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General Category => Tech Support and Chat => Topic started by: BFM_Spartan on March 08, 2012, 04:01:47 PM

Title: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 08, 2012, 04:01:47 PM
Hello,
I recently installed halo, and I couldnt connect to internet. I re-installed halo, and it had me DL a patch or something, and I could view servers and enter games. However I can not read in game text. I believe I can write them by pressing "T" because a small box comes up at the bottom of the screen, but I cannot read what I am writing. Does any one have any suggestions on fixing this problem?  (I dont have a MAC computer, I use vista if that helps, but other than that, I am not computer savy).
Thanks so much
jfspartan.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: Zeek on March 08, 2012, 04:35:39 PM
try changing screen resolution it was a problem i had in Custom Edition
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 08, 2012, 05:09:53 PM
Changed the resolutions up, and it still didnt work. I play on window, idk if that makes a difference. I also cant read text on full screen either. I cant read what anyone says.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 08, 2012, 06:35:16 PM
I tried un-installing the game. Then I re-installed it. Now I can't even get online because it doesnt give me an option to DL the patch. I took a little step backwards there lol. I see a patch link on one of the sticky thread, which brings me to a forum, where I DL a link. I have the option to "open" "save" or "save as" . Ive clicked save and that didnt help me get online. So now Im wondering if someone could help me get onto halo-internet?
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 08, 2012, 07:44:56 PM
Okay I'm pretty sure I got the patch thing handled, but still not text in game :/  No "welcome: jfspartan" or "killed by:______" or any of what other players (or myself) write.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Kiwi on March 08, 2012, 09:14:10 PM
In your halo folder, which is something like C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Halo, look for an installer file called msxmlenu.msi.  Double-click that (might need to run as administrator) to reinstall that component.  This almost always fixes these sorts of problems.

Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 08, 2012, 09:28:28 PM
Ahhh rats that didnt work either Kiwi! this stinks lol! Ive seen some BFM's and Fuzion in the servers and I cant see any writing they probably think Im ignoring them haha!
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Kiwi on March 08, 2012, 09:34:46 PM
If you type something, can you see your own chat?

Are you joining from xfire, or through GameSpy lobby inside halo?

I have a feeling since you're using Vista, it's something to do with administrator priviledges.  You might try running halo as administrator (right-click on halo.exe or your shortcut to it, select Run as Administrator).

You might also try running it in XP compatibility mode (right-click on halo.exe and select properties.  Look for Compatibility tab and set to XP.

If that doesn't work, try reinstalling halo but run the install and any patches as administrator.

Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 08, 2012, 09:54:02 PM
I join servers through the game lobby when I double click the halo icon. I have to click 'get list" and then double click a bfm server. I tried the XP compatible version, and the game wouldnt even start. I tried running as administrator but still could not view writing. I cannot see my own writing however I do see the little bar in which I normally would type, and I can hit enter and the box closes just as it normally would. Just dont see any text from the game,players or myself.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Kiwi on March 08, 2012, 10:06:33 PM
Two things.

Easiest thing is to try to create a new profile.  New001 is fine, just a different profile than you are currently using.  See if that one works as far as text.

Otherwise all I can think of is to do a clean install.  By that I mean uninstall it, and delete any halo folders that are still remaining, including saved games and profiles (for Vista, they are in "My Games/Halo" I think - delete the whole thing. 

I have looked on our servers.  I can see you joining but no chat at all.  So it's not just a matter of you not being able to see it on screen, but halo is not accepting your typing at all.  So to me it's either an install issue, or permissions.  So reinstalling or playing around with "run as administrator" seems your best bet.



Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 08, 2012, 10:28:34 PM
Well I uninstalled it completely, and reinstalled it but still no luck with the text. Im not sure if this is why, but whenever i start halo it says something like my video processor is below minimum specifications for playing the game, and it asks me if I want to continue normally or in safe mode? But darn this is unfortunate I was looking forward to playing some halo like old times lol.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_JANE on March 08, 2012, 10:35:16 PM
For the video thing, just press Continue.

For the text, Mxy has said this in the past:


Go here (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810209) and follow the directions for Method 2: Download and install the latest Microsoft XML Core Services to install the text display stuff )

Follow the given link in that Method section to download the TWO FILES: Msxml.msi and Msxmlcab.exe

Again, follow the directions thereafter and that should fix the problem.

(If you don't follow the directions precisely it likely won't work.)




Title: Re: halo text
Post by: ËQINÖX on March 08, 2012, 10:40:15 PM
As for the safe mode message i get that also  when i first install it. Its been awhile but if i remmber correctly its because halo ether cant recognise your graphics card / drivers as they are simply to new or  some onboard modern variation so it freaks out and throws up the safe mode message  i just clicked to ignore and never show again and run as normal and its  fine for me.

Regarding the text i note that you said you increased the resolution how ever this will not resolve the problem and this is because Halo does not support widescreen 1920-1080 so the higher you  go on the  halo resolution its expecting you to have a monitor that  corsponds to that resoultion and as a result it renders the text box of screen. I had the same  problem on my 1920-1080 monitor and i went  through all the  resolutions till i found one  that alowed me to se the text had a good quality sharp image and didnt distort the game  to much in the end i found that 1600-900 altho far less than my  monitor  suports it was the only one that worked well and looked good. so you may want to try this one.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 08, 2012, 11:29:56 PM
I used the "-window" for my halo so Im playing on a rather small screen. I forget technical terms but I believe that means im using a low resolution? and I have all the decals/shadows etc. off. This is driving me crazy lol, Im doing everything. I clicked mxy's link DL'ed the two things. double clicked them but half way through it would dissallow me to continue. This isnt working out how I planned unfortunately, so I think I'm just going to ease my blood preassure, and hang halo up. I appreciate everyone's help and time! too bad I couldnt figure it out.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Kiwi on March 08, 2012, 11:39:28 PM
If those won't allow you to continue, it's probably because you don't have administrator priviledges.  You need to run them as administrator.  You can either logon to the admin account and run them, or run as administrator from your account - you may have to enter the admin password.

Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 09, 2012, 02:04:31 PM
Alright Im gonna try and give this another shot. I un-installed halo for the most part from my computer (again lol). Now you say I should install the game as the administrator? This administrator stuff is confusing me, because I have the only profile on my computer so I assume Im the administrator, but I know what you mean because whenever I install or try to play the game something pops up and asks me to "allow" what is going on. It's kindof irritating how my darn computer is "second guessing" me like that, because obviously if I put the disk in and click to install I want to install it lol. technology these days. So is there some sort of trick I need to do when installing so it knows right away im the administrator?
thanks again for everyones time.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: Zeek on March 09, 2012, 02:13:06 PM
the administrator they are talking about is when u right click on the program icon does it have an option to "run as Administrater". im not sure exactaly what its for but its what i have to do if i wish to run xfire and have it come up ingame i have to run both with the option of run as administrater
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 09, 2012, 02:14:45 PM
I do have the option to "run as administrator" but that doesnt correct the absence of text sadly.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 10, 2012, 09:02:30 PM
I hate to be a nusence (idk if thats even spelled correctly...) But are there any more ideas to potentially solve this problem? I've tried all of the suggestions. I've un-installed/re-installed halo multiple times. I tried following the directions on Mxy's link provided by Jane, but my computer wont allow me to DL the files etc. etc. Maybe that is the problem? but if it is I dont know about getting those. Could halo text be getting blocked by firewall or my antivirus? I wouldnt think so, but as it probably is obvious, Im terrible with computers. Im hoping to pursue recruitment, but I feel like this is a major road block. If anyone has any more suggestions etc. Id be very appreciative!
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_JANE on March 10, 2012, 09:55:22 PM

Can someone else download those two files (the mxml ones) and send them to you over xfire? I think to send files over xfire, both people have to be running xfire as admin. Not just using the admin profile, but in Properties > Advanced, the Run As Administrator has to be ticked. Something to try I guess. Or maybe they could email them to you.


Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Kiwi on March 10, 2012, 10:04:58 PM

PM Sent.

Title: Re: halo text
Post by: MrMxyzptlk on March 10, 2012, 10:44:50 PM


Assuming that you have set "Run as Administrator" and "XP (SP3) Compatibility" on your Microsoft Games\Halo\halo.exe file correctly, then...

You can find out about how to get the files that you need to install off of your Halo CD using Method 1 from here (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/838993).

Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 10, 2012, 10:49:34 PM
I do have (under properties) "run as administrator" checked. As for the "run this program in copatibility mode" I have tried Windows XP (Service Pack 2) but when I double click the halo icon, halo wont even open/run. I didnt get a PM from you Kiwi :/
Oh and I tried the method #1 but halo opens despite me holding down the shift key.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: MrMxyzptlk on March 11, 2012, 01:38:36 AM
I do have (under properties) "run as administrator" checked. As for the "run this program in copatibility mode" I have tried Windows XP (Service Pack 2) but when I double click the halo icon, halo wont even open/run. I didnt get a PM from you Kiwi :/
Oh and I tried the method #1 but halo opens despite me holding down the shift key.

Then exit Halo and follow the steps in Method #1 starting at step #3.

Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_saes on March 11, 2012, 03:23:27 AM
I hate to be a nusence (idk if thats even spelled correctly...) But are there any more ideas to potentially solve this problem? I've tried all of the suggestions. I've un-installed/re-installed halo multiple times. I tried following the directions on Mxy's link provided by Jane, but my computer wont allow me to DL the files etc. etc.
Can you tell us exactly what resolution you are playing at?
For example: the one you've specified using -vidmode. If you don't know, please post up a full-size screenshot of the window (including any Windows borders.)
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 11, 2012, 11:21:33 AM
When I do the start>run and type it in, it tells me "cannot find CD make your your typing everything right". (i copy and pasted so its right)
I have the -window     under halo properties so its a smaller screen/resolution. It is the 640x480 one.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: MrMxyzptlk on March 11, 2012, 03:14:14 PM
When I do the start>run and type it in, it tells me "cannot find CD make your your typing everything right". (i copy and pasted so its right)
[...]

Um, did you have the Halo CD mounted???  ::)

Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 11, 2012, 03:34:15 PM
lol mxy Im so dumb when it comes to computers I dont know what "mounted" means. If that means if the halo CD was in my computer, than yes sir its in my computer.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_saes on March 12, 2012, 02:32:15 AM
When I do the start>run and type it in, it tells me "cannot find CD make your your typing everything right". (i copy and pasted so its right)
I have the -window     under halo properties so its a smaller screen/resolution. It is the 640x480 one.
Try using -window -vidmode 640,480,60
That will force Halo to use 640x480 and, provided you don't resize the window, should completely eliminate the resolution as being the issue.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 12, 2012, 08:01:05 AM
Saes do I just copy and paste the "-vidmode 640,480,60" into the properties...or just the "vidmode" ? lol I put the first one in, but that did not work. Can I use -window   mode as well as -vidmode or do i need to get rid of -window  before i put -vidmode in? Thanks!
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_saes on March 12, 2012, 08:20:08 AM
Saes do I just copy and paste the "-vidmode 640,480,60" into the properties...or just the "vidmode" ? lol I put the first one in, but that did not work. Can I use -window   mode as well as -vidmode or do i need to get rid of -window  before i put -vidmode in? Thanks!
Ideally you'd leave out -window to test, but you do need the 640,480,60 bit.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 12, 2012, 08:50:52 AM
ahh that did not work :/     Man my computer doesnt want to cooperate whatsoever.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: MrMxyzptlk on March 12, 2012, 01:07:17 PM
lol mxy Im so dumb when it comes to computers I dont know what "mounted" means. If that means if the halo CD was in my computer, than yes sir its in my computer.


...And EXACTLY what happened when you typed in

<Insert CD Drive Letter here>:\Redist\msxmlenu.msi

(Where "<Insert CD Drive Letter here>" is the drive letter for the CD/DVD device into which you had inserted the Halo CD.)

in the "Run" box per the instructions?


P.S. Alternately you can navigate to the "Redist" folder on the mounted Halo CD drive and then double-click on the msxmlenu.msi file....


Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 12, 2012, 02:03:53 PM
Im not sure if I'm following the directions right. It says on mxy's link to put the CD (halo) in, and hold shift to prevent it from popping up. That doesnt work so I just close out of that. Then I believe it tells me to go to the start bar, click run (i have to type "run" in the search) then that little run window comes up. I copy and paste what it tells me. and this is what happens: (http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd214/jfspartan/halotext.jpg)
 
and then:
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd214/jfspartan/halotext2.jpg)
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: ËQINÖX on March 12, 2012, 04:14:06 PM
lol good old microsoft help sites strikes again.

As Mxy stated above you need to replace the first part with the drive letter assigned to your CD/DVD drive so in my case where my DVD drive is called D so this would make the bit you need to type into the run box    D:\Redist\msxmlenu.msi      If your drive is E then just replace the D with an E and so on but the most common drive letter for a  CD/DVD is D.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 12, 2012, 04:25:53 PM
Mine is the "E" drive, so I did that, and it allowed me to do something. I had the choice to "modify" or "repair" or "remove". I clicked repair. that didnt help fix the text.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: ËQINÖX on March 12, 2012, 04:42:33 PM
I'm just curious have you tyred removing -window -vidmode 640,480,60 and running halo in normal full screen with lets say a resolution of 1600-900 or any of the other  resolution modes to see if the text works in full screen mode. Reason i say this is because the -window is part of the original developer comands and is not a normal user setting and was not intended to be used by the home user its why the window option is missing from the vid settings in halo. It was only later found out and made public by users however I remember them saying that it may not work correctly  for everyone and may result in undesirable behavior.

So if you where to test in full screen and test all the resolution settings and you are able to see the text then it maby that your  comp simply  does not like  windowed mode
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 12, 2012, 05:30:00 PM
I just got rid of -window and -novideo . I changed to every resolution, and still no halo text. I changed the resolutions, but the screens didnt change sizes? I though if I changed them up they would get smaller as the numbers got smaller? either way it still didnt work :/
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_Spartan on March 19, 2012, 06:48:20 PM
Solution=Remove Halo disk from CD drive and play without it. thanks for all the help and time everyone.
Title: Re: halo text
Post by: BFM_saes on March 20, 2012, 02:27:00 PM
 :Psyduck: