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How to play to Descent 3 in a virtual machine?
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Summary
Content
How to play to Descent 3 in a virtual machine?...................................................................................... 1
I.
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3
II.
Requirements.................................................................................................................................. 4
III.
VirtualBox Installation ................................................................................................................ 7
IV.
Create a Virtual Machine .......................................................................................................... 11
V.
Install Windows XP ....................................................................................................................... 17
VI.
Configure Windows XP ............................................................................................................. 29
VII.
Update Windows XP ................................................................................................................. 35
VIII.
Additional Software installation .............................................................................................. 44
IX.
Install Descent 3 ........................................................................................................................ 51
X.
Troubleshoot and FAQ .................................................................................................................. 66
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I.
Introduction
Since several years, virtualization has changed to become more accessible to end-user. However, it's
still difficult to find information about how to play games in a virtual machine, because before
Windows Vista and Windows 7, there were no reasons to use these technologies.
Today, with the arrival of new operating systems, there are some compatibilities issues with old
games which have makes happy to a lot of us. This is a problem I’ve encountered several years ago,
when Microsoft has launched their operating system Windows XP, which has had already a lot of
compatibilities issues with old DOS games at the time...
However, virtualization technologies are now a good solution to overcome this kind of problem. It's
not really perfect, and these technologies will progress in the future years, but it's sufficient to solve
most of the compatibility issues encountered.
This document may help you to create, configure and use virtualization technologies. Of course, you
need a little knowledge in Information Technologies, but don't worry if you're not an accomplished
technician, this guide will translate the hermetic language of the professional in an accessible
language, understandable by the common of mortals... I hope!
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II.
Requirements
Let's go to the essentials : if you have an old computer with less than 2 Go of memory (RAM) with
less than 20 Giga octet free in your hard disk drive and with only one processor like for example a
Pentium III, you can forget virtualization.
Virtualization requires a lot of resources in your computer, because you will host a complete system,
which is like a new computer inside your existing computer. This computer which will be hosted will
use the resources of the host computer. That's why you need a good configuration.
But what a good configuration means? The minimum requirements are listed below:
Material
Processor
Memory
Hard Disk
Minimum requirements
At least a 2 Ghz processor, if possible a dual-core processor
At least 1,5 Go of RAM
At least 100 Go of free space
About processor and RAM, you can easily view them by right-clicking on the "Computer" icon then
select "Properties".
About Hard Disk Drive capacity, you can see it more easily by clicking on “Computer”.
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The screen captures above show an example of a good and largely sufficient configuration in order to
host a virtual machine or even two...
Once you have checked that you have the minimum requirements to start creating a virtual machine,
you can prepare the following items, which are required in this procedure.



VirtualBox Sofware
Microsoft Windows XP (home or professional) in ISO format.
A lot of patience…
VirtualBox is a software originally developed by SUN Microsystem, since bought and freely
distributed by Oracle. This free software allow you to create virtual machines, with several
interesting parameters like the experimental support of Direct3D and the compatibility with other
virtualization system like Virtual PC from Microsoft or like VMWare...
As VirtualBox is the only software which supports (even in an experimental way) Microsoft Direct3D
which is used by a lot of games, it is currently the reference in the domain of virtualization for endusers.
For your information, for all the high-level skilled technicians, the ultimate references are ESX from
VMWare or Hyper-V from Microsoft, which require a high-level infrastructure with war machines
that cost several thousands of dollars / euros each.
VirtualBox can be downloaded following the link below:
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http://www.virtualbox.org/
But before installing VirtualBox, you should read the following lines with attention. VirtualBox allow
you to create virtual machines, but you will need an image of the system to install, in ISO format.
In effect, VirtualBox can directly read the sources of installation from your DVD-ROM or CD-ROM, but
it is preferable to use an Image of your operating system in ISO format, which give you more
reliability during the installation. ISO format is a compression format that allows you to have all your
files in one file, like the ZIP compression.
The only differences between these two formats are that VirtualBox is only able to read ISO format.
A lot of various utilities can be found through Internet to generate ISO. Just search "Create an ISO
file" on Google if you want to know how to create your own ISO from your original media of
Windows, Linux, MacOs or other system you have intended to use.
The professionals of Information Technologies work exclusively with ISO format. But you can also
choose to use your original media (CD or DVD). VirtualBox is able to create a mapping between your
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive and the virtual drive used in the virtual machine.
But before creating a Virtual Machine, you need to have an original version of the operating system
you plan to install, with a unique license that is not installed on another computer.
It is really important to understand that you must have only one license per machine, even if it's a
virtual machine. For example, if you have a new computer with a Windows 7 license and if you have
an old machine running Windows XP, you can only use the XP license on a virtual machine under
Windows 7 if you have DE installed Windows XP on the old machine.
Yes, I know, this is completely stupid, because you will probably need to have a virtual machine with
Windows XP under Windows 7 to avoid compatibility issues caused by the newer version of
Microsoft operating system you installed, but this is the LAW!
As an IT professional, it is considered as misconduct if you don't warned users about rules of
licensing. And the rule is very simple: one license per machine, virtual or not. I consider that you're
now warned, so let's start the installation!
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III.
VirtualBox Installation
Step 1.1
Launch Oracle VirtualBox setup by double-clicking on the installation file previously
downloaded:
Step 1.2
Click on “Next”.
Step 1.3
Select all features, and then click on “Next”.
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Step 1.4
Select “Create a shortcut on the desktop” and “Create a shortcut in the Quick Launch
Bar” and then, click on “Next”.
Step 1.5
Click on “Yes”.
Note: VirtualBox will add a new Network device on your system. This device is used to
permit communication between the virtual machine and the host. Be sure that you’re
not downloading something in the same time you’re installing VirtualBox, otherwise
your download will be stopped and may be lost!
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Step 1.6
Click on “Install”.
Step 1.7
The network device will be installed at this step. Click on “install” three times.
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Step 1.8
Select “Start Oracle VM VirtualBox 4.1.0 after installation” and then click on “Finish”.
The easiest task is now done. The next steps explain how to configure a virtual machine in VirtualBox.
This might be a little more difficult to understand, but don't worry, for each screen of the Virtualbox
configuration, a little explanation will be provided.
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IV.
Create a Virtual Machine
Step 2.1
Click on “Create”.
Step 2.2
Click on “Next”.
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Step 2.3
Choose a name for your Virtual Machine (the easiest is "WinXP") and then select
Operating System (usually Microsoft Windows) and the version (usually Windows XP).
Note: As you can see, VirtualBox is able to run several operating systems, like
Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows 2008, Linux Debian, MacOs X, Solaris, and a lot
of other.... In this procedure, we will only install a Windows XP operating system,
because VirtualBox manages XP without any issue, and because Descent 3 will better
run in this operating system.
Step 2.4
Select the memory allocated to the virtual machine by sliding the cursor or by typing
the amount of memory allocated in the box at the right of the window.
Warning: Knowing that the memory allocated to the virtual machine is subtracted to
the host machine, you shouldn't allocate more than 1/3 of your total memory to the
virtual machine, otherwise you should encounter drastic performance issues...
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Step 2.5
Check “Priming hard disk” and then select “Create a new hard drive” and click on
“Next”.
Note: A priming hard disk is the first hard disk drive on which Windows XP must be
installed. It corresponds to drive C:\ that is the only on which Windows XP will boot.
Note: VirtualBox permits to attach an existing virtual hard drive. If it is your first
installation, you probably not have a virtual hard drive on your computer. If you have
created several virtual machines before, you can attach the virtual hard drive
previously created on a new virtual machine.
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Step 2.6
Select the file type desired then click on “Next”.
Note: VirtualBox is not exclusive on file type. VDI is the default type, VMDK is
compatible with VMWare, and VHD is compatible with Microsoft. If you don't plan to
migrate your virtual machine on VMWare software or microsoft software, choose VDI
format. The IT Professional recommends the VHD format for all Microsoft Operating
System, but choice is yours.
Step 2.7
Choose how the virtual disk must be allocated, then select "Next".
Note: A dynamically disk will only grow when you put data inside. Fixed disk is rarely
used, except when you have a lot of free disk space, because it take the space
allocated in the virtual disk on your physical hard disk drive. The IT Professionals
recommends to use fixed disks when the virtual machine is a main system that need
to be available all the time and must not move at any time. Choice is yours, once
again, but most end-users prefer the dynamically allocated formula, which don't
mobilize too much their resources.
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Step 2.8
Select a location for the virtual hard disk and his size, then click on “Next”.
Warning: It's highly recommended to store the virtual hard disk in a stable location, in
which it will not be moved. The reason is that Virtualbox use a relative path each time
he runs, and if the file isn't is the same location that in the previous run, he will
generate an error and you'll be forced to disconnect the virtual hard drive and
reconnect it from the new location.
Warning: The size of the disk is highly important! A 10Go disk is totally insufficient,
and you better choose 30Go or more, because Windows XP will quickly consume a lot
of disk space (around 8 Go for a complete installation). However, IT Professionals
recommends you to not exceed more than half of the free space on your physical hard
disk drive, especially if the location of the Virtual Hard Disk Drive is on your drive C:\,
to avoid poor performances or repeated crashes.
Warning: Don’t install in C:\ otherwise it will impact the host performances. Create a
specific folder for the VM, if possible in another disk drive.
Step 2.9
This last screen will show you a resume of the options selected. If all is ok, click on
"Create".
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You've done the configuration of your virtual machine! Now, the longest part of this tutorial in terms
of time: the Windows XP installation! You should count between thirty minutes and forty-five
minutes to install windows XP on a physical computer. And a lot more of time spent to install all
drivers... That's now a bad memory! Thanks to the virtualization, the installation of windows XP now
take fifteen to twenty minutes, not more!
The main reason is that all the components of your virtual machine are emulated by VirtualBox, and
are clearly supported by most of the Microsoft Operating Systems. Isn't the life beautiful? In few
steps, you will have a complete and fully functional version of Windows XP.
There are two ways to install Windows XP; first, by using the original CD-ROM through the mapping
of your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, that allows you to install Windows XP like you install it on a
physical computer, but it can be as slow as a real installation. Otherwise, you can choose an ISO copy
of your Windows XP media and you will gain much more time on the installation process. It's up to
you to choice; the procedure is the same in both ways under VirtualBox.
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V.
Install Windows XP
Step 3.1
Select the virtual machine newly created then click on “Start”.
Step 3.2
Click on “Next”.
Note: Each time you started a newly created virtual machine, the first launch wizard
appears to help you to configure your virtual machine.
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Step 3.3
Choose the ISO file or your physical CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, then click on “Next”.
Step 3.4
Check if all is ok, then click on "Start".
Warning: Be sure that the ISO selected is a bootable image of Windows XP in case you
use an ISO file, otherwise be sure that your installation disc is in the CD-ROM or DVDROM drive, otherwise the boot sequence will fail!
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Step 3.5
Press the “Enter” key.
Step 3.6
Accept the license by pressing “F8” key.
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Step 3.7
Press the “Enter” key.
Note: It is not necessary to create a partition, because you can add a new disk
afterward the end of the installation in the VirtualBox console if necessary. It is
recommended to allocate all the available disk space for this installation.
Step 3.8
Select fast formatting then press the "Enter" key.
Note: It is not necessary to choose a slow formatting, because it's a virtual drive and it
is not required on virtual hard disk. However, it is highly recommended to perform a
slow formatting on a real hard disk drive to avoid failure during the installation phase.
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Step 3.9
Select your regional options and language parameters, then click on “Next”.
Step 3.10
Warning: When clicking on the virtual machine, VirtualBox captures your mouse
pointer, and you can only exit the window by pressing the right "CTRL" key!
Enter your name and the name of your organization, then press “Next”.
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Step 3.11
Enter your product key then press “Next”.
Step 3.12
Type a name for the Computer then click on “Next”.
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Step 3.13
Set the date and the hour, then click on "Next".
Step 3.14
Select “Default settings” then click on “Next”.
Note: Unless you are an IT, you should be in DHCP in your network (IP adresses
dynamically allocated), that's why it's recommended to select the default settings.
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Step 3.15
Once the installation finished, the VM (virtual machine) will reboot. After a reboot,
Windows offers to automatically change the screen resolution. Click on "OK
Step 3.16
After the screen change, click on “OK”.
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Step 3.17
Click on “Next”.
Step 3.18
Select “Activate automatic update” then click on “Next”.
Warning: Don’t forget that a VM is like a real computer, but only dematerialized. Bugs,
virus, Trojan, spywares and other bad thing that can damage a real computer can also
make damage on a Virtual Machine!
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Step 3.19
As you are installing a VM, select “connect through a network” then click on “Next”.
Step 3.20
Select “Yes, I want to activate Windows via Internet” then click on “Next”.
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Step 3.21
Select “Don’t register now” then click on “Next”.
Note: If you want to register your own license, you can select the other option. This
procedure doesn’t describe this part, but it’s easy to register your own license.
Step 3.22
Type your user name then click on “Next”.
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Step 3.23
Click on “Finish”.
Step 3.24
Congratulations! You have now installed your first VM!
Now, it’s time to configure Windows XP before installing Descent 3. The configuration is not the
longest part of this procedure, but it’s essential to do the following operations.
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VI.
Step 4.1
Configure Windows XP
Free the ISO image or the CD-ROM / DVD-ROM (click on Peripherals>CD/DVD Drive
then uncheck the ISO file) then click on “Start”, “Restart”. While the boot sequence,
press “F8” key.
When the boot menu is show, select “Without fail mode” then press “Enter” key.
Step 4.2
Note: If Windows start in normal mode, restart and try again. If the installation
program is launched, you don’t have free the ISO image or the CD/DVD Drive contains
the Windows XP installation media.
Click on “Administrator” account.
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Step 4.3
Click on “Yes”.
Step 4.4
Click on “Peripherals” then select “Install Guest addons”.
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Step 4.5
Click on “Next”.
Step 4.6
No need to change the installation path; click on “Next”.
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Step 4.7
Check “DIRECT3D Support” then click on “Install”.
Step 4.8
Click on “Continue”.
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Step 4.9
Click on “Continue”. It will install the “VirtualBox Graphics Adapter”.
Step 4.10
Click on “Continue”. It will install the dynamic mouse.
Note: After this installation, the mouse cursor will be able to switch from the VM to
the host and vice versa without pressing the right “CTRL” key.
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Step 4.11
Select “Restart now” then click on “Close”.
After the next restart, you can configure the screen resolution and your virtual machine will be able
to support DIRECT3D, which is required for most games. This part should not be the hardest, but is
mandatory to play to Descent 3.
The next step is related to Updates. Don’t forget that a VM has the same kind of issues and bug than
real machines. That’s why it’s important to install patches and updates, especially if the VM is
connected to Internet.
As the VM is hosted by a real machine, the fact that a VM can open an Internet connection through
the network of the host creates vulnerability in the security. That’s why the VM need to be updated
with the latest patches, service packs, hotfixes…
And it is not excluded, nay highly recommended, to install antivirus software. In effect, if a virus
affects your VM, it can also infect the Host. But before installing antivirus, you must update Windows
XP.
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VII.
Step 5.1
Update Windows XP
Click on “Start” then right-click on “My Computer” and select “Properties”.
Check if you’re system has the Service Pack 3 already installed. If not, you must install
this service pack before going to the next step.
The Windows XP SP3 can be found here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/fr-fr/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb4488-8c50-fe22559d164e
Note: You can change the language before downloading the ISO file of the SP3.
Warning: You must at least have the SP2 installed to install SP3. If it’s not the case,
you must download SP2 and install it before installing SP3.
The Windows XP SP2 can be found here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/fr-fr/details.aspx?FamilyID=049c9dbe-3b8e4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a
Note: If you need to install SP2 first, download it on the Virtual Machine. As it is an
executable file, you can run it directly from your VM. For the SP3 installation,
download it on the host then click on Peripherals>CD/DVD Drive>Choose a virtual
CD/DVD File and finally select the file on the folder where you have previously save
the SP3 ISO file.
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Step 5.2
Click on Start>All Programs>Windows Update.
Step 5.3
Click on “Custom”.
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Step 5.4
Click on “Download & Install”.
Note: This will install the “Windows Genuine Advantage Tool” which will test if you
have an original license of Windows XP. Unfortunately, you can’t skip this installation,
but you already have your own licensed copy of Windows XP, right?
Step 5.5
Click on “Close”.
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Step 5.6
Click on “Continue”.
Step 5.7
Click on “Install Updates”.
Note: It is recommended to install all priority updates, and almost all the optional
updates (except windows Search 4.0 and Windows Live). You can also win a lot of time
by downloading and installing the Service Pack 3 for Windows XP before using
windows update.
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Step 5.8
Click on “I accept”.
Step 5.9
Select “I don’t want to participate at this time” then click on “Install”.
Note: During the installation process, you will be prompted to install Internet Explorer
8. The installation process will stop until you have completed this installation. This
interruption annoys a lot of people, but believes me: that's very important to upgrade
Internet Explorer, especially when you need to install additional software that needs
to be downloaded from Internet.
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Step 5.10
Click on “I accept”.
Step 5.11
Check “Install updates” then click on “Next”.
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Step 5.12
Click on “Restart now”.
Step 5.13
Once the VM restarted, you will be prompted by Internet Explorer 8 Configuration;
Click on “Next”.
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Step 5.14
Select “No, don’t activate” then click on “Next”.
Note: If you select “Yes, activate suggested website”, the performances can be
impacted when browsing Internet.
Step 5.15
Select “Use fast configuration” then click on “Finish”.
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Step 5.16
Proceed in the same way as in step 5.6. Select all prior update until there is no major
update to do.
Once updates are finished, there is still some additional software to install. You will need two
software before installing Descent 3: Microsoft Security Essentials and Izarc.
Izarc is a compressor/decompressor which recognizes a lot of file format (ZIP, RAR, ACE, ARJ, BIN,
ISO….). As it is free, you can download it at the following address:
http://www.izarc.org/
Microsoft Essentials Security is a free and light antivirus. If you have a licensed version of Windows
XP, you can download and install it for free, by following this link:
http://www.microsoft.com/fr-fr/security_essentials/default.aspx
You can easily replace these software by your favorite compressor and antivirus; there is no
obligation to use these software, but as they are free…
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VIII. Additional Software installation
Step 6.1
Double- click on “Izarc.exe” then Click on “Execute”.
Step 6.2
Click on “Next”.
Step 6.3
Select “I accept the agreement” then click on “Next”.
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Step 6.4
Select the desired path of installation then click on “Next”.
Step 6.5
Click on “Next”.
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Step 6.6
Select your preference in terms of shortcuts, then click on “Next”.
Step 6.7
Select or unselect the recommended software, then click on “Next”.
Note: As Izarc is a free archiver, the two ways to get money for his author are the
donation and advertising. As this recommended software is not required to run Izarc
properly, you can choose “Don’t install software”, unless it interests you.
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Step 6.8
Click on “Install”.
Step 6.9
Select your preferred language then click on “OK”.
Step 6.10
Click on “Select All” then click on “OK”.
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Step 6.11
Uncheck “View What’s New” then click on “Finish”.
The Izarc Installation is now finished.
Step 6.12
Double click on the “MSSE.exe” file then click on “Execute”.
Step 6.13
Click on “Next”.
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Step 6.14
Click on “I accept”.
Step 6.15
Select “I don’t want to participate at this time” then click on “Next”.
Step 6.16
Check “Activate the Firewall” then click on “Next”.
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Step 6.17
Click on “Install”.
Step 6.18
Check “Analyze my computer after updates” then click on “Finish”.
Step 6.19
After this analyze, you’re protected. It’s now time to install Descent 3.
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IX.
Install Descent 3
Step 7.1
Shutdown your VM then go to “Oracle VM VirtualBox” panel. Select your VM then
click on “Configuration”.
Step 7.2
Select “Diplay” then upgrade video memory to at least 64 Mo then check “Activate 2D
acceleration” and “Activate 3D acceleration”, then click “OK”.
Note: It is possible to allocate 128 Mo, but 64 Mo is largely sufficient.
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Step 7.3
Select your VM then click on “Start”.
Step 7.4
Click on “Peripherals” then select “Shared folders”.
Note: The creation of a “Shared folder” will help you to connect your VM to a folder of
the host. It is very useful when you need to copy files from the host to the VM.
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Step 7.5
Click on “Shared Folders” then click on “Add” icon (on right).
Step 7.6
Select the path to the Host folder, then check “Read-Only”, “Automatic Mount” and
“Permanent Configuration”. Click on “OK”.
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Step 7.7
Click on “OK”.
Step 7.8
Restart your VM.
Step 7.9
Open a window explorer; a new network drive should appear. Double click on this new
drive.
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Step 7.10
Double-click on “Descent3Installer”.
Step 7.11
Click on “Execute”.
Step 7.12
Click on “Next”.
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Step 7.13
Select “I accept the agreement” then click on “Next”.
Step 7.14
Click on “Next”.
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Step 7.15
Select the installation path then click on “Next”.
Step 7.16
Click on “Next”.
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Step 7.17
Check options according to your preferences then click on “Next”.
Step 7.18
Click on “Install”.
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Step 7.19
Check “Launch Descent 3” then click on “Finish”.
Step 7.20
Click on “OK”.
Step 7.21
You can choose “Yes” or “No”. As I like to receive indecent messages, I’ve click on
“NO”.
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Step 7.22
Click on “DirectX” and check if your version status is OK.
Step 7.23
Check all Video devices then click on “Scan for the Selected Video Devices”.
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Step 7.24
Click on “Video”. Select “OpenGL – Chromium”.
Step 7.25
Click on “Audio” then select “Intel audio Integrated” and check “Enable Sound in the
D3 Launcher”.
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Step 7.26
Click on “Controls” then select your joystick (if available).
Step 7.27
Click on “Speed” then click on “Detect System Properties”.
Note: You should always be in Very High mode.
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Step 7.28
Click on “Network” then select “LAN/Direct Connection” and “T1, ADSL, T3…”
Step 7.29
Click on “Misc.” Select your Keyboard type according to your preference; check
“Always disable FindFast when running Descent 3” then click on “OK”.
Warning: Don’t change the Language! If changed, you will loss a huge part of text,
include the mission objectives.
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Step 7.30
Click on “Play”.
Step 7.31
If you see this image, Descent 3 is successfully installed and configured!
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Step 7.32
Congratulations!
Now create a pilot and play Descent 3!
You have finally completed the installation of Descent 3 in a Virtual Machine under VirtualBox.
Descent 3 is one of the hardest games to install & configure on a Virtual Machine, but I hope that
with this procedure / tutorial, you will enjoy a new Descent3 experience.
It takes time to prepare, install and configure a VM, but this is sometimes the only remaining solution
to play old games which can't be run under Windows Vista or Windows 7. The fact is that there is a
"XP mode" downloadable for Windows 7 Enterprise and professional version, but there is no "XP
mode" for Windows 7 Home and Home Premium.
With this procedure / tutorial, you can have an equivalent of the "XP Mode", although this is long
and complex to implement. This Step by Step procedure covers all the stages from the installation to
the configuration of Descent 3. If you have other questions, read the following chapter.
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X.
Question 1
Question 2
Question 3
Question 4
Question 5
Question 6
Question 7
Question 8
Question 9
Question 10
Question 11
Question 12
Troubleshoot and FAQ
Why use only VirtualBox?
 Because VirtualBox is the only virtualizer which supports Direct3D, required for most
games.
Should I use Windows XP Pro or Windows XP Home?
 You can use indifferently both version of Windows XP.
My machine doesn’t have the required elements for a virtual machine, what should I do?
 Upgrade your hardware first. If it’s not possible so… buy a recent computer!
I can’t start the Windows Installation…
 Check if the ISO file is selected or if the windows XP media is in your CD/DVD-Rom drive.
I can’t exit the virtual machine!
 Press the right “CTRL” key or press “ALT” +”TAB”.
My latest changes aren’t applied!
 Try to restart your VM. Most of the configuration item need a restart (shared folders,
memory upgrade, video upgrade…)
Windows Update doesn’t work and show me an error message!
 Check your XP version. You need the SP3 before launching Windows Update.
Windows Hotfixes and Antivirus impacts my VM performances! Do I really need to install
them?
 There is no obligation to install an antivirus software and the windows hotfixes, however
if the VM is connected to Internet and become infected, all files sharing can become a
source of infection for the host. If you don’t protect your VM like a real computer, the host
machine will have a very big security hole!
I have created my virtual disk in C:\ and I have read that this can impact the host
performance… How? Why?
 When Windows (all versions) starts, it checks his files in C:\. More you have some big
files in the root (C:\), more it spend time to start. You should always create a specific folder
for the VM hard disk drive.
I have saw that VirtualBox has a lot of options that I didn’t have use in this tutorial; Why
these functions and options aren’t explained here?
 The VirtualBox documentation has approximately 340 pages and the purpose of this
tutorial is not to understand all possibilities that VirtualBox offers. The purpose of this
tutorial is to help you to install Descent 3 in a virtual machine. The other options could be
treated in another tutorial, but not here.
During the installation, I’ve see a screen about choosing my Internet Browser, but there is
nothing about that in this tutorial… Is it normal?
 Yes, because Internet Explorer is a part of Windows XP and must be installed with all
other security updates. However, Microsoft has had the obligation to offer an alternative to
their embedded browser. As the choice of a browser is depending from the user
preference, this has not been mentioned in this tutorial.
I’ve installed Descent3 and when I play the first level, it’s grey and without textures… What
the f***?
 Oh yes, there is a little bug with the graphic adapter provided by VirtualBox. It only
occurs on Descent 3 so I think it’s necessary to develop an OpenGL Patch. However, as the
Direct3D support is experimental, it will probably take a long time before it becomes a
standard feature of VirtualBox. For the moment, there are no solution, but we still work on
this issue.
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