Below are very detailed steps for installing our game software. We've prepared these instructions to be somewhat generic so that they might also be useful for installing other software as well. The intended audience is a novice user of Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10.
Typically, there are multiple acceptable ways to install software. The instuctions below describe just one such method.
1. Download Software | |
Popular browser brands include Internet Explorer, Navigator, and Firefox. |
The exact steps for downloading software from the Internet will vary depending on
the brand and version of browser you are using. Below are generic steps that will
work in most browsers.
Some computers might be set up to automatically begin an extract/unzip process upon downloading. If you observe that, jump ahead to step 2.7, otherwise proceed below. |
Q. Why don't you show a screen shot here? | A. The different versions of Windows each look different, and we don't want people to think they are in the wrong spot if their display is not identical to a sample screen shot. Rather than screen appearance or exact wording, strive to find the desired functionality. |
2. Uncompress Download | |
ZIP is a popular compression format |
To reduce download time most downloads are provided in a compressed form, and that means
you cannot put them to use until you uncompress them. Now find the downloaded file on
your computer so you can uncompress it.
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Q. I don't see an Extract option. | A. Some versions of Windows prior to XP were not able to handle ZIP files directly. You will need an external program such as PkUnzip or WinZip to uncompress the ZIP file. Such discussion is beyond the scope of these instructions. Visit sites such as WinZip or PkUnZip. |
Continuing... |
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Q. Should the Empire Builder Pronto (EBP) folder go in Program Files? | A. We recommend against it. Windows version after XP introduced changes that make the Program Files folder act differently and interfere with smooth operation of EBP. If you are installing some other software application and it requires being stored within the Program Files folder, manually modify the extraction location in step 2.8. For example, you might change it to C:\Program Files\newapp |
Ready to Run |
If you wish to do housecleaning, you can now delete the EBP.ZIP download from your C:\ folder. Navigate back to the C:\ folder, right click on the EBP.ZIP item and choose Delete. |
Windows Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 |
Newer Windows versions have several security-related quirks.
If you see "Windows protected your PC" this is merely Microsoft telling you it's seeing EBP on your computer for the first time. This is normal for a download. Click "More Info" and "Run Anyway" to tell Windows you want to run the game. If EBP asks if your operating system is Windows Vista or newer, shows you a "Path/file access error", or if its help system fails to display properly, see the list of fixes. |
3. Create Desktop Icon | |
If EBP's icon does not appear on your Windows desktop, create one manually:
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4. Install Game Maps | |
Q. Help, I don't know where to download my purchased maps. | A. When you pay via Paypal to register, upon completing checkout Paypal takes you to the map download links. From there follow the directions of the next question (below). Or, if you missed the map download links, promptly contact us via email to tell us which maps you paid for so we can email them to you. |
Maps must be installed into the same folder as your EBP program! The instructions here apply to the current version of EBP. |
As you pay and checkout via Paypal, follow the on-screen prompts to arrive at
the downloads of alternate game maps for EBP.
Once there, follow the detailed steps below:
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We hope these details helped you learn about software installation!
If installation problems persist, we recommend you search online for help using Windows, or ask a local friend for on-site assistance.
Empire Builder is a registered trademark of Mayfair Games, and used here under license. Empire Builder Pronto is a trademark of Intersystem Concepts, Inc. EB Pronto and the alternate maps are not products of Mayfair Games.