Tomb Raider Windows XP/2000 Installation Guide

by Tom C. (with a few additions by Stella)

Tomb Raider 1 and the Unfinished Business expansion were designed to run in DOS, not Windows, so a bit of effort is needed to make them work on newer systems. If you've never done anything like this before, the process can seem a little intimidating, but it's really not that hard.

The following is a simple, step-by-step guide to installing Tomb Raider 1 and the Unfinished Business bonus levels on a PC running Windows XP or 2000. After the basic instructions you'll find links to more advanced options in case you want to try them.

IMPORTANT: These instructions do not apply to Windows Vista. To play TR1 and Unfinished Business on a system running Vista, you may want to try VDos32 + Glidos. Instructions for setup are included on a separate page.

THE USUAL DISCLAIMERS: Tombraiders.net does not support any of these files and is not responsible for anything that happens to your computer as a result of downloading or installing them. All the files on this site have been checked for viruses. Still, I recommend taking precautions with any downloaded file, including downloading from reputable sites, scanning with an anti-virus/spyware program, following installation instructions, and backing up your existing files before installing anything new.

Necessary Files

PROGRAM/UTILITY WHAT IT DOES WHERE TO DOWNLOAD
VDMSound Allows most sound cards to play the audio in DOS programs like Tomb Raider. tombraiders.net *
Tomb Raider Advanced Installer This utility is optional but recommended, especially if you have never done an installation like this before, since it does most of the work for you. It can be used with or without Glidos (below). tombraiderchronicles.com
Glidos Improves the graphics quality of the original Tomb Raider and Unfinished Business. Also allows you to add optional sound and graphics enhancements (see bottom of page). Glidos is free to try but costs $10 US to unlock. Glidos.net
- OR -
DGVoodoo An alternative to Glidos. Also allows Tomb Raider and Unfinished Business to run in 3D. DGVoodoo is part of the Tomb Raider Advanced Installer (above) so does not require a separate download. (same as TR Advanced Installer, above)
Tomb Raider or Tomb Raider Gold Whether you use Glidos, DGVoodoo, or neither, you'll need your original TR1 CD-ROM, which includes all the game content. N/A
Voodoo Rush patch Along with your original Tomb Raider CD, you'll need this updated version of the game program if you will be using Glidos or DGVoodoo. If you have Tomb Raider Gold this file is on the game CD (in the folder \3dPatch\VOORUSH). If you have the original Tomb Raider, download the updated tomb.exe file using the link to the right.

For Unfinished Business, just use the 3dfx version of the game file, which is on the second TR Gold CD or available for download here.
tombraiders.net

* VDMSound can be downloaded from tombraiders.net, but I do not offer support or documentation. For this, you can go to the VDMSound page on SourceForge.net or the VOGONS forum.

Instructions

  1. Download all the required files (above).
  2. Install VDMSound. Run the vdmsound.exe file you downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions. Unless you have a reason to do otherwise, choose the 'Typical' installation. Be sure to restart your computer after installing VDMSound.
  3. Install Glidos (optional). Run the Glidos.exe file you downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Insert your Tomb Raider CD. If your computer has more than one CD-ROM drive, be sure to use the one with the letter designation closest to A. For example, use C: rather than D:.
  5. Exit the program without installing but leave the CD in the drive.
  6. Run the Tomb Raider Advanced Installer. Follow the on-screen instructions:

    1. Click "Next" on the welcome screen.
    2. Indicate whether you are installing the original Tomb Raider or Tomb Raider Gold (the 4 bonus levels which can be found on the second game CD or downloaded). Click "Next".
    3. Indicate whether you want to use Glidos, DGVoodoo (included with the installer) or neither. (If you will not be using Glidos, I recommend choosing the DGVoodoo option for better graphics than the game alone.) Click "Next".
    4. Select "I want the installer to configure my sound card" and choose IRQ 7. (This should work with most computers. See notes on sound, below.)
    5. The installer will do its work and after everything is installed, you'll be given several options:

      1. If you will be using Glidos, select "I want the installer to create a PIF file for me." Then click "Finish".
      2. If you will be using DGVoodoo, select "I want the Installer create a game shortcut on desktop." Then click "Finish".
      3. If you will be using neither Glidos nor DGVoodoo, select both "I want the installer to create a PIF file for me" and "I want the Installer create a game shortcut on desktop." Then click "Finish".
  7. Replace the original game program with the updated Voodoo Rush version. (This step only necessary if you will be using Glidos or DGVoodoo.)

    1. Open My Computer.
    2. Open the hard drive where you installed Tomb Raider (usually C:).
    3. Open the TOMBRAID folder.
    4. Inside you should see the game program, tomb.exe. (If you like, you can create a new folder and move that version of tomb.exe into it to save it.)
    5. Leaving that window open, find the Voodoo Rush version of tomb.exe (either on the game CD or the file you downloaded) and move that version of tomb.exe into the TOMBRAID folder, replacing the original tomb.exe.
  8. Run the game. If you installed Glidos, start the game by double-clicking the Glidos icon on the desktop or by running Glidos from the Windows Start Menu. Under "Game," select "Tomb Raider" or "Unfinished Business". Then, if you like, you can make changes in by clicking the "Adjust" button. (For example, set screen resolution, windowed or full-screen mode, select downloaded texture packs, etc.). If you didn't use Glidos, start the game using the shortcut the Tomb Raider Advanced Installer placed on your desktop.

Advanced Options/Troubleshooting

Support

If you're having problems installing the game using these instructions, or if you have issues not covered above, please visit these sites. You'll find better technical help there than I can offer.

[TR1 Downloads Page | Main Page | TR1 Walkthrough]


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Glidos was created by Paul Gardiner. His site includes additional credits for the help he received in its development. Tomb Raider Xtra is a project of Matthew Hill and associates. The Advanced TR Installer was created by Slobodan Ratkovic (ratkovicdesign.net). DGVoodoo was created by DÉGÉ. VDMSound was created by Vlad Romascanu. ESCAPEplay is the property of Eidos Interactive.

Walkthroughs and related diagrams copyright © 2006-2008 - Stellalune (email ). Feel free to print, quote and share the information on this site, but kindly include the copyright and contact info at the bottom of each page so people can send me their corrections, comments and suggestions. Also, if you'd like to offer my walkthroughs on your own website, please read and follow the instructions here.

Stella's Tomb Raider Site: http://tombraiders.net.