build_with_ea_msvc6

Build Pure Visual Studio 6 Guide

This guide outlines the steps required to build and compile the source code for Command & Conquer Generals and its expansion pack Zero Hour. The repository includes the source code and supports the Steam Workshop for both games (C&C Generals and C&C Generals - Zero Hour).

[!WARNING]: This build guide is based on the original EA build instructions and has not been verified.

Dependencies

Before starting the build process, you need to obtain or replace several libraries and tools. These are required for successfully compiling the source code:

• DirectX SDK (Version 9.0 or higher)
  Expected path: \Code\Libraries\DirectX\

• STLport (Version 4.5.3)
  Expected path: \Code\Libraries\STLport-4.5.3

• 3DSMax 4 SDK
  Expected path: \Code\Libraries\Max4SDK\

• NVASM
  Expected path: \Code\Tools\NVASM\

• BYTEmark
  Expected path: \Code\Libraries\Source\Benchmark

• RAD Miles Sound System SDK
  Expected path: \Code\Libraries\Source\WWVegas\Miles6\

• RAD Bink SDK
  Expected path: \Code\GameEngineDevice\Include\VideoDevice\Bink

• SafeDisk API
  Expected paths:
  \Code\GameEngine\Include\Common\SafeDisk
\Code\Tools\Launcher\SafeDisk\

• Miles Sound System "Asimp3"
  Expected path: \Code\Libraries\WPAudio\Asimp3

• GameSpy SDK
  Expected path: \Code\Libraries\Source\GameSpy\

• ZLib (Version 1.1.4)
  Expected path: \Code\Libraries\Source\Compression\ZLib\

• LZH-Light (Version 1.0)
  Expected paths:
  \Code\Libraries\Source\Compression\LZHCompress\CompLibSource
\Code\Libraries\Source\Compression\LZHCompress\CompLibHeader

Ensure all dependencies are correctly set up before continuing.

Compiling (Win32 Only)

Important: You must own the game to use the compiled binaries. The Command & Conquer Ultimate Collection is available for purchase on the EA App or Steam.

Quick Build (Using Microsoft Visual Studio 6.0)

1. Open the project by loading rts.dsw in Microsoft Visual Studio C++ 6.0 (SP6 recommended for binary matching with Generals Patch 1.08 and Zero Hour Patch 1.04).
2. Go to Build -> Batch Build in the menu.
3. Click the Rebuild All button to build all configurations.

This is the simplest way to compile the game.

Modern Visual Studio (2015 and Newer)

If you want to compile using a more recent version of Visual Studio, follow these steps:

1. Open rts.dsw in Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003.
2. A new project and solution file will be created.
3. Open the newly created project in Visual Studio 2015 or newer.

Note: Modern versions of Visual Studio require significant changes to the codebase, especially for Win64 compilation, due to stricter C++ standards. You will need to make extensive modifications to ensure compatibility.

After Building

Once the build is complete, the compiled binaries will be located in the /Run/ folder inside each game’s root directory.

Known Issues

• UAC Elevation Requirement: Windows enforces UAC Elevation for executables with "version", "update", or "install" in their filenames. This affects the “versionUpdate” and “buildVersionUpdate” projects.

  To resolve this, rename the output binary to avoid including these words.

STLport Compilation Issues

To compile with STLport, you will need to apply a patch. The patch file stlport.diff is provided in the repository. Make sure you are using STLport 4.5.3 before applying the patch.