP* everyone get Winamp now, no copy protection , better visuals and best of all , no microsoft.  patch Should work with winamp too

 

Winamp? Eh? Why? Windows Media Player is already preinstalled with Windows 2000/XP and is using standard APIs. If you want Winamp support, add it yourself with the included source code instead of flaming anti-Microsoft remarks.

[Drunken 1]

Eh... I did everything and the music works fine. However, i was originally using the 'xcom1fix' executable in order to fix the major graphics gyp-up that happens under windows xp - if i run the game from 'launcher.exe' it's back to square one with the graphics problem. I don't suppose there's another way around this?

[SpyMaster]

Eh... I did everything and the music works fine. However, i was originally using the 'xcom1fix' executable in order to fix the major graphics gyp-up that happens under windows xp - if i run the game from 'launcher.exe' it's back to square one with the graphics problem. I don't suppose there's another way around this?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Rename the xcom1fix to patch.exe, extract Launcher.exe to the folder and run the Launcher.exe. (This will run the patch.exe, which will then run the UFO Defense.exe). When you finnish playing, you just have to click the exit button as the program can't detect if the game has finnished being loaded this way.

Patch_using_xcom1fix.zip

[Drunken 1]

Yay, it works Cheers

[Drunken 1]

Just out of idle curiousity - the playstation version had a fifth geoscape track that played when you accessed the base screen. I don't suppose it's possible to implement that at all? Not that i'm desperate for it or anything, i just happened to think it was a cool track

[SpyMaster]

Just out of idle curiousity - the playstation version had a fifth geoscape track that played when you accessed the base screen. I don't suppose it's possible to implement that at all? Not that i'm desperate for it or anything, i just happened to think it was a cool track

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I thought the same at first, but it doesn't have its own track (after checking it out at the time of writing the patch... because I still have a copy of the PS1 version.)

 

However, if it did.... the PC version doesn't and it would mean I would have to write a different system for detecting where you are in the game.

 

All the music tracks present on the PS1 cd play in the PC version with this patch.

[Guest AbraM]

SpyMaster: Is it possible to make this patch work with FAT32? Unfortunately I don't know basic and don't have any compiler for this language, so I can't change anything. If you don't want, or can't do it, maybe you tell how exactly this patch work, so I can (hopefully) duplicate it in c?

[Guest AbraM]

Hmm... Great response

 

Anyway, this forum seems dead, so I think nobody is interested in fact, that I made my own mp3 patch, which works on any windows (not only NT/2000/XP), any file system (not only NTFS), doesn't use crappy wma, is faster and more configurable. So I won't tell you it

[Guest AbraM]

F**K! I mean WMP, not wma

[Guest lux]

I tried it, it works but I have some jump over music streaming... more test in progress

[SpyMaster]

Hmm... Great response

 

Anyway, this forum seems dead, so I think nobody is interested in fact, that I made my own mp3 patch, which works on any windows (not only NT/2000/XP), any file system (not only NTFS), doesn't use crappy wma, is faster and more configurable. So I won't tell you it

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I don't monitor this forum. My patch works based on the Last Access date set on files using NTFS. If you can use a Windows API bit like a Virus Scanner does, this will work just as good. I included the source code so that people can built on top of what I started.

[Guest AbraM]

Hmm... Great response

 

Anyway, this forum seems dead, so I think nobody is interested in fact, that I made my own mp3 patch, which works on any windows (not only NT/2000/XP), any file system (not only NTFS), doesn't use crappy wma, is faster and more configurable. So I won't tell you it

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I don't monitor this forum. My patch works based on the Last Access date set on files using NTFS. If you can use a Windows API bit like a Virus Scanner does, this will work just as good. I included the source code so that people can built on top of what I started.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Thanks for info, I appreciate it (doesn't matter that I don't need this anymore ).

[Guest Kerigis]

Uhm.... Sorry to bother you spymaster, but the download of your patch and the GEOBORD doesn't work. Winzip says it's an invalid archive.

[Guest Azrael]

Please update your WinRAR and try more times, we are having troubles with downloads.

[SpyMaster]

Please update your WinRAR and try more times, we are having troubles with downloads.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

It appears that the forum is having trouble with file attachments. I'm hosting the file on another site now. Try using the URL added to the original post above.

[Guest PsiCho]

Hope your still checking this Spymaster. Great job on the music mod. The new tracks gives the game a whole new feel.

 

I am using the Launcher.exe that also runs the xcom1fix.exe to fix the graphic glitch. Only thing is that in this version of Launcher.exe there seems to be a mixup in the music tracks. In the debrief screen after each mission, it should be playing the GMSTORY.mp3. Instead, it is playing the GMMARS.mp3.

I'm wondering if you could tweak this around on the Launcher.exe that runs the xcom1fix/patch.exe. I'm also not sure if the GMMARS and other endgame tracks will play when they should since I haven't gotten to the endgame on this install.

 

On the other hand, the Launcher.exe without running xcom1fix seems to have no mixup, except it has no music in intro (no big deal), but I can't use it because of video issues. So if you still work on these things and can tweak them that would make everything perfect.

[Phasma Felis]

Hmm... Great response

 

Anyway, this forum seems dead, so I think nobody is interested in fact, that I made my own mp3 patch, which works on any windows (not only NT/2000/XP), any file system (not only NTFS), doesn't use crappy wma, is faster and more configurable. So I won't tell you it

Right... Abram, if you're still reading this, I'm interested in hearing about your patch. Respond here, I'm monitoring this thread.

[Guest Jamppa]

So this doesnt work with the Enemy Unknown (ce) Et Version 28/03/2005 patch? It's like you have to select either better resolution or better sounds?

[Phasma Felis]

So this doesnt work with the Enemy Unknown (ce) Et Version 28/03/2005 patch? It's like you have to select either better resolution or better sounds?

It should work, I think. All it actually does is monitor read attempts to the MIDI files, and then play the appropriate MP3 instead. It runs in parallel with whatever executable you're using.

 

Does it not work for you?

[Guest Jamppa]

Does it not work for you?

 

nope... with et version there is a "ufo defend.exe", wich starts the program. when i use the launcher, it's a different game.

[Phasma Felis]

nope... with et version there is a "ufo defend.exe", wich starts the program. when i use the launcher, it's a different game.

Ah, right. The MP3 launcher runs itself and then runs "UFO Defense.exe". If you change the name of the executable you want to use to "UFO Defense.exe", it should work. Just make sure you keep backups of all exes so you don't get them confused.

 

Also, I think the MP3 launcher needs everything to be in "c:/UFO Defense/". If you're using a different directory, you may have problems.

[Caboose]

Hi guys. Noob to the forum here. I tried the instructions to this music patch, because my game hangs up for a couple of seconds every time the misson music is finished and starts again (cant't move my mouse or do anything for a couple of seconds). I also tried a patch, which made the game run the music in direct-something, which fixed the problem, but i did not like the way the time played out on the geoscape there. (either very slow or day by day :/ )

 

So when i followed the instructions here and ran the launcher.exe-file, it only says:

 

"Couldn't create process"

 

Any ideas, people? I will appreciate any answer here. This is a great place for info on the Xcom-games!

Edited November 15, 2006 by Caboose

[Guest jynx3004]

running colectors edition with the video fix on xp the sound works but the music volume is far too low to be heard without turning up the voume so loud that "sounds" hurt your ears so i tried the mp3 solution and got garbled video again so i changed the video fix file name to patch.exe and ran launcer.exe and still got garbled video and still no music on intro or geoscape

 

now what?

[lumin]

"Couldn't create process"

 

 

I get the same problem when running the Launcher.exe. I've tried installing the patch on two separate NTFS computers following the instructions above.

 

Edit:

 

Okay, figured out that I needed the second patch from the post above for those of us who have the 'garbled screen' problem. What's really nice is that you can combine this patch, the ET patch, the old alien scream patch, and the D3D Windower all together. Now I wish I could figure out how to get rid of the black bars on the bottom and left where the mouse cursor gets lost.

Edited June 13, 2007 by lumin

[Crusader of Melnibone]

Before doing any beta testing or whatever you wanna call it, I'd like to ask the million dollar question that someone else asked in another thread: are you gonna release any time soon musicpatch in compatibility with XComUtil (or someone else if not spymaster, do the dirty job)? What's the big deal here you'd ask; we got tactical.exe and geoscape.exe instead of "UFO defense.exe" AND we launch the game with RunXComW.bat, again instead of "UFO defense.exe".

 

If no kind man wanders these lands to accomplish such an easy task (don't look at me), then who is that "Abram" guy and would HE be kind enough to share his 'so called better' patch?

 

If not him, someone else? Someone who likes MP3s better than midis? Someone that likes his bugs fixed, his mp3s playable, his graphics non-garbled, his resolution high? Ok, I'm asking too much, I'm just starting the game and I'd love all the best possible options available... (ok yeah, that heart attack again that reminds me THIS IS WHY i never got the chance to actually PLAY morrowind after 6 months of downloading and installing and testing mods... damn perfectionism).

 

Thanx for reading.

C U in the 'verse...

[Kepakko]

All I want is Working game with the mp3 music. I lauch the launcher.exe and I have music (hurray!) and visual bug ( > ). I use the Ufo Defence.exe and I have no visual nor music. I try the fix.exe, I have visual but no music. What the heck do I need to get this thing rolling? I tried to change the fix name to patch.exe but no work. (read about it somewhere)

 

Before I knew about mp3 mod, I tried to redo the mids. The battle mid is horrible. I couldn't do a thing since all editors I found were shareware.

 

So help me out! I am sure someone else has the same problem.

 

I need detailed help. Hold my hand and guide me!

 

I've been trying to browse this forum and seen links that are old or broken. So no help so far.

[Crusader of Melnibone]

If you rename the fix to patch.exe then you're gonna have to use the alternative launcher.exe which is posted here

http://www.xcomufo.com/forums/index.php?sh...st&p=128116

Edited June 14, 2007 by Crusader of Melnibone

[Kepakko]

It works now! Thanks alot! Saved my day.

[AbraM]

Before doing any beta testing or whatever you wanna call it, I'd like to ask the million dollar question that someone else asked in another thread: are you gonna release any time soon musicpatch in compatibility with XComUtil (or someone else if not spymaster, do the dirty job)? What's the big deal here you'd ask; we got tactical.exe and geoscape.exe instead of "UFO defense.exe" AND we launch the game with RunXComW.bat, again instead of "UFO defense.exe".

 

If no kind man wanders these lands to accomplish such an easy task (don't look at me), then who is that "Abram" guy and would HE be kind enough to share his 'so called better' patch?

 

If not him, someone else? Someone who likes MP3s better than midis? Someone that likes his bugs fixed, his mp3s playable, his graphics non-garbled, his resolution high? Ok, I'm asking too much, I'm just starting the game and I'd love all the best possible options available... (ok yeah, that heart attack again that reminds me THIS IS WHY i never got the chance to actually PLAY morrowind after 6 months of downloading and installing and testing mods... damn perfectionism).

 

Thanx for reading.

C U in the 'verse...

 

I don't browse this forum frequently (more like once a few months...), so maybe my response is late, but I want to clarify something. My patch would be very hard to implement in DOS version of game. I used windows version because windows supports dynamic link libraries (so I had to do only minimal changes in exe, almost everything is in dll), and also windows has already library to play mp3s (as a part of direct X). In DOS, I would have to code it myself and everything would have to be included in exe (both to be precise). I'm not going to do that. However I don't see any reason why Spymaster's patch should not work with DOS version, assuming that it is ran under windows. I didn't test it, but since Spymaster's patch simply checks accessed files, it should be completely independent from game exe. The only problem is that its Launcher.exe starts UFO defense.exe. Maybe try to delete UFO defense.exe, run Launcher.exe and then launch the game using RunXComW.bat. If it doesn't work, then unfortunately some changes in code are needed.

 

BTW, I'm a perfectionist just like you are, and I think in most cases it's rather a disadvantage. My experiences with Morrowind are anxiously similar - two weeks of play, realized that this game has many flaws but also there are many interesting mods, trying to create a perfect mod combination, didn't played Morrowind from that time

Edited October 28, 2007 by AbraM