Запуск red alert 2 на windows 10

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2, released in 2000, is a beloved real-time strategy game that has captivated players for decades. However, many fans looking to relive their glory days on modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11 encounter various issues. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to troubleshoot and resolve these problems, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.

Understanding Red Alert 2 Compatibility Issues

Windows 10 and 11 have made significant strides in improving OS functionalities, but they can also introduce compatibility problems with older games. Red Alert 2’s architecture predates many of the security and operational protocols we take for granted today. Common issues that players encounter include graphical glitches, sound problems, and installation complications.

The root cause often lies in the following areas:

• Compatibility Modes: Windows does not automatically apply compatibility settings for older games.
• Resolution and Scaling: Modern displays can result in distorted graphics due to incompatible resolutions.
• Access Permissions: Restrictive user account settings can prevent the game from functioning correctly.
• Driver Issues: Outdated video and audio drivers can lead to severe performance problems.

Pre-installation Considerations

Before attempting to play Red Alert 2 on Windows 10/11, you need to ensure that your system is capable of running the game. Here are some prerequisites:

1. Check System Requirements: While most modern machines should be capable of running Red Alert 2, it’s wise to check the minimum and recommended system requirements.

2. Game Version: Make sure you are using a legitimate version of the game, preferably the one installed through platforms such as Origin, which sometimes includes patches for compatibility.

Installation Steps for Red Alert 2

Step 1: Installing the Game

Most players will likely install the game using a compatible platform. Here’s how to install it through Origin:

1. Download Origin: If you don’t have it already, download and install the Origin client from the official website.

2. Purchase Red Alert 2: Search for Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection and add it to your library. Red Alert 2 is included in this collection.

3. Install the Game: Click on the game icon in your library and select “Download.”

Step 2: Compatibility Settings

After installation, you must adjust the compatibility settings:

1. Locate the Game Application:

   • Navigate to the installation folder, typically found in C:Program Files (x86)Origin GamesCommand and Conquer The Ultimate CollectionRed Alert 2.

2. Access Properties:

   • Right-click on ra2.exe or RA2MD.exe for the multiplayer version and select «Properties.»

3. Set Compatibility Mode:

   • Go to the Compatibility tab. Check «Run this program in compatibility mode for» and select «Windows XP (Service Pack 3).»
   • Also, check «Run this program as an administrator.»

4. Apply Changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK.”

Step 3: Adjusting Graphic Settings

If you experience graphical issues, try the following steps:

1. Resolution Settings:

   • Open the game’s settings from the launcher.
   • Set the resolution to match your desktop resolution or a common resolution like 1280×720.

2. Editing Configuration Files:

   • For advanced tweaking, locate the ra2.ini file in the installation folder.
   • Adjust the ScreenWidth and ScreenHeight values to match your desired resolution.

3. Disable Fullscreen Optimization:

   • Go back to the ra2.exe properties.
   • In the Compatibility tab, check «Disable fullscreen optimizations.»

Step 4: Sound Issues

Sound problems can also plague players. Here’s how to fix them:

1. Update Audio Drivers:

   • Ensure your audio drivers are up to date. You can do this through the device manager.

2. Configure Audio Settings:

   • In the game settings, look for audio options and ensure all options like “Enable Sound” and “Enable Music” are checked.

3. Adjust Sample Rates:

   • Sometimes, adjusting the sample rate in the Windows Sound settings can rectify issues. Go to Control Panel > Sound > Playback, select your audio device, and click Properties. Under the Advanced tab, try lower sample rates like 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality).

Fixing Network and Multiplayer Issues

Multiplayer functionality is a significant draw for Red Alert 2, but network conditions may affect your experience.

Step 1: Setting Up a LAN Game

If you want to play on a Local Area Network:

1. Open the Game: Start the multiplayer mode in Red Alert 2.

2. Host a Game: One player must create a game room.

3. Direct IP Connection: If players are on different networks, use the Direct IP feature to join each other’s games.

4. Firewall Settings: Make sure your firewall is not blocking Red Alert 2. Go to your firewall settings and ensure that ra2.exe and RA2MD.exe are allowed through.

Step 2: Using CnCNet

For online play, consider using CnCNet:

1. Download CnCNet: Visit CnCNet’s official site and download their launcher designed for Red Alert 2.

2. Install and Launch: Run the installer and follow simple setup instructions.

3. Join Games: CnCNet will allow you to join a wide range of online multiplayer games seamlessly.

Common Issues & Solutions

Game Crashes

• Solution: Verify your game files through Origin or reinstall the game. Also, ensure your DirectX is updated.

Black Screen on Startup

• Solution: Ensure your graphic drivers are updated. If the problem persists, try launching the game in windowed mode by adjusting settings in the ra2.ini file.

Error Messages

Common error messages might include issues launching the game or problems related to DirectX. To troubleshoot:

1. Ensure DirectX is Updated: Go to Microsoft’s official website to download the latest version.
2. Run as Administrator: Sometimes, simply running the game with administrative privileges can resolve error issues.

In-Game Glitches

• Solution: You can often resolve glitches by changing the game’s resolution settings or applying patches found in community forums.

No Sound

If you encounter a total absence of sound in the game:

1. Check Volume Mixer: Ensure that the game is not muted in the Windows Volume Mixer.
2. Restart the game: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve sound issues.

Conclusion

Playing Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 on modern systems can be a fulfilling but challenging experience. Despite its age, with the right preparations and adjustments, you can relive the strategic battles and nostalgic gameplay that defined a generation.

By following the steps outlined in this guide— from ensuring proper installation and compatibility settings to resolving common issues—you should be well on your way to enjoying this classic title in Windows 10 or 11. The CnC community is vibrant, filled with resources and support, ensuring that this beloved game continues to live on for years to come.

Enjoy your time in the Red Alert universe, and may your strategies be ever victorious!

I spent a lot of time playing Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 in secondary
school. For those who don’t know, Red Alert 2 (RA2) is a real-time strategy game where
players build and command armies of the Allies or Soviets in an alternate
history Cold War gone hot, that features resource management, base construction,
and tactical combat.

For a long time, the game was pretty hard to find outside of publisher EA’s own
digital store, but EA finally dropped Command & Conquer: The Ultimate
Collection on Steam (side note: A move that took everyone by surprise, and
consequently one that not everyone was happy about.) earlier this
year. The collection includes Red Alert 2 and 16 other classic Command & Conquer
games. This means that it has never been easier to revisit this blast from the
past…

Well, not quite. You can purchase Red Alert 2, download and install it (side note: If
you were wondering if this version includes the briefing that was provided by
the original installer, the answer is sadly “no”.), but the game
sadly won’t start on modern Windows systems. Fortunately, this can be easily
fixed with a few simple steps.

I am going to assume that you have already downloaded the Steam version of Red
Alert 2 and want to play the game on a modern Windows (virtual) machine.
I myself run Red Alert 2 on a MacBook Pro M1 using Parallels Desktop with
Windows 11 for ARM, but the solution below will likely work for other setups too.

The best way to play Red Alert 2 in 2024 is via the CnCNet launcher. Not only
does this launcher allow you to run the game effortlessly, but it also provides
you with a number of quality-of-life improvements, like support for modern “HD”
resolutions, balance patches, more skirmish maps, the ability to play online,
and an improved user interface.

1. Download Red Alert 2 using Steam. Ideally install it in a library folder that
   is writeable by your user (i.e. not in Program Files). Attempt to start the
   game at least once. Although the game won’t start, some files will have been
   created which are needed by the launcher.

2. Download and run the CnCNet installer. The installer should have
   auto-detected the installation folder of Red Alert. Wait until the
   installation process completes.

3. The installer should have created a Yuri’s Revenge CnCNet shortcut to the
   launcher on your desktop. Double-click it to start the game. The first time
   you do this you will be given the opportunity to configure the game’s
   graphical settings. When the game starts, you may also be asked to install
   some updates, and possibly a specific version of the .NET Framework (which is
   needed for the game to run properly).

While playing Red Alert 2 via CnCNet launcher is the recommended way to do it,
this method sadly has some downsides. Firstly, you do not get the exact same
crappy experience you would have had two decades over. Secondly, any time spent
playing Red Alert 2 via the launcher won’t count towards your playing time on
Steam.

If you are looking for a more nostalgic experience (warts and all), you can
simply start the patched version of the game via Steam.

Installing a game can seem easy and seamless until you try and things fail to go quite as planned. Frustrating right? Especially when you are looking forward to playing a vintage game. Well, this article aims to help you install Red Alert 2 and, most importantly, get it to work on your Windows 10. So stick to this article to learn and understand how to install Red Alert 2 on Windows 10.

Installing Red Alert 2 on Windows 10

Step 1: Downloading Red Alert 2

The first step is to download the Red Alert 2 installer. To do this, click this link. You will be redirected to the “oldgamesdownload,” where you will download the Red Alert 2 game installer. Click the first link, “Command_and_Conquer_Red_Alert_2_Incl_Yuris_Revenge_Win_RIP_EN.zip(406.6MB) highlighted in blue as shown in the image below:

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Red alert 2 download page

You will be redirected to a new page. On that page, scroll down and locate “Archive.org,” as shown in the screenshot below. Next, click the “Archive.org” link, and your download will start automatically.

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Red alert 2 download file

Please be patient while the installer downloads. Remember, the download speed will depend primarily on your internet speed, but you shouldn’t freak out since the red 2 alert installer is 406 MB only.

Once you have finished downloading the Red Alert 2 installer file, click this link “Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 Black Screen Fix” to download the additional files that you may require to fix the installer in case of any mishaps like black screen.

Step 2: Installing Red Alert 2

After downloading the installer, locate it in your “Downloads” folder. Unless you changed your default download directory, your downloader installer would be in the “Downloads” folder. Once you locate the installer, right-click on the file and choose the “Install” option. This will start the installation process.

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Red Alert 2 Installation

Once the installation process is complete, Open the other downloaded folder, “Command & Conquer Red Alert 2 Black Screen Fix”. This folder contains two files, as shown below:

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Red Alert 2 Black Screen Fix Files

Right-click on the first file highlighted in the image above and open with “Notepad.”

You will see something similar to the image above. Here we shall change the value of “ForceDirectDrawEmulation” from “0” to “1”. After that, save your file and exit notepad. You should have a file similar to the one shown below:

After exiting the notepad, navigate to your desktop and locate Yuri’s Revenge shortcut Icon. Right-click on it and select “Properties” as shown below:

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Select Properties

Next, click the “Open File Location” as shown:

Once the file location has been opened, paste the two files in the Red alert 2 black screen fix into that file location. Close the file explorer when done.

Now navigate to this link to download Red Alert 2. Next, click “Download CnCNet & Play Online.” That link will download the Red Alert 2 installer.

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Download Red Alert 2

When you click the link “Download CnCNet & Play Online,” you will be redirected to another download file on the same page, as shown in the image below:

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Download Red Alert 2 for windows

Once you click “Download & Play Online,” the installer will automatically be downloaded into your Downloads directory. This process should not take long as the installer is only 127Mb. However, if you have low internet connection speeds, you might have to wait for quite a while. Once the download process has been completed, navigate to the downloads directory and locate your recently downloaded installer.

Now double-click the installer to install the file into your windows operating system as shown:

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Yuris Revenge Installation

Once the installation is complete, the game will automatically launch as shown on the screen below:

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Yuris Revenge Game

Click “No” on the screen above to skip configuring the game settings.

Note: Once you have installed the game, you might be prompted to install an update. Don’t freak out. Just click the update button and let the installer do its thing. After it completes, the game will restart and relaunch. Now let us do the game configuration.

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Red Alert 2 update

Once Yuris Revenge has been installed, Red alert 2 will also automatically install your Windows operating system. Then, to access the game, navigate to your desktop, and you will see the game shortcut as shown below:

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Red Alert 2 Desktop Shortcut

Double click the file to run the game. Once the game has opened, you will see a similar screen to the one displayed below:

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Red Alert 2 welcome screen

If you have the retail CD version of Red Alert 2, follow the following steps:

1. Download and install XWIS’ Red alert 2 multiplayer distribution from this page.
2. From the Allied disc, copy multi.mix, theme.mix, maps01.mix, and movies01.mix to the Red Alert 2 directory.
3. From the Soviet disc, copy maps02.mix and movies02.mix to the RA2 directory.
4. Run the game.

If you have the First Decade version of Red Alert 2:

1. Put your First Decade disc on your DVD drive.
2. If you are not using Windows XP, exit the autorun, and run setup.exe on your disc as administrator.
3. Follow the directives on your screen. Select a custom installation.
4. If the User Account Control on your computer is not disabled, install the First Decade to a folder but ensure you do NOT install it in “Program Files (x86).”
5. Wait for the installation of the game to conclude.
6. Download and apply the TFD unofficial patch 1.03 rev4.
7. Run the game.

Download Unofficial TFD patch 1.03 revision 4 (164 MB)

Note:
Since we are running Red Alert 2 on Windows 10, we should remember that it requires additional steps to get the game running. The most recent procedure requires installing the latest version of the CnCNet YR client, which even patches the regular Red Alert 2 gameplay.

To patch the game successfully, move ts-ddraw or DDrawCompat to the Red Alert 2 directory. Alternatively, you can put ddwrapper into the Red Alert 2 directory and apply the C&C Graphics Patcher to Red Alert 2 executables. If that fails to work, apply XWIS’ fix for Red Alert 2.

Here are the steps to follow if you have the Origin version from The Ultimate Collection.

1. Download and install “Command & Conquer™ The Ultimate Collection” from the Origin client.

Remember, the game is a paid version; hence you will have to spend some cash downloading the game. Once you have purchased the game, download and install it on your Windows operating system.

1. After completing the installation, right-click on the game’s cover in the Origin library, select “Game Properties,” and disable Origin In-Game/cloud saves. This will block Origin from overwriting any manual edits to your game.
2. Download and install Medstar’s fixed TUC launchers to run the game as an administrator.
3. Run the game.

Alternatively, here is another way to have a working Red Alert 2 on Windows 10.

First off, below are the files that we need.

1. XWIS’ Red Alert 2 multiplayer distribution. You can get it from here
2. Multi.mix, Theme.mix, Maps01.mix Movies01.mix, Maps02.mix, Movies02.mix. From Red Alert 2 installers.
3. The Noobient’s preconfigured DDWrapper. You can get it from here
4. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 Windows 8 and 10 Fix Files. You can get them from here.

If you want a much quicker way to download the game instead of getting the above files separately, you can download this RA2 Windows 10.zip. Once you have done this, you can now follow the steps below to install the Red Alert 2.
After unzipping the RA2 Windows 10.zip, you will see these files:

1. Red-Alert-2-Multiplayer.exe
2. RA2 MIX Files.zip
3. ddwrapper-noobient.zip
4. Red_Alert_2-Windows_8_and_10_Fix.zip

   

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   RA2 Windows 10.zip files

As you may have already noticed, each file has been numbered, that is, from 1 to 4. This numbering indicates the order in which you are to install the files. Below are the steps to follow:

1. First, Install the “Red-Alert-2-Multiplayer.exe” file as administrator. Ensure you install it in the C:\Westwood\RA2 folder.

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RA2 Install folder

Note: The game may fail to work if you install it in another folder.

2. The “RA2 MIX Files.zip” has all the MIX files of Red Alert 2. Unzipping this file will give you:

• MAPS01.MIX
• MAPS02.MIX
• MOVIES01.MIX
• MOVIES02.MIX
• MULTI.MIX
• THEME.MIX
• WDT.MIX

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RA2 Mix files

All you have to do at this point is to copy all the above MIX files to your C:\Westwood\RA2 folder.

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Copy and paste Mix files into Westwood folder

3. The “ddwrapper-noobient.zip” file has these two files when unzipped.

• aqrit.cfg
• ddraw.dll

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ddwrapper-noobient files

And just like we did on the MIX files, copy these two files to your C:\Westwood\RA2 folder.

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Copy and paste ddwrapper-noobient files into the Westwood folder

4. For the 4. Red_Alert_2-Windows_8_and_10_Fix.zip, you will find “Compatibility Database” and “Game Files.” Under “Game Files,” you will find the following files:

• game.exe
• ra2.exe
• RA2.INI
• Red Alert 2.exe
• Wolapi.dll
• xwis.dll
• xwis0.dll

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RA2 Game Files

Copy all the above Game Files to your C:\Westwood\RA2 folder.

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Copy and paste Game files into the Westwood folder

5. The 04. Red_Alert_2-Windows_8_and_10_Fix.zip will also have these files in a folder named Compatibility Database:
Double Click Me.bat
RA2-Compatibility-Fix.sdb

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Compatibility Database files

There is nothing much here. Just run the Double Click Me.bat file so that it may sdbinst the RA2-Compatibility-Fix.sdb file. In case you are wondering what sdbinst does, stick to the article as it has been explained towards the end of the article.

6. Set all the .exe files in your C:\Westwood\RA2 folder to follow the compatibility settings illustrated in the figure below (The screenshot may vary to the one in your system, but they are somewhat similar):

7. You can now launch the game by going to your C:\Westwood\RA2 folder and running the game.exe file.

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RA2 Game running

What sdbinst does

Sdbinst is a file that is part of the Microsoft Windows operating system, and it was developed by the Microsoft Corporation. It is an application Compatibility Database Installer, and it is also known as AppFix & AppHelp Installer. It is mainly located in the %SYSTEM% sub-folder, and it is usually 77,312 bytes in size.

To deploy an application compatibility database across some computers, you can use a system management solution to deliver the database to numerous computers and then use the SDBInst.exe command-line tool to install the database.

Alternatively, copy the application compatibility database to a network location and run a logon script that includes SDBInst on every computer, designating the UNC path of the file.

Use the command below to run SDBInst from a script or the command line

SDBInst \\<Path to .sdb file>\<FileName>.sdb

You must deploy your customized database (.sdb) files to other computers before compatibility modes, compatibility fixes, and AppHelp messages are applied. There are several ways to deploy your customized database files, including using a logon script, using group policy, or undertaking file copy operations.

You have to register the database files, but this is after you have deployed and stored the customized databases on each of your local computers.

Here is sample output from the command Sdbinst.exe /?

C:\Windows\system32>Sdbinst.exe /?
Usage: Sdbinst.exe [-?] [-q] [-u] [-g] [-p] [-n[:WIN32|WIN64]] myfile.sdb | {guid} | "name"

-? - print this help text.
-p - Allow SDBs containing patches.
-q - Quiet mode: prompts are auto-accepted.
-u - Uninstall.
-g {guid} - GUID of file (uninstall only).
-n "name" - Internal name of file (uninstall only).

C:\Windows\system32>_

The following conventions are used by the command-line options
Sdbinst.exe [-?] [-p] [-q] [-u] [-g] [-u filepath] [-g GUID] [-n “name”]

For further elaborations or understanding of the sdbinst, kindly look at this Microsoft webpage: Using the Sdbinst.exe Command-Line Tool

Conclusion

By following either of the steps given above, you should be able to successfully install the Red Alert 2 on your Windows 10 without any problems. Of course, if you encounter any challenges, you can always try out a different method, as I have reviewed quite a few in this article. You may also click on the links given in this article for further information or download installation files.

Remember to reach out via the comments section if you need help or are stuck with the installation process. Enjoy your game, and thanks for reading.

Where to Buy Red Alert 2

You can now buy all of the classic Command & Conquer games digitally from either Steam or the EA App as part of The Ultimate Collection.

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How to play Red Alert 2 on Windows 10 & 11

Red Alert 2 is now playable on Windows 10 & 11 | Campaign and Multiplayer Online!
 

Step 1: Get Red Alert 2 and Yuri’s Revenge 

You can now buy all of the classic Command & Conquer games digitally from either Steam or the EA App as part of The Ultimate Collection. 

If you own a physical copy of Red Alert 2 (not «The First Decade» version), installing the game from the disc no longer works on Windows 10/11.

If you already own the game via The First Decade or digitally via Steam or the EA App, skip this step.

More information on which C&C games have been officially been released as freeware can be found here.

Purchase the C&C Ultimate Collection via Steam

Purchase the C&C Ultimate Collection via the EA App

Step 2: Install the game and apply fixes for Windows 10 & 11

First off, install the game from either The First Decade, Steam or the EA App. Red Alert 2 should be pre-patched, so you won’t need to go and hunt down any of Westwood’s old patch files.

The CnCNet patch is the essential community update for Red Alert 2: Yuri’s Revenge. As well as providing online services for the game, it contains many bug fixes and fixes compatibility with the latest versions of Windows.

Note: Yuri’s Revenge must be installed for Red Alert 2 to work with CnCNet.

Download and install the CnCNet Launcher

Step 3: Play Singleplayer!

To play the Campaign after installing the CnCNet patches, simply launch the game normally through the executable, Steam or the EA App!

Step 4: Play Multiplayer!

Using the CnCNet Launcher, you are now able to battle it out against others Online or play offline skirmish games.

Run the CnCNet Launcher using the Yuri’s Revenge CnCNet Shortcut that the install will have created.

To look for online games, using the CnCNet Launcher click «Play Online».

Known Issues

If you own a physical copy of Red Alert 2, installing the game from the disc no longer works on Windows 10/11; this is because Microsoft has removed the SafeDisc copy protection driver from Windows, which the Red Alert 2 CDs use. 

• To redeem your copy of Red Alert 2 on Origin, contact EA Support and your serial key to an advisor. That way, they will be able to verify it and redeem the game on your EA App account.

Odd Graphical Glitches and Rendering Issues

• If you experience any graphical glitches, click on «Options» within the CnCNet Launcher and experiment with the different «Renderer» options.