Mass Effect (sucks, don't buy it)

[Androc]

For my birthday, I got Mass Effect for the PC. Specifically, I downloaded it via EA. It has kind of a problem: It doesn't work. I wrote the following email for tech support, and in what I am sure is some sort of sick cosmic joke, EA's tech support link doesn't work. So, let's see if any of you can make something of it:

So, I purchased and downloaded this game via EA link. You probably know what's coming next- the install failed. So, I attempted a manual install, as outlined here: http://masseffect.bioware.com/forums/viewtopic.html?topic=631883&forum=127&sp=0. However, while extracting the .rars in the data directory, the following issues arose:
(corrupted files unless otherwise noted; I started out just writing down the files, but after an odd error I started copying the extraction logs)

Data01.rar
biogame\cookedPC\Package\staticmeshes\BIOA_GXM10_S .upk

Data03.rar
biogame\cookedPC\packages\staticmeshes\BIOA_GXM10_ S.upk

Data04.rar
biogame\cookedPC\Package\staticmeshes\BIOA_GXM10_S .upk

isact.rar
biogame\cookedPC\Packages\ISACT\cha00_humanfemale_ ashley.jpg
biogame\cookedPC\Packages\ISACT\war50_joker.isb

Maps01.rar
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\maps01.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\END\LAY\BIOA_END70_02_LAY.SF M. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\maps01.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\FRE\FRE35\DSG\BIOA_FRE35_00_ DSG.SFM. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\maps01.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\ICE\DSG\BIOA_ICE50_04_DSG.SF M. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\maps01.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\ICE\DSG\BIOA_ICE60_06_DSG_LO C_int.SFM. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\maps01.rar: Unexpected end of archive

MapsNOR.rar
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\mapsNOR.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\NOR\DS2\BIOA_NOR10_09liara_D S2.SFM. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\mapsNOR.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\NOR\DSG\BIOA_NOR10_06wake_DS G.SFM. The file is corrupt

MapsSTA
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\mapsSTA.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\STA\DSG\BIOA_STA20_02A_DSG.S FM. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\mapsSTA.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\STA\DSG\BIOA_STA20_06_DSG.SF M. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\mapsSTA.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\STA\DSG\BIOA_STA60_01_DSG_LO C_int.SFM. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\mapsSTA.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\STA\DSG\BIOA_STA60_09A_DSG.S FM. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\mapsSTA.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\STA\DSG\BIOA_STA60_09A_DSG_L OC_int.SFM. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\mapsSTA.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\STA\DSG\BIOA_STA70_02A_DSG.S FM. The file is corrupt

MapsUNC.rar
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\mapsUNC.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\UNC\UNC11\DSG\BIOA_UNC11_01_ DSG.SFM. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\mapsUNC.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\UNC\UNC21\LAY\BIOA_UNC21_02_ LAY.SFM. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\mapsUNC.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Maps\UNC\UNC83\SND\BIOA_UNC83_00_ SND.SFM. The file is corrupt

movies.rar
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\movies.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Movies\END_90_SovereignGood_CUT_0 1.bik. The file is corrupt

textures.rar
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\textures.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Packages\Textures\BIOA_UNC21_T.up k. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\textures.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Packages\Textures\BIOA_UNC40_T.up k. The file is corrupt
! C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EADM\cache\{ 2250427084 }\mass_effect\data\textures.rar: CRC failed in BioGame\CookedPC\Packages\Textures\BIOA_WAR20_T_ST 02.upk. The file is corrupt


So, I decided to just try moving to the next steps: Running and quitting MassEffectLauncher.exe and then Mass Effect (tm)_code.exe. Well, the first step went fine, but I can't actually FIND any files with anything resembling the name of the second .exe. At this point, I threw in the towel. You know, e-mailed tech support. Care to assist?

I'll include the dxdiag if anyone wants to see it, but I really don't think that's the problem here.

[Scratch]

you're first mistake is getting it for the pc. that game is just graphics card rape in a box/download. xbox 360 version is much better and has a smoother framerate (kinda)

[Exalt]

He is asking for PC help dumbshit.
Dumb solution, but do they have a hotline you can call, I used the help desk for Fable and made it run smoothly.

[Androc]

you're first mistake is getting it for the pc. that game is just graphics card rape in a box/download. xbox 360 version is much better and has a smoother framerate (kinda)

Well gee, if I suddenly take leave of my reason and feel like shelling out for an xbox so I can re-buy a game I already have, you'll be the first to know.
He is asking for PC help dumbshit.
Dumb solution, but do they have a hotline you can call, I used the help desk for Fable and made it run smoothly.

Hmm. I might give that one a try tomorrow. In the mean time, I'll try the tech support e-mail thing again. Maybe there was just some glitch in the server, who knows.

[Cobalt]

It sounds like the download just screwed up some how. Try deleting all the files and re-downloading it.

[Androc]

Already tried that. I think there's something more sinister than a simple corrupted download at work, here.

[AAsama]

I downloaded and played trough it just fine, a couple of crashes but mostly smooth sailing. One playtrough is enough tough.

[hamsterman]

xbox 360 version is much better and has a smoother framerate (kinda)
Whatever you say.

Either you can try downloading a newer version of winrar or whatever program you're using, or re-download the game itself.

If the downloads keep getting corrupted try downloading it using an ftp program, like cuteftp. Or alternatively see if there is a torrent version of the download.

[Androc]

I can't use a different download program, it has to go through the shitty EA download manager. Seeing about that new version of winRAR now.

EDIT: No luck on the winRAR, and I don't think I'm QUITE desperate enough to pirate this game yet.

[Mesoian]

Oh just get the torrent and be done with it. Fooling around with EA DRM is like trying to remove your own loose tooth with a sledgehammer.

[hamsterman]

You could maybe still be able to use your own cd-key for a pirated version.

[Skee]

you're first mistake is getting it for the pc. that game is just graphics card rape in a box/download. xbox 360 version is much better and has a smoother framerate (kinda)

Good job not providing any help at all, and in fact replying with complete bullshit. Mass Effect is choppy at best on the 360, but, IF YOU HAVE A PC THAT MEETS SPECS (you clearly don't), then it runs like a dream.

I'd suggest what others have said, pirate it. Thing is, you paid for it right? Well if you paid for it, it doesn't matter where you get it from (this is in my opinion, by the way) because you've already shelled out the cash.

[Dr. Adcon]

Also, sorry. I didn't know the PC version would cause so much trouble.

[Androc]

I'd suggest what others have said, pirate it. Thing is, you paid for it right? Well if you paid for it, it doesn't matter where you get it from (this is in my opinion, by the way) because you've already shelled out the cash.

This isn't really a matter of personal opinion, more of a fear of repercussions.

Not to mention, my dad's going to want to know how I finally fixed it. Though piracy might be ambiguously acceptable, I am NOT okay with lying to my dad's face, and he would completely freak out if he found out I had done something like that.

Someone mentioned in another help forum, though, that the issue might be related to the game being coded as though it were on a double-layer DVD, which my computer/DVD drive MIGHT not be able to handle*. So, I'm going to go hunt through the dxdiag and see if I can make any progress on that.

*It could also be utterly retarded of me to even think this since it's a fricking download, but hey, what do I know?

EDIT: Okay, my CD/DVD drive is a TSSTcorp CD/DVDW TS-H653L SCSI CdRom Device. However, I can't find any information about whether it reads dual-layer DVDs, and I certainly can't find any drivers. Can somebody a bit more knowledgeable shed some light on this?

[Skee]

Ok. That's complete bullshit and you should stop pursuing that line of enquiry.

[Androc]

Yeah, it is. Funny how you never really realize how little you know about computers until they don't work.

Hunting around for alternate ways to contact EA, probably gonna try that hotline.

[Androc]

Okay, turns out the hotline only works on weekdays. So much for that.

However, regarding this:

So, I decided to just try moving to the next steps: Running and quitting MassEffectLauncher.exe and then Mass Effect (tm)_code.exe. Well, the first step went fine, but I can't actually FIND any files with anything resembling the name of the second .exe.

Turns out the .exe was in the data directory, it just wasn't in any of the .rars. So, I copied that over and finished the rest of the steps for manual installation. It kept mentioning that the game hadn't installed correctly and, to nobody's surprise, it flat-out crashed when I ran it. HOWEVER, a Vista popup-thing came up saying that my problem was apparently resolved in the latest version of Mass Effect. Looks like they've got the patch on their site, so I'm downloading that now. Fingers crossed.

[Androc]

"Mass Effect is not found.

Please reinstall the game from the original source and try again."

Aaaand I'm stumped.

[hamsterman]

Here, have some more suggestions if you're still experiencing corrupt downloads.

Turn off any firewall you have running (windows firewall included) while downloading the game.

And

Delete the mass effect cache files, then re-download it.

If EA Download Manager does not have anything in the My Games list (or other sections), then a file in your cache folder may be corrupted. The following solution should correct the issue and allow EA Download Manager to download default files and information.

PLEASE NOTE: This will temporarily remove any previously downloaded material from your EA Download Manager cache location. In the event that an issue continues after performing these instructions, you may be required to re-download any content you have previously obtained.

1. Completely exit EA Download Manager by clicking File > Exit
2. Open My Computer.
3. Double-click the C: drive.
4. Double-click the ProgramData folder.
5. Double-click the Electronic Arts folder.
6. Double-click the EA Download Manager folder.

If you do NOT have any downloaded material you need to retain (because you can re-download material when EA Download Manager is properly functional again), then do the following:
7. Right-click the cache folder and choose Delete.
8. A "Confirm Key Delete" window will appear, choose Yes.

If you have previously downloaded material that you would like to backup:
9. Right-click the cache folder and choose "Rename ".
10. Rename this folder to something like "cache.BAK "
11. Restart EA Download Manager and log in.

If the various game materials repopulate the main view screen, then the problem has likely been corrected. If you have previously downloaded material:

1. Completely exit EA Download Manager by clicking on File > Exit.
2. Open My Computer.
3. Double-click the C: drive.
4. Double-click the ProgramData folder.
5. Double-click the Electronic Arts folder.
6. Double-click the EA Download Manager folder.
7. Double-click the cache folder.
8. There will be a folder with a long string for a name (such as "{9C54E810EE0D968BD7C554A06864A495} ")
9. Now go back to the renamed or backed up cache folder and access the folder with the same alpha-numeric folder.
10. Move the contents of the backup folder to the newly created cache folder.

Your prior material should now be available when you restart EA Download Manager.
If an issue persists, you may need to clear this cache folder again and re-download any material again

[Androc]

I'm a bit leery of turning off the firewall, but to start off I'm going to re-download and see if it's the exact same files that are corrupted. If it's different, than something is messing up with each download, and then I'll try it with the firewall down.

[Androc]

Okay, I've realized: I don't actually need a clean download. I've already extracted all the good files from the last one, so I just need one that doesn't have the exact same files corrupted to fill in the pieces.

...Except now the download is stuck at zero and refuses to finish. Guess I have to delete and redownload, AGAIN.

[Cactus Jack]

Look dude, why don't you just go out and buy it. Seriously. Get the disc in your hand. Mass Effect is one of the best role-playing experiences that I've even played. It's an amazing world with captivating characters; it's such a rare gem that you really should just get it and enjoy it.

[TwoEyedHuman]

God, EA DLM is super frustrating, by far the worst program i have ever installed on my computer

[Androc]

Ugh. I finally pieced together a complete installation from FOUR of their corrupted downloads, and it STILL won't work.

I can only think of two things that might have occurred on my end. First, it's possible that it also requires the foreign-language map files (mapsNOR, etc) even though the instructions EXPLICITLY say it doesn't, or it was somehow affected by me running data setup earlier, even though I ran it again when I had the entire installation in place.

And no, I am absolutely NOT going to award EA another fifty dollars for not being able to code a download manager. The hell with this, I'm calling their tech support on monday.

EDIT: Wait, last solution: I was going to try to copy, uninstall, paste, and then run the datainstaller again, but neither the uninstaller nor the add/remove program list detects Mass Effect as being on my computer. SO, I'm going to compress all of my clean files into the original downloaded archives, and then try running the official installer.

EDITEDIT: And before that, I'm going to see if the winRAR 'repair' function is any help.

[Androc]

Great. So, the install with the winRAR 'repaired' archives failed, and managed to wipe out my clean-yet-nonfunctioning install in the process.

At this point, I'm just going to manually install what files I can and bother tech support on monday.

On a side note, I find it hilarious that the notoriously-buggy STALKER I also got for my birthday hasn't had so much as a single glitch so far.

[Shugo Wah]

I've never had problems with the EA Download Manager, and I've downloaded and installed Hellgate (before it went belly-up) from it on four different computers.

Maybe they just did a shit job packing Mass Effect.

[Seraphna]

That or the internet connection you're trying to download on is shitty adn dropping packets. It could never be the user at fault though.

[Androc]

Well, the download manager did lose the connection and reconnect pretty frequently. Would that be symptomatic of dropped packets?

Would turning the firewall off during download work? That's pretty much the only thing I haven't tried at this point.

[Androc]

Finally called tech support, they suggested I download it in safe mode, failure ensued, and it's too late to call tech support back. I'll try again monday, I suppose.

[Shugo Wah]

Seems like they would have just given you a receipt to purchase it boxed by now, this is ridiculous.

[Androc]

Welp, they officially hooked me up with a refund. I'm going to get a physical disc and, god willing, never post in this topic again.

[Androc]

I do not FUCKING believe this.

So, I finally got the game installed, right. Started it up. The performance is, given my specs, absolutely awful. Constant stuttering in cutscenes and gameplay. So, I tried downloading the latest driver for my card (nVidia 8600 GT), and now it's completely unplayable.

Apparently there's some sort of issue in the newer drivers, so now I'm hunting around for older versions.

[Androc]

Okay, I'm confused. I tried installing an older version (169.35) but I... already have it installed?

Going through the system folders, it looks like nvidia keeps older drivers on your computer. But how do I make it actually USE them?

EDIT: Nevermind, the folders contain installers.

[Androc]

Went back to somewhat playable, but still stuttering. Somebody on another forum mentioned having no problems with 169.21, so I'll give that a shot.

EDIT: Aaaand it's still stuttering. I'm at least going to wait until tomorrow before I continue to headbutt this particular brick wall.

EDITEDIT: Oh, for chrissake, something is wrong with bioware site and it won't let me post in their tech support forum, even after I registered my CD key. This is just getting ridiculous.

[Androc]

Windowed mode makes it stop stuttering. I choose not to question this turn of events. Performance is still less than stellar, but certainly playable.

Lock, please.