@Migow:
That's very weird about Windows Defender Exploit protection, as most people seem unaffected . I'll make a note in the readme regarding this.
Just wondering about memory compare errors you were getting in the joystick section. Does this happen in the official build as well? There will be entries in the "wc3w_en.log" file if so. I've tested the Wingloader KS patch and this shouldn't happen.
 
Hi @Migow

i solved the issue it is the windows exploit protection(address randomisation etc..) that prevent the hack to work you need to tell to turn off all protection for wc3w.exe

I am glad that you solved this issue and you can play with the patch now. But, wow, it's the first time hearing that windows is hammering the patch this hard. Especially the windows exploit protection. For the most part it's enough to tell the Windows Defender to allow the ddraw.dll after the alert.

i endup with a access violation on reading in modifications_joystick function when he compare the addr

That makes me think. What if, you set ENABLE_CONTROLLER_ENHANCEMENTS to 0 in the wc3w_en.ini? Would the windows exploit protection still prevent the ddraw.dll from running? I'm just curious.

i use the english version ( i heard some bug on the german version with the patch)

Do you mean the Locanda bug? The Mission when you choose to rescue Flint? That is a bug in the original Windows/KS Saga version. The enhancement patch fixed this bug and german players can use the german game files now, without crashing in the Locanda mission.
 
Last edited:
Hi @Migow



I am glad that you solved this issue and you can play with the patch now. But, wow, it's the first time hearing that windows is hammering the patch this hard. Especially the windows exploit protection. For the most part it's enough to tell the Windows Defender to allow the ddraw.dll after the alert.



That makes me think. What if, you set ENABLE_CONTROLLER_ENHANCEMENTS to 0 in the wc3w_en.ini? Would the windows exploit protection still prevent the ddraw.dll from running? I'm just curious.



Do you mean the Locanda bug? The Mission when you choose to rescue Flint? That is a bug in the original Windows/KS Saga version. The enhancement patch fixed this bug and german players can use the german game files now, without crashing in the Locanda mission.
i used a more aggressive exploitation mitigation rule (not the default one) , the ddraw is like an exploitation that it why it didnt work in that case , when he compare the address , likely any reading of address for all function, so in case people have the same error like i reported then need to add exception. error is fatal error "0xc0000142" ( the error come from ddraw.dll )
there was someone else in the forum who got this error.


i didn't try if someone is motivated he can try with all mitigation exploit enforced to trigger the crash , then try ENABLE_CONTROLLER_ENHANCEMENTS =0) i think all other function will fail too
Modifications_Joystick();
Modifications_Mouse();
Modifications_Keyboard();
Modifications_Movies();
Modifications_Display();
Modifications_GeneralFixes();
Modifications_ObjectRotation();
WC3W_Setup();
 
Hi @Migow



I am glad that you solved this issue and you can play with the patch now. But, wow, it's the first time hearing that windows is hammering the patch this hard. Especially the windows exploit protection. For the most part it's enough to tell the Windows Defender to allow the ddraw.dll after the alert.



That makes me think. What if, you set ENABLE_CONTROLLER_ENHANCEMENTS to 0 in the wc3w_en.ini? Would the windows exploit protection still prevent the ddraw.dll from running? I'm just curious.



Do you mean the Locanda bug? The Mission when you choose to rescue Flint? That is a bug in the original Windows/KS Saga version. The enhancement patch fixed this bug and german players can use the german game files now, without crashing in the Locanda mission.
i used a more aggressive exploitation mitigation rule (not the default one) , the ddraw is like an exploitation that it why it didnt work in that case , when he compare the address , likely any reading of address for all function
 
@Migow

used a more aggressive exploitation mitigation rule (not the default one) , the ddraw is like an exploitation that it why it didnt work in that case , when he compare the address , likely any reading of address for all function

Yes I know, ddraw.dll is using dll injection. The same method as in some malware.
So in other terms. This is a rare case because of your personal very strict settings in the defender exploit protection. Good to know. But I can't see that the average user will encounter this problem. Anyways, a note in the readme will be helpful.

i didn't try if someone is motivated he can try with all mitigation exploit enforced to trigger the crash , then try ENABLE_CONTROLLER_ENHANCEMENTS =0) i think all other function will fail too

And yes, the other functions are failing too. I tested it and could replicate the behavior for WC3 and WC4.

WC3 exploit crash.JPG

WC4 exploit crash.JPG
 
Last edited:
there was someone else in the forum who got this error.
Found it, it was the user @Karrprince

He had the same problem with WC1 WCDX and WC3 back in November 2024.
For WC1 WCDX, his anti-virus program has put the WCDX file in quarantine. But I don't know if the problem for WC3 was solved for him.

 
Last edited:
Very Interesting thread!

I have a problem with Wing Commander 3 Hd Mod as well. Runs great, until after the Beheamoth is destroyed and I get to the bar and talk to Rachel. After talking to Rachel, I got to the lift and the game just freezes (locks up). I have tried reinstalling the video pack and setting the ENABLE_CONTROLLER_ENHANCEMENTS =0 and reduced my GFX settings (4K, to 2K, HD and then to just 1600x768). Is it possible that the "Windows Defender Exploit protection" problem may be the cause of this? The game runs great in 4K all the way to that point. Any suggestions would help. Thanks.

System specs:
Windows 10 Pro Build Version 22H2 19045.7548
Gigabyte 570 Master Mobo
AMD 5600 CPU
Gigabyte PC3600 RAM 32Gig
Gigabyte Aorus Master RX6800 GFX card
Soundblaster Z sound card
 
Last edited:
Hi @Jhook

Is it possible that the "Windows Defender Exploit protection" problem may be the cause of this?

Very unlikely. If the Exploit protection is the cause, the game wouldn't run at all. But anyways, you can test it. Put an exeption rule for the WC3W.EXE in the Exploit protection and see what happens.


Unbenannt.JPG
Unbenannt2.JPG

(Text in the pictures are translated by Google from my German sreenshots)
 
@Jhook:
Not sure what could be the problem there, I did a quick pass and it's working fine on my end.
First thing would be to confirm if the patch is causing the problem. Temporarily remove or rename the "ddraw.dll" then run through that section.
The "wc3w_en.log" file might also shed some light if you could post the contents.
 
THANK YOU!
Confirmed that it is NOT the HD mod. Seems my game may be porked. It is the GOG version of WC3. Any suggestions before I delete the game and start from scratch? Can I reinstall the game with Hd Mod and use my save file? Any last minute suggestions would be great. Also, the "wc3w_en.log" can not be saved to this post. Wrong file type. However, I managed to copy the files contents.....

LibVlc_Movie: Create Movie Branch Path FAILED: origin_s, branch:0
LibVlc_Movie: Create Movie Branch Path FAILED: origin_s, branch:0
LibVlc_Movie: Create Movie Branch Path FAILED: lift, branch:0
LibVlc_Movie: Create Movie Branch Path FAILED: lift, branch:0
LibVlc_Movie: Create Movie Branch Path FAILED: sc_125, branch:3
LibVlc_Movie: Create Movie Branch Path FAILED: sc_125, branch:3
LibVlc_Movie: Error Encountered !!!: movies\sc_125d.mp4

Hope this helps.
 
Last edited:
@Jhook:
Re-download and reinstall, is probably the way to go. Hang on to your save files (all "*.wsg" files), so you can continue from where you left off.
The log doesn't show any obvious cause for the crash. The Error playing the movie sc_125d is a known issue, the game at times calls for a branch that doesn't exist. This shouldn't be the cause of the problem though as both the original game and patch handle these occurrences.
 
I tried the download to the folder directly. Same freeze point. :( Looks like I will have to reinstall everything and try to see if that helps. I will post again, even if it works or not. Thanks guys for all of your help. I just hope it is not a GOG thing LOL.
 
Just a quick update....

Got the game reinstalled (forgot how much of a pain in the ass it is to do LOL). Inserted my save files, but the game does not see them :( Oh well, I will have to start again and see if I can get past the Behemoth and Rachel cut scene. I will report when I get there.
 
Just a quick update....

Got the game reinstalled (forgot how much of a pain in the ass it is to do LOL). Inserted my save files, but the game does not see them :( Oh well, I will have to start again and see if I can get past the Behemoth and Rachel cut scene. I will report when I get there.
Have you tried the files I send you in the DM?
 
Yes I saved the WSG_NDX.WSG file (and all .WSG files). I did not save the SFOSAVED.DAT. Mash didn't mention that one, but maybe I should have just saved the whole "cloud_saved" folder anyway.

Also, see my previous posts. I did try the download you sent me. It did not work.
 
I did try the download you sent me. It did not work.
Ok. Strange.

Did you copy the files into the GOG install folder? Maybe try to make a separate folder with all files needed.

Make a folder of the game without a UAC path.

C:\Games\WC3 for example instead of C:\ProgramFiles (x86)\WC3
 
@Jhook:
Weird you couldn't get your saves to work. I was just thinking it might be useful to get your last saved game for testing in case it was a problem with the saved game itself. The "SFOSAVED.DAT" is just your space flight options, it's handy to backup I suppose but it just contains your settings from the Alt+O menu.
It might be worth grabbing the Save Archive for WC3. the save titled "ALC-1" should put you just after the Behemoth destruction. That way you can confirm if you're still getting a crash without having to play through to that point in the game again.
 
Ok, I just ran through the game (most of it) and everything checks good (passed the Behemoth mission just fine). I noticed that the ENABLE_CONTROLLER_ENHANCEMENTS is set to 1 the hole time. Except for 1 mission that CTD'ed. I switched to 0 and got past that 1 mission, but with 0 enabled, I can not config my joystick. The Joystick worked well enough though. I just couldn't bring up the config for it. Set the ENABLE_CONTROLLER_ENHANCEMENTS back to 1 and everything went great from then on. Thanks for all your help guys. A complete reinstall did the trick.