Take pity on an old man

[terratoma]

Hello all and happy holidays. Inasmuch as i am a true computer neanderthal ( i needed assistance in registering with this site), i'm unsure if this message is going to get through to anyone. Is this a post that should be sent as a topic, or vice versa? Just want to make sure that what i write is going to the right place ... the right place being a request for help with links.So if this message does make it through and there is someone who can help a person who, until recently, thought a driver was a club for teeing off (and not for devices!), please let me here from you.
Gary

[stillgolfing]

Welcome to Links Corner and the Forum.
Yes your message got through. There are lot's of knowleagable and helpful members here.
Now, what's your problem, and did you do a forum search on it first?

I suggest you review the forum sections to determine the appropriate place to post your questions. If they are PC config/Technical issues then post them here. Setup/Gameplay/Download issues should probably be posted in the Links2003 section. No big deal though. The Mod. will move them to the right section if necessary.

Cheers stillgolfing

[terratoma]

Thanks for your reply, stillgolfing. Since my questions regard versions earlier than links 2003, I'm unsure if the 2003 site is where I should post. After you've read the following, please advise me.
I thoroughly enjoyed links ls legends in sports and links ls 2000 years ago. I hadn't played the games for the past nine years but recently found ls 2000 and installed it. (I can do that much.) Along with the six courses which came with the game, I sucessfully installed add-on courses ("LinksLs 2000 10 course pack"). But ... I have a number of courses on individual cds which won't install ... or I'm simply not doing what it takes! These cds carry the logo "Links Championship Course CD-Rom version". All have a 1994 or 1995 copyright year: the 1994s state "for use with links386 cd" and the 1995s state that they are "compatible with 386, microsoft golf and links". While it seems obvious why the 1994s won't work, what about the 1995s? Are links ls and links ls 2000 not compatible? Stupid question, I know. Thanks for any help you might provide.
Gary

[stillgolfing]

Gary;

I think this is the only site still providing Links info and support.There are probably members here who could answer your question. but I personally am not sure which older courses will run under LS 2000. I know the LS course files from 97 to 2000 were *.crx files. So if you check those earlier versions and they have a different file type than that then possibly they need to be converted - if there was such a thing as a course converter back then, or they are just not compatible with LS2000.

However, In my opinion, you are missing out on being able to play updated versions of most (if not all) of those courses along with hundreds of original, real and imagined courses produced by the talented designers here at Links Corner. Not to mention hundreds of animations of players and clubs. All in a photo realistic detail not available in the older versions. You just need Links2003 to enjoy this.

My suggestion is forget about playing Ls2000 and download Links2003 (I think it's $6.99). One warning, if you do this you may end up playing so much Links Golf, if you are married, your wife might leave you (see my signature? - that's no joke). So remember - you were warned!

Note: There is also a Links2003 Course Converter available that will convert the Links LS (97-2000) courses (*.crx) to the Links2003 file format (*.crz).

Cheers stillgolfing

[terratoma]

stillgolfing
Thank you for your time, patience and help. I was just shown how to "open" a file or folder. When we opened the files of the individual golf courses, each was a CRH course. Guess that explains that!
Funny that you should mention the 2003 version. Hearing about it was what actually rekindled my interest in links. A friend who is really into the 2003 version insisted that i try it. And you're right: animations are great, more life-like, superb graphics. My only reservation was the swing meter. Was always accustomed to employing the traditional two click method. Also ... and this is the critical part ... I became quite dependent on the marks around the outside of the swing meter. It helped me gauge the power of my shots. Maybe this was unfair, but I habitually made notes of how much power to use for putts based on the distance, elevation, etc. Maybe I took it a step too far but ... The 2003 version has a swing meter with similar marks around its perimeter. But when you begin your swing, you can't see them. At least I couldn't. Perhaps it was felt that LS2000 was too easy ... I did promise my friend that I would try out the new swing wherein you move the mouse, mimicking the movements of an actual swing.
Again, acccept my appreciation for sharing your knowledge ... as well as your advice on the home front! Best of luck to you in golfing and other endeavors.
Gary

[Armand]

Gary,

I think Links 2000 should automatically convert the CRH course files to the CRX format, provided the CRH files are on the hard drive. From Links, try to add a course (I can't remember what the button is called or where it is in Links 2000) and point it to the CRH courses. You hopefully will be prompted to insert the the Links 2000 disk, and the CRX course will be copied to the hard drive and be available in the game. You could also try copying the CRH files to the same folder as where the CRX files exist. Let us know how it works out for you.

As for the visibility of the dots on the meter in Links 2003, there is an option to make the swing meter "high visibility". I don't know if that helps or not, as I don't use the click click swing method anymore. Nonetheless, you might want to look at that option if you still have the trial installed (check the options). It could also be a video card driver issue, as Links can be finnicky with your video card driver. Sometimes, a newer driver helps, other times the older drivers work better. Usually, driver issues will result in golf animations missing (or partially missing) or "artifacts" appearing on the screen, but it may be possible that the driver could "erase" the dots on the swing meter. If you decide to stick with 2003, there are many of us here who can help you get the right driver for your card so the game runs correctly (if it's a driver issue).

Armand

[terratoma]

Thanks Armand.
If you'll indulge me, I'd like to expain what I've done and what's not happening. (I don't understand a lot of what goes on in a computer.)There are seventeen courses on .CRX files in a CRH folder on one of the game's cds. But when I start the game, they are not on the list of courses available to be played. Nor can I find them on the hard drive..Also, I try to add some of the Links 386 courses from cds, all of which are .CRH files. LS 2000 has a conversion feature for 386 (.CRH) courses: pop in the course cd, enter the filepath and click "convert". So, for the filepath, for an example, I enter E:\RIVIERA_\RIVIERA.CRH (where E is my disc drive). It tells me that the file already exists, and do I want to overwrite it. Answering yes, I'm prompted to put the LS 2000 disc in the disc drive. It asks where I want the file written to, and I ask for the hard drive. It supposedly converts the file and places it. But after all that, it is not included in available courses and I can't locate the file on the hard drive. Is the filepath incorrect? Or is this merely punishment for some misdeed in my youth ...!
Sorry to be so longwinded ... Any advice would be welcome.
Gary

[Armand]

Gary,

Apologies for not replying sooner - I've been away for a few weeks.

If Links is doing the conversion and saving the file somewhere, you just need to find it. From your Windows Explorer, go to Tools and Folder Options and click on the View Tab. Make sure you have a check next to the "Show System and Hidden Files" (or similar). Then, search your hard drive for *.CRX and see if that finds the courses. Make sure you search your entire hard drive(s), not just within the "My Documents" folder. If the files are not there, we need to look at other solutions.

Make sure the paths are correct when you convert the files. It seems you have the path entered correctly to find the CRH files to be converted. Are you prompted for the path for the converted (CRX) course file? If so, you might want to change it just to C:\ or a path you can definitely find. Check the conversion again and see what happens.

In the meantime, I'll reinstall 2000 to see firsthand how that converter handles things (it's been 10-11 years!). This will also remind me where the files may exist.

One final thought, check your C:\Program Files\Links 2000\Courses folder from Explorer. It may be that there is a sub-folder within that stores these converted courses.

Armand

[Armand]

Gary, I installed Links 2000 on my laptop (Vista) under and administrator account (I have UAC disabled) and it installed by default at C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Links 2000. I fired it up to make sure it worked and it did. I then ejected the CD and tried to play Covered Bridge -- I needed to install CD2 to play. Instead of just playing the course from the CD, I checked the properties of the course and changed the location to Hard Disk. It then copied the CRX from CD2 to the hard drive, saving the CRX file in the installation folder.

Next, I tried Riviera from the Links 386 CD (the course CD with only Riviera on it - probably the same one you have). I went under Options and then "Links 386 Courses..." and after I selected E:\RIVIERA_\RIVIERA_.CRX, it prompted me for CD1. I inserted the disk and told it to copy to the hard drive (as shown in the attached image)



The course (RIVIERA_.CRX) was copied to the installation folder. Then, I chose the "Install Add Ons..." from the option menu and was able to choose another course (I used my Pelican Hill course CD) and copy it to the hard drive as well. Again, it copied to the installation folder (PELICAN_.CRX and PELICAN_.ENV).

I don't know if that helps any, but it seems to work fine here on my end. Let me know if this helps or if you are doing something different; I'm confident we can get this sorted ...

Armand

[Jimbo]

[terratoma]

Hello Armand
It's my turn to apologize for my tardiness ... am going to purchase a new computer and have been trying to learn more about the various components. I've gotten advice that I should have one built, as opposed to buying it (Dell or HP). Unfortunately, we're a bit limited here in Roanoke ... there are only two companies that build them.
In the meantime, thank you for the time and effort at researching my problem. Following your suggestions, I was able to locate the riviera and prairie dunes courses (both of which I had not been able to convert) on the hard drive. However, they were the .CRH courses; apparently, when I was trying to convert them, I inadvertently copied the original course files to C:\. In addition, and following directions, I tried to install it as an add-on course. No luck. But there's more! Taking a gamble, I bought a set of five courses on a cd entitled "Links 5-Course Library, Vol. 2". And they installed beautifully!! Armand, I'm beginning to think that the discs I can't convert are from an early version that can't be converted.
For example, you mentioned converting the Pelican Hill course. Well, that just happens to be one of the individual courses that I was successful at converting. (Same with Oakland Hills and Kapalua Bay.) Now, on the edge of the Pelican Hill CD is written "Compatible with all versions of LINKS ...". The same wording appears on the 5-Course Library cd mentioned above. The wording on the cds that I have been unable to convert is a bit different: the Riviera cd says "Compatible with Links 386 Pro, Microsoft Golf and LINKS. Flybys and CD-ROM play only available with Links 386 CD". The Prairie Dunes cd says "For use with LINKS 386 CD". Is it possible that these cds _ showing copyrights of 1994 and 1995 _ were developed in such a way as to not be compatible with the Links 2000 program? (I'm afraid that I'm just showing my ignorance of how computer games and simulations are developed.)
It was pointed out to me recently that there was a LS Classic game developed. While it's nothing more than the regular Links 2000 game, it does include 21 courses ... many of them the very ones I've been missing! (Unfortunately, Riviera was not among them.) So I think I'll take the plunge and spend a few dollars for the classic game.
Again, much thanks for your interest and effort in my cause. I'm not saying goodbye 'cause I'm sure I'll have more questions for you in the near future.
Gary

[terratoma]

Jimbo...
Thanks for weighing in. I was afraid I was the only one that thoses "other" swings were driving crazy! And the swing gauge in Links 2003 is not nearly as easy to use as the swing gauges on the older versions of Links (2000, Classic). Whether it is or isn't, I feel more comfortable with it. Too bad that more courses weren't developed for the older games. Good luck with that swing ...
Gary

[scajjr2]

[terratoma]

Thanks Sam
I've never felt comfortable, let alone proficient, with the real time swing or the power stroke. Guess I'm "set in my ways"; have always used the classic mouse "click" method that was/is used in the previous versions of Links. To me, the "click" mimics both the cocking and the snapping of the wrists in an actual swing ... but that's just me. I tried the 2003 version, but had trouble with its swing gauge. The gauge's structure is different from those in, for instance, Links 2000. (If the truth be told, I feel the putting, pitching and chipping are more challenging in the old versions ...but again, that's just me.) After hearing everyone rave about all the new courses that have been developed for Links 2003, I'm really jealous! (not really) But it would be nice to have more courses to play.
One of these days, I'm going to ask if there's anyone out there that would like to discuss Links 2000; maybe find out if they know about any newly created courses or whether it's possible to develop courses for the earlier versions. (Bet I'll be booed out of the forum if I bring up Links 2000 again!!! lol) On the other hand, Armand has been extremely helpful in helping me decipher the problem I've had in converting some of the old courses to the Links 2000 format.
Well, I've said enough on that subject (Links 2000) and I appreciate you taking the time to read an old man's "druthers".
Take care...and don't let that "real time" swing get you down. I'm sure that you'll have it mastered in no time!
Gary

[scajjr2]

Gary,

I'm 56 and have mild arthritis in my hands so when they get a little stiff it can make for some fun swings with the trackball. But I've found a fairly repeatable motion and just adjust the trackball speed and acceleration for each game so it stays consistent.

Sam

[terratoma]

Sam
Thanks for your reply. Yeah, I know the feeling only too well. Am sixty-six, so old that my pains have "pains"! Life's good, though ... I take time out each day to enjoy it.
Although I know just enough about computers to be dangerous, I have been reading lots of reviews about components and have developed a miniscule bit of knowledge ... 100% more than I had before. I agree with you regarding the ATI graphics cards ... they seem to have the favor of many of the reviewers. I was astounded, however, at the range of the various cards, both in their capabilities and their prices. The super expensive ones seem to have lots of bells and whistles that not all of us might use or want.
Just received replies on another section of this forum about my old Links 2000 game. Bad news ... seems as if there were no additional courses developed for it ... all the interest and resources were targeted to the 2001 version and, ultimately, the current version. I can fully understand that ... ( But after playing the same twenty-one courses a hundred times each, one keeps hoping that a new one will miracously appear one day.)
Take care, don't let that arthritis get you down ...
Gary

[Armand]

Gary,

I don't think there is anything "special" about any course to make it non-upgradeable. If there is a CRH file, it should be convertable to CRX, one way or another. Riviera converted just fine for me (straight from the CD); I don't have the Prairie Dunes CD to convert, as I converted it from 3.5" floppies (the course CRS version). The 5-Course Library CDs contain ALL of the CRS, CRH and CRX versions of the courses - no conversion is necessary, the installation will just copy the correct version of the course.

Hopefully, you can get it work somehow,
Armand

[terratoma]

Hello Armand
It's good hearing from you again. In my last post to you, I mentioned that I was thinking about buying Links LS Classic in order to pick up some extra courses. Found it for a low price and took the plunge. So, together with five courses that I picked up a bit earlier from a Links 5-Course Library, I now have thirty courses. (I'm assuming that the Old Course at St. Andrews, the St. Andrews's Jubilee Course and the St.Andrew's New Course are three separate courses: their layouts are different so I assume they are different courses.) There are only two, to my knowledge, that I don't have: Riviera and Prairie Dunes. But we both know that I do have both on individual CDs. Despite your assistance and because of my stupidity, I have still not been able to install them. I don't think I've ever felt so frustrated with myself. But, it's only a game ...
Again, thanks for all your help. I'm just sorry that I don't have the competence to follow your instructions.
I started a new thread to see if anyone might know if there were any user-created golf courses for Links 2000. It seems there are not. But the thirty I have are a bunch more than I had before!
Hope to talk with you again.
Gary