[FIle] Jet-Set Willy II PC

[Spider]

Merged your post @Gromphedyret into the existing topic for it.

I was able to duplicate this on W10 x64 with a different error. Without Direct Play and with various settings.

@Gyrominiac do we need an x86 system for this ? 🙂 

[jetsetdanny]

This is what ChatGPT had to say about it:

 

My question:

 

The message "Illegal memory address" in Blitz Runtime Window (trying to run an older piece of software on a modern Windows 11 laptop) - what does it mean and how can it be remedied?

 

ChatGPT's reply:

The message "Illegal memory address" in the Blitz Runtime Window indicates that the software attempted to access a memory location that it doesn't have permission to use or doesn't exist. This is a common issue with older software that wasn't designed for modern operating systems like Windows 11. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and potentially fix it:

---

1. Run the Program in Compatibility Mode

Older software may not work correctly on modern systems due to differences in system architecture. Try running the program in compatibility mode:

• Right-click the program's executable (.exe) file.
• Select Properties.
• Go to the Compatibility tab.
• Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and choose an older Windows version (e.g., Windows XP or Windows 7).
• Also, check Run this program as an administrator for additional permissions.

---

2. Enable 32-bit Compatibility

If the program is 32-bit and you're using a 64-bit system, it might have trouble running properly. Windows 11 still supports 32-bit applications, but you might need to ensure compatibility:

• Check if your system has WOW64 (Windows-on-Windows 64-bit) enabled. This is typically on by default but can be re-enabled in Windows Features if needed.

---

3. Check for Dependencies

Older programs sometimes rely on specific libraries or runtime environments. The following may be necessary:

• Install DirectX 9: Some older programs rely on this version.
• Install older Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages.
• Install .NET Framework 3.5 (enable it through "Windows Features").

---

4. Use a Virtual Machine or Emulator

For software deeply tied to older systems, running it in a virtual machine (VM) with an older OS might work better:

• Install software like VirtualBox or VMware Player.
• Set up a VM running an older Windows OS (e.g., Windows XP or Windows 7).
• Run your program inside the VM.

Alternatively, try DOSBox or similar emulation software if the program is from an even older era.

---

5. Disable Modern Hardware Features Temporarily

Some Blitz-based applications expect older hardware configurations:

• Disable hyper-threading or adjust processor affinity:

  • Open Task Manager.
  • Right-click the program under the "Processes" tab.
  • Choose Go to Details, then right-click and set Processor Affinity to a single core.

• Lower graphics acceleration:

  • Go to Display Settings > Advanced Display Settings > Troubleshoot (if available).

---

6. Patch or Update the Program

Check if there's a patched or updated version of the program. Sometimes, developers or the community release updated builds for older software.

---

7. Debugging in Blitz (Optional)

If you have access to the Blitz source code or debugger, check the following:

• Ensure the program isn't trying to access null pointers or unallocated memory.
• Check for compatibility with modern file paths (e.g., long paths or special characters).

---

Let me know how it goes or if you need help with any of these steps! 😊

End of ChatGPT's reply. Was it helpful to any extent?