91 replies to this topic

[dennismcgrady]

Hello all! I'm an extreme NOOB (newer than newbie?) and I am trying to run my first VP table. It is a Deskstop Table: Bow_&_Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt I have read through the Installation & Setup Guide several times, but I am probably just making typical simple newbie errors.

I have the table downloaded and saved as C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\Tables\Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.zip When I open this file I get grey, blank screen VP program but nothing else is there and nothing works. In other words, VP starts, but not the Bow and Arrow table.

What am I doing wrong? What other information do you need to help me?

Thank you in advance - Dennis

[ta2686]

Welcome to the forums!

Let's see...did you first extract the table to the tables directory? You should be running the vpt file not the zip file.
Do you have vpts associated with Visual Pinball? If not, the Visual Pinball editor will open up and the table will not load. Read this thread for information on how to associate vpts with Visual Pinball: http://www.vpforums....?showtopic=4609
Do you also have the rom downloaded into your roms directory? If you did, do you still have it zipped? Rom files must remain zipped in order for the table to work.

If I have not fully answered your questions, please post again and someone will try to help you further.

[R-DuB]

He did say Extreme NooB.

Did you load the table into VP?
When you open VP you still need to load the table in VP by going to file-open- then look for your folder with the table.
Then play.

Enjoy and Welcome to the forums.

[dennismcgrady]

Thank you for responding ta2686!

Yes, I think extracted the table to the tables directory. The file name is Bow_&_Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt The address is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\Tables\Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.zip

I clicked on the link http://www.vpforums....?showtopic=4609 and I am trying to follow yogiholzer's advice. I am running Windows XP.

I don't understand yogiholzer's comment: "In Windows Explorer you open 'Tools'->'Folder Options'->'File Types', then chose 'vpt', then 'Advanced'." Why do I have to run Windows Explorer at all? I don't need to be online to play any of the VP tables do I? Also, when I open 'Tools' in Windows Explorer I can't find 'Folder Options'.

Regarding having the rom downloaded into your roms directory: I don't understand this comment. Bow_&_Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt is an EM table so I don't need to deal with rom right? Or am I making a stupid and naive comment?

Thanks - Dennis

[ta2686]

Bow and Arrow was originally a EM table when it was first released. However, there was a version of Bow and Arrow that had a rom as well. The JPSalas table (which you have downloaded) is based on the rom version of Bow and Arrow. There was a rom version of this table released as a prototype by Bally around 1974. According to the IPDB there were around 17 of these prototypes made. You can read more about it here: http://www.ipdb.org/...type=quick#4770

I had just checked JPSalas' website, and he does show links to the table and rom on his site for Bow and Arrow.

When I made the association of the vpt files to Visual Pinball, when I was in Windows Explorer (not Internet Explorer) what I did was go to the directory where my tables were located, right-clicked on one of the tables, and select Properties. When the Porperties window came up, there was a line that says "Opens with:" with the program currently assoicated with it (if there was one). Click on the change button and scroll through the programs to find Visual Pinball, or click on the browse button to find and enter the location where the Visual Pinball executable is. Then click open and then click OK. You may need to check the box which says Always open this type of file with this program.

Hope this helps.

Edited by ta2686, 22 June 2011 - 01:25 AM.

[faralos]

I think he meant this statement which one cannot do in firefox or Internet explorer (Windows explorer is your desktop i think) I know I can right click on any exe file and set it to open with a program only through my desktop

It's easy to fix that under Windows XP. In Windows Explorer you open 'Tools'->'Folder Options'->'File Types', then chose 'vpt', then 'Advanced'. Check/edit/add the/a 'Play' entry and make the settings to this:


I just checked i think what he meant is you can just click on the table to open it but it depends on what the paths are set to. When I just click on a table the table does load but it goes through vp8 I must actually open the vp9 editor then load a table in THEN click on it to play it
All vbs files must go into the same folder as the tables (table folder) all roms must stay zipped and go into the rom folder all mp3's go unzipped into the music folder (if one of these folders is missing just make it)

Attached Files

•  Win_IE.jpg   306.85KB   22 downloads

Edited by faralos, 22 June 2011 - 02:24 AM.

[chas]

dennis,
the tables must be extracted in the tables folder.

at the minimum you need to use the desktop execs for vp8 and vp9.

you will find alot of necessary progams in essential files under getting started in the red menu bar.

some use pinmame or the vip3 click.
i use the vip(visual install pack)3 click at www.pinballnirvana.com
if you want to use this use the browse to install in C/program files

then install the desktop execs using the browse to install in C/program files/pinball.
here is a link to install the desktop execs with the vip3 click.
http://www.vpforums....p;hl=installing

for more installing info go into the forum.
look for visual pinball.
type installing in the search box.

stay with it.
we were all green at first.
there is a lot to learn.

welcome to VP.

[dennismcgrady]

ta2686,

You are right. I downloaded the SS Bow and Arrow machine thinking it was the EM machine!

Now, more dumb questions from me (I am embarrassed):

1. I do not know if I have the rom for the SS Bow and Arrow downloaded into my roms directory. I thought I downloaded the rom when I downloaded the table. I do not even know where my roms directory is! Is it C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\VPinMame\roms? I clicked on dir.txt within C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\VPinMame\roms and I got the message "Place ROM directories here". Does that mean I have no rom directory?

2. Do I have to get the rom for the SS Bow and Arrow from JPSalas' website or is it available at the http://www.vpforums.org website?

3. I followed your advice "go to the directory where my tables were located, right-clicked on one of the tables, and select Properties..." but still all I get is the blank VP editor.

Thank you for your patience with me. Some day I will get it!
Dennis

Bow and Arrow was originally a EM table when it was first released. However, there was a version of Bow and Arrow that had a rom as well. The JPSalas table (which you have downloaded) is based on the rom version of Bow and Arrow. There was a rom version of this table released as a prototype by Bally around 1974. According to the IPDB there were around 17 of these prototypes made. You can read more about it here: http://www.ipdb.org/...type=quick#4770

I had just checked JPSalas' website, and he does show links to the table and rom on his site for Bow and Arrow.

When I made the association of the vpt files to Visual Pinball, when I was in Windows Explorer (not Internet Explorer) what I did was go to the directory where my tables were located, right-clicked on one of the tables, and select Properties. When the Porperties window came up, there was a line that says "Opens with:" with the program currently assoicated with it (if there was one). Click on the change button and scroll through the programs to find Visual Pinball, or click on the browse button to find and enter the location where the Visual Pinball executable is. Then click open and then click OK. You may need to check the box which says Always open this type of file with this program.

Hope this helps.

[ta2686]

ta2686,

You are right. I downloaded the SS Bow and Arrow machine thinking it was the EM machine!

Now, more dumb questions from me (I am embarrassed):

1. I do not know if I have the rom for the SS Bow and Arrow downloaded into my roms directory. I thought I downloaded the rom when I downloaded the table. I do not even know where my roms directory is! Is it C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\VPinMame\roms? I clicked on dir.txt within C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\VPinMame\roms and I got the message "Place ROM directories here". Does that mean I have no rom directory?

2. Do I have to get the rom for the SS Bow and Arrow from JPSalas' website or is it available at the http://www.vpforums.org website?

3. I followed your advice "go to the directory where my tables were located, right-clicked on one of the tables, and select Properties..." but still all I get is the blank VP editor.

Thank you for your patience with me. Some day I will get it!
Dennis

First of all, I am of the opinion that the only dumb questions are the ones that are not asked. Don't feel embarrased! You are not the first one to have these questions and I can assure you that you will not be the last.

Now, the roms do not come with the tables. You need to download the roms seperately. Just remember to not unzip the roms but place them in your roms directory. Now, normally, when you run the installation package there is a roms directory set up for you. On my installation the directory is in C:\Program Files\Pinball\ROMS. You can verify which directory is used for roms by running the setup executable program located in your C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball directory.

You can get the rom from this website. You can get it from here: http://www.vpforums....u...il&f_id=465

When you clicked on properties, did you change the program that opens the table? I should ask here which operating system are you using. Is it XP, Vista or Windows 7? That could make a difference as to what you need to do to associate vpt files with Visual Pinball.

Edited by ta2686, 23 June 2011 - 12:50 AM.

[dennismcgrady]

I am using XP as an operating system. Dennis

ta2686,

You are right. I downloaded the SS Bow and Arrow machine thinking it was the EM machine!

Now, more dumb questions from me (I am embarrassed):

1. I do not know if I have the rom for the SS Bow and Arrow downloaded into my roms directory. I thought I downloaded the rom when I downloaded the table. I do not even know where my roms directory is! Is it C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\VPinMame\roms? I clicked on dir.txt within C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\VPinMame\roms and I got the message "Place ROM directories here". Does that mean I have no rom directory?

2. Do I have to get the rom for the SS Bow and Arrow from JPSalas' website or is it available at the http://www.vpforums.org website?

3. I followed your advice "go to the directory where my tables were located, right-clicked on one of the tables, and select Properties..." but still all I get is the blank VP editor.

Thank you for your patience with me. Some day I will get it!
Dennis

First of all, I am of the opinion that the only dumb questions are the ones that are not asked. Don't feel embarrased! You are not the first one to have these questions and I can assure you that you will not be the last.

Now, the roms do not come with the tables. You need to download the roms seperately. Just remember to not unzip the roms but place them in your roms directory. Now, normally, when you run the installation package there is a roms directory set up for you. On my installation the directory is in C:\Program Files\Pinball\ROMS. You can verify which directory is used for roms by running the setup executable program located in your C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball directory.

You can get the rom from this website. You can get it from here: http://www.vpforums....u...il&f_id=465

When you clicked on properties, did you change the program that opens the table? I should ask here which operating system are you using. Is it XP, Vista or Windows 7? That could make a difference as to what you need to do to associate vpt files with Visual Pinball.

[ta2686]

OK. To associate the Visual Pinball program with a vpt, right click on one of the vpt files and select properties. the following screen should show up:



Look for where I have circled the opens with line. If it does not say Visual Pinball 9.x click on the change button. It should show you a list of programs to open the file with. It should look something like this:



If Visual Pinball is not listed, click on the browse button and find your Visual Pinball progam executable.

[dennismcgrady]

1. First, I changed the Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.zip to Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt simply by deleting the .zip and retyping it .vpt

2. So now Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt Properties window Opens with: Visual Pinball

3. The rom address is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\VPinMame\roms with the name Bow_&_Arrowroms.zip

I still get the blank VP editor when I click on Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt

Please advise
Dennis

OK. To associate the Visual Pinball program with a vpt, right click on one of the vpt files and select properties. the following screen should show up:



Look for where I have circled the opens with line. If it does not say Visual Pinball 9.x click on the change button. It should show you a list of programs to open the file with. It should look something like this:



If Visual Pinball is not listed, click on the browse button and find your Visual Pinball progam executable.

[ta2686]

You do not rename the table zip file. you have to EXTRACT the table file from the archive zip file. You need to have a program such as WinZip or 7-Zip to extract the vpt file to your tables directory from the zip file. (Unless I am not understanding what you are saying here)

Do not rename the rom either. Leave the rom name as it is when you download it.

Forgive me if I sound a little testy in this message. I am not feeling well today.

1. First, I changed the Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.zip to Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt simply by deleting the .zip and retyping it .vpt

2. So now Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt Properties window Opens with: Visual Pinball

3. The rom address is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\VPinMame\roms with the name Bow_&_Arrowroms.zip

I still get the blank VP editor when I click on Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt

Please advise
Dennis

OK. To associate the Visual Pinball program with a vpt, right click on one of the vpt files and select properties. the following screen should show up:



Look for where I have circled the opens with line. If it does not say Visual Pinball 9.x click on the change button. It should show you a list of programs to open the file with. It should look something like this:



If Visual Pinball is not listed, click on the browse button and find your Visual Pinball progam executable.

[FDSystems]

Thank you for responding ta2686!

Yes, I think extracted the table to the tables directory. The file name is Bow_&_Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt The address is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\Tables\Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.zip

I clicked on the link http://www.vpforums....?showtopic=4609 and I am trying to follow yogiholzer's advice. I am running Windows XP.

I don't understand yogiholzer's comment: "In Windows Explorer you open 'Tools'->'Folder Options'->'File Types', then chose 'vpt', then 'Advanced'." Why do I have to run Windows Explorer at all? I don't need to be online to play any of the VP tables do I? Also, when I open 'Tools' in Windows Explorer I can't find 'Folder Options'.

Regarding having the rom downloaded into your roms directory: I don't understand this comment. Bow_&_Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt is an EM table so I don't need to deal with rom right? Or am I making a stupid and naive comment?

Thanks - Dennis

You have to extract the table from the zip to your table folder.

You have to place the roms UNZIPPED in the rom folder.

Hope this helps.

[ta2686]

You have to place the roms UNZIPPED in the rom folder.

I do hope you meant ZIPPED 1234fd. Tables should be unzipped, roms remained zipped.

[dennismcgrady]

Sorry that you are not feeling well today. It's OK to get testy. Thank you for your help so far.

The extracted table is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\Tables\Bow__Arrow_VP9_1.03 When I click on this file, I get the B&A _JP_VP9.hta and Bow_&_Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt

Clicking on B&A _JP_VP9.hta gives me the Rulesheet (I actually got something this time!)

Clicking on Bow_&_Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt still gets me the blank VP editor.

The rom is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\Tables\bowarrow.zip I assume I leave this zipped - correct?

I think we might be getting somewhere.
Dennis

You do not rename the table zip file. you have to EXTRACT the table file from the archive zip file. You need to have a program such as WinZip or 7-Zip to extract the vpt file to your tables directory from the zip file. (Unless I am not understanding what you are saying here)

Do not rename the rom either. Leave the rom name as it is when you download it.

Forgive me if I sound a little testy in this message. I am not feeling well today.

1. First, I changed the Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.zip to Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt simply by deleting the .zip and retyping it .vpt

2. So now Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt Properties window Opens with: Visual Pinball

3. The rom address is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\VPinMame\roms with the name Bow_&_Arrowroms.zip

I still get the blank VP editor when I click on Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt

Please advise
Dennis

OK. To associate the Visual Pinball program with a vpt, right click on one of the vpt files and select properties. the following screen should show up:



Look for where I have circled the opens with line. If it does not say Visual Pinball 9.x click on the change button. It should show you a list of programs to open the file with. It should look something like this:



If Visual Pinball is not listed, click on the browse button and find your Visual Pinball progam executable.

[FDSystems]

You have to place the roms UNZIPPED in the rom folder.

I do hope you meant ZIPPED 1234fd. Tables should be unzipped, roms remained zipped.

Of course! Sorry!
Roms always ZIPPED! in the rom folder

[ta2686]

Sounds like we are getting someplace!

The hta file is the rules for the game as you have stated. While you are playing the game you press the R key to bring up the rules and the spacebar to go back to the game.

The roms should remain zipped, that is correct. Just put them into the roms folder of your installation.

If worse comes to worse, if you can't get the games to start when you click on them, in the blank editor click on File->Open (or press CTRL-O on your keyboard) and select the table to load into the editor. Once loaded, click on the play button (or press F5) to render the table and play the game. The first time you play the table, however, you will get a form asking if you are allowed to use the rom. Click on the I Agree radio button and click OK. Then the table should render and be available to play. (As I said, you will only see that form the first time you play a table. Afterwards it should just launch)

If you have any further questions, post again.

You're getting close, I think. Keep at it!

Sorry that you are not feeling well today. It's OK to get testy. Thank you for your help so far.

The extracted table is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\Tables\Bow__Arrow_VP9_1.03 When I click on this file, I get the B&A _JP_VP9.hta and Bow_&_Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt

Clicking on B&A _JP_VP9.hta gives me the Rulesheet (I actually got something this time!)

Clicking on Bow_&_Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt still gets me the blank VP editor.

The rom is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\Tables\bowarrow.zip I assume I leave this zipped - correct?

I think we might be getting somewhere.
Dennis

You do not rename the table zip file. you have to EXTRACT the table file from the archive zip file. You need to have a program such as WinZip or 7-Zip to extract the vpt file to your tables directory from the zip file. (Unless I am not understanding what you are saying here)

Do not rename the rom either. Leave the rom name as it is when you download it.

Forgive me if I sound a little testy in this message. I am not feeling well today.

1. First, I changed the Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.zip to Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt simply by deleting the .zip and retyping it .vpt

2. So now Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt Properties window Opens with: Visual Pinball

3. The rom address is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\VPinMame\roms with the name Bow_&_Arrowroms.zip

I still get the blank VP editor when I click on Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt

Please advise
Dennis

OK. To associate the Visual Pinball program with a vpt, right click on one of the vpt files and select properties. the following screen should show up:



Look for where I have circled the opens with line. If it does not say Visual Pinball 9.x click on the change button. It should show you a list of programs to open the file with. It should look something like this:



If Visual Pinball is not listed, click on the browse button and find your Visual Pinball progam executable.

[dennismcgrady]

When I click on File->Open in the blank editor, the editor disappears and I am left with nothing.


I am not sure if it means anything, but should the rom be in:

1. C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\Tables\bowarrow.zip

OR

2. C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\VPinMame\roms\bowarrow.zip

I have the rom at both addresses now.

Sounds like we are getting someplace!

The hta file is the rules for the game as you have stated. While you are playing the game you press the R key to bring up the rules and the spacebar to go back to the game.

The roms should remain zipped, that is correct. Just put them into the roms folder of your installation.

If worse comes to worse, if you can't get the games to start when you click on them, in the blank editor click on File->Open (or press CTRL-O on your keyboard) and select the table to load into the editor. Once loaded, click on the play button (or press F5) to render the table and play the game. The first time you play the table, however, you will get a form asking if you are allowed to use the rom. Click on the I Agree radio button and click OK. Then the table should render and be available to play. (As I said, you will only see that form the first time you play a table. Afterwards it should just launch)

If you have any further questions, post again.

You're getting close, I think. Keep at it!

Sorry that you are not feeling well today. It's OK to get testy. Thank you for your help so far.

The extracted table is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\Tables\Bow__Arrow_VP9_1.03 When I click on this file, I get the B&A _JP_VP9.hta and Bow_&_Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt

Clicking on B&A _JP_VP9.hta gives me the Rulesheet (I actually got something this time!)

Clicking on Bow_&_Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt still gets me the blank VP editor.

The rom is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\Tables\bowarrow.zip I assume I leave this zipped - correct?

I think we might be getting somewhere.
Dennis

You do not rename the table zip file. you have to EXTRACT the table file from the archive zip file. You need to have a program such as WinZip or 7-Zip to extract the vpt file to your tables directory from the zip file. (Unless I am not understanding what you are saying here)

Do not rename the rom either. Leave the rom name as it is when you download it.

Forgive me if I sound a little testy in this message. I am not feeling well today.

1. First, I changed the Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.zip to Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt simply by deleting the .zip and retyping it .vpt

2. So now Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt Properties window Opens with: Visual Pinball

3. The rom address is C:\Program Files\Visual Pinball\VPinMame\roms with the name Bow_&_Arrowroms.zip

I still get the blank VP editor when I click on Bow___Arrow_VP9_1.03.vpt

Please advise
Dennis

OK. To associate the Visual Pinball program with a vpt, right click on one of the vpt files and select properties. the following screen should show up:



Look for where I have circled the opens with line. If it does not say Visual Pinball 9.x click on the change button. It should show you a list of programs to open the file with. It should look something like this:



If Visual Pinball is not listed, click on the browse button and find your Visual Pinball progam executable.

[ta2686]

The rom should be in the roms directory, not in the tables directory. It won't hurt to have it in both places, but for the table to run it must be in the roms directory.

Which version of VP9 are you using to try to open this table? I would suggest trying the newest version (VP9.12) as that is the most recent. Don't try to open this with VP8.1. It may open but it will not run properly I would think. Currently VPinball.exe is VP8.1 if I recall the installation package contents correctly.

Also, just to make sure (and please forgive the dumb question), you have extracted the vpt and hta files to your tables directory, correct?