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Rowan's Battle of Britain: Battling Windows compatibility

  • 1 day ago
  • 12 min read
Rowan's Battle of Britain

A guide to running Rowan's Battle of Britain under Windows 10. This is a World War II flight sim set in the British theater during the Battle of Britain timeframe. Fly as a pilot or commander for the British RAF of German Luftwaffe with a dynamic campaign. There is a choice of the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire for the RAF or Junkers Ju-87 "Stuka", Messerschmitt Bf-109 or Messerschmitt Bf-110 for the Luftwaffe.


Generally considered one of the better WW2 flight sims on release, it had a dedicated fan following. Once Rowan stopped developing flight sims the source code for this (and MiG Alley) was released and development continued by the fan led Battle of Britain/MiG Alley Development Group (BDG).


The rest of the guide will use BoB for Rowan's Battle of Britain.


Contents



Strategy


This is a very tricky game to get running well in Windows 10. It may run in Windows 11 but this is untested. This game is very crash/freeze prone with most crashes/freezes occurring when exiting the 3D flight engine to return to menus/campaign.


There seem to be specific settings and actions which seem to greatly increase the chance of a crash, so this guide includes 'rules' for running the sim, with recommended actions to reduce the likelihood of a crash and actions to absolutely avoid.


There are also settings which may slightly increase the crash/freeze risk but you may wish to try with your own setup, including 3D sound, DirectSound wrappers (e,g, Creative ALchemy), CPU affinity and Compatibility settings.


It is unlikely that a 'one size fits all' optimal solution could be found, applicable for every machine but this guide should provide a good starting point for your own setup.


This first part covers running a fairly vanilla version and the second part covers the optional graphics mods available.


Patch and version history


The following is a brief patch and version history for BoB. The graphics mods are covered in Mods and enhancements.


Initial retail release (November 2000)


Rowan's Battle of Britain retail release

The initial retail release occurred in November 2000, developed by Rowan and published by Empire Interactive. The game required a Pentium II machine, Windows 95 and DirectX 7. This is version 1.00 of the game.


This was distributed on a single CD-ROM. Like MiG Alley, BoB was released with native controller support.


CD-ROM copy protection fix (January 2001)


An official patch, released in January 2001. This patch was for systems having problem with the game's copy protection not detecting their CD-ROM drives properly. This corrects the copy protection, it is not a 'no-cd' patch. It is not a recommended patch having been superseded by later patches. It is available from:



Battle of Britain Mini-Patch (April 2001)


An official patch, released in April 2001. Taken from the release notes:

This patch fixes the following problems: 1. Sky banding in 16 bit graphics modes has been fixed. 2. "Stuttering" seen on certain high-end PC configurations has been reduced.

It is not a recommended patch having been superseded by later patches.


Update patch (July 2001)


An official patch, released in July 2001. Taken from the release notes:

Previous stutter fixes - use 10,13,20, or 40 as minimum fametime in ms. If that does not remove your stutter then try reducing the 3d detail level. Improved range of supported 3D cards. Fixed campaign bugs to do with RAF squadron selection. Fixed missing damage report target names (English only).

This patch preceded any BDG patch and is not a recommended patch, having been superseded. It is available from:


  • The Patches Scrolls, Rowan's Battle of Britain, Patches.


BDG patch (November 2001)


The Battle of Britain Development Group (later the Battle of Britain/Mig Alley Development Group) (BDG) patch development began with the v0.60 patch released in November 2001. Development would continue until November 2004 with the v0.99 patch.


Not so much a patch rather a fan led development effort, the extensive comprehensive changes are too numerous to list here, and resulted in an entire manual (BDG v0.99 Patch Manual) describing the patch changes, installed alongside the patch.


This is the only recommended patch which incorporates or supersedes earlier patches. It is available from:



Xplosiv budget release (October 2002)


Rowan's Battle of Britain Xplosiv release

This budget release occurred in October 2002 and was published by Empire Interactive under the Xplosiv budget label. This was distributed on a single CD-ROM. This is identical to the initial retail release with the game remaining at v1.00. The CD also contained the Battle of Britain Mini-Patch and Update patch. Documentation is included with the BoB Manual and Key Guide.


Digital release (October 2008)


The game was released on the GamersGate platform in October 2008. This is the only known digital release at present. It's not known what this release includes.


Retail media


Due to the age or the media and the drives required to read it, it is recommended to rip CD-ROM media to image files, to save wear and tear on media and the mechanical drives.


The CD-ROMs can be ripped to a data only .iso image format as there is no CD audio on the CDs.


Game management


It is recommended to use my game management strategy or similar strategy you may have developed. The recommended game management folders for BoB are:


  • cd - for any cd images.

  • conf - to store HOTAS configuration files.

  • docs - for documents.

  • patch - to store any patches.


The BoB management folders can be found in the following game folder (as an example):

D:\Games\Win\Rowans Battle of Britain Setup

HOTAS config


BoB supports 5 axes, X & Y stick axes, single throttle axis (for single engined fighters), split throttle axes (for the twin engined bomber) and a rudder axis. Fortunately BoB has native controller support so multiple controllers from multiple vendors are supported. However, this does mean some of the advanced functionality provided by profiling software will not be available if only native controller support is relied upon.


First the bad news, the HidHide, vJoy and Joystick Gremlin suite has problems with BoB. Testing has revealed that, for some unexplained reason, changing the throttle axis/axes also affects the ailerons causing unwanted dramatic manoeuvres with the Thrustmaster Warthog. Therefore this controller software suite isn't recommended for BoB when using this controller. Alternative HOTAS controllers may function better, but testing is required.


This issue does not affect the TM TARGET profiling software and software from other vendors may also be unaffected. For those with a multiple vendor setup, a combination of native controller support for axes plus additional software such as JoyToKey, or the BDG Keyboard Manager (included in the BDG patch) for button assignment may be sufficient.


Native controller support means axes can be configured as required, the below is a suggested axes setup which is known to work. The physical axes to Windows axes were configured as follows:

Physical axis

Windows axis

Joystick x-axis

DX_X_AXIS

Joystick y-axis

DX_Y_AXIS

Throttle (single)

DX_Z_AXIS

Throttle (split)

DX_ZROT_AXIS

Rudder

DX_XROT_AXIS


Note: Those with a DX_SLIDER_AXIS or DX_THROTTLE_AXIS may wish to use these axes instead, depending on the controller.


Note: With my Thrustmaster setup there is better controller response using a single virtual controller rather than using each controller natively. Controller response seems to be linked to the number of controller used in the game, so the fewer the better.


Note: One (for single engined fighters) or two (for the twin engined bomber) axes can be assigned to prop pitch if they are available.


Installation


BoB uses a 32-bit installer (setup.exe) compatible with Win10. Setup is straightforward and the setup steps are shown below:



Patching


The only patch required is the BDG v0.99 patch. This is a file replacement patch distributed as an executable (bob_v099.exe). The patching steps are shown below:



Compatibility tools


The following compatibility tools and settings are used to run BoB.


DDrawCompat


DDrawCompat is used at a DirectX wrapper, created and maintained by narzoul. The recommended version is the latest one, version v0.7.1 (at time of writing). DDrawCompat is available from the DDrawCompat GitHub repository, in Releases.


The following DDrawCompat configuration (DDrawCompat.ini) is used:

# DDrawCompat config file for Rowan's Battle of Britain
ConfigHotkey = shift+ctrl+f11
StatsHotKey = shift+ctrl+f12
CpuAffinity = 1
CpuAffinityRotation = on

The config and stats hotkeys are changed as the default hotkeys are also used by BoB. Only one of the CPU's is made available for the game as this seems to reduce crashes/freezes. The spread the CPU load/heat, CPU affinity rotation is enabled.


Note: Ensure that Antialiasing is disabled as this causes very bad landscape 'pop-in' to occur and dramatically increases the risk of crashes.


Multiple CPU's may causes crashes/freezes when the Remove cockpit view (F8) is active. If not used, then using multiple CPU's may be possible, with the following:

CpuAffinity = all

A copy of this config is included below:



To install the ddraw.dll and DDrawCompat.ini files need to be copied into BoB installation folder.

bob.exe compatibility properties
bob.exe compatibility properties

Compatibility settings


The following Windows compatibility settings were applied to the game executable (bob.exe). The compatibility mode is set to Windows XP (Service Pack 2) which allows intro movies to play full screen.


Other settings seem to reduce the risk of crashes/freezes but you may wish to experiment with your own system.


The following screenshot, shows the Compatibility tab of bob.exe Properties.


Creative ALchemy


BoB has support for EAX 2.0 which is no longer support in Win10 but can be enabled with the Creative ALchemy wrapper (for Creative sound cards) or Creative ALchemy Universal (for any sound card).


DSOAL would be another option, if it didn't seem to increase the risk of a crash/freeze. So for now, DSOAL isn't recommended.


If crashes/freezes occur you may wish to disable 3D sound and revert to Stereo.


In-game configuration


The following shows the in-game configuration menus. The following settings are considered mandatory to prevent crashes/freezes:


  • Do not use anti-aliasing in the DDrawCompat wrapper.


  • Do not use a resolution higher than 1280 x 1024 (5:4 aspect ratio). The aspect ratio is less important so 1280 x 960 (4:3), 1280 x 800 (16:10), 1280 x 720 (16:9) or lower should be ok. Either 16 or 32-bit colour depth should be fine.


  • Always turn Ground Collisions: Off from the options. This prevents the 'spin of death' a known cause of crashes/freezes.


  • Set Town and forest raises to Off when using BDG patch textures (BDG textures are enabled by default).


  • When making config changes it is recommended to quit immediately afterwards as this ensures changes are written to the config file.



BDG patch configuration


Some of the BDG patch options are available through the in-game options above. Additional options can be found in the BDG patch configuration file (bdg.txt), located in the BoB installation folder.


It is recommended to consult the BDG Patch 0.99 Manual in the Docs folder when changing BDG patch options.


The following options differ from the default options initially set in this file:

# (floating point) numbers :
VIEW_DIST_FACTOR = 0.530000
INFOLINE_COLOUR = ffffffff

# On/Off switches:
ENEMY_POSITION_INDICATOR=ON
DRAW_PADLOCK_CENTER_BOX=OFF
GET_KEY_MAPS_FROM_FILE=ON
HEAD_BOBBING=OFF
SHOW_INFOLINE_BACKGROUND=ON
BOB_DISABLE_STALL_HORN=ON
REINIT_JOYSTICK_OFTEN=OFF
SHORTENED_LABELS=ON
HIDE_AMMO_COUNTER=OFF
BOB_SMOOTHER_DEADZONE=OFF
START_FROM_PEN=OFF
HIDE_POWER_INFO=OFF

# AutoGen stuff (experimental):
ENABLE_AUTO_GEN=ON
TEMP_AG_SN[14,0]=59
TEMP_AG_SN[15,2]=62
TEMP_AG_SN[15,3]=62

The INFOLINE_COLOUR and SHOW_INFOLINE_BACKGROUND are personal preferences to make info line text easier to read at higher resolutions.


Head tracking


Head tracking is supported through TrackIR. To enable head tracking enable the TrackIR setting in the BDG patch game options config menu (in-game), or enable it within the BDG patch config file (bdg.txt) with: 

# On/Off switches:
TRACKIR=ON

The AITrack and OpenTrack software is also compatible with BoB. However, enabling TrackIR may significantly increase the risk of a crash/freeze.


Running recommendations


The following recommendations are suggested to reduce the risk of freezes/crashes. They should not be considered definitive and may well depend on the machine/OS combination. These settings seem to work well for my machine, but feel free to experiment and let me know if you discover other settings which seem to help.


  • Do not use anti-aliasing in the DDrawCompat wrapper.


  • Do not use a resolution higher than 1280 x 1024 (5:4 aspect ratio). The aspect ratio is less important so 1280 x 960 (4:3), 1280 x 800 (16:10), 1280 x 720 (16:9) or lower should be ok. Either 16 or 32-bit colour depth should be fine.


  • Always turn Ground Collisions: Off from the options. This prevents the 'spin of death' a known cause of crashes/freezes.


  • Always quit a mission (Alt + X) from within the cockpit (F7). Do not try and quit from an external view.


  • Gun camera footage can be recorded and played, with the following recommendations:

    • Use the gun camera toggle (C) to enable/disable the gun camera. Disable before quitting.

    • Wait 10-20 seconds after firing the guns and disabling the gun camera, before quitting the mission (from within the cockpit).

    • After viewing the footage (from an internal or external view) return to the cockpit before quitting the playback (Alt + X) or using the eject button on the playback controls.


Mods and enhancements


Following the BDG patch a number of graphics mods were released to increase the fidelity of textures. These mods and fixes were taken from the The A2A Simulations Community, BOB2 General Discussion forum, GRAPHIC MOD FOR ORIGINAL ROWAN BOB post. All mods and fixes were created and released by rogeroger.


The order of installation is important and each of the mods are described below. The order of installations is:


  • Graphics mod for original Rowan's BoB.

  • Cloud replacement fix.

  • D-type hangar fix.

  • Rowan's BoB Update 1.

  • City texture mod.

  • Rowan's BoB 2024 mod.


Graphics mod for original Rowan's BoB


The Graphics mod for original Rowan's BoB was posted in the forum on 14th May 2019. The Graphics mod for original Rowan's BoB is available from:



Before installation it's recommended to backup the BDG patch config file (bdg.txt) and the Keyboard config (keys.xml in the KEYBOARD folder), if it has been edited, as this mod supplies alternative config files.


In addition to the graphics mod it also includes BDG patch v0.98 and manual, BDG patch v0.99 and manual, alternative water textures and the creator's JoyToKey settings.


To install:


  • Extract the contents of the 7zip archive (RR ROWANBOB GRAPHICS MOD.7z).


  • Copy the contents of the bob main folder into your BoB installation folder, replacing files as required.


  • Optional: Extract the contents of the alternative water texture 7zip archive (alt water texture.7z) and copy the contents into the Landmap2 folder (in the BoB installation folder).


  • Copy your backup BDG patch config file (bdg.txt) back into the BoB installation folder, replacing the graphics mod config file.


  • Apply the following setting to the BDG patch config file (bdg.txt):

# (floating point) numbers :
...
VIEW_DIST_FACTOR = 0.530000
...

  • Delete the Keyboard config (keys.xml in the KEYBOARD folder) and replace with the backup. You can also delete the keys.xml file without replacing it, as a new default version will be created when the game is started.


Cloud replacement fix


This cloud replacement fix replaces one of cloud shapes with a hard outline with an alternative version. It was posted in the forum on 15th May 2019. This fix is available from:



To install:


  • Extract the contents of the 7zip archive (Cloud replacement fix Rbob.7z).


  • Copy the .dds files into the Maskmap16 folder (in the BoB installation folder), replacing any existing files.


D-type hangar fix


This D-type hangar fix replaces the D-type hanger texture with a higher quality one. It was posted in the forum on 15th May 2019. This fix is available from:



To install:


  • Extract the contents of the 7zip archive (d type.7z).


  • Copy the .pcx file in IMAGEMAP folder (in the BoB installation folder), replacing the existing file.


Rowan's BoB Update 1


This is a texture and sound update. It includes brighter terrain, tree, ME-109 and spitfire textures. The RAF cockpit sight texture has been changed. RAF and Luftwaffe engine sounds have been ported from Battle of Britain 2. Some additional textures have been changed. It was posted in the forum on 27th December 2019. This fix is available from:



To install:


  • Extract the contents of the 7zip archive (ROWANBOB UPDATE1.7z).


  • Copy the folders into your BoB installation folder, replacing files as required.


City texture mod


This is an alternate city textures mod. It was posted in the forum on 28th December 2019. This fix is available from:



To install:


  • Extract the contents of the 7zip archive (city texture mod.7z).


  • Copy the .dds files into the Landmap2 folder (in the BoB installation folder) replacing any existing files.


Rowan's BoB 2024 mod


This mod contains new terrain, water and road textures. It replaces missing textures on an airfield building. It was posted in the forum on 26th May 2024. This fix is available from:



To install:


  • Remove existing tree .txt files from the ObjectAdds folder (in the BoB installation folder).


  • Extract the contents of the rar archive (rowanbob 2024 mod.rar).


  • Copy the folders into your BoB installation folder, replacing files as required.


Documents


The game documentation is available in pdf format of the installation CD of the Xplosiv budget release. It consists of:



  • Key Guide


The BDG Patch v0.99 also has a manual, installed alongside the patch. It is found in the Docs folder of the BoB installation folder.


Example video


Win10, with HOTAS, DDrawCompat, Creative ALchemy and TrackIR

Finally...


Credit and tanks goes to the following, for their contribution in getting the game running in WIn10:


  • The Battle of Britain/MiG Alley Development Group for the BDG patches.

  • narzoul for DDrawCompat.

  • CNET, The Patches Scrolls, Dropbox and MediaFire for hosting patches.

  • rogerroger for the graphics mods.

  • NaturalPoint, AITrack and OpenTrack devs for head tracking software.


And this is the 200th article on this website!


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