Links 2003 not working with Windows 10

[Shufordsc]

Long time Linkster here from way back in the day, I haven't played in years and want to get back in to it but....

I recently purchased the download version here and ran all the patches and updates etc. and I cannot get the game to run no matter how many different compatibility settings I try, run as admin, high DPI settings etc., It simply won't run.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

[pmgolf]

We need to know what kind of PC you have (Laptop - desktop), Intel or AMD processor, and video card (either separate video card or built-in graphics (Intel)). Assuming built-in graphics adapter, which is the more difficult to make work properly, this would be the place to start, and you should look here: viewtopic.php?t=788.

Also, what results are you seeing when you try to run the game (ie black or blank screen?). The more info you can give us the easier it will be to get you up and running. You will probably get multiple suggestions, but all of us will be trying to get you up and running. (The new version of Augusta looks incredible, by the way!)

Pete

[Shufordsc]

Thanks for the reply.

Desktop with I7 9700k and an RTX 3070 graphics card.

Game will pop up with a small splash screen then a black window then it just disappears.

[pmgolf]

That link I gave you is the first post in this section of the Forum. If I were you, I would read the first 4 posts in this section of the Forum for sure. I know you want to solve your problem, but I don't have much advice to offer. Links runs fine on my Windows 10 desktop. There are others a lot more knowledgeable than me, and apparently none have noticed your post. I suggest you check out some of the posts here, and hopefully I can find someone to help us out.

Pete

[dwg]

I would certainly make sure you are running Links 2003 version 1.07 Which is what I suspect the download version is - I have the original CD version.

The Nvidia patch should also be considered a requirement but the lack of that should not cause a black screen, rather the lack of it is likely to cause a crash especially with some courses.

I would certainly try the wrapper. The wrapper provided DLL's that support DirectX 7 which is what Links uses, It can overcome quite a few graphics problems that you see with some chipsets. It is a relatively simple install.

An option you have is that with that processor is that I believe it has onboard Intel graphics, you could remove the HBA and just try it, assuming you have the backplane connector(s). Links will only run on the first screen of the primary adapter.

I would expect Links to run well on that system with the Intel graphics when using the wrapper. I have had it running well with a Gen 7 processor with Intel graphics and well as Gen 11 and Gen 13 systems with their Intel graphics Under Windows 10/11.

I have no recent experience with Nvidia. My older machines do have Nvidia, but those machines now run Linux rather than Windows, but as I said I think the wrapper is worth a try, if it works the only thing you really loose is translucent golfer shadows, you do get to use opaque or none - I use Opaque on Windows.

[Andy]

Might this help?

viewtopic.php?p=15313

[GoBucks]

You shouldn't need the wrapper. I have W11 and nvidia graphics and no wrapper. It sounds to me like the resolution that you're trying use is not playing nice with Links.

What is the native resolution of your pc?

I would follow the link that Andy provided. Make sure that you've installed those files, especially V1.07 and the nividia patch. Pay attention to the instructions at the bottom of the list for where to put the patches and how to activate them.

[Shufordsc]

Thanks, I will check out Andy's link.

Native res is 2560x1440

Where do I get this wrapper if I wanted to try it..??

[dwg]

The wrapper topic is:

viewtopic.php?t=788

The maximum resolution Links supports is 1920 x 1200. Any higher than that needs to be either scalled or windowed. Links also seems to get grumpy if you choose a resolution that is not some sort of multiple of the native resolution i.e. has the same aspect ratio.

With 2560 x 1440 I am thinking Links is likely to be happy at 1280 x 720 Which is Mode 5 when you set it up in the registry. It might also work with Mode 14 set which is 1900 x 1080.

[GoBucks]

Thanks, I will check out Andy's link.

Native res is 2560x1440

Where do I get this wrapper if I wanted to try it..??

Dwg is right that links won't run at that resolution, Here are instructions for changing the registry setting.
https://www.linkscorner.org/phpBB/viewt ... e71e#p3796

I would try mode 14.
I have used nvidia graphics since XP days (if not before) and as I said I'm running W11 now. I've never used the wrapper. This is, by no means, a criticism of dwg.

Another link concerning registry settings.
https://www.lspn.net/community/viewtopi ... ode#p93119