Turn your Windows 2003 Server installation into a workstation! - Page 10 - Overclock.net

froggger · 06-22-08

Quote:

MSI File Install Fixer
======================

If you are installing a game or a program with an MSI installer and get a nag
screen saying something like "Cannot install on a server OS" just do this...

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

1 - Copy the entire contents of your game (CD1) or program CD to your hard disk.

2 - Take off the read only attribute on the MSI file properties (otherwise it will not work)

3 - Drag the MSI installer file over the VB script "Fix MSI.vbs" that is included here.

4 - You will then see a few small messages telling you what it is doing, just click OK.

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

If you are using an MSI that is already on your hard disk, back up the original MSI before
you drag it over the VB script. The VB script will remove the "LaunchCondition" table in the
installer to bypass the pointless nag screen developers deliberately program into their MSI
installers to stop you installing certain games and programs on Server 2003. Server 2003
has better memory management than XP and Server 2003 loads and runs games better than XP.
It seems the developers just don't want you to know this or let you run certain games.

A good example of this is "Doom III" but you will notice it has an MSI installer - simply
drag that over this VB script to allow the install on this edition of Windows. It is true
Doom III won't "install" on Server 2003 (unless you edit the MSI as detailed here) but
Doom III RUNS GREAT, better than it does on XP, as do pretty much all games and programs.

Its quite a tragedy how developers actually take time and effort coding this pointless trash
into their installers, for no other reason apart from to make people feel miserable? You DO
NOT GET so called "compatibility issues" running games and programs on Server 2003 that have
had the limitation taken out of the MSI installer! It is just ignorance when people say things
like "don't use Server 2003". The reality is, Server 2003 runs far better than XP and yes, this
includes games, programs and the OS itself.

(VB script discovery thanks to "Revere" from SRN)

Here's a link to the script.
http://www.sendspace.com/file/54k9ir

tr8rjohnk · 01-21-09

I subbed to this thread when I first read it but haven't had the opportunity to try this until now (2k3 is expensive). Anyway, I was originally going to create a virtual machine and install either Vista or xp MCE on it to run as an HTPC. Now, I may just convert my server to a workstation.

The one question I have is what server features won't I be able to take advantage of any longer? I still need he server to function properly.

EDIT: Also, the walkthrough link is no longer valid.

Chosen · 01-21-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by tr8rjohnk

I subbed to this thread when I first read it but haven't had the opportunity to try this until now (2k3 is expensive). Anyway, I was originally going to create a virtual machine and install either Vista or xp MCE on it to run as an HTPC. Now, I may just convert my server to a workstation.

The one question I have is what server features won't I be able to take advantage of any longer? I still need he server to function properly.

EDIT: Also, the walkthrough link is no longer valid.

Well, I need to go completely from memory here.

You'll loose some minor security features (dialog boxes that pop-up when you change a setting)

But everything else shouldn't be impacted by the workstation overhaul. All the overhaul does is transform the gui, layout and options to look and feel more xp-ish.

I hope this helps!

tr8rjohnk · 01-22-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chosen

Well, I need to go completely from memory here.

You'll loose some minor security features (dialog boxes that pop-up when you change a setting)

But everything else shouldn't be impacted by the workstation overhaul. All the overhaul does is transform the gui, layout and options to look and feel more xp-ish.

I hope this helps!

That works for me, I can live without dialogue boxes.

How about the walkthrough? Is there another link? <- never mind, works now. Thanks again.

EDIT: What's the deal with the TweakNT page that was removed from the walkthrough? Was it useful?

EDIT II: Haha, what do you think my chances of getting dx10 to install are?

*DigitalPhreak* · 3 Days Ago

Reason to do this because....??

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Turn your Windows 2003 Server installation into a workstation!

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