Hi guys. After reading through pages and pages of posts on other forums, and wrestling to get this game running in both XP and Vista, I thought I'd share my experiences, since for me the process was time-consuming and required troubleshooting. This is not meant to be a replacement for the TSH Add-On Installation Guide, but is meant to supplement it.

Moderator's note: I have edited this post for clarity, correctness, and organization.
- Joe

Please note that this process requires the .NET framework. It is recommended that you utilize Windows Update to download all available versions of .NET and any applicable patches.

What you'll need:

A. A fresh install of F/A-18 from the CD.

B. The following items, obtained at the TSH website:
1.01F patch
TSHv1
F-18E Cockpit v2.0
Objects Package Part 1 Ver 1.6
Objects Pacakge Part 2 Ver 1.42
TSHv2 (if you own Jane's F-15)
TSHv3
DirectXTweaker 2005.2 Beta 1K

C. The latest updates to DirectX.
DirectXTweaker requires at least the June 2006 update to the DirectX 9.0c runtime. It is best to just download the latest version available. You can do this here at the Microsoft website.



Procedure
1. Install F/A-18 from the CD. If you're running Vista, you'll need to run the install as an administrator.

2. Install the 1.01F patch from the TSH website. If you're running Vista, you'll need to run the install as an administrator.

3. Run the executable for TSHv1. I can't stress this enough, if you're running Vista, you'll need to run the program as an administrator. Right click on the executable and click "Run as Administrator." If you don't, your files will go into the black hole Vista has for files you try to write to places you aren't authorized to.

4. Run TSHv1 (as an administrator if you're in Vista!) click on the package button, and use the dialog box to find the cockpit zip file you just downloaded.

5. Repeat the above for the Objects Package Part 1 Ver 1.6 .zip file.

6. Repeat the above for the Objects Package Part 2 Ver 1.42 .zip file.

7. Check the boxes for Objects Package Part 1 v1.6, Objects Package Part 2 v1.42, and the F-18 Cockpit v2.0. Click Apply.

8. Install TSHv2 per the instructions in the TSHv2 readme.

9. Extract the contents of the TSHv3 archive to the FA-18 folder.

10. Navigate in Windows Explorer to your /FA-18 folder in Program Files. Right click on the F18.exe executable, and click properties. Go to the compatibility tab, and set it to Windows 2000 compatibility mode. If you're in Vista, check "Run this program as an administrator."

11. Run the DirectX update process if you have not yet done so.

12. Extract the contents of the DirectXTweaker zip to a folder called DXTweaker inside your FA-18 directory. If you're in Vista, right click the DXTControl.exe executable you extracted, click properties, go to compatibility, and check "Run as an Administrator."

13. Run the DXTControl.exe executable. If you're in Vista, and the window looks all black, you may have to close it, turn off Aero. (right click on the desktop, click personalize, click classic appearance properties, click windows classic, and click apply. Don't worry, you can turn Aero back on when we're done here.)

14. Click the New button. Click on the ellipsis by the Path box, and find your F18.exe executable in your FA-18 folder.

15. On the DirectX 9 tab, all boxes should be checked and the drop-down box should say "Default". On the DirectX 8 tab, make sure the box is checked. Same for the legacy tab. On the Options tab, Forward Hook should be checked. The other two boxes should NOT be checked.

16. Click on "Modules to load." Scroll down to and click on "Present Changer." Check the box next to "Present Changer."

17. Leave Width, Height, and Count blank. Format should read A8R8G8B8. Z-Buffer should read "Application." Type should read Application. Quality should be blank, as should Refresh Rate. Set V-Sync to "Off" and Swap to "Application."

18. Go back up to Projects, and click start. Congratulations! You should be able to enjoy FA-18 with a res of up to 1600x1200 and no lag when using AA and switching to Air-to-Air master mode!

Let me know if you encounter any problems, as I easily may have missed something.

Thanks Mike, very helpful. I have one (major) issue. You say (paraphrasing at some points)

This is incorrect. The process you just described has overwritten the TSHv3 executable, which is Bad.

You should not Apply the TSHv1 Hi-res package, regardless of whether or not you do so before or after you install TSHv3. You should particularly not do if after, because the TSHv1 Hi-res package contains its own executable. Applying this package overwrites the existing executable, and if that executable is the TSHv3 executable, that's not good. TSHv3 provides the ability to select all of the resolutions that were available in any version of the TSHv1 Hi-res patch and then some (even higher than 1600x1200).


Go check your install and cross-reference it to the TSHv3 Manual. Following the procedure you have posted, I bet a lot of the TSHv3 functionality doesn't work.

Fixed. Sorry about that - I really haven't had a chance to use any of the TSH features yet besides the higher resolutions.

This isn't meant as a replacement for the TSH install guide - I'm just throwing out there the process by which I got rid of the banding and slowdowns.

Finally! Really looking forward to use 4*AA. Great work!

But does the HUD symbols still get “blurry”? And if so, what’s the best resolution to use with 4*AA on a 19” CRT?

And it works beautifully

The only glitches I found are on the water, long black narrow lines.
The “external (F8) view: The jet seems to “jump” just a little from side to side for the first second.
Occasional freezing of the application when using the mission builder.
I simply start FA-18E from the original shortcut and build missions there. I got one occasion of freezing here also, so I’m not sure if this maybe is a general bug in XP/FA-18E?

And: The HUD “fonts” isn’t blurry at all with 4*AA. (1280*960) with “Large fonts in HUD” activated.

I love this tweak, and I’ll be flying FA-18E a lot more from now on.

Not a big show stopper, but (for quite a while now with DXTweaker), keeps crashing the application on instant action. Oh well, I just play the single missions and campaign then.

Thanks to MikeRoz for refreshing these tweaks and updating them for Vista.

Yeah, that's a known bug. Unfortunately, the JF-18 community was never provided with a fully working version of DXTweaker.


I've been meaning to make a thread like this for a while. Mike, do you mind, if I later find some time to add content here (pics and such), if I edit your top post?

Joe, basically that sounds to me as a summary (excluding Vista part) of what was particularized and discussed in that long long DXT thread. Thanks to MikeRoz for bringing it up in one capsule piece.

This 'DirectXTweaker' seems like a handy program.

Anyone know if this works in other games? Say, DW?

This is a sticky for now. I will polish it up later with pictures and such.

Mike,
First and foremost, thank you very much for the upgrades. I appreciate the work that went into this.
I have one problem I hope you can help with.
I use the Saitek x-45 contoller. There is a LONG lag between a joystick keypress and the function being performed.
I ran the DXT controller, and that seemed to go well, but I still have the lag. I wonder if the problem is in the Juni update. It downloaded and unzipped to the f18 folder. However, I couldn't open it to run it, as I can't find it! Basically, I'm asking I need to do something with Juni, or does it autorun when you unzip it.
If I do have to do something, what do I do and how do I find it? If not, then do you have any ideas?
Again, thank you very much for the work that went into this.
Joe

Controller lag can usually be remedied by changing the executable priority. Either use THSv3, or
- start JF-18
- ALT+TAB to the desktop
- press CTL+ATL+DEL
- select the Processes tab
- right click on F18.exe
- lower the priority

Thanks, Joe,that did it.
Question: you said "use tsh v3 OR start jf18. " I go in through jf18, but when I click to fly the mission, the tshv3 logo page appears before the mission starts. Is there another, perhaps better way into v3?
Thanks!

I just meant that if you use TSHv3, you have a Manager where you can select the priority before you start the game. If you do this the executable will start with the selected priority every time.

If you don't have TSHv3 then you have to ALT+TAB everytime you start JF-18 in order to change the priority.

but it is possible to install also the iraq paq?

Sure, just install it before TSHv3. Follow the instructions in the Add-On Installation Guide linked in my sig.

Well I seem to be missing something, as I can navigate around the shell, but when I go to fly, I get a CTD when it's starting to load the mission. Something I'm missing? I've done everything at the start of this topic, so I'm scratching my head on this one...

Eric,

Ignore this topic for the moment and follow the TSH Add-On Installation Guide in my sig until things are working.

Really good.
Works great with my ATI X1950 graphic board under XP SP2.
Full Antialiasing, no slowdowns in AA-Mode, and clear, good readable HUD-Fonts.
TSH3-Installation.
Only little grid lines in the water are visible, but not so disturbing for me.

Thanks, Joe,
Here's a question. How do you "turn off" the "wrap- around " cockpit view, like the virtual view in Jane's Apache Longbow.
For awhile I was getting a cleaner version of the original JF-18 view. Then I started getting the wrap-around. I have trouble reading the mfd's, so I prefer the "normal" view.
Thanks.

I don't know what you mean by "wrap around" view.

The normal view is top half of the instrument panel, Hud, and forward. The view I'm talking about is a wider angle showing rhe whole panel and forward sky, and pans with the fov. It reminds me very much of the Virtual Cockpit view in JF-15 and Longbow.
Thanks again

Are you perhaps reffering to the TSH wideview cockpit feature? If so, this can be toggled off in one of two ways. If you use TSHv3, map a key to the SW_VIEW command. Pressing this key will toggle the wideview cockpit on and off. If you don't have TSHv3 but you do use TSHv1 and have the wideview package installed, the [b]TEXTURE_TRANSITION[b] command will toggle the wideview optio. By default this is mapped to a keystroke, but I cannot recall which one.

Joe,
I think we're on to something, I think that is the view I'm talking about. I believe I have tshv3, as the last graphic I get before I go into a mission is the TSHv3(yellow tshv3 surround by pics).
As per your last post, I went into Filter Graphics ( the one with the eye), but neither SW_View or Texture_Transition is on the command list.
The tsh v1 Installer on my desktop (left over from installation, and btw do I still need that on my desktop?) has the wideview appied, but not the Hi-res, per the earlier posts in this thread.
Thanks again.

Joe,
One more thing... I've been looking in the tshv3 manual for a solution. Is there a particular section that may be helpful?

New TSHv3 commands are described on this page, with SW_VIEW at the bottom. As you have read, all of these commands (with the exception of the CMDS_MODE command) are found in the "Filter Graphics" section of the custom keymapper.

It is normal for TEXTURE_TRANSITION to not appear on the list when TSHv3 is installed; this command was removed in TSHv3. If you want to change the texture transition setting, you can do so in the game options, but not in-flight. SW_VIEW, however, should be there. You say the "Filter Graphics" option are "the one with the eye", but that's not true - "Filter Graphics" is the cube icon. Try there.

You don't need TSHv1 wideview applied, although if it's already applied and you've installed TSHv3, don't mess with it. The TSHv1 installer on your desktop is only a shortcut and can be removed at any time.

Joe,
Making progress...I found Texture_Transition "in the cube", but not SW_View. Is it possible I'm not in tshv3,despite that intro window I get right before entering the missions?
Anyway, I mapped Texture_Transition to control+F1, and saved the keyboard layout as a custom. That narrowed the fov to just the instrument panel and forward sky, so the mfds , warning lights are somewhat clearer. Hitting Cntr+f1 now switches between that view and just a close up of the HUD.However, both views are still in the "virtual view" mode(mfds, etc. not focused) and I also noticed the mpcd moving map doesn't work.
Thanks again

Sounds like you may have overwrote something (prehaps F18.exe) along the way. In any event, you don't have TSHv3 proprely installed because the TEXTURE_TRANSITION command would not be present if you did. I suggest downloading the full version of TSHv3.04 (bottom of the page). This is the latest version of TSHv3. Or even better, you could try a clean install, following the Add-On Installtion Guide.

Jane's F-18 only has a 3D cockpit, which is what I think you mean by "virtual view". There is no fixed 2D cockpit view like many other sims have. What resolution are you using? The lower the res, the muddier things look.

I doubt something is wrong with your game in this case. Try pressing the MAP button on the HSI MDI page (PB6).

Joe,
I'll have to look for what resolution I'm at when I get home tonight. I'm running the game in ME 2000 capatability mode, so whatever it set itself at is what I'm running.
What res should I be using?
Well, I was going to just kick back and play on the computer tomorrow anyway, so you have just planned my day for me! I'll try downloading v4 first, then I may see how much trouble I can get myself into with the clean install.
I'll describe the carnage for you later!

Joe,
I just wanted to thank you again for all the help. I downloaded v3 again, and it now runs fine. I may have downloaded it to the wrong folder the first time.
Thanks again!

Hi guys,

I just tried the DXTweaker as described above in the first post, however I have some issues. I have a GeForce 6600 and running XP.

When I run as described with DXTweaker the Jane's video and all the videos in the campaigns are upside down and very blocky:



Furthermore, the TSH video which comes on after the Jane's one on startup is upside down but NOT blocky:



Everything else in the game *seems* to run fine... However, when I exit the game I get these errors:



Initially I thought this could have something to do with running F18 under Win98-ME compatibility (I run under this compatibility otherwise I cannot hear all sound in the game), but when I tried running f18 undeer Win2000 compatibility mode with DXTweaker all the videos were the right way up BUT looked like this:



And the same error messages appeared after exiting the game.

Could this have anything to do with resolution issues? My desktop resolution is 1280x1024, TSH manager setting is set to "Same as desktop", and my in game resolution setting, under graphics/drivers is 1024x768.

Any other advice or comments appreciated...



Martin.

The first two video issues are known issues, but I'm not familiar with the second two.

This is unfortunately what happens when we're left with beta software to use as a final solution.

Which workaround for the AA slowdown do you use Joe? Do you use DXTweaker?

How slow is the slowdown anyway? When I go to AA mode FPS drops but not below 20. Is this slow compared to others'?

Also what are 30.xx or 40.xx series detonators? Are these drivers?

None right now - too much hassle.

Depends on your hardware. On my old 9800 it was about 5 FPS. With a 6800GT it was about 15, and with my 7900GT I think it's about 17 or 18, although I can't really remember.

Yes, detonators are the name for nVidia drivers. Those versions are quite old at this point and don't support any modern cards.

Thanks Joe,

I think I'll just leave as is for the moment, and monitor FPS in AA [concentrating on AG at the moment...]. 20 FPS doesn't *seem* that bad at the moment.

Martin.

Can someone please post the DirectXtweaker 2005.2 Beta 1K. It's been two days now since I registered that I haven't received the validation code from the site. Thanks

Isn't Beta "J" the latest version for Jane's F/A-18. IIRC, Beta "K" was for another program.

bump

I will put Beta J and K on the TSH website this evening.

DX Tweaker Betas I, J, and K are all now available in the "Tools" section of the TSH downloads.
http://tsh.war-fighters.net/index.php?op...=5&limitstart=5

Thanks

Thanks, Joe.

After following the procedure laid out I'm encountering a difference in the format of the DXTweaker (Beta1J) where I see no Directx9 or Directx8 tabs (see pic). Any ideas. Thanks





System:
XP Prof SP2
ATI Cat 7.3
ATI x1950 512
E6600

Nevermind, running the wrong DXtweaker.

Followed the instructions posted by MikeRoz in the initial post for DxTweaker 2005.2 Beta 1K.

When I got here: "Run the DXTControl.exe executable," I got this:

The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000135). Click on OK to terminate the application.

Rebooted and attempted to run it in various compatibility modes with the same result.

Can I get DxTweaker from another source and try it again, or does it have to be this exact version to fix F/A-18?

WinXP Pro
NVDIA 6800 GS/XT 256MB
Forceware 158.27
P4 3.0 GHz

-Hedgehog

Did you run the Juni update first?

As per those instructions, yes, I did. Thanks for asking. Have a nice day.

Just a little question

Is it possible to play with a resolution of 1280x1024 ?

Yes. Use TSHv3. See the links in my sig.

Thanks Joe !!

I Just have to read !

Using the method described in the OP, trying to start Instant Action results in a CTD. After I unchecked the "Direct3DX 9" box on the "DirectX 9" tab I was able to fly Instant Action again. I haven't yet seen any graphical difference with or without this setting, but I haven't spent much time looking.

EDIT: I did get it to crash after I flew some Single Missions, but after I started the app again it worked. I can't recreate this behavior.

EDIT2: I can also make it crash by simply starting an Instant Action mission with a ground target.

Instant Action crash is a known problem with this beta version of DXTweak.

True, but i couldn't even dogfight with that setting checked and now I can. YMMV

I just wanted to say Thanks! for this solution to the AtoA slowdowns. It is working great for me.

DKM

Heya all... I've been reading a lot of the threads here and checking out the TSH site and am quite enthusiastic about jumping back into F18... its been awhile for me but I remember I loved this program... anyways, I'm a bit confused.... Do I follow the instructions for installation as listed in the start of this thread, or do I follow the steps as listed in the installation guide on the TSH site, or a combination of the two?? I want to get it right the first time without doing the dance over and over again... any advice is much appreciated...

Chek6... Fanatik

You should follow the instructions on the TSH site, using this guide to help out, in particular for getting DXTweaker set up.

I've been meaning to go through the guide an clarify a few things. Once I do that I don't think there will be a lot of confusion.

Fanatik,

I edited the first post a bit. Let me know if that helps the confusion, and if I can improve anything else.

Thanx for the response Joe, I went to the TSH site the day I made the post and went thru the install as indicated... I compared notes with what was here and I guess I got lucky because everything is working great.. I installed everything and am quite pleased.. I've been flying online with several guys and am much appreciative for all of TSH's work....

Heh! The fix works. Didn't work with my original drivers -- I wonder why that is. At any rate, thanks for making this usable again ^^! The textures look so pretty with antialiasing on that I really could care less about the grid lines.

I take that back, I just started playing around with F18 again and it doesn't work as well as it seems. While the framerate problem went away, now all movies have warped colors and the screen is misaligned. The thing eventually freezes and crashes, and I have to reset. Exiting before the freeze results in an error (blah, blah operation has to terminate). Unchecking the legacy tab fixes the crash, but then the framerate problem is back. Any ideas?

XP Pro x64
GeForce 8600GT

The garbled movies and the exiting error message are known bugs. Such is the unfortunate result when we are left to work with unfinished beta software.

Do you have to run DirectXTweaker every time you fly or just once?

Also how much AA can JF-18 handle?

You have to use DXTweaker to start the sim every time.

You can max out the AA on JF-18.

Hello... Thx for a grate fix!
Since im just in my begining of learning this sim ive just been trying a few missions.

In the Take off training mission
If i strafe the parked jets my computer freese

explotions causes CTD also
??
any ideas`?

Check the explosion detail setting in your graphics options. Make sure something is selected.

Hello Joe:

I have installed everything for TSH as indicated on the TSH site. I have an nvidia 8800 with 169.75 drivers.Running tweaker with recommended settings.

I have an issue when i use the HI RES package: see pic-

banding is present, and the HUD AA ASEC circle is all over the screen (dots)


FPS is good, and AA mode fps is acceptable. I would like to run it in hi- res, any ideas?

thx-

Vexx

I assume you a referring to the TSHv1 Higher Resolutions package? If so, please do not use that package. Instead use TSHv3; you can select your resolutions in the TSHv3 Manager.

There is a detailed description in the Add-On Installation Guide in my sig.

Yes, only using TSHv3 to select Hi Res. the odd hud bits around are the AA ASEC. That and the banding are my only issues.

It may be possible the install is damaged in some way. The only other thing I think it could be are the nvidia drivers. I am using a very recent set. Does anyone else have the 169.75 drivers installed?

You're using this menu? I ask again because "HI RES" is a specific term that pertains to TSHv1, not v3.


The DXTweaker is beta and it doesn't work for everyone.

Yes that menu. I did however, use the previous package before I had installed TSHv3 to test that it installed correctly. Is it possible there was a conflict between the 2 if I hadn'd deselected it in TSH1 before installing TSH3?

It's possible, although TSHv3 overwrites the executable anyway.

I use the DX Tweaker and it works great off-line, but I was wondering if any of you know of a way to get JF-18 to launch from HyperLobby while using the DX Tweaker? It's kind of a bummer to have to connect by IP every time and it would be nice to find a work around for this.

Slikk

If you use DXTweaker to launch hyperlobby, I believe the changes are also made to JF-18. It's worth a test...

Yipeeeeeeeeeeee... Thank you Goe! That worked like a charm. It was a real drag to connect by IP every time. Now thanks to you I can connect by HL like every one els. Thanks again bro.

Slikk

I was getting the dreaded grid lines in the water while using the DX Tweaker, and I have found a work around for this problem.

Under modules to load, go to Preset Changer and change the format from...

Format: A8R8G8B8

to

Format: X8R8G8B8

This did the trick for me. My settings in game are at full, and now when I run the game I don't get any AA slow down and I don't get any grid lines in the water either. I don't know if any of you have figured this out yet or not, but this worked for me.

OS: XP

Vidio card: ATI X850

Hope this helps.

Slikk

Hi there ,
I noticed some issues with the default settings in post 1.

1st : Mouse cursor gets flickering hard to find it on the screen, MDF buttons are not useable this way.

2nd : Due to i'm a JF18 Newbie , i hang around with the training missions. In the Refueltraining i recognized some jumpyness when you get close to the S3. First it moves not at all, and then suddenly this much, so that you cannot correct your course. Hard to explain....
Without DXTweaker i didnt saw this issue and tanker moves very smoothly.

Yep, that's a known issue, skeemo.

Hm.
JF18 is getting more and more away from my perfect sim "dream"

My Motherboard and Video card just died.. anyways got the video replaced with an nVidia 8400GS

now i got the Air to Air Slowdown too. so a couple of questions what's the Juni update?

I got the DX Tweaker K from TSH website. Also, do i really need to get the DirectX 9.0c too? i only have the 9.0b

Yes, you definitely need DirectX 9.0c. The Juni "June" update was the latest update to the DX 9.0c. If you install 9.0c it will update you to the latest version, which is October. That will probably put you where you need to be.

Guys, what does this mean:

"15. On the DirectX 9 tab, all boxes should be checked and the drop-down box should say "Default". On the DirectX 8 tab, make sure the box is checked. Same for the legacy tab. On the Options tab, Forward Hook should be checked. The other two boxes should NOT be checked."

I DL'd DirectXTweaker, dropped it in my Jane's F-18 folder, but I don't see any DirectX 9 or similar tab in the program.

Thanks for any help. The air-to-air lag and jerkiness are killing the sim for me. Does anyone have any other ideas about fixing that problem? I'm using XP SP2.

Hi Franx!!! I hope that this help screen



See you!

Thanks Devas, I must have downloaded the wrong version!

franx

Just to be clear: The beta K version of DXTweaker is the one we should be using with Jane's FA-18, right? Not J or I?

I tried this stuff on XP SP2 with an x800xt and a 9250. None of it helped. Just have always had to keep Antialiasing off.

RE: 175.16 nvidia drivers, 8800 GTS, Vista 32-bit.

It might have been something else I've done inadvertently, but I think it's this latest version of the drivers. I am now able to run with DX Tweaker (I'm using the j version) with no banding, anti-aliasing, no AA slowdown; i.e. it's all good. Previously I was getting the awful banding.

So these may be worth a try for others with similar setup / problems.

Hi, I have the DXTweaker it can be found in the 1 Click Installer.. That seemed to of solved my A-A slowdown when 3D glasses are On. I did NOT experience the Slowdown in Normal mode only when activating my ED 3D Glasses..

I now have a 100% working JF/A-18 Simulation and in 3D.. Heck even after a few years I was still able to land on the Carrier what a great Sim THNX ALL

Hi Hippo.
Im verana.

your solution did work for my PC too.
8800GT XPSP3 32bit 175.16 with DX tweaker J version.

thankyou for the information.
byebye.