Question abt updates - Guild Wars Forums

gofi · Jan 08, 2008, 03:43 PM // 15:43

hey evrybody im plannin to get prophecies but i hav a question abt the updates.I read sumwher that this game has inteligent streaming of updates so wht i want to ask is will i b able to jump straight into the action after purchasin and all the updates will b dl while im playing or will i hav to dl all of them before i play?Thanks.

Kahmal · Jan 08, 2008, 03:46 PM // 15:46

you will have to download a bit before you can play i believe. Maps and equipment update as you play i think though...not 100%

xXDemonXx · Jan 08, 2008, 03:52 PM // 15:52

yea after u have it on ur acc u just load up each area u go into.

Coridan · Jan 08, 2008, 04:23 PM // 16:23

if you get prophecies be prepared for a fairly large update before you can actually play the game. As it was release 3 years ago roughly...also when you enter a new town/area you will have to download the data for that area as well. If you are on a fast connection i would suggest you download the whole thing at one time...around 3.6g or so of data to download..although that downloads everyething for all the games...but once you have done so you don't have the slight lag or load times on entering areas...

to dl the entire image... click the properties of your game icon and add -image after ""
should look something like this

"c:\Program Files\Guild Wars\gw.exe" -image

then remove the -image tag and run the game

gofi · Jan 08, 2008, 05:08 PM // 17:08

hey thanks for the quick response guys.

but another thing has popped up.I dont hav a very fast internet so wht i wanted to ask if its downloaded a certain amount of updates and then i stop will it resume or continue from scratch?thanks.

Kahmal · Jan 08, 2008, 05:10 PM // 17:10

if you download a percentage, that percentage will be downloaded. The download percentage bar will still start at 0% because you would be at 0% of downloading the files remaining.

Killed u man · Jan 08, 2008, 05:19 PM // 17:19

I don't pay too much on spelling myself, but geez, try and buy a dictionary (No offence)

After installing the initial game, your game pretty much downloads every update over the past 2 years when first starting up. Then the first time you load a map, to download an initial 3000-4000 files. (Mainly graphics, I gues).

And then in the beginning about 100 files every time you visit a new area. Guild Wars also runs "hidden" downloads in the background. As far as I know, there is no way to stop them...

As for slow internet, welcome to 2008

SO summed up:

Insalling all the bs, Download all the update + files, you will probably be sitting at your computer for an hour/2 hours downloading (Depends HOW slow your connection is, I pray to god it's faster than 100kb/s, for you anyways).

rubina1 · Jan 08, 2008, 05:19 PM // 17:19

The game needs a RL [skill]Glyph of Sacrifice[/skill] for instant patching.

gofi · Jan 08, 2008, 05:49 PM // 17:49

thanks for all the quick replies guys

appreciate it!!infact i think this is the fastest forum i have come across!!I dont know why but questions keep on popping up.If my pc crashes(does that alot but its been right for a year now think its made its new years resolution loll!!) and i format it and all and re install guilld wars.Will i have to dl all the updates again?If so is there a way to store them(copy) on a dvd?Also,do you think my choice to start with prophecies is good?

PS:I do have a dictionary :P lollll!!

NeonXero · Jan 08, 2008, 05:55 PM // 17:55

If you want to keep your downloads... just burn the gw.dat (pretty sure thats the name) file onto a DVD, it will not fit on a CD. Then after you format or whatever, just download the client off of guildwars.com - and put your updated .dat file from the DVD into the newly created "Guild Wars" folder in your Program Files.

And yeah, Prophecies is generally a good one to start with.

Sorry if I put up some wrong information there... but I'm pretty sure its mostly accurate. Have fun and good luck!

gofi · Jan 08, 2008, 06:06 PM // 18:06

thanks!!but why should i download lol if i hav the orig cd

(soon hopefully)

Coridan · Jan 08, 2008, 07:30 PM // 19:30

well you wouldn't need to DL if you install fresh and then exit out and copy your "burnt" gw.dat into the proper dirrectory structure...but if you happen to lose you CD you can download the executable game file from Gw.com

Don't worry about not being able to download everything in an hour or two. Just start your download and then go do something or let it run over night. If you are on dial up...then i suggest you don't follow the advice on the -image thing....or if you do...do it over a period of nights... Good luck and have fun

DarkFlame · Jan 08, 2008, 09:22 PM // 21:22

Going back to the first question, updates are streamed while you play so technically you will be able to jump right into the game after the initial updates. However the updates, as well as much of your original gw.dat(even from a fresh install off the discs) come compressed and you'll have to wait till those files are decompressed first. That usually takes awhile. As mentioned, its best to just use the -image command switch and leave it on overnight, before you try to play.

Also I don't know if they've updated the gw.dat on re-printings of the original disks, yet(though probably not). So installing from those disks leaves your gw.dat at 1.6(?) gigs. You have 2 gigs worth of updates waiting for you. If your gw.dat gets deleted, you will have to download all this stuff once again. You can just burn that file onto a dvd if you want, but I would advise doing it only after it is up to date, as the .dat is updated fairly often.

gofi · Jan 08, 2008, 10:06 PM // 22:06

hey thx so this -image command switch also has pausing and resume download right?

Xylia · Jan 08, 2008, 10:30 PM // 22:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by gofi

hey thx so this -image command switch also has pausing and resume download right?

You can close it at any time and run the command again. I haven't run into any issues doing this.

gofi · Jan 09, 2008, 12:24 AM // 00:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by gofi

hey thanks for the quick response guys.

but another thing has popped up.I dont hav a very fast internet so wht i wanted to ask if its downloaded a certain amount of updates and then i stop will it resume or continue from scratch?thanks.

The question im askin is does the above also apply to the -image command thingi?thanks.

PS:The quote above is based on the idea of downloadin the initial updates when i start up the game i think

.Can someone clarify pls.

DarkFlame · Jan 09, 2008, 12:44 AM // 00:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by gofi

The question im askin is does the above also apply to the -image command thingi?thanks.

PS:The quote above is based on the idea of downloadin the initial updates when i start up the game i think

.Can someone clarify pls.

The initial updates happen regardless of the command switch. The only thing the -image command switch does is fully update and decompress your .dat at one time, rather then stream the updates slowly in the background or decompress only as you get to a certain area. And the -image command switch does not have a pause and resume in the traditional sense. You can cancel and close anytime you want. When you start it up again, it'll resume from where it left off.

gofi · Jan 09, 2008, 01:08 PM // 13:08

thanks that cleared everything

In Summary:
1)I can start playing when the initial updates finish dl but it will always dl new ones when i enter a new area.
2)If i dl the -image command it will dl everythin so ther will b nothing left to dl even if i enter a new area except new updates when they come around.

Is that right?

Coridan · Jan 09, 2008, 03:02 PM // 15:02

correct...and like it was stated above..you don't have to run the -image command till it finishes...you can start/stop it as you want..depending on how quick it downloads for you...

gofi · Jan 09, 2008, 03:18 PM // 15:18

thanks everbody

.Now can anyone pls tell which store or site in UK i can get a good deal for guild wars?

Jan 08, 2008, 03:43 PM // 15:43	#1
gofi Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Jan 2008	Question abt updates hey evrybody im plannin to get prophecies but i hav a question abt the updates.I read sumwher that this game has inteligent streaming of updates so wht i want to ask is will i b able to jump straight into the action after purchasin and all the updates will b dl while im playing or will i hav to dl all of them before i play?Thanks.

Jan 08, 2008, 05:10 PM // 17:10	#6
Kahmal Academy Page Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Isle of the nameless Guild: Captain Tickles Pirate Palooza[Arrr] Profession: W/	if you download a percentage, that percentage will be downloaded. The download percentage bar will still start at 0% because you would be at 0% of downloading the files remaining. Last edited by Kahmal; Jan 08, 2008 at 05:20 PM // 17:20..

Jan 08, 2008, 03:46 PM // 15:46	#2
Kahmal Academy Page Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Isle of the nameless Guild: Captain Tickles Pirate Palooza[Arrr] Profession: W/	you will have to download a bit before you can play i believe. Maps and equipment update as you play i think though...not 100%

Jan 08, 2008, 03:52 PM // 15:52	#3
xXDemonXx Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Jan 2008 Guild: Soldiers Of Untold Legends[SOUL] Profession: R/	yea after u have it on ur acc u just load up each area u go into.

Jan 08, 2008, 04:23 PM // 16:23	#4
Coridan Forge Runner Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: US Guild: Old Married Gamers {OMG} Profession: W/	if you get prophecies be prepared for a fairly large update before you can actually play the game. As it was release 3 years ago roughly...also when you enter a new town/area you will have to download the data for that area as well. If you are on a fast connection i would suggest you download the whole thing at one time...around 3.6g or so of data to download..although that downloads everyething for all the games...but once you have done so you don't have the slight lag or load times on entering areas... to dl the entire image... click the properties of your game icon and add -image after "" should look something like this "c:\Program Files\Guild Wars\gw.exe" -image then remove the -image tag and run the game

Jan 08, 2008, 05:08 PM // 17:08	#5
gofi Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Jan 2008	hey thanks for the quick response guys. but another thing has popped up.I dont hav a very fast internet so wht i wanted to ask if its downloaded a certain amount of updates and then i stop will it resume or continue from scratch?thanks.

Jan 08, 2008, 05:19 PM // 17:19	#7
Killed u man Forge Runner Join Date: Feb 2006	I don't pay too much on spelling myself, but geez, try and buy a dictionary (No offence) After installing the initial game, your game pretty much downloads every update over the past 2 years when first starting up. Then the first time you load a map, to download an initial 3000-4000 files. (Mainly graphics, I gues). And then in the beginning about 100 files every time you visit a new area. Guild Wars also runs "hidden" downloads in the background. As far as I know, there is no way to stop them... As for slow internet, welcome to 2008 SO summed up: Insalling all the bs, Download all the update + files, you will probably be sitting at your computer for an hour/2 hours downloading (Depends HOW slow your connection is, I pray to god it's faster than 100kb/s, for you anyways).

Jan 08, 2008, 05:19 PM // 17:19	#8
rubina1 Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Dec 2007	The game needs a RL [skill]Glyph of Sacrifice[/skill] for instant patching.

Jan 08, 2008, 05:49 PM // 17:49	#9
gofi Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Jan 2008	thanks for all the quick replies guys appreciate it!!infact i think this is the fastest forum i have come across!!I dont know why but questions keep on popping up.If my pc crashes(does that alot but its been right for a year now think its made its new years resolution loll!!) and i format it and all and re install guilld wars.Will i have to dl all the updates again?If so is there a way to store them(copy) on a dvd?Also,do you think my choice to start with prophecies is good? PS:I do have a dictionary :P lollll!!

Jan 08, 2008, 05:55 PM // 17:55	#10
NeonXero Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Guild: Leaked Aggression [grr] Profession: D/W	If you want to keep your downloads... just burn the gw.dat (pretty sure thats the name) file onto a DVD, it will not fit on a CD. Then after you format or whatever, just download the client off of guildwars.com - and put your updated .dat file from the DVD into the newly created "Guild Wars" folder in your Program Files. And yeah, Prophecies is generally a good one to start with. Sorry if I put up some wrong information there... but I'm pretty sure its mostly accurate. Have fun and good luck!

Jan 08, 2008, 06:06 PM // 18:06	#11
gofi Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Jan 2008	thanks!!but why should i download lol if i hav the orig cd (soon hopefully)

Jan 08, 2008, 07:30 PM // 19:30	#12
Coridan Forge Runner Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: US Guild: Old Married Gamers {OMG} Profession: W/	well you wouldn't need to DL if you install fresh and then exit out and copy your "burnt" gw.dat into the proper dirrectory structure...but if you happen to lose you CD you can download the executable game file from Gw.com Don't worry about not being able to download everything in an hour or two. Just start your download and then go do something or let it run over night. If you are on dial up...then i suggest you don't follow the advice on the -image thing....or if you do...do it over a period of nights... Good luck and have fun

Jan 08, 2008, 09:22 PM // 21:22	#13
DarkFlame Desert Nomad Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ascalon Profession: E/	Going back to the first question, updates are streamed while you play so technically you will be able to jump right into the game after the initial updates. However the updates, as well as much of your original gw.dat(even from a fresh install off the discs) come compressed and you'll have to wait till those files are decompressed first. That usually takes awhile. As mentioned, its best to just use the -image command switch and leave it on overnight, before you try to play. Also I don't know if they've updated the gw.dat on re-printings of the original disks, yet(though probably not). So installing from those disks leaves your gw.dat at 1.6(?) gigs. You have 2 gigs worth of updates waiting for you. If your gw.dat gets deleted, you will have to download all this stuff once again. You can just burn that file onto a dvd if you want, but I would advise doing it only after it is up to date, as the .dat is updated fairly often.

Jan 08, 2008, 10:06 PM // 22:06	#14
gofi Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Jan 2008	hey thx so this -image command switch also has pausing and resume download right?

Jan 09, 2008, 01:08 PM // 13:08	#18
gofi Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Jan 2008	thanks that cleared everything In Summary: 1)I can start playing when the initial updates finish dl but it will always dl new ones when i enter a new area. 2)If i dl the -image command it will dl everythin so ther will b nothing left to dl even if i enter a new area except new updates when they come around. Is that right?

Jan 09, 2008, 03:02 PM // 15:02	#19
Coridan Forge Runner Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: US Guild: Old Married Gamers {OMG} Profession: W/	correct...and like it was stated above..you don't have to run the -image command till it finishes...you can start/stop it as you want..depending on how quick it downloads for you...

Jan 09, 2008, 03:18 PM // 15:18	#20
gofi Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Jan 2008	thanks everbody .Now can anyone pls tell which store or site in UK i can get a good deal for guild wars?