Theme Park Inc Patch

Sim Theme Park v2.0 Patch Upgrade This patch fixes several bugs and improves many features pertaining to online play, first-person perspective, rollercoasters, saving and loading, and more. This patch upgrades the 1.0 and 1.1 English versions of Theme Park World (a.k.a. Sim Theme Park) to version 2.0. This patch is unneeded if you own the game's Gold Edition.

Theme Park World is a strategy game developed by Bullfrog as the sequel to the successful Theme Park. For some reason (best known by the marketing suits of EA) the game was renamed to Sim Theme Park outside of Europe. Something to do with the [as then] recent acquisition of Maxis no doubt!

Anyways, you're probably here because you now run Windows 2000 or XP and cannot get the game to run. Well, you're not alone - there are many statements of complete incompatibility but hey, I don't believe in all that! Note that there is more than one problem (although many just experience the main one - a crash to the desktop when entering a park).

Bizarre how some things in life are! I was here on Christmas Day 2002 (very much going on Boxing Day in all honesty) having a blast with some of my old games titles. In this case it was a game I 'd bought a long time back - Theme Park World. As I thought I'd accomplished enough for the 'day' I hit the sack at around 4.20 am. Next morning Theme Park World 'lured' me in for couple more hours punishment with the park visitors! Lunch time took me away from my PC for a short while and I shut it all down vowing to return later.. which of course, I just HAD to ;)

Upon return, things weren't as they should be - Theme Park World didn't want to start up - crash to desktop (no error) after loading the intro. Bizarre I thought - I had changed NOTHING. You know how it is.. what did I change, no - what COULD have changed? Went through the 'normal' steps of re-installation (about 30 times), checking sound, video and system configuration till I was angry. Dinner was served over the keyboard and soon the day was over. Most of the evening was spent surfing the web for the *golden* answer. All I found was a reoccurring theme (no pun intended!) - it simply didn't work under Win2K. Err, rubbish I say - I'd just spent 10 hours of my life with it - it worked fine!

Being a software developer I grabbed an arsenal of tools. Various monitoring utilities tracked Registry, File and DLL activity. Up popped an error - a 1st chance exception in USP10.dll which to the uninitiated is a Unicode engine DLL that is used when rendering fonts and stuff. Hmm, so what was the game up to? A bit more focused debugging showed up that the game generated a host of True Type Fonts (TTF) on demand. Bizarre - why it should do this I've absolutely no idea. I was however spot on with the problem area - the thing was, what was the solution? After a few more reboots, I began to notice a pattern - it worked better after a reboot (get to player selection screen but then crash on entrance to park). As my attention was on the fonts I noticed that the TTFs looked 'invalid' after it crashed - they didn't show up in the standard Microsoft Windows Font Viewer utility - a reboot later and they were fine and dandy again :)

My fix isn't really a fix, it's a solution to the problem (if that's any different?!). It does not change any of the code as I've not reverse engineered anything, etc. Follow the instructions carefully and you be able to play the game once again!

Before you continue: I do not offer any warranty for this solution. Please do not contact me accusing me of trashing your system! Neither Bullfrog or EA have had anything to do with this fix so please do not ask them about it. The solution was tested on my system which is running Win2K with SP4. Theme Park World was patched to V2.0. Many people using Windows 2000 and XP continue to contact me with positive feedback.

There are two methods of installing the solution 1) Automatic (recommended) and 2) Manual (only useful if you have problems getting this automatic version to run). The automatic method uses a standard Windows Installer package whilst the manual method uses a ZIP file that *must* be extracted into the correct place . Which ever method is chosen, you must start by following these steps

Uninstall any current installation of the game using Add/Remove Programs

Reboot

Delete any remaining game-related directories and files (save games, log files, etc.)

Install Theme Park World

Apply the Theme Park World V2.0 patch (link available from the Downloads section) - Please read the FAQ

Reboot - you MUST reboot here!

Download the required fix file from the Downloads section

Continue by following the steps for the installation method chosen.

Automatic Method

Run the installer by simply double-clicking the MSI file.

Proceed through the installation wizard accepting all the defaults.

Manual Method

You should *only* use this method if you cannot get the MSI to install.

Using WinZIP, extract the contents of the ZIP file into Theme Park World's 'data' directory - making sure you preserve the folder structure contained within the ZIP.

Check that the files are installed correctly by referring to the image to the right.

You should also make sure ALL of the TTF files are Read-Only.

Please refer to the FAQ should something not go as planned.

Q. It doesn't work, where do I start?

A. Read this page, yes *ALL* of it. You'll find answers to the most common questions asked.

Q. I can play Instant Action, but the game drops back to the desktop when I try the Full Simulation, Why?

A. You need to install my Font file fix, details are available in the The Fix section.

Q. I'm running Windows XP Home and I cannot install the game - it just says that the correct disk is not in the drive?

A. Microsoft provided a patch for Windows XP Home Edition which should fix this. The problem is related to the Safedisc copy protection mechanism as used on the game. Grab the patch from the Downloads section. For reference here is the original page from Microsoft.

Q. I'm running Windows XP and I cannot install the game?

A. Make sure you are logged on as an Administrator. Use autorun.exe and choose install from the menu. If that doesn't work, try copying the contents of the CD on to your hard disk and running the setup from there.

Q. I'm running Windows 2000/XP and I cannot install the game. Windows displays the error: '16 bit windows subsystem: C:WINDOWSSYSTEM32AUTOEXEC.NT. The system file is not suitable for running in MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications.'

A. Go to the Downloads section and grab the Windows XP/2000 fix for 16bit subsystems. Running this will correct the issue. Please note that you must be logged on as an Adminstrator.

Q. When I run Theme Park World it just crashes. The error references something called tp.icd, what is this all about?

A. The game uses a copy protection system called Safedisc. Some PC configurations have great difficulty in running applications protected by Safedisc. Hunt around the web for the NoCD executable - my previous provision of it was complained about!

Q. After downloading the NoCD executable, I get a different error message when starting the game. What is this?

A. You've almost certainly not got V2.0 of Theme Park World. The NoCD executable is most likely not for V2.0 of the game. Carefully follow the instructions provided in the TheFix section. Re-apply the NoCD executable for V2.0 of the game.

Q. I'm running Windows XP with the NoCD executable and the game is still crashing. The error references tp.exe, what can I do?

A. I'm sorry to say that I cannot help. Something on some systems just prevent the game from running and I've not been able to come up with a solution. Some users find that the workaround for 'LpkPresent not found in usp10.dll' in this section stops the crash.

Q. I'm running Windows XP and I receive an error message - 'LpkPresent not found in usp10.dll' when I run the game?

A. Theme Park World supplies its own version of this DLL when it installs the game. This is not always compatible with certain configurations of Windows XP. Open Windows Explorer at your Theme Park World installation directory and rename usp10.dll to _usp10.dll. This action will force Windows XP to use it's own (later) version of the DLL and should allow the game to play.

Q. The user account that I log on as hasn't got Administrator privileges and I cannot seem to run the game.

A. I use to say that it was not possible to get the game running without Administrator privileges but I decided that it wasn't good enough! So, more tools to the rescue! For Windows 2000, you need to login as an Administrator, run RegEdt32, Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftware, Click on Bullfrog Productions Ltd, choose Security-Permissions from the main menu, Select Add.., Type in Everyone, Press OK, check Full Control and press OK. For Windows XP you'll find it's a very similar set of steps but there'll be a few different dialogs in there I'm sure!

Q. I can now get the game to run but now it keeps hanging and/or the announcer's voice is getting clipped, can I do anything about it??

A. Unfortunately, I've been unable to find out why this is happening. Signs point to driver issues with on board sound cards but I cannot be certain that this is the problem. A player has sent in this suggestion: Set the Compatibility Mode to Windows 98. This is done by navigating to the installation directory, right click on ‘tp.exe’ select the ‘Compatibility’ tab, in the ‘Compatibility Mode’ section, check ‘Run this program in compatibility mode for:’, and then in the drop down menu choose ‘Windows 98 / Windows ME’. Select OK and run the game to see if that has helped.

Q. How can I go online?

A. I'm not sure this is possible any longer. I've tried myself and get 'Authorization Failed'. EA/Bullfrog support make no mention of the game any more so it's probably a no go.

Q. When online there were many more rides and attractions. Can I get them?

A. Previoulsy yes! All additional rides (from the online version - which were released as part of the PS2 release!) were available here. Someone didn't like this so my download link was removed. The ride set came from the release of Sim Theme Park GOLD Edition (CD #2) so if you have that then you already have the rides!

Q. I run Windows 2000 but don't have a compatibility option, How can I get one?

A. Run a command prompt up (Start-Run: cmd)
cd %systemroot%AppPatch
regsvr32 slayerui.dll
You will now have an additional tab called Compatibility on the properties of a shortcut to a Windows executable.

Q. What is the difference between Theme Park World and Sim Theme Park?

A. The name! Sim Theme Park is the basically the name used outside Europe. The game differences are that Sim Theme Park gets a Sim Theme Park logo (obviously) and an American voice over for the announcer.

Q. How do I tell what version of the game I have and what is the latest version of Theme Park World?

A. For the PC, the latest version is V2.0. Should you need it (and it's recommended download if you haven't got it), go to the Downloads section for a link. If you're running the latest patch, when you enter the lobby a version number (V2.0) will be displayed.

• The original big box game Theme Park World version was V1.0
• A patch was available to make this V1.1 and is available (though not recommended) in the Downloads section
• A final patch (recommended) is available in the Downloads section to make this V2.0
• Sim Theme Park GOLD Edition is already at V2.0, you do not need to patch it (it still requires the fix though!)

Q. I try and install the V2.0 patch and it says the game is not installed?

A. Sim Theme Park Gold Edition is *already* patched, you do not need to patch it again! If you haven't got this version, then you're most likely running a dodgy copy downloaded from somewhere. Buy they game, it's not exactly expensive.

Q. Why do I recommend version 2.0 of the game?

A. No company produces a patch for nothing! It fixes quite a few of the annoying bugs. I also enjoy having a large resolution instead of the rather limiting 800*600. Now I'm able to run 1600*1200 - way cool! (Continue reading the FAQ for details on how to do this.) Capitalism lab forum.

Q. I've [now] got V2.0, how do I enable the higher resolutions?

A. Tales of escape gameplay. The feature is somewhat undocumented (there's a slim reference to it in the readme.txt). Follow these steps:

• In your 'data' directory, you'll have a file named _Resolution.sam
• Rename this to Resolution.sam
• Edit the file using notepad (or similar) and change the number that will set the games resolution

Q. Why have you got a password on the ZIP file?

A. I haven't! Quite a few people have 'accused' me of this but it's not the case. The file was probably corrupted on download so please retry the download.

Q. Wow, you're a cool guy - how can I repay you?

A. LOL, I may not be cool but I hope I've helped out! If you'd like to make a donation then skip down to the Donations section!

Q. Wow, you're conning everyone. This fix was posted by Sold Out or DICE!

A. I can only assure you that *I* created the fix and these companies are profitering from my effort. Neither asked for permission to distribute the details of this fix but I welcome DICE's usage as they've at least mentioned me! Sold Out on the other hand even have the cheek to rename my MSI file leading people to beleive that they've done something over and above what I originally provided. It really shows the nature of software re-issues - they've no idea about what they sell, just that it sells! I'll not be buying anything else from Sold Out again.

Q. Is this the most up to date information?

A. If you're reading this as page from my website, then yes. If not then go to the web site.

Q. I have another question or none of this has helped, can you fix my problem?

A. No. After a few years responding to a significant amount of requests from people who pose questions already answered, I no longer respond to any e-mails. All questions that are asked have answers on this page. Read it :)

If you find that this has really helped you out, then please consider a small donation.

Since I made this page available, the fix, patch and levels have been downloaded on average 1200 times per month. This uses up a lot of bandwidth and that's not free! All donations will fund the hosting costs alone and absolutely any donation amount would be great!

Many thanks to those that have donated! Any amount small or large is gratefully received.

A VERY big thank-you to Andrew Schoenfeld, Matthew Durell, Jonathan Marshall, Joseph McHugh, Paul Fieldhouse, Janet Holloway, Bjarne Hansen, Serge Seron, Christina Rogers, Joshua Olson, Michael Pusateri, Mark Sutter, Anthony Webb, Christopher Dugan, Angela Chandler, Donald Walker, Howard Vicars, Christoph Meyer, Samuel Bogdanove, Werner Hinkelmann, Sunanda Ghosh, Helen Wright, Brian Nixon Scott Gustafson, Roger James, ShareLive, Sabir Bashir, Todd Wallace, Lori Ferguson, James Hamilton, Nicholas Venturella, Paul Stone, Vicki Oliver, Robert Smithers, Nick Harshfield, Jeff Naylor, Michael Evenson, Gregory Hogg, Chris Wright, Lisa Nelder, Tim Plona, Ian McVittie, Amy Bass, Michael Voigt, Carey McNeilly, Norman Holtzhausen, James Gores, Alex Michlin, Miles Hesselgrave, Jurgen Gaeremyn, Lorne Matthews, Michael Turff, Paul Mann, Lynn Gilgut, Marc Calvert, Bradley Craig, Paul Savill, Ron Scott, Monica Conley, Robert Knight, Christine Matzulla and David Walsh for their kind donations!

Payments using PayPal accounts (mark as gift if you can):

All trademarks of companies mentioned on this page are respected.

This fix and all the information relating to it is © 2002-10 Adam Hearn.

Welcome to Theme Park Inc.I hate roller coasters. When faced with one I miraculously develop a weak stomach and a low-intolerance for any movement. The only time I've ever been close to one is riding the waltzers to sit next to a girl I fancied. When I finally got off the damn ride, I was shaking like a leaf and a pale as a ghost - girls, eh! So could Theme Park Inc. cure me of my fears?Theme Park Inc. is an attempt to bring a more cohesive storyline to the previous attempt, Theme Park World.

Last year's version lacked '.any real aim in building the parks. Whereas in Roller Coaster Tycoon you had to attract so many visitors or earn so much money, here you are left without a specific purpose.' If you haven't experienced the game before, it is your job to design and run a theme park, with a view to jumping into the president's seat by buying 50 per cent of the share stock of Theme Park Inc, the company that employs you.

Take a look aroundTo begin with you have three or four rides laid out on a nice grassy field. It is up to you to develop this land of half-assed rides into something approaching a wonderland for kids and adults alike. Placing rides couldn't be easier. You select the one you want and dump it on the ground, place a map and then set the rides' entry price and excitement rating. Make it too exciting and the weaker members of the public won't ride it; make it not exciting enough and people will become very bored and leave. A mixture of excitement and entertainment is what you are aiming for.At first you start with a set of basic rides and facilities at your disposal.

A few roller coasters and simpler, more relaxed rides can be installed to entice people to your funfair. Facilities include toilets and money-making stores. As you progress, and scientists develop new technologies, you will be able to create faster, better and more stomach-churning rides.

But first you have to hire scientists to work in your research department. Meet the staffThere are also many other jobs that need to be filled, such as cleaners, guards and gardeners. Like many of the Theme games, it is a simple case of picking from a selection of staff and balancing experience with wage cost. Each worker performs an important task and it is a delicate job balancing wages and necessity. Occasionally a worker will cut up a fuss about not being appreciated and ask for a pay rise. Of course, you can always sack them and get more cost-effective, but less experienced, staff.Staff members are also useful when it comes to completing challenges that allows you to earn golden tickets - you use these to open up special rides. One of the first challenges you will come across will be working out how to drain a lake to get more land space.

You set your scientist to research how to actually perform the task and then you have to train a member of staff in the special ability required; in this case, the gardener must learn about water drainage. As you complete these challenges, new areas are opened and more golden tickets are collected. In the QueueAs your park becomes more popular you can hike up the prices for the entrance and individual rides. The cash soon starts to flow in and then you have to get with the program and start buying up shares in the company and get the all-important 50 per cent share so you can claim the presidency.

This part of the game, which is the crux of this latest Theme Park incarnation, is so deadly boring that I'd rather play without the added story part and just get on with making people merry.Creating roller coasters which, let's face it, is the best thing about theme park management games is as easy as pie. Just dump down the main building and plot out your track, then adjust the height, camber and curve in your tracks. Theme Park Inc's roller coaster designer is easier to use than Roller Coaster Tycoon's because you can force the track to work by bending it once it is in place, rather than stick to a set of reasonable physics.

However, because of that, riding your own design tends to be less satisfying because it doesn't feel real.The graphics department hasn't really changed all that much. EA has used the same graphics engine that is used in Theme Park World. A few problems still remain, like the clipping when rides are close together where they seem to pass through each other. The developers, Bullfrog, have spruced up the interface to make it easier to use through a series of icons at the bottom of the screen, which helps over the small side-bar icons that appeared in Theme Park World. A feature that is slightly bemusing is the first-person view that allows you to walk around the park. I used it once, just to try it out, but it's a useless gimmick really.

Using it to see what the rides are like is great, but why would you walk around the park all day? Round and round we goThe sound is suitably jaunty, but completely forgettable. Help provided by the pop-up assistant starts to get a bit annoying as the game goes on.

Fortunately, I decided to switch it off before I went completely insane due to it's inane and repetitive jabbering.Theme Park Inc is another stab at the Theme Park game and really provides no major changes. It is fun to play, but not as involving and time grabbing as its long-lived rival Roller Coaster Tycoon. It seems that Bullfrog is reduced to churning out endless and pointless sequels to games that didn't originally make the grade.a sad state for one of the most exciting developers in its hey-day.Review By GamesDomain External links. Deafmonk21 2018-07-24 3 pointsIn order to get the simcoaster to work on new computer like 7,8,8.1(I have 8.1) and newer version of windows, you have to go to the bullfrog folder in the program file and look for data folder, then look for the 3 of the file says low med and high. Edit using the notepad, change the 2 settings (Render32 and texture 32) from 0 to 1. The game should start with no problem.(Ive done it last week and still playing it faster and almost done with all the objectives than the simcoaster on my old windows 98 laptop.