Starcraft II: Workaround for the “48%” Error During Installation

I’m a huge fan of the original Starcraft game and couldn’t wait until Starcraft II. Even though I got to the party (years) late the first time around, it is an absolute gem. I still play it, when I can (haven’t finished the last mission in the Brood War expansion scenario). Thumbs-up to the whole gang at Blizzard.

Quite busy writing these days, so you imagine the bit of frustration I felt this weekend when I set aside time to install the game and learn about the new units. It started all right; insert the DVD, run the installer but no dice. My symptoms:

• Installation halted at 48%.
• When halted, I could no longer browse the DVD.
• Windows Explorer (not IE) locks solid.

Bollocks. I wanted to play, NOT another project this weekend.

:: mutter :: fret :: fume ::

All that said, I sorted it. So you don’t waste your time, here’s what I tried:

• Copy the files to a local directory structure. Nope. The main installation content file is hidden; a size check shows you’re missing something..
• Un-hide the files (change settings in Windows Explorer: Tools, Folder Options, View Tab, Show hidden files and folders). Try copying the folder structure again. Nope. The copy fails.
• Go into a command prompt (running as Administrator). Attrib the directory and you’ll see the hidden files therein. XCOPY with –h (-h includes the hidden files). Nope. The copy fails. Without notification (annoying).
• Ditto, ditto and ditto with removable media, btw. I even get sizing errors .. even with a 16GB drive. Bleh.

My solution: create an image of the DVD, mount the image as a virtual DVD and install. Worked like a charm and was very fast .. even when including the prep time. If you already use a CD/DVD image maker, you can sort this.

If you don’t, here are the steps (for Windows):

• Download MagicDisc. Be sure to scan the .exe file with your virus scanner (always better to be safe than sorry).
• Install. As above, watch an installation carefully and make sure you’re not agreeing to anything untoward. If you acquire the installation files from a third party, you’re at the risk of toolbars and other naughty bits and pieces.
• Create an image of the DVD (run MagicDisc and click ‘Make CD/DVD Image’ on the shortcut menu).
• Once you’ve created the image, use MagicDisc to mount the newly-created image (it’s under ‘Virtual CD/DVD-ROM’ on the shortcut menu).

Once mounted, Auto play should kick in; if it doesn’t, explore to the DVD and start the installation. It should now run with better results.

Always happy to tinker. Please write if I may assist.