NOTE: Given the time that has elapsed since the original Battleground games were released, there is no way I can provide support for these updates at this time.  There have been some changes to the TalonSoft 16-bit updates that have caused problems with the Gettysburg and NIR 32-bit versions and I can’t help you with problems associated with that.  If you have trouble getting these programs to work, understand that I can’t provide support for these programs anymore..

To get going, here are some steps you must follow:

• Step 1: You must have the Microsoft Visual C++ DLL files installed on your computer, either in the appropriate Battleground directory or your Windows system directory.  If you have downloaded the full Scenario Editor package, then you have them.  If you’re not sure, or need them separately, then click here while holding down the Shift key.  Save the Zip file into the appropriate Battleground or Age of Sail directory or in your Windows system directory and then UnZip the files (using WinZip or NetZip).
• Step 2: You must have Microsoft’s DirectX version 5 or higher installed on your computer.  You can obtain DirectX directly from MicroSoft from http://www.microsoft.com/directx.  Note: if you have installed TalonSoft’s East or West Front™, then you already have DirectX version 5 or 6 on your computer.
• Step 3: For each Main Program listed below, click on its link while holding down the Shift key.  Save the Zip file into the appropriate Battleground or Age of Sail directory and UnZip it.  Now you’re ready to go!

Very Important: you must have the absolutely latest Battleground update before attempting to run the 32-bit Main Programs.  The best place to download these from is Rich Hamilton’s Battleground Patches page.

Also remember, once you install these 32-bit Main Programs, you will not have the original 16-bit Main Programs on your system.  If you ever want to upgrade your game, or go back to the original Main Programs, you must reinstall the Battleground game from the CD.

And PBEM?  Yes, you can start using this software with current PBEM games.  But after you start, you may not be able to go back to the 16-bit software with the games.  In addition, both you and your PBEM opponent must upgrade at the same time and have the same version.

Remember you must have the latest Battleground update from TalonSoft before installing these!

A few people have reported a problem with the new 32-bit programs having to do with the front-end.  In these cases, when the “Loading Battleground” or “Loading Age of Sail” dialog closes, a portion of the screen wallpaper is drawn over the top of the main program display.  If this is happening to you, then try these modified front-end programs.  In addition, if you want to play the Campaign Game using the 32-bit versions of PTW and BGW, then you will need the front-end below.  Except for Prelude to Waterloo, if you are not having any trouble, don’t bother with these versions, they won’t buy you anything.

Modified Battleground Gettysburg front-end

Modified Battleground Waterloo front-end

Modified Battleground Shiloh front-end

Modified Battleground Antietam front-end

Modified Napoleon In Russia front-end

Modified Battleground Bull Run front-end

Modified Prelude To Waterloo front-end (required to play Campaign Game in 32-bit)

Modified Age of Sail front-end