by Paul Gardiner, creator of Glidos and VDos32 (with a few additions by Stella)
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 Vista. Please note that this is a work in progress and there are still a few issues to be worked out. Still, this is a great start and improvements are on the way.
THE USUAL DISCLAIMERS: Glidos and VDos32 are totally reputable programs, and you shouldn't have any problems if you follow these installation instructions; however, 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. If you have any questions or problems, please seek support through the links in the Troubleshooting section below.
| PROGRAM/UTILITY | WHAT IT DOES | WHERE TO DOWNLOAD |
| TrAndUbForGlidos.exe | A preconfigured, self-extracting archive. When you run this, it will install all the miscellaneous files you'll need to run the game with Glidos. You will not need to download any other patches. | Glidos.net |
| - OR - | ||
| TrAndUbForVDos32.exe | A preconfigured, self-extracting archive. When you run this, it will install all the miscellaneous files you'll need to run the game without Glidos. The graphics will not be nearly as good and you will not be able to use the optional sound and graphics packs, but this option is currently free. | Glidos.net |
| Glidos.exe version 1.37 or later (optional but recommended) |
Improves the graphics quality of the original Tomb Raider and Unfinished Business. Also allows you to add optional sound and graphics enhancements. Glidos is free to try but costs $10 US to unlock. For more information, visit the Glidos site. | Glidos.net |
| VDos32.exe | A virtual environment for running 32-bit DOS programs, specifically intended for Windows Vista. VDos32 is still in development. It is currently free but requires unlocking via the internet (instructions below). For more information, visit www.vdos32.com. | VDos32.com |
| Tomb Raider Audio Pack (optional but recommended) |
Restores missing background sounds and music. | Glidos.net |
| Tomb Raider or Tomb Raider Gold | Whether you use Glidos or not, you'll need your original TR1 CD-ROM, which includes all the game content. For Unfinished Business, you'll need the second Tomb Raider Gold CD-ROM or the Unfinished Business download, available on my Downloads page. | game CD: N/A TRUB download: tombraiders.net |
NOTE: Without Glidos, you can only run the game in software mode, so the graphics will be quite rough. You cannot run the game full-screen, only in windowed mode. Also, there will be no background sounds. Currently these can only be restored using Glidos and the Tomb Raider Audio Pack.
VDos32 is still in development, and there are some known issues, which will hopefully be worked out in time. Currently VDos32 only works with 32-bit (not 64-bit) Vista installations. Background sounds are not present unless you use Glidos and the optional Tomb Raider Audio Pack (above). Also, you may experience some crackling sound during gameplay and FMV sequences. However, Paul is on the case and hopes to have this sorted out soon. At this stage in its development, VDos32 is free, though later versions may require a fee to unlock.
For more information and support, visit the Glidos and VDos32 sites.
Finally, my TR1 & Windows XP/2000 Quick Installation Guide has a few tips that are also relevant to Vista users, including links to the optional Tomb Raider Xtra texture packs. See the sections on Advanced Options/Troubleshooting and Support, at the bottom of that page.
[TR1 Downloads Page | Main Page | TR1 Walkthrough]
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Glidos and VDos32 were created by Paul Gardiner. His sites include additional credits for the help he received in its development. Many thanks to Paul for the tireless help he's given the gaming community.
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.