SC4 Deluxe- patch warning:Old File not found. ...

[Gringamuyloca]

  Patch Warning: Old File not found. However, a file of the same name was found. No update done since file contents do not match.

I purchased Sim City 4 Deluxe download from EA Games as I was tired of listening to Disc 2 whirl around....
..so I uninstalled my CD version... downloaded and installed the download version on the EA Downloader...
next step was to check if it needed updating.
SimCity 4.exe is version 1.1.641.0 size is 7348 KB
SimCity_1.dat is 141, 201 kb
...etc, so I decide I need the update... it doesn't matter if I use the wizard or manual, even tried the link from SC4Devotion, I keep getting the patch warning... heres a copy of the patch log.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PATCH  Version 6.50 - RTPatch(R) Professional - Software Update System
DOS/16-bit Windows/32-bit Windows Edition
(C) Copyright Pocket Soft, Inc., 1991-2002.  All Rights Reserved.

----- Processing Patch File -----
Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'DELUXE.exe'
Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'Graphics Rules.sgr'
New Version of File 'Graphics Rules.sgr' already exists.
Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'RUSHHOUR.exe'
Applying MODIFY File Patch for 'SimCity_1.dat'
warning wpt0036: Old File not found. However, a file of the same name was
found. No update done since file contents do not match.

The part that has me pulling my hair out is that I can no longer update my CD version either! I get the same warning..
I have tried using different browsers,clearing cookies, cache and temp files/ folders....
I have uninstalled both versions of the program with the same results... the worst part is I didn't keep a backup of my original install!! arrg.. 
I have spent the past three days searching the web and haven't found a solution... I am also in contact with EA ... and have tried the following suggestions:

Greetings,

Thank you for contacting Electronic Arts.

I understand you're having problems with the game, and we apologize for the inconvenience that this has caused you. Please be assured that I will try my best to help you resolve this issue immediately. Please try the below mentioned suggestions:

1) Please clear your browser cache
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/olh_adp.php?p_faqid=10990

2) Lower your browser's security settings to allow proper communication with the web site.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/olh_adp.php?p_faqid=10714

3) Empty your cache to prevent file conflicts within the program.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/olh_adp.php?p_faqid=10704

4) Empty the Temp folder to prevent file conflicts on the system.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/olh_adp.php?p_faqid=10705

Also, I request you that if you are using Internet Explorer version 8 then try registering using the Internet Explorer version 7 or Mozilla.

Have you considered trying the MS Internet Explorer or FireFox browsers instead?

Here are the steps you'll need to follow to download and configure FireFox, if you'd rather try it as a browser:

1. Go to http://www.getfirefox.com .

2. Click the "Free Download" link in the upper left part of the screen.

3. When asked to run or install the application, choose "Run", "Install", or "Yes".

4. Follow those steps, and you should be all set.

I hope the above information helps and resolves this issue. If you have any other issues then please feel free to contact us again.

Thank You,

Sincerely,

Albert
EA Customer Support

... so am I out of date... up to date... or just plain out of luck? 

am willing to try almost any thing at this point...starting to go through withdrawal...

thanks for taking the time to read this...

[Lowkee33]

Are you sure you need updating?  The only RH patch that I know of brings it to V1.1.638.0.  You appear to have a more recent version.  I would imagine that if you bought this online recently they would hook you up right.

I dont know the exact differences between the vanilla and patch version of SC4, but I think we can figure this out.

[SC4BOY]

Given that 1. You dl'd this from EA (this is a new feature only introduced this year I think) and 2. that verson 641 is a release later than ALL UPDATES applied to the purchased CD version
It is highly probably that your files are completely up to date and need no patches at all. Start playing and enjoy!

[Gringamuyloca]

verson 641 is a release later than ALL UPDATES applied to the purchased CD version

Are you sure you need updating?  The only RH patch that I know of brings it to V1.1.638.0.  You appear to have a more recent version. 

well, this is what I was thinking... except my file sizes are smaller on the downloaded version (even the sc4.exe on the CD is +8200 kb and the SimCity dats are smaller...  I can't place roads, streets, etc... the icons are in the menu... but when selected nothing shows until I drag the mouse... which shows where the  road etc is to be built... but release the mouse and nothing happens?
The other reason I think I may be missing something is because EA support is trying to help me patch?!...

as I said earlier.. going through withdrawal... was looking for a quick fix! 

.... it's late here.. after 1AM..
Will uninstall, clean, defrag, reboot, fresh install, load plug ins, cross my fingers and hope 'our' logic is right!

Thanks to both..
I really appreciate the response!
may you always be 'catching' instead of 'fishing'

have a great day
t

[Lowkee33]

That is strange.  It may be your registry entries are not being deleted during the un-install.  I found this thread that has help to do this manually:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=138548

You could possibly to a system restore if you have a backup that is before you downloaded SC4.

If you get yourself playing the game again you may want to make an ISO out of CD2 and mounting it to play.  Laws are different for every country, but for USA I am pretty sure the thing we pay for is the product key.

[Gringamuyloca]

so I did a little more 'research' into the differences between the 2 versions I have and the 'update' at SimCity.com
Findings as follows:

SC4Deluxe CD    file size

SimCity 4.exe--------8,211 KB version 1.1.610.0 (Oldest?)
SimCity_1.dat----141,161 KB
SimCity_2.dat----165,300 KB
SimCity_3.dat----112,376 KB
SimCity_4.dat----122,632 KB


SC4Deluxe EA Download file size

SimCity 4.exe--------7,348 KB version 1.1.641.0 (newest?)
SimCity_1.dat----141,201 KB
SimCity_2.dat----164,637 KB
SimCity_3.dat----112,420 KB
SimCity_4.dat----122,681 KB


SimCity.Com update

SimCity 4.exe should be updated to version 1.1.638.0.  (this falls in between the 2 versions I have?)
File size should be 8,407,514 (Deluxe) or 8,407,542 (Rush Hour)
Graphics Rules.sgr should be updated to 20,171 bytes
SimCity 1.dat should be updated to 144,596,245 bytes
SimCity 2.dat should be updated to 168,588,181 bytes
SimCity 3.dat should be updated to 115,117,583 bytes
SimCity 4.dat should be updated to 125,624,858 bytes

The way I understand versions, the larger the number the newer the version...(I also know what happens when I assume things... )
My concern is the 'newer version' has smaller file sizes, should I be worried about this?

@ Lowkee
Thanks for that link  ... I may have to try that if I can't use the downloaded version... was going to give the CD set to my younger brother, no more 'disc 2' whirring around!(he may have to wait until Xmas now if I can't get the downloaded version to work )
I'll wait a bit and see if someone can help with understanding the 'version' / 'file size'   
Bottom line... just want to be able to get the custom content back in my plug in folder... willing to try almost anything... once 

edit for spelling.

[catty]

Some of the difference in file size may be the difference between having to have a CD in the disk drive and being able to run it straight from your computer

[SC4BOY]

The file size is absolutely of no relevance whatsoever.... however the fact that you are having game problems I would think would be.. perhaps you can post some pic's of the issues you are having

[Gringamuyloca]

Catty and SC4BOY.. thanks for your insight.

So to check that I am understanding  all this correctly:
I have downloaded and installed the EA download version. 1.1.641.0
I am going to install the 'BAT Update"
repack my CAM and Sim City_1.dat
reinstall my plugins.... cross my fingers...
and hopefully play!
I hope to post back with positive results..

Thanks again for taking the time to help

Edit1: I downloaded and installed the Lot Editor, BAT, and BAT Update (no other plugins might as try things one at a time)... Ended up with two of quite a few things in various menus.. so I will uninstall, reinstall and start with the NAM only... maybe I don't need any updates!

[RippleJet]

SC4Deluxe EA Download file size

SimCity 4.exe--------7,348 KB version 1.1.641.0 (newest?)
SimCity_1.dat----141,201 KB
SimCity_2.dat----164,637 KB
SimCity_3.dat----112,420 KB
SimCity_4.dat----122,681 KB

Apart from "SimCity 4.exe" (which is still 8,211 kB) those are exactly the same sizes as for version 1.1.640.0, or in bytes:

• SimCity_1.dat----144,589,077 bytes
• SimCity_2.dat----168,588,181 bytes
• SimCity_3.dat----115,117,583 bytes
• SimCity_4.dat----125,624,858 bytes

Note that one kilobyte = 1,024 bytes.

[Gringamuyloca]

aha! I think it works...

the download from EA Games installed 'straight out of the box' and start adding plugins... no updates! well, at least none that I've found 'missing' so far.

I have night lights, all the NAM is there... I haven't had much play time yet... heh heh...
but I'll poke around the game some more... hopefully the light I'm seeing at the end off the tunnel isn't an on-coming train! 

Lowkee33, SC4BOY, catty, and RippleJet ...

thanks for sharing your knowledge
so very appreciated! 

[SC4BOY]

It is highly probably that your files are completely up to date and need no patches at all. Start playing and enjoy!

Glad to hear this was the case.. probably worth filing this info in your minds.. I expect that as more people try the new downloaded version, we will see more of this.. further I expect this PROBABLY was documented in the info that you had with the download and that you applied the "patch updates" simply because that is what you have done before (and is further documented in various "how to" threads on all the SC4 four sites) So we need to make note of the significance of version "641"

[Gringamuyloca]

.. further I expect this PROBABLY was documented in the info that you had with the download and that you applied the "patch updates" simply because that is what you have done before (and is further documented in various "how to" threads on all the SC4 four sites) So we need to make note of the significance of version "641"

The only 'documentation' that came with the download is the SimCity 4 manual...  even on EA site, I didn't come across any info anywhere saying the game had been updated... sheesh.. EA Games is trying to help me 'patch' the download..... heh heh, guess I should write them and let then know the game is already 'up-to- date'.

I  didn't stop  to think to check version numbers... I was in a hurry to get playing.. and it wasn't worth playing if I couldn't have NAM etc. (It scared me how empty my game menus were without my plugins!  )

and , yes, I can see the value of adding a little 'check your version' disclaimer...

thanks again...