View source for How to compile/build SFC2 EAW or OP Missions





== Software Pre-requirements ==

=== Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP 32bit ===

The StarFleet Command 2 games were compiled on a 32-bit host, which was quite normal for the days around 1999-2001. Compiling the missions scripts will require the same. Additionally, it's necessary to install certain support software onto this build environment. I do NOT recommend you use your primary computer to do this.

FireSoul's example:
I have a home PC with Windows Vista Home Premium 64, and thus decided not to use this as my build OS. I decided to look into using a Virtual Machine environment, setting up Windows XP SP3.

My Virtual Machine specs:
* VMWare Player
** Free for non-commercial use.
** See: [http://www.vmware.com/products/player/ http://www.vmware.com/products/player/]
** ALTERNATIVE: Virtual PC 2007

* 1.5GB of memory
** I could do with far less, but I also use 3DSMax R5 to create/modify my SFC 3D models

* 40 GB diskspace
** diskspace is cheap now-a-days. I have a 1TB drive in the main host.

* 2 CPU cores
** I have a Intel I7 Quad Core system. I decided to increase the number of cores in the VM from the default of 1 to 2 so that I can do other stuff while it compiles.

=== Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 ===

It has to be Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0. Nothing else will work. 

No .NET. 
No "2005" or younger. 

MSVC++ 6.0. Really. I wish you luck in your search! :)


==== Service Pack 5 for MSVC++ 6.0 ====

IMPORTANT! Do not use Service Pack 6!

I cannot legally redistribute SP5 on my site, but I definitely have kept a copy around. It is true that SP6 is far easier to find, but it will SCREW THINGS UP if you install it!

The filename is ''vs6sp5.exe''. It's 130 MB (136,410,832 bytes) in size.

Again, good luck!

=== EAW Scripting API ===

This is the part that links the sources to SFC2 EAW: the mission API. It will contain library files, c++ header files and some template mission scripts.

Be sure to follow the installation instructions!

* download: [http://klingon.lostexiles.net/sources_and_utils/SFC2_API_R1.3.zip SFC2_API_R1.3.zip]
* also see: [[SFC-related_missions,_sources,_patches_and_misc_utilities]]

=== OP API R2.2 - Scripting API ===

This is the part that links the sources to SFC OP: the mission API. It will contain library files, c++ header files and some template mission scripts.

Be sure to follow the installation instructions!

* download: [http://klingon.lostexiles.net/sources_and_utils/SFCOP_API_R2.zip SFCOP_API_R2.zip] 
** Installation instructions: [[OP API R2.2 readme.txt]]
* also see: [[SFC-related_missions,_sources,_patches_and_misc_utilities]]

=== ShipList API ===

The game's own API is very unhelpful when it comes to making proper ship picks. I strongly recommend installing, understanding and using the ShipList API so that you can create better missions.

* download: [http://klingon.lostexiles.net/sources_and_utils/ShipList.20050118.zip ShipList.20050118.zip]
* also see: [[SFC-related_missions,_sources,_patches_and_misc_utilities]]

=== Other APIs.. maybe your own? ===

I made my own API kit in the hopes that it might help others. It includes OP R2.2 and a ShipList API revision from 2003.

* download: 
** [http://klingon.lostexiles.net/sources_and_utils/FireSoul_EAW_build_env-20031117.zip FireSoul_EAW_build_env-20031117.zip]
** [http://klingon.lostexiles.net/sources_and_utils/FireSoul_OP_build_env-20031117.zip FireSoul_OP_build_env-20031117.zip]
* again, also see: [[SFC-related_missions,_sources,_patches_and_misc_utilities]]

== Installation Order ==

# the OS
# the OS's service packs
# all the OS's windows updates
# MSVC++ 6.0
# VC6's Service Pack 5
# the API 
# the auxiliary APIs and mission scripts


== Setting up the API ==

See the API's own documentation. 

'''IMPORTANT''': the API has some components that need to be manually installed on top of VC6++ SP5. Again, just follow the instructions in the included ''readme.txt''.