Running v1.09 AND v1.10 mods

[Vaarn]

I haven't found clear info on this question so I'm posting it as a new topic.

Is it possible to run BOTH v1.09 and v1.10 versions (and mods) on the same computer perhaps by using the vb script launchers? The reason I ask is I wish to play some v1.09 mods (ie: zy-el) as well as some of the v1.10 mods. I'd also like to incorporate some additional plugins such as the merc and plugy as standard on startup.

Has anyone accomplished this? If so, please write a fairly detailed explanation... perhaps it can also be used as a general guide for all.

If it hasn't been done yet, what prevents it from being so? Let's get some feedback on the how and why of it please and see if we can't develop a standard launch system.

[MickyBIs]

I've done this. So, you want a quick guide too, right?

1. Install DII 1.09, and copy all .dlls, the patch mpq, and game.exe.
2. Update to 1.10. You can then use the normal scripts and subfolders etc to launch 1.10 mods.
3. Make a new subfolder in the Diablo II folder called v109 or something similar, put the mpq and all .dlls copied from v1.09 in there. Rename the game.exe you copied in step one to something like game109.exe, then leave it in the main DII folder. Open a copy of the launcher script in notepad (or some text editor) and replace all instances of game.exe with game109.exe. Place this script in the v109 folder, and you can use 1.09 as a stand alone.
4. To use 1.09 mods, make a folder like Diablo II\109modname\ put all the necessary files in there, ie the mpq, and any .dlls. Then copy over all of the .dlls from 1.09 that the mod doesn't change to the mod's folder. Add a copy of the launcher script from step 3, and you're done!

As far as I know, this has no adverse effects, since I've played Zyel, v1.10, Nez, and KoT since installing them like this. Hope it works (and was clear enough ) for you!

MickyBIs

[Vaarn]

Thanks this is good basic info to get started on what I'm aiming for.

Any advice on how to incorporate plugins without over duplication? Merc I think only runs in txt mode so cannto be used in most mods correct? And how best would plugy be installed? I'd like these to be "standard" plugins for use with every mod I choose.

Also, some mods have an installer which means I cannot use as described in your method. How can that be overcome?

[MickyBIs]

I don't know what merc mod you speak of, so I can't help you there, but for PlugY, you can just copy the needed files into each folder and then follow Yohann's instructions for installation.
As for installers, the only mod I've got that uses an installer is Dragon's Uprising. For that one at least, you can specify a target directory, and all the files will be copied into that directory. For example, if you specify C:\......\DiabloII\Modname\ the mod will be installed in there. Then you add the correct script and use it as normal.
Hope that helps somewhat!

MickyBIs

[Vaarn]

Most of my issues are resloved due the great info supplied. There are only really two more I'd like to resolve but fear one might not yet be possible.

1 - adding the Merc plugin to non txt mods in v1.09 or v1.10

2 - adding plugY to Zy-el without it patching the v1.09 version of d2gfx (crashes). I'm not sure how it may react with the existing larger stash and inventory and indeed may not be compatible enough to warrant tweaking

[kingpin]

Merc & PlugY only works in 1.10.

[Yohann]

MickyBIs, isn't exact forPlugY, you just need to install PlugY in D2 directory.
patch D2gfx.dll of non-modded LOD1.10 (made a backup if you want)
(for each mod 1.10 which used a own D2gfx.dll patch it too)
So after it will works for all 1.10 mod you have without duplicate PlugY files

Like tell Kingpin PlugY don't works with 1.09 and their mods but isn't a problem when you start a 1.09 mod it's the 1.09 D2gfx.dll you will used so PlugY won't start.


I do that me