Sidewinder Strategic Commander problems

[Racquel]

My list of problems just keeps growing and growing. I am trying to install
the controller onto my Vista system & have encountered several problems. The
latest problem is while attempting to install the software, the
"installshield" application stops working almost instantly when it appears to
be completeing installation ... then there are 2 choices I am given, one is
to close the program & the other is to check online for a solution. Needless
to say, the button for checking online yields no results . To address other
problems, previously I was able to install the CD up to the point where it
would check the connection of the device to the USB but didnt recognize it
(USB port is active the working & computer itself recognizes the device &
that it was 'installed' properly) & also at another time I received an error
message that 'critical system files are missing or corrupted' (to try to fix
this based on microsofts suggestion of installing it as an administrator
doesnt work either) . I am at my wits end w/this thing... Can anyone help?

[Mike Hall - MS MVP Windows Shell/User]

There has been no official support for this device for some while.. you may
have to call time on it.. there are other gaming devices out there that may
or may not get continued support..

"Racquel" <Rac...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A8710E5E-C695-44A3...@microsoft.com...

[turbotoes]

Don't panic, just follow the instructions this post I made a couple of weeks
ago and all will work beautifully I promise. Since then I've also used it in
gothic3 and splinter cell double agent.

turbotoes

Well having spent most of the afternoon moping about it I actually got the
sidewinder to work, it’s quite simple.
Install the sidewinder software, at a certain point you will be asked if “
you really want to quit the setup program?” say yes.
Tootle off to the folder in which you installed the software and drag
“DEAMON14” into startup and you might as well get yourself a shortcut to the
program itself on the desktop while you are at it.
Now get yourself off to Device manager by your favourite route. Under the
heading “Human Interface Devices” you will see two ( maybe more) items. The
ones we are interested in are
Usb Human Interface Device, this equals your strategic commander
And
HID compliant device, this little fellow will become ms sw strat com hid
drivers
Two other devices will appear as we get the drivers installed, these are ms
virtual keyboard and ms virtual mouse, hoorah.
So to get the little devils working like you want, right click on the “Usb
Human Interface Device” choose “update driver software” then click “browse
my computer for the driver software”
Then click “ let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer” then
you will be given a list in that list will be “ Microsoft strategic
commander” click on that, followed by “next” around this point you will get
the usual warning that the driver is unsigned click on “install anyway” or
the equivalent there of!!
Rince and repeat for the HID compliant device and when you have done that
you will find that the virtual kb and mouse will have appeared, you should
not have to change their drivers. Windows will tell you that you need to
restart your computer (that has not changed) and when you reboot your strat
comm should work!!!
You will need to repeat this process if you change usb ports, I’ve tested
it in guild wars and nwn2 and all was fine.

turbotoes

[Racquel]

Thank you so much.. I was finally able to get the program to install (that
was one of my biggest problems) and when it did, I followed your instructions
& now it works perfectly! :) Thanks again ... Racquel

[Jones]

turbotoes;185696 Wrote:
> Don't panic, just follow the instructions this post I made a couple of
> weeks
> ago and all will work beautifully I promise. Since then I've also used
> it in
> gothic3 and splinter cell double agent.
>
> turbotoes

> (...)

Wait... just a second!

Are you telling us that you managed to install and run the drivers and
profile software for the sidewinder strategic commander on Vista X64??
I mean, not Vists 32, it really runs on the X64 version this way?
REALLY????!!! :eek: Completely running, like it did on win2k, with
buttons and the three movement axes?

Please please please confirm that you were talking about the X64!
Please!!

--
Jones
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jones's Profile: http://www.vista64.net/forums/member.php?userid=1745
View this thread: http://www.vista64.net/forums/showthread.php?t=39283

[~USM~Tomza]

Jones;230547 Wrote:
> Wait... just a second!
>
> Are you telling us that you managed to install and run the drivers and
> profile software for the sidewinder strategic commander on Vista X64??
> I mean, not Vists 32, it really runs on the X64 version this way?
> REALLY????!!! :eek: Completely running, like it did on win2k, with
> buttons and the three movement axes?
>
> Please please please confirm that you were talking about the X64!
> Please!!

I have tried to install the strategic commander on the 64 vista version
with no workable results, a call to microsoft produced no results, they
were suprised it could be installed on the 32bit vista OS. I suspect it
has to do with signed drivers. If any one figures it out Please post how
it can be done, Thanks.

--
~USM~Tomza

[Oaken]

Unfortunately I'm not having nearly as much success. I've done the
install up until the point indicated, dropped a shortcut to Daemon14
into my Shortcut folder, and managed to force the HID and USB device
drivers for my device to the Strategic Commander versions. So far so
good although I did not get a request to reboot. But I reboot anyway and
it all looks good (the buttons don't automatically light up on the
controller like they used to on XP though). But when I try to run the SC
application itself to make sure the right profiles are set up I get an
error:

"Critical system files are missing or corrupted.
Please UNPLUG THE DEVICE and reinstall Strategic Commander software
from the compact disc."

Of course if I unplug it I lose the SC drivers and end up having to
reassign those. And of course it works no better the second (or third or
fourth) time around unfortunately.

Any ideas?

--
Oaken

[Babalou]

Please please please .... do you really want to see a grown man cry:(

I have the exact error when doing everything that has been suggested (I
have to admit I was a bit hesitant about doing the changes stated as I
had no real idea what I was doing, but the instructions were precise and
very good) and the blasted error of corrupted thingy-ma-bobs comes up
AAAAAAAHHHHHHH:eek:

So if any very kind soul can take pity on a noob like myself and
instruct us how to get my wonderful gadget to work again I would be very
grateful

Baba

--
Babalou

[wido]

Hi there,
be glad, you are not alone in this matter. I can't get it work either.
But the instructions say: virual kb and mouse, i do not see the virtual
mouse. I do have the list with:
- ms S C
- ms S C HID drivers
- ms sidewinder Virtual Keyboard

So do i mis something :confused:

Wido

--
wido

[turbotoes]

Sorry I've been away. I have recently discovered that if you do not TURN OFF
user account control, you will not get the device listing for the virtual
mouse. I have no idea why only the v mouse if affected, but it is. tuun off
UAC and all should be well. I hope I am not to late to help!!!!!

[Rotorhead]

PLEASE HELP TURBO.....

I did the above before turning off the User Account Control, so I went back
turned that off but nothing happened so I started uninstalling the HID
compliant game controllers and devices and now I'm stuck with it displaying
the Microsoft Strategic Commander under "Other Devices" with no HID options.
I have tried reinstalling the drivers, but still get an error and it comes
back the same way if I unplug and plug the controller back in, PLEASE HELP!!!!

Thanks.

[turbotoes]

"Rotorhead" wrote:

> PLEASE HELP TURBO.....
>
> I did the above before turning off the User Account Control, so I went back
> turned that off but nothing happened so I started uninstalling the HID
> compliant game controllers and devices and now I'm stuck with it displaying
> the Microsoft Strategic Commander under "Other Devices" with no HID options.
> I have tried reinstalling the drivers, but still get an error and it comes
> back the same way if I unplug and plug the controller back in, PLEASE HELP!!!!
>
> Thanks.
>

Rotorhead: uninstall the strat comm from “programs and features”, reboot and
start from scratch, following these instructions to the letter. If you then
get an error message, let me know what it is and I will try to help. I now
have four vista machines all a bit different and all have strat comms
attached and working. So i can’t see why yours should not work.

Okay, let’s start from the beginning.
Turn off user account control, and make sure your account has admin
privileges.
Stick disk in cd drive, find and run setup.exe
Follow instruction through, select region and all that stuff, accept the
agreement, and to keep it simple the default location. You will then see the
progress bar zip through installing the program files and then the profiles,
at this point the setup will rudely ask “if you are sure you want to exit
install ?” click yes.
Now for the plugging in. Before you do, open up device manager (control
panel, system, device manager) then click on the plus sign by ”human
interface devices” - just to see what is there-
Now plug in, you may or may not get a message about drivers being installed
at this point, but you should get two new devices under the HID heading,
1. HID-compliant device and
2. Usb human interface device.
Right click on HID-compliant device and choose “ update driver”
Then click “ browse my computer for driver software,
Then “let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer”
In the next window you will have a choice of - HID-compliant device
Or - Microsoft SideWinder Strategic Commander HID drivers,
Click the MS SW drivers, then next. You should then get a message telling
you that “windows has successfully updated driver software” hoorah.
You should now have two new devices under HID
Microsoft SideWinder Strategic Commander HID drivers and
Microsoft SideWinder virtual keyboard (you may also have Microsoft
SideWinder virtual mouse, but not always?!)
Now repeat the driver update for the “Usb human interface device.”
Once this is complete you may or -not- have to restart your pc. And then
your strat comm should work fine.

[Rotorhead]

Turbo....

YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!

I thought I was going to have to throw my Strat Comm out the window, it
would have been a sad day as I love this thing!!!! You should get paid for
all the help you've provided in this forumn.

THANKS AGAIN!!!
Bryan

[turbotoes]

"Rotorhead" wrote:

ERR. actually I'm a girly, but glad to help!!!!

[Rotorhead]

Correction.....YOU ARE THE WOMAN!!!!

Thanks again.

[Latharion]

I just wanted to say how glad I was to find out there were others out there
who still used the Strategic Commander and had gotten it to work in Vista! I
followed the instructions and it worked like a charm! I really like my SC
for more than just gaming (I use it in CAD drawing as well as Photoshop).
Contrary to what the MVP stated, there really is no viable substitute out
there at this time. The other solutions just don't have nearly the
functionality. Thanks again, Turbotoes!

[Lucas]

Help me... =\ I tried to do all the steps, but it didn't work here.
Windows Ultimate X64, I disabled the UAC, did al the steps, but in the
Device Manager, I couldn't find the driver for Strategic Commander, only for
other stuff.
"Select the device driver that you wish to install for this hardware:"
"USB Human Interface Device" and if I uncheck the box: "Show compatible
driver"
A lot of another drivers will appear, but not Strategic Commander.
In my Device Manager, I found
+Humand Interface Device
|_4: Humand Interface Device USB
|_3: HID-compliant consumer control device
|_2: HID-compliant device
Any help ??

[GroeneGrasmat]

"Lucas" wrote:

I have the same result, even under the microsoft category there is no
Sidewinder Strategic Commander device driver.
I did the procedure several times now but I just cannot get to see the right
device driver.

[Lucas]

> I have the same result, even under the microsoft category there is no
> Sidewinder Strategic Commander device driver.
> I did the procedure several times now but I just cannot get to see the right
> device driver.

Yep... I did it several times too... no good results...
And I tried a lot of other procedures, like other USBs, or forcing to use
some microsoft driver, but no success...

[LastSon]

Where all the people who got the SC to work on their Vista running the
32bit version? If so, I'm either going to downgrade to Vista 32bit, or
upgrade to Windows XP. The small advantages that Vista provides are
SIGNIFICANTLY outweighed by the SC advatages.

--
LastSon

[Flinty]

hmm.. really handy listing, thanks, however I hit upon a snag when following
the instructions.

When I install the driver it seems to install fine and doesn't ask about
exiting the install. Then when I go to the device manager I get the HID
devices listed but when I try to install new drivers the Strategic Commander
drivers don't come up as an option for either of the HID selections.

If i try to start up the software after installing the driver it comes up
with the following error:

"Critical system files are missing or corrupted"

and stops the thing from running.

Does your method only work on the 32 bit version of Vista? I am running the
64 bit version. Any further assistance would be greatly appreciated.

regards, Graeme

[Ladislao]

Dear Turbotoes:

When I receive my new PC, if I have any issues will you be able to
still help me if something doesn't work? Thank you in advance for future
help...

Ladislao...

--
Ladislao

[derek_bartram]

*The drivers will definatly NOT work on any 64bit operating system*

Two reasons;

- The inf files do not referance 64bit platforms; easily fixed,
google around I posted the fix for that
- The driver binaries do not run under 64bit platforms; virtually
impossible to fix without source code

--
derek_bartram

[BODYPRINT]

*I'm NOT using the drivers !!*

I'm creating my own engine by reading the HID direct.
I already have it working on my system. In fact I'll put up a little
demonstration of it's potential probably within 24 hours.

Trust me, this *WILL* work.

--
BODYPRINT

[derek_bartram]

I applogies, i'm not sure what happened there. When I clicked 'reply'
to the alert email that someone had posted a reply, the last message I
said was someone asking about people getting the drivers working on x64
systems.

I look forward to seeing your drivers (I really hope they work). I'm a
c# .NET developer so if you need a configuration utility written let me
knowthe interface specification (webm...@derek-bartram.co.uk).

--
derek_bartram

[BODYPRINT]

OK, here is a little test version of the engine to see if it's detecting
everyones controllers and to test that I have done the setup correctly
:)

I think it will work on all versions of windows.

Currently all it does is assigns the X and Y axis to WASD keys and the
6 top buttons to the numbers the 1 to 6 keys above the letters (not the
numberpad keys).

I know it's a bit ugly at the moment. The next stage should make it all
better.

Please let me know if there are any problems/requests.

Thanks, Phil.

+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Filename: setup.zip |
|Download: http://vista64.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3250|
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+

--
BODYPRINT

[BODYPRINT]

Here is a slightly updated version with better timing functions and some
deadzone features added.

I'd really like to know if these are working for you guys.
I'll get onto the key definitions as soon as possible.

Cheers,Phil.

+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Filename: Strategic-Setupv0.1.zip |
|Download: http://vista64.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3252|
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+

--
BODYPRINT

[Ravynmagi]

I upgraded from Vista 32 bit to Vista 64 bit. And to my disappointment
found my Strategic Commander no longer worked.

I just stumbled across this thread from Google. So I tried out the
above linked program.

What you've done so far looks promising. It seemed to recognize my
Strategic Commander. I pressed some buttons on the controller and the
program saw them. I started the engine and went to note pad and pressed
the number keys and a series of numbers were outputted out.

I tested it out in a game (The Witcher), but it didn't seem to work in
game. Example the "1" key should activate an insignia in game. Pressing
the 1 key on the keyboard works, but pressing it on the Strategic
Commander does nothing. I alt-tab back to notepad and it still works
there though.

So I tried playing the game in window mode to see if that made a
difference, but it still doesn't.

But still, looks good so far, the engine does seem to see my Strategic
Commander

--
Ravynmagi

[BODYPRINT]

OK guys, here is another updated version.
Still alot of work to go, but it's coming along nicely.
I really need to start thinking about saving profiles. Nobody wants to
re-assign the keys everytime they start the program :)

@ Ravinmagi - I have changed the Key Output style, so it may help with
your game as per the above post. Also, does the game use the keypad 1
key or the top numbers?

I must confess I havn't tried it in alot of games yet.

Changes since the last version-
Added key definitions for alot of the buttons and directions.
Made the High Precision timer selectable because of incompatability
with XP64 and possibly some hardware.
Added a Walk Zone to press a key while the direction is past the
deadzone but remains in the walk zone. Useful for games with a walk key
assignment.
Changed Key output to not repeat the Press function while the key is
down. (Will make this selectable in future version)

Again, Please report back with any problems/requests.
Thanks, Phil.

+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Filename: Strategic-Setupv0.2.zip |
|Download: http://vista64.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3332|
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+

--
BODYPRINT

[BODYPRINT]

OK, it seems this doesn't work with DirectX games, only OpenGL games,
which is what I was testing it on. DOH !!

I'm learning how to do the presses differently and will release a new
version when I get it.

--
BODYPRINT

[BODYPRINT]

OK guys...

Here is the latest version. Still no Profiles and I still have to
implement the Function buttons and the Slider....

BUT

I have got it working in DirectX games now !! Yay. :party:

So, changelog...

-DirectX games support. Should work in everything now !!
-A bit prettier, still not happy with the look yet. (Ideas anyone)
-Control Panel Key Feedback, visual representation of the state of the
assigned keys. (Will help setup the WalkZone)
-Heaps of code optimization and commenting.

Things I need from you guys. I've been running it in a virtual machine
for my XP64 testing. The button text looks really crappy, but I don't
know if it's because it's in a VM or if it's XP64. Feedback would be
nice.

Thanks, Phil.

+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Filename: StrategicSetupv0.3.zip |
|Download: http://vista64.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3345|
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+

--
BODYPRINT

[derek_bartram]

I've just tested the latest version, and firstly well done, this
software is a BIG step in the right direction....

1) Personally i'm happy with the configuration utility, it's simple
yet effective
2) With the movement direction thing (i.e. move top of controller
up, down, left, and right mine is always to the left of the center box
by default, moving right just about takes it to center and left past the
limit of the box (although it looks like the software limits the
pointer). Some sort of calibration would perhaps be an idea.
3) Definatly works with supreme commander
4) I can confirm button text looks fine on Windows Server 2008 x64.

Pretty pretty please, any chance of some source code? I would love to
do a .net port of the interface to make it a little more usable (perhaps
some nice shiney vista stuff).

(One of my current projects, 'CodeProject: WPF C# Ribbon Control
Library. Free source code and programming help'
(http://www.codeproject.com/KB/WPF/ribboncontrol.aspx), a office 2007
style ribbon control)

--
derek_bartram

[BODYPRINT]

Just a quick update.

I've made alot of progress on the software. I have the 3 Function Keys
working and the Slider all works fine.

I'm currently in the process of doing 2 things...

1. Changing the keypress routine to allow for Keycombo's and sequences
similar to the Original drivers.

2. Converting to Visual Studio .NET.
This will allow 2 things. First, it will be much prettier with OS
specific buttons etc. So on Vista it will look like Vista and XP will
look like XP.
It will also, hopefully, allow me to get rid of the whole timer setup
(which XP doesn't like) and provide much faster feedback. .NET handles
fast loops much better than VS6.

It has been a bit of a challenge and there is alot more work to do, but

it's coming along nicely.

I estimate about 2 weeks for the next update.

--
BODYPRINT

[fVe]

Keep us posted. I love my Commander and was sad to see it discontinued
by MS. Bad show.

I've been messing around with the .inf file and I can manage to get
Vista 64 to recognize the drivers, but it fails to install them... ("A
problem was encountered while attempting to add the driver to the
store.")

--
fVe

[Blaen]

Very impressive Bodyprint. I've been holding out switching to x64 until
I've managed to get the strat to work. I've been playing for months
with the original drivers along with a friend who works at Microsoft to
port them to x64 but it's not looking successful. Really grateful for
all the work you're doing on the new setup and x64 drivers. I'll start
providing proper feedback with the next release, which I guess is
imminent.

--
Blaen

[derek_bartram]

Blaen;691720 Wrote:
> I've been playing for months with the original drivers along with a
> friend who works at Microsoft to port them to x64 but it's not looking
> successful.

Can you get me a copy of the source please. I'd like to have a crack at
it.

Thanks,
Derek. (webm...@derek-bartram.co.uk)

Ps. I'm happy to sign whatever non-disclosure agreement is neccasery.

--
derek_bartram

[Blaen]

I'll see what I can do. MS are often reluctant to make source code
available but you never know.

--
Blaen

[derek_bartram]

Blaen;692702 Wrote:
> I'll see what I can do. MS are often reluctant to make source code
> available but you never know.

Understandable, but thank you for asking on my behalf. Many thanks,
Derek Bartram.

--
derek_bartram

[D1STuRB3D]

Turbotoes.......i love you i love you i love you......I would be lost with
out my strat comm.... after much tweaking i got it to work ....and it's all
because of you.......did i say i love you? well i do ....ALOT.......

I had a bit of a scare :P after turing off UAC......i lost my call off duty
4 profile (thats 55 lvls and 3 golden guns :P) but i got it back hehe
few...... and yes i use my strat com for FPS.... and it rocks...... lucky i
got 5 when i found out MS stopped making them coss they take a beating(on my
2nd now).......anyhow MANY THANKS.....

[trek6500]

Hey all I have the Strategic Commander also, but know longer have the
software. I was looking around on the Internet and found version 4.0.
Would this be the final version, or is there a newer one still out
there? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Trek6500

--
trek6500

[Bone_Daddy]

BODYPRINT -

Simply amazing. Well done. Please let me know if we can donate to the
cause (via paypal or something). It is greatly appreciated.

--
Bone_Daddy

[BODYPRINT]

Hi guys.

Sorry about the delay in updates. Time is my worst enemy !!

I didn't get as much done as I had hoped I would, but still made alot
of progress.

So without further ado here is the list of updates...

File Save and Load now completed. (Stored in My Documents\Strategic
Commander\)
Each Button now has a description which can be edited in the key
assignment section.
New Function button setup. Can be mouse clicked or button clicked to
open each section. (You'll see what i mean when you run it :P)

I think this update makes it a fully useful tool. Still not where I
would like to be at though.
As always, any bugs/suggestions would be very much appreciated.

@Bone-Daddy, I'll test it in C&C 3 in the coming days and see if it
works. And yes any donations would be much appreciated. Thanks :) I
wasn't really expecting anything, but I did have to outlay a little cash
for the USB reading library.

If anybody wants to donate just PM me and I'll give you my PayPal
details.

+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Filename: StrategicSetupv0.4.zip |
|Download: http://vista64.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4025|
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+

--
BODYPRINT

[Bone_Daddy]

Update with testing Setupv0.4: I assigned the "H" key for button 2 and
it did respond in C&C 3. I assigned the "END" key for button 5 and it
did not respond in C&C 3. I reassigned the move buttons replacing the
w,s,a,d keys with the arrow/direction keys (located below the "END" key
- not the number pad keys with arrow/direction keys on 8, 2, 4, 6). No
dice. The move function emulated the number keys: 8, 2, 4, 6. It was
limited testing today. In the next few days, I'll try to load up at
least 6-8 buttons and see what happens. Hope this helps in any regard.

--
Bone_Daddy

[BODYPRINT]

Heres another quick update.

This should fix the problem Bone Daddy reported with certain special
keys not working. I needed to add an extension value for these keys.

If you come across any more please let me know. I think I've got all of
the important ones.

Also let me know if it stuffs up any other keys.

NOTE: You will need to disable the Walk function for this to work
properly in C&C and any similar map type programs.

There will be another update soon. I'm not 100% certain the save
function is working properly. I'll also set the Walk function to
disabled by default, considering the type of games this controller is
mainly used for. I might also add a calibration option. Someone said
there's wasn't centered. I don't see how, but I'll add the feature
anyway :)

See Ya !!

+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Filename: StrategicSetupv0.41.zip |
|Download: http://vista64.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4174|
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+

--
BODYPRINT

[BODYPRINT]

Here's another update !! :party::party::party:

IMPORTANT !! PREVIOUS PROFILE SAVES WILL NOT WORK !!

In this update...

Added Calibration (Tools menu)
Profiles now save ALL settings. That includes Dead Zones,
Enabled/Disabled Options and Calibrations.
Default profile is now loaded at startup.
Walk feature is now Disabled by default.

I think that's all :)

Next feature to pretty much bring this to what I feel is deserving of
Version 1.0 is Key Combinations, of course. I've been avoiding this one,
but it's time to nut it out I think.

Once again, please report back to me how it's working for you all.
Thanks.
And a BIG thanks to the kind donators. You have been very generous :D

Have Fun !!

+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Filename: StrategicSetupv0.5.zip |
|Download: http://vista64.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4203|
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+

--
BODYPRINT

[Bone_Daddy]

@ Body - Great release with .041. Can't wait to try this one! Tested the
special keys and they are working. w00t! This is going to be huge.

I have been reading so much from fans of the Strategic Commander that
they won't upgrade to Vista because of the lack of support. Now they
will have that option again with a great engine provided by BODYPRINT.
Well done! I'll promote the hell out of this engine and hopefully get
you some more donators.

I'll be testing Counter Strike Source, Age of Empires: The Age of
Kings: The Conquerors, and possibly Cod4.

--
Bone_Daddy

[Jaques-Ludwig]

@Bodyprint

thank you a lot for this great program. I thougt i have to sell my
strategic comander. Then I read this forum. There I read that the
comander is not able to be used in vista64.

Now I found your program and it seems working fine. Now I will test
with some games. By now, a big Thank You.

Jaques-Ludwig

--
Jaques-Ludwig

[Ravynmagi]

I just tried version 1.0.

I am able to set a sequential key macro successfully once. But if I
open it again, I'll get this error.

StrategicEngine

Run-time error '340':

Control array element '0' doesn't exist

And the program closes.

--
Ravynmagi

[Ravynmagi]

Also would it be possible to disable the move up, down, right, and left
function of the device? I never liked that particular feature since the
entire thing would slide around the desk anyway.

For now I've just set the dead zone as large as possible.

--
Ravynmagi

[Ravynmagi]

First I launch the Strategic Engine 1.0.
Then I click on button 1 under the F1 section (same thing happens with
other buttons too, so this is just an example).

'[image: http://www.dragonbytes.org/images/strategic/Image1.jpg]'
(http://www.dragonbytes.org/images/strategic/Image1.jpg)

Then I give it a name, select Key Combination, then choose Shift and 1.
Then click OK.

'[image: http://www.dragonbytes.org/images/strategic/Image4.jpg]'
(http://www.dragonbytes.org/images/strategic/Image4.jpg)

Now back at the Strategic Engine I say, "Oops, I wanted something else
for that key", so I click on the "Test" button (previously named "1"
under F1).

'[image: http://www.dragonbytes.org/images/strategic/Image5.jpg]'
(http://www.dragonbytes.org/images/strategic/Image5.jpg)

And then boom. The error.

'[image: http://www.dragonbytes.org/images/strategic/Image6.jpg]'
(http://www.dragonbytes.org/images/strategic/Image6.jpg)

--
Ravynmagi

[Ravynmagi]

PS. That is also with a new profile.

--
Ravynmagi

[Bone_Daddy]

I'm actually exited to see what you learn from the course. ^^ Should be
interesting.

--
Bone_Daddy

[shinyhalo]

Please include a way to insert a "pause" of varying miliseconds between
key combinations so that we can program "combos" for games like Age of
Conan.
Thanks!

--
shinyhalo

[shinyhalo]

Age of Conan uses some pretty long macros and the timing of button
presses differs as well.
I can accomplish some things by using two different methods.

Method 1 Sequence Mode example: F2
1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111112
Method 1 explanation: Basically you need to delay the pressing of "1"
and "2" for awhile after pressing "F2" so the numerous "1"s succeed in
that goal.
Pros: very stable. never ceases functioning
Cons: doesn't allow for anything more complex than three button combos,
if a combo gets interrupted sometimes the game character stands there
executing each "1" press and you can't do anything else

Method 2 Sequence Mode example: F2 [Delay 1 second] O [Delay 250ms] 2 1
Pros: can create complex macros like the above and maybe even more
complex that still actually work in-game
Cons: often ceases functioning altogether with game not registering ANY
sidewinder button presses. Exiting Strategic Engine and restarting it
fixes this. This strange event never ever happens unless the [Delay]
commands are used.

--
shinyhalo

[shinyhalo]

BODYPRINT;754750 Wrote:

> > shinyhalo;752520 Wrote:
> > Cons: often ceases functioning altogether with game not registering ANY
> > sidewinder button presses. Exiting Strategic Engine and restarting it
> > fixes this. This strange event never ever happens unless the [Delay]
> > commands are used.> >
>

> This sounds very strange. I've been trying to break mine, but can't.
>
> Does it work for a while then stop, or does it fail pretty quickly?
> Can you provide me your saved profile and tell me what order you
> press the buttons to make it fail?
>
> Thanks.

I wish I could duplicate it that precisely, but it's unpredictable. I'd
say the sidewinder+Strategic Engine stops sending commands to the Age of
Conan software about once every 45 minutes. Alt-Tab, exit Strategic
Engine, restart Strategic Engine usually fixes this.

One profile that freezes up is here:
http://members.cox.net/shinyhalo/Conqueror2H.se1

--
shinyhalo

[shinyhalo]

BODYPRINT;754751 Wrote:
> > shinyhalo;752520 Wrote:
> > Method 1 Sequence Mode example: Cons: doesn't allow for anything more
> > complex than three button combos...> >
>
> I don't really understand why you say it can only do 3 button combos.
> Can you elaborate on this?
>
> Cheers :)

lol, I guess I don't know for sure! Will test right now. I was wrong.
Method 1 can be used to make more complex macros.

For example, I just pulled this 4-button-press one off:
F3QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ2222222222222222222223

This will help some though there is still the Con/ of interrupts
potentially causing the character to execute each of separate commands.

Basically, you watch the animation and add letters until you see the
movement being performed then move to the next command and add repeats
until that movement is performed. The repeats allow for the built-in
delay requirements of Age of Conan to be met.

--
shinyhalo

[shinyhalo]

It occured to me that maybe the problem is I am using XP Pro 32 bit and
this is a Vista forum lol.

--
shinyhalo

[shinyhalo]

BODYPRINT;755790 Wrote:
>
>
> Why dont you use the M$ software if you are on XP 32?

1. M$ software setup is tricky. I have to "force" install drivers from
the Device Manager
2. The M$ software lacks an option for Mouse Wheel Up/Down and this
game is so complex that I need every possible input option. lol

--
shinyhalo

[shinyhalo]

Could you please add a single delay button duration 1.5 seconds?
I've been experimenting and the freeze ups don't occur when there is
only one delay command in the macro. However, the Age of Conan combos
require a 1.25-1.5 second delay.

Thanks.

--
shinyhalo

[Cyberjudas]

I have been searching for your files but cant find the download anywhere
please post or pm so i can try this awesome software. All the links give me a
404 error. Thanks
--
Knowledge is the key

[Cyberjudas]

Could anyone please make a new download or send me the file. The link is gone
above. Thanks in advance

--
Knowledge is the key

[Cyberjudas]

Still looking for this software as the links above are gone. If anyone has
this software could you please post it or i will give you my msn messenger or
email.

--
Knowledge is the key

[cyberjudas]

Sorry for the double post.
Apparentely other forums have linked to this one and appear to make it
their own. when i tried to follow the links they were broken. I have now
found the original forum and working thread. I also have the software
and mu commander working
THANK YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH ! your software is awesome Body !:party:

--
cyberjudas

[Nonny]

cyberjudas <gu...@unknown-email.com> wrote:

>
>Sorry for the double post.
>Apparentely other forums have linked to this one and appear to make it
>their own.

You've got it bass-ackwards: the forum you are playing in has linked
to the rest of the world and is leeching all its posts from other
places.

Look at all the posts from those knows as "guests". Every one of
those posts has been leeched from outside the forum.

[Theo]

Hi Bodyprint!

I would also to download your setup, but the link doesn't work anymore.
Also searched already in google - no success.
So I'm late in this post -only 2 months... :-((((

can you drop a message where to download it?
Thanks
Theo

[Theo]

Hi Bodyprint!

ok I found out that I was in the "wrong forum" ;-)
After I registered at http://www.vistax64.com
and checked this link you provided ->
http://www.cold-incision.com/SE%20WEB/Installers/StrategicSetupv1.3.exe I 'm
finally happy!

Thanks for the good job, tomorrow when I'm back from my travel I test it
completely at the weekend and post everything I find as a potential Bug. As
I'm working in support and deal all day with our development and normally
find also every day a bug in our software, therefore I'm shure I will find
here also a few :-)) LOL - ok just kidding ;-)

So thanks again for the posts!
Theo

[wrodney4]

It does not work for me. HELP

"turbotoes" wrote:

> Don't panic, just follow the instructions this post I made a couple of weeks
> ago and all will work beautifully I promise. Since then I've also used it in
> gothic3 and splinter cell double agent.
>
> turbotoes
>
>
> Well having spent most of the afternoon moping about it I actually got the
> sidewinder to work, it’s quite simple.
> Install the sidewinder software, at a certain point you will be asked if “
> you really want to quit the setup program?” say yes.
> Tootle off to the folder in which you installed the software and drag
> “DEAMON14” into startup and you might as well get yourself a shortcut to the
> program itself on the desktop while you are at it.
> Now get yourself off to Device manager by your favourite route. Under the
> heading “Human Interface Devices” you will see two ( maybe more) items. The
> ones we are interested in are
> Usb Human Interface Device, this equals your strategic commander
> And
> HID compliant device, this little fellow will become ms sw strat com hid
> drivers
> Two other devices will appear as we get the drivers installed, these are ms
> virtual keyboard and ms virtual mouse, hoorah.
> So to get the little devils working like you want, right click on the “Usb
> Human Interface Device” choose “update driver software” then click “browse
> my computer for the driver software”
> Then click “ let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer” then
> you will be given a list in that list will be “ Microsoft strategic
> commander” click on that, followed by “next” around this point you will get
> the usual warning that the driver is unsigned click on “install anyway” or
> the equivalent there of!!
> Rince and repeat for the HID compliant device and when you have done that
> you will find that the virtual kb and mouse will have appeared, you should
> not have to change their drivers. Windows will tell you that you need to
> restart your computer (that has not changed) and when you reboot your strat
> comm should work!!!
> You will need to repeat this process if you change usb ports, I’ve tested
> it in guild wars and nwn2 and all was fine.
>
> turbotoes
>
> "Racquel" wrote:
>
> > My list of problems just keeps growing and growing. I am trying to install
> > the controller onto my Vista system & have encountered several problems. The
> > latest problem is while attempting to install the software, the
> > "installshield" application stops working almost instantly when it appears to
> > be completeing installation ... then there are 2 choices I am given, one is
> > to close the program & the other is to check online for a solution. Needless
> > to say, the button for checking online yields no results . To address other
> > problems, previously I was able to install the CD up to the point where it
> > would check the connection of the device to the USB but didnt recognize it
> > (USB port is active the working & computer itself recognizes the device &
> > that it was 'installed' properly) & also at another time I received an error
> > message that 'critical system files are missing or corrupted' (to try to fix
> > this based on microsofts suggestion of installing it as an administrator
> > doesnt work either) . I am at my wits end w/this thing... Can anyone help?

[Bone_Daddy]

@ wrodney4:

What doesn't work for you? You'll need to provide more information.

--
Bone_Daddy

[gamexprt1]

Can someone provide the software for this device? I got it at a Good
Will and it didn't come with instructions or a disc.

--
gamexprt1

[Chuck_IV]

Great job Bodatpaint. I've dusted of my Strategic Commander abd couldn't
be happier.

I have 1 request for the software... have separate dead zone settings
for the Forward/Backward vs Left/Right movement of the joystick portion
of the Commander. What I'm hoping to do is set some deadzone for
Left/Right movement, but little to no deadzone for Forward/Backward
movement.

Thanx again.

--
Chuck_IV

[hacki]

Hi there,
I cheered when I found the forum and instantly got my SC off the shelf.
Never thought that I would be able to use this tool again.
I've read the whole forum in order not to miss anything. When I finally
wanted to download the software that Bodyprint has written (which I find
absolutely extraordinary not to look for a possibility to just run the
software but to write his own code - THANKS! for this inspiration), I
felt close to heaven.
But like a climber that reaches the overhang and sees the top is still
far away:
unfortunately neither the link
http://www.vistax64.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4203
nor the link
'...Fast and Easy Web Hosting at a reasonable price...'
(http://www.cold-incision.com/SE) WEB/Installers/StrategicSetupv1.3.exe
that were posted in this forum were working.
Is there any possibility how I can get the software?
Please help me!
Hacki

--
hacki

[gflow359]

Hi,
I'd like to have the software too. Maybe someone who has it could mail
it to me: wo...@kjh-anderland.de

Thank You!

--
gflow359

[Vb4me]

:confused: me too, need download link please?

Hi everyone,

today I bought this weird looking gray computer accessory at a garage
sale for $5 today and the guy said i'd be able to download the software
as there was no disc. Since then I discovered its hard enough to get a
driver if on an older platform but I have Vista 64 so it looked even
grimmer.
Now, after about 2-3 hrs searching and reading posts I got to this one
and became excited. The posts showed that the Strategic Commander has
quite a hard core fan group and now I couldn't wait to get it working
and see why! I have honestly been dreaming of a controller like this and
have searched the net looking for one and gave up as thought they didn't
exist. I'm rapt that it actually does and hoping it will be good in FPS
games that I play sometimes. I read all 11 pages of this post (yep -
hate to miss anything) and everone has big raps on Bodyprint's new
software.

Bodyprint,...sounds like you have done really well and I'd like to also
donate in appreciation of your time in developing this. Please post (or
send me) a link.

Cheers!
VB4me :D

--
Vb4me

[jjthomas]

Thanks for posting the link.

-JJ

--
jjthomas

[hacki]

Thank You;
very good detective work :).
Cannot wait to try it....
And again: Thanks to Bodyprint!

--
hacki

[Vb4me]

No problem,
The software is functional (ta BP) and I got my SC working ok.
Nb - The forum where I found the link said that Bodyprint had to
relocate to another server. Also said on hols and updates via the
software will be temporarily unavailable.
The link is to V 1.3 but i think he was up to 1.5 so keep checking
updates!

Unfortunately the SC is not as good as I thought for FPS, too many
quick movements req. Does anyone else use it for FPS games?....or only
RP like WOW etc.

--
Vb4me

[mrmanic]

Hi folks,

well...i use the MSC for egoshooters like BF2 and BF2142. (Don't
wonder...crazy germans...):confused:

it works very fine under windows XP, but now under vista ultimate x64 i
have problems. i use this awsome software (thanx btw.) in the last
version 1.3, but it will sometimes work under BF2, sometimes not. this
means that the controller is found by the software and i can configure
everything, but when i start the game i have no ingame function. when it
works, everything is fine like under xp. a possible problem is maybe a
conflict, when i join a game over the xfire function. i'm testting on
it.

the bigger problem is that it doesn't works under BF2142!:cry:

any ideas???

marc

p.s.: great forum here!

--
mrmanic

[Moonblade]

The Setup1.3 is working great for my FPS. My problem is... When I
enter Warhammer Online the MSC doesnt work at all but when I exit WAR or
alt+tab out while the game is running it works fine. Any ideas?

Also if anyone has the newest version Setup1.5, I would love to get my
hands on it :D

--
Moonblade

[Cyberpunky]

Like many here I am sooooo greatful I found this place. Was doing the
trawling MS site deal, trying to get my SC working, when I decided to
hit google(and found this place and this post). Im using ULT32 so it
only took a little bit of fiddling (due to excellent instructions here)
and its working a treat.
Thank you thank you thank you
peace
Punky

--
Cyberpunky

'The Kewl Hunter Blog' (http://kewlhunter.wordpress.com)
-*"Out beyond ideas of right doing and wrong doing lies a field. Let me
meet you there"*- Rumi

[thalamis]

Just to let you know, but it appears to be working under Windows 7 as
well.

Installed and loaded the engine.... and glorious orange appeared on the
SC - a sight I have not seen for years.

Will post to confirm when I have had a chance to test.

Thanks

--
thalamis

[FendiMan]

Yes, the programm works fine under Windows7.

@Cyberpunky:
If you using Vista 32bit you can use the original programm.

--
FendiMan

[thalamis]

Confirmed that it works under Windows 7 perfectly.

@Moonblade.

In case you have not sorted it, you will need to run MSC as an
Administrator for it to work with WAR - just like any other application
you want to use simulatiously (like WinAmp etc)

Thal

--
thalamis

[Cyberpunky]

@fendiman
I am using the original program(now). My point was it didnt work till
the helpful folks here guided me on how to get it working under vista,
and for this I am extremely grateful. I dont understand what your post
is about...I thought what I stated was clear...Thank you for the
invaluable help getting my strat comm working again
peace

--
Cyberpunky

'The Kewl Hunter Blog' (http://kewlhunter.wordpress.com)

-*"Out beyond ideas of right doing and wrong doing, there lies a field.

[Moonblade]

@Thalamis

Thank you! Trying to use the Keyboard to play a game anymore drives me
nuts. Now I am back up and running!

--
Moonblade

[Obiedude]

Any info on where Bodyprint's app is hosted these days?
I'd love to give it a try.

--
Obiedude

[ff00xx]

Vb4me have found the file:

http://www.bodyphatt.com/cold-incision/SE%20WEB/Installers/StrategicSetupv1.3.exe

Enjoy!

P.S.: Where is BODYPRINT? He made a hell of a job on this and I also
would like to give him a donation!

--
ff00xx

[mrmanic]

Hi again,

has really noone a solution for this problem?:

[Hank J.]

On Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:40:40 -0500, mrmanic <gu...@unknown-email.com>
wrote:

>
>Hi again,
>
>has really noone a solution for this problem?:

Check back in another three months.

[Bandare]

mrmanic;997372 Wrote:
> Hi again,
>
> has really noone a solution for this problem?:
>
>

Ok, I have a solution for getting it to work in Vista Home Premium
64bit (including the lights!:cool:)

- I plugged in the device and it said installed but didn't do
anything
- when I checked the device manager I had one device not recognised.
I right clicked and selected update drivers
- then selected look on internet for recommended driver.
- Weirdly, it found a driver and installed it. the driver is *ATK0110
ACPI Utility* that was installed and it now shows in the System
Devices.
- I then installed the bodyprint software
http://www.bodyphatt.com/cold-incision/SE%20WEB/Installers/StrategicSetupv1.3.exe
- Worked and installed like a charm
All the lights work too :)

--
Bandare

[Andersenman.ini]

when looking for the devices you will want to go for the ones that read
VID_045E&PID_0033
in the details.

[vtowers]

Has anyone still got the app to upload again as the link is dead sadly
:(

Thanks a lot

--
vtowers

[banjoe669]

I seem to be having the same problem others are having. I got this
wonderfull software for my strategic commander working on vista 64, but
it does not work when I play World of Warcraft. Any ideas? This seems
to be a common problem with 3rd person type games.

--
banjoe669

[banjoe669]

OK, I fixed my own problem. It is built right into the software. You
just have to press start engine to make it work! Thanks again for great
software!!

--
banjoe669

[noahsam]

Hi everyone - Sadly I'm still having issues with getting the Commander
inputs to register inside of my game app. I'm playing Champions Online
on Windows 7 64-bit (RC v. 7100)... the Strategic Engine App loads and
registers the device, and I can execute the key commands into native
apps like wordpad, but it is not registering within the game.

I don't have any particular drivers installed for the device, but I
can't quite tell if they are needed... any suggestions?

And a super shout out to Philip for setting this up; so glad to have
found others who still think the Commander is still the best gaming
device out there!

--
noahsam
Posted via http://www.vistaheads.com

[LtComDATA]

Hello!
Is it be possible to use the "+" and "-" buttons on the strategic
commander as "7" and "8"?

Would be very usefull in Warcraft3, Company of Heroes and other
Strategy games

'[image:
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/5521/sidewinderstrategiccomm.th.jpg]'
(http://img512.imageshack.us/i/sidewinderstrategiccomm.jpg/)

#edit#:
Imageshack = Buggyshack

direct link
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/5521/sidewinderstrategiccomm.jpg

--
LtComDATA

[wildlaurel]

where did you get this software.. can you send me the link for the software..

by the way does anyone have the drivers/software for SC for win xp 32bit..
care to share?

[raom]

Can somewone please tell me were can i get de software CD, or a software
that work's?
please!!!!

--
raom

[FendiMan]

The link in post #120 works:
'sk00by SNACKS!! - Downloads'
(http://kat-byte.com/sk00by/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=viewdownloadeditorial&lid=2)

--
FendiMan

[JoshuaGeek]

FendiMan;1610005 Wrote:
> The link in post #120 works:
> 'sk00by SNACKS!! - Downloads'

> (http://tinyurl.com/yan8fby)
>
>
> --
> FendiMan

Hey, could someone please email me the wonderful StrategicSetupv1.3.exe
so that I can post it on my website so we can have a link that works.
Thanks [image: http://picturemon.com/images/Untitled-2.png]

--
JoshuaGeek
Posted via http://www.vistaheads.com

[JoshuaGeek]

JoshuaGeek;1650269 Wrote:
> Hey, could someone please email me the wonderful StrategicSetupv1.3.exe
> so that I can post it on my website so we can have a link that works.
> Thanks [image: http://picturemon.com/images/Untitled-2.png]

Okay, I Finally found a copy thanks guys (sarcasm) so others can
download it. I'm putting it on my website. Oh and if the author of you
software wants me too take it down don't hesitate to shoot me an email
thanks.
www.picturemon.com/Downloads/StrategicSetupv1.3.zip