The (Hopefully) Definitive TrenShadow Guide (1.00)

[ScionOfStorm]

Anyone had the same issues as me?

I have one installed 1.07 folder which works pretty fine (I can play both 1.13 from the main and 1.07 from it). I tried to have multiple instances with a 1.07 modified d2gfx.dll, but I seem to have the 'ordinal 10086 could not be located in the dynamic link library' error when I try to start the game.exe from the original folder. Then it shows a message that 'Diablo 2 failed to run' and I should check if the cd in the cd rom. I followed all the instructions, don't seem to get me anywhere though..

[Sint Nikolaas]

iirc there is no modified dll for 1.07.

[Zaliqai]

@ScionOfStorm: If you are using the latest version of Trenshadow then you shouldn't need to start from "game.exe". You should only need a single shortcut to the "LaunchModGame.vbs" file which will open all multiple instances.

[svidikus]

Hey Mattinm, great guide! I was just wondering if you could put up a link to the classic versions for me? I am mainly looking for 1.00 and 1.03, as those are the ones I remember the most haha. Thanks!

[FromLithuania]

Tried to use Trenshadow version switcher for 1.10a. Created all needed shortcuts.Tried to run it and recieved this message:

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/3364/erorf.png

EDIT: don't need help anymore.

[mattinm]

I'm working on re-writing this guide, somewhat for clarity and to include a section for how to run previous versions in Windows Vista/7 in regards to Compatibility Mode.

I'm also re-packaging all of TrenShadow's version folders (he sent me almost every version under the sun, including classic versions) to use the updated TrenShadow version switcher. I'll put those in the files section for consumption.

If there are any other questions anyone would like addressed in a revision, please let me know and I'll try to include it. Thanks!

[kestegs]

I have a question, but I'm pretty sure I know the answer is no, just wanna make sure.

Is there any way to version switch back to a previous version off of my 1.12 download off of the blizzard website?

[mattinm]

Is there any way to version switch back to a previous version off of my 1.12 download off of the blizzard website?

Sadly, you have to have the CD in order to version switch to pre-1.12 games (either LoD for 1.07+ or Classic for 1.06 or earlier).

[mattinm]

Guide now updated to version 2 in the original post. I'm placing the old version here in case anyone is interested.

Changes
- My personal version folders now include most (all?) pre-LoD versions of Diablo II, thanks to TrenShadow.
- All personal version folders include the updated TrenShadow script (with TrenShadow's approval)
- All LoD personal version folders include an options modified D2gfx.dll for running multiple instances (not used by default)
- Guide now expects the use of the modified TrenShadow version by default (explained in the guide)
- Added a section about not being able to run pre-1.12a versions when using Blizzard's Downloadable Installer

Spoiler

The (Hopefully) Definitive TrenShadow Guide (1.00)

This is intended as a consolidation of the TrenShadow installations process, as well as a place to explain frequently asked questions about TrenShadow. If you notice anything missing, or anything wrong, please post/PM me about it, and I'll make the appropriate change. I just hope this guide helps a few people out.

Table of Contents
1. How does TrenShadow work?
2. Where can I get TrenShadow?
2a.) Personal Modifications
2b.) Official Release
3. Installing TrenShadow
3a.) Converting from multiple install points
3b.) Battle.Net Usage
4. Creating your own TrenShadow folder
5. TrenShadow potential problems
6. Creating your own modified D2gfx.dll
7. Frequently Asked Questions
7a.) Can I run pre-LoD versions?
7b.) Can I play as a classic character in older versions?
7c.) Can I install mods for specific versions (RWM/RRM/etc)?
7d.) My TrenShadow Additions
8. Feedback

1. How does TrenShadow work?
TrenShadow first backs up the game files (*.dll, Game.exe, Patch_D2.mpq). It then copies over the same files from another version. Once the files are replaced, TrenShadow changes a registry entry to tell Diablo II that the save folder is located in the version folder, not the main install (e.g. path/to/Diablo II/1.09b/save instead of path/to/Diablo II/save).

Once the *first* instance of TrenShadow is closed, all settings are reverted. This means that you can run your current patch as normal without any repercussions.

2. Where can I get TrenShadow
2a.) Personal Additions
I have modified TrenShadow slightly to help overcome it's potential problems, add functionality, and allow the end-user to stop the annoying pop-ups. You will still need to download the TrenShadow from the official link below, and update the LaunchModGame.vbs file with my updated version to use my modifications as outlined in the link.

2b.) Official TrenShadow
TrenShadow, and some version folders, can be found here. Note: These files end in .zzz; simply rename them to .zip and they'll open/unzip just fine.

I have also created folders from all instances of LoD, without the TrenShadow specific files. See below for an explanation on how to use them. You will still need the main TrenShadow download above for the *.vbs files.

Note: I'm not linking to these until I get admin approval. Until they get approval, you can find them in the files section of these boards.

Spoiler

1.07
1.08
1.09
1.09b
1.09d
1.10a
1.10s
1.10
1.11
1.11b
1.12a
1.13beta

3. Installing TrenShadow
3a.) Here's some notes on converting from a low-tech installation (e.g. multiple installs for each version) to a TrenShadow setup

Spoiler

Make sure that the current patch is your working Diablo II directory (e.g. C:/Program Files/Diablo II). You *could* theoretically use any patch as your main installation point, except 1.07 (Patch_D2.mpq needs to exist in the main install folder for TrenShadow to work), but it's just best overall to make it the most recent patch.

For each version you want to install, the procedure will be the same as below. Either download or create (seeing as you'd have all the required files anyway) a folder for each version you want and put it in your main install.

Now, simply copy over your 'save' folder from another Diablo II version into the new version directory (e.g. C:/Program Files/Diablo II 1.07/save to C:/Program Files/Diablo II/1.07/save). Now, all your characters from the previous version will be accessible using TrenShadow.

I'd recommend testing before deleting your other install folder, however . And don't forget to update your ATMA to point to the correct character files.

/END conversion guide

Download or create a folder containing all relevent Diablo files for the version of Diablo II you want to run (I'll refer to 1.09b here, for simplicity). See below for information on creating your own TrenShadow folder.

Next, copy the folder into your main Diablo II install (e.g. path/to/Diablo II/1.09b). Create a shortcut from LaunchModGame.vbs and make sure it starts in the version folder with whatever flags you want (e.g. -w -direct -txt). To open multiple instances, create another shortcut pointing to Game.exe in your main install folder and make sure it also starts in the version folder. Here is a picture to help clarify this. Take special note of the "Start In" line.

Now, simply click the first shortcut to start the version, and the second shortcut for all other instances. Make sure you have the CD in the drive for all versions of Diablo II prior to 1.12a. If you would like to run multiple instances, make sure you replace the D2gfx.dll in the version folder with the corresponding modified D2gfx.dll. I have copies of all modified .dll files, waiting approval. Until then, either obtain the files from Phrozen Keep or see below on how to create your own for each version.

3b.) Battle.Net Usage
One excellent use of TrenShadow would be to run all your SP versions in their own dedicated folder (e.g. the latest version with RWM and a modified D2gfx.dll) and leave the primary Diablo II folder vanilla. This allows you to create a BNet specific shortcut that is guaranteed to not get you banned online for improper modifications, while still allowing you to play SP with any modifications you like.

4. Creating your own TrenShadow folder
If you have a folder containing all relevent files, you'll simply need to copy LoadModGame.vbs and RecoverFromCrash.vbs from another TrenShadow folder (see above on where to get TrenShadow), and you'll be setup.

To create your own folder, you'll need to copy the following files from the version of Diablo II you wish to replecate:

*Note: If you downloaded my folder versions, they do not contain these files,
       as the files don't appear to change between patches. Simply copy these
       from your main installation point.

binkw32.dll
Bnclient.dll
D2Client.dll
D2CMP.dll
D2Common.dll
D2DDraw.dll
D2Direct3D.dll
D2Game.dll
D2Gdi.dll
D2gfx.dll
D2Glide.dll
D2Lang.dll
D2Launch.dll
D2MCPClient.dll
D2Multi.dll
D2Net.dll
D2sound.dll
D2Win.dll
Fog.dll
Game.exe
ijl11.dll *
Storm.dll
SmackW32.dll *
Patch_D2.mpq

5. TrenShadow potential problems
Note: Using my personal changes to TrenShadow, as outlined in section 2a, alleviate the main concerns of running TrenShadow. If there are any issues that crop up when using my modification, please post in this thread and I'll work as quickly as possible to resolve it.

Always make sure you close the first instance of TrenShadow last. I cannot stress this enough. This can sometimes be difficult to remember, especially if the windows group together in the taskbar. While you are running any TrenShadow version, *do not* click the main shortcut again. Always use the x2 shortcut.

If you close the first instance of TrenShadow while another instance is open, all the files will revert, except Game.exe because it is in use, which means you'll have to manually revert it. Problems might then arise if you try to re-open the first instance of TrenShadow, as Game.exe.baq (you're main install Game.exe) will be replaced by the version you are running, effectively meaning you'll have to find the correct Game.exe somewhere.

Also, the save folder will be reset to the main installation point, instead of the version you are running. This *might* not effect currently open instances, but could cause problems if you were to open another instance.

Just, please, remember which instance is the first, and always, always close it last.

6. Creating your own modified D2gfx.dll
This section has been determined to be too technical and/or risky. Here (link down until admin approval) is a zip file containing all the modified LoD D2gfx.dll, including beta *.dll's. Until I'm allowed to post to the files directly, you can send me a PM for specific versions, or see the Trenshadow download location above for a few modified files.

7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-LoD folders?
A: Absolutely! The procedure is exactly the same. In fact, there are pre-made folders for 1.05 and 1.06 the old ATMA link. If you want even earlier versions, you're going to have to make them yourself, I'm afraid.

Q: Can I create classic characters in older versions?
A: Yep! Simply un-tick the []Expansion setting on character selection, just as you would in the current patch. Just don't try this with an Assassin or Druid, or you might be there for days.

Q: Can I run mods (e.g. RWM/RRM in 1.12a) with TrenShadow?
A: Certainly! Simply copy the data folder from the mod (e.g. RedRuneMod/data) into your version folder (e.g. 1.12a/data). Now, on your shortcut to start the version, make sure to add -direct -txt to the end of the line (e.g. Target = "C:/Program Files/Diablo II/1.12a/LaunchModGame.vbs" -direct -txt). Make sure you also add this to your x2 shortcut.

EDIT: Adding the -txt to the end of the shortcut only works with my modified version of TrenShadow, detailed below. To use a modification with the unmodified TrenShadow, simply click 'Yes' when asked if you'd like to create the binary files.

8. Feedback
Hopefully this will make it easier newcomers (or others looking to time-travel) to use multiple versions of Diablo II. If there is anything that is still unclear, simply post here or PM me and I'll be glad to clear things up.

[svidikus]

Thank you very much for putting up the classic versions! I can't wait to play them!

I'm having trouble, however. I've downloaded 1.00 and 1.03, and can't get either to work. I've got other working versions from before, so I don't think I installed them wrong. The game just isn't starting for some reason. Any thoughts on why??