1. INSTALLATION

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Please check that your computer corresponds to the minimum requirements of the game, which are specified further down and on the game homepage http://ww2total.com . It is extremely important that your computer fulfills these minimum requirements, so that the game runs without troubles.


1.1. Examine system conditions

With the assistance of the DirectX diagnostic program you can get information about your conditions for system receive, if you are not safe, what this topic concern.

Do you have problems, because the game crashes ? Then read the section before that kind of playing in this guidance!



1.2. Minimal system requirements



1.3. Needed for Multiplayer (*)

InterNet (2-4 players)

Network (2-4 players)



1.4. Clearing of the system before game start

Before a new software will be installed, it is important that the hard disk is in good condition. We recommend therefore to regular run ScanDisk and Defragmentation. Thus ensured that games run as error free as possible. Beyond that your computer functions in a better way, if the hard disk is in a good condition, and then also other software runs more stable and faster.

Within the Windows assistance you find further information for implementing ScanDisk/Error checking, the Defragmentation and to the hard disk clearing:
1. Click on the start Button and select assistance.
2. Click now on the option searches and give the references 'scanDisk' (at Win98/ME), 'Error checking' (with Win2000/XP), 'Disk Defragmenter' and 'Disk Cleanup'. Assistance files are then indicated to these points.



1.5. What is DirectX ?

DirectX is a component of Windows 98, 2000, ME , XP and Vista . It makes it possible for Windows to access very fast certain components of your PC, so that the most current games on your PC are running. If new technologies are used, e.g. 3D-speed-up or 3D-Sound cards of the new generation, DirectX supports these new technologies. For the game DirectX9c is needed, which can be downloaded and installed additionally from the games web site http://ww2total.com

In order to run free of troubles, DirectX possibly needs the most current software drivers for graphic cards, sound card or 3D-drivers. If driver versions are used, which have no DirectX9-support, problem possibly arises regarding graphics or sound during the game.

You find further information to DirectX on the official Website under http://www.microsoft.com/directx

How do I install DirectX9 ?

After you have downloaded the Installer for DirectX from the download page of http://ww2total.com start the file dxwebsetup.exe.

The Installer is from Microsoft, examines your computer for the necessary components and downloads the about 10 MB large files directly from Microsoft and installs these.
Alternatively you can download the file also directly from the Microsoft donwload site.



1.6. Installation of the game

Run the file ww2total-(version#-build#).exe, which you have downloaded and follow the instructions.


1.7. Uninstallation or renewed installation of the game

If problems arise within playing or the game was not correctly installed, you should remove it:

  1. Click on the Start Button and select Control panel, then Software. Search in the list for WW2Total and click on it for the deinstallation.

  2. In order to install the game after this, you go forward as in the section installation of the game described.


Important note: It is urgently recommended not to deinstallate the game manually since thereby some files belonging to the game are possibly not removed correctly. It is normal that by the game provided files remain as stored saved games, repetitions or other play-specific files also after the deinstallation on the computer. If these files are to be likewise removed after the deinstallation, you delete them simply in such a way, as you delete also otherwise files of your computer.



1.8. Before the game start

Sometimes programs which runs on your system can use resources which the game needs in order to run properly. These programs are not all directly visible, and many are loaded automatically when starting of the computer. There are numerous programs, so mentioned 'background tasks', always implemented on your system. In rare cases these can cause a crash of the game.

Important note: If you close these 'background tasks', in order to optimize your system for the game, then they are not available longer after completion. Pay attention, to activate these applications after playing again, by starting the computer again.


Anti-virus and system protection programs

If on your system, as fundamental recommend, an anti-virus or a system protection program (e.g. a Firewall with Multi player plays) run, you should terminate these and/or deactivating, before you play. In addition you click with right in the Windows Task bar on the program icon and select close, deactivating or the appropriate option.




Close general background applications

As soon as the anti-virus and system protection programs are deactivated, you should terminate all unnecessary background applications, since they can sometimes cause problems with the installation or during playing the game.


Windows 98/ME

  1. Pressures at the same time the keys Strg+Alt+DEL. The window APPLICATIONS as well as a list of all background applications, which run at present on your computer, appears.

  2. In order to terminate an background application, you click on the names in the list and then on the Button End Task .

    Note: It is important that you DOE NOT CLOSE the background applications Explorer and Systray, since these are essential, so that Windows works correctly. All other background applications can be terminated.

  3. The window will be closed, and those application is terminated. Repeat this procedure, in order to close also all other background applications.


Windows 2000/XP Professional

  1. Pressures at the same time the keys Strg+Alt+DEL. The window Windows Security appears.

  2. Click now on Task Manager. In the window Task Manager you terminate an background application, by first click in the list of the register map Applications on their names in the list and afterwards click on End Task.
    Note:     Depending upon computer attitudes the window Windows Security appears direct with some Windows 2000/XP-Professional users after pressing Strg+Alt+Entf, so that the task manager immediately can be accessed.


Windows XP Home

  1. Pressures at the same time the keys Strg+Alt+DEL. The window Task Manager appears.

  2. In the window Task Manager you terminate an background application, by first click in the register map Applications on their names in the list and afterwards on End Task .
    Important note: Remember that you activate all background applications, which you closed with the next restart of your computer again.




1.9. Game start

After the installation you press programs at the START MENU and then select WW2Total from the list.
With the first program start you have to choose between the English and German language settings (although, it can be changed again within the options menu).


In the Free Edition you could enter correctly your license key (into the golden field under License key and please take care to do no mistake) and name (into the field under user name) according to the data, which you received with the order confirmation e-Mail for the Deluxe Game. If you do not have valid informations, you can only start the Free Edition by pressing on the “continue” - button.


After this, the main menu (see right) appears , in which you have the following specified options: for a single player game, participating at an existing multiplayer game, creating a multiplayer game, changing the settings of various options, or quit the program.
Following all options are described in detail.




1.10. Setting up a game



Before you start a game, you should optimize the general settings under OPTIONS.

At Screen resolution select a screen resolution suitable for you (usually on slower computers a smaller resolution should be selected).

The Camera speed (left slower, right faster) determines how fast your camera can move over the strategic 3d world map.

The Unit movement speed determines how fast the units are moving on the strategic 3d world map.

The Visibility time for text screens determines the duration of the display of event information or buttons for special commands during the strategic gameplay. By selecting settings further to the left, these boxes appear only briefly and must not always be closed by a mouse click.

The Time factor for animated battles determines how long and how many effects and noises during battles on the strategic map are displayed. Settings further to the left reduces the execution time of these battles.

The Production points bonus for AI determines additional or less production points (PP's) for nations which are controlled by the artificial intelligence (AI). When the controller is in the centre, AI nations will become the same PP's as nations which are controlled by a human player. On the far left, it will be only 50% and far right it will be 150% of the normal PP's.

At Language you can change between German and English language settings.

At FPS battles you activated or deactivated the First-Person-Shooter battles for the gameplay. This option is for players who are only interested in the strategic game or want to play faster and without any shooter battles.

Sound volume determine the volume of the sound effects, music etc. during the game play.

Accept terminates the option menu and the settings are taken over.


1.10.1. Single player – new game


If you like to play alone (or with several fellow players at one PC - see following “Hot Seat”) against AI opponents, select the option “Single player”. In the menu you can load then either a saved Game (see “Saved Game” following) or start a new game. In addition, you select first the scenario and there after by mouse-click on the flags one or more playable nations (in the free edition only a limited number of nations is playable).
If no nation is selected, the game starts after a further confirmation with all nations played by the AI (artificial intelligence) and you can watch it. As a side effect, the AI will also be further trained, i.e. it improves. You can break the AI game by pressing the [RETURN] button during the order phase.
Their current selection is listed underneath the flags.
By clicking on the button “Start” the prepared game will be started, by clicking on “Cancel” the menu will be left.



1.10.2. 'Hot Seat' game

You can also play with several friends with one PC in a “Hot Seat” game. You select everything just as before described and all nations which should be played by you and your friends. During the game each player enters it's instructions successively for his nation, while the result of the orders can be watched by all players at the same time at the screen.



1.10.3. Multiplayer – host a game (*)

To host a game with multiple players over a local network connection (LAN) or over the Internet via TCP / IP connection, choose 'Host Multiplayer' in the main menu.
First you have to choose between a 'New game' or a 'Saved game'. Then you select the maximum number of players and your own nation to play.
To create the game, press the button 'Create'.

Subsequently, the name of the created game is visible at the top of the screen. Now you should give the other players some time to connect to the game. Is a player succesful connected, the flag of his nation elected slightly transparent, and the number of registered players and gaming positions is visible at the information line below. If all the players are connected or you have waited long enough, you can start the game by clicking the 'Start' button.


1.10.4. Multiplayer – join existing game (*)

In the main menu select 'Join Multiplayer' to join an existing multiplayer game. First, all possible network connections will be checked.


After this, at the left top a small menu appears, where you should put in the IP address of the server (eg 192.168.2.2). This IP address you should previously get from the player who hosts the game as the server. This is absolutely necessary for connections over the Internet.


Subsequently, a list of available games with their description is visible at the top (new or saved game and scenario, maximum number of players, nation of the host, date for saved games, existing and maximum players). To connect to a game, you must first select your prefered nation by clicking on the flag (this may not be the nation used by the player of the server).
Now a connection to the server will be established. If your prefered nation was already taken over by a other player, then the server will disconnect you and you have to restore the connection by clicking on the flag of another available nation.
If you have successfull logged in, the flags of all nations occupied are slightly translucent shown, and below you will receive information about the game. Now you have to wait until the server starts the game or by clicking the button 'Cancel' to exit the game and menu.


Important: there should be running not many background applications for multiplayer games. For example, virus scanners, browser and media players (Windows Media Player, Real Player) will result in problems and crashes !


From where can I receive my IP address as the hosting player (server) ?
The player who hosts the game as a sever get's his own IP address in
Local network: Press the button START and opens SYSTEM CONTROL. Then NETWORK CONNECTIONS and the appropriate LAN connection open. Then open INTERNET PROTOCOL (TCP/IP). There the IP address can be read off or specified (e.g.: 192.168.2.3).
InterNet: If you are online, visit for example the web site

http://whatismyipaddress.com/ or

http://www.ip-adress.com/ipaddresstolocation/ .

Your IP address (e.g. 213.5.55.9 Lookup IP Address) is visible on this web sites. Deliver this address now by e-mail, phone or chat (e.g. over ICQ) to your players, so that they can log into the game.



1.10.5. Loading a saved game


You can also continue to play one of your saved games. You can select the last game or one of up to nine other saved games by click on the left buttons. For your information, the scenario, the active nation, the number of players, the historical date of the saved turn and the type of the game is listed.
By click on the button “Load” the saved file will be loaded and the game continues. The button “Cancel” again returns you to the previous menu.