How to Run Caesar II in Windows XP
Playing Caesar II from within Windows XP can be an issue. The following steps will help you get the original DOS version of Caesar II running under Windows XP. If you do not already have a copy of Caesar II go get one then come back here. Thanks to Thomas Crowe for putting this step-by-step together.
Step 1: Ensure that Caesar II is Installed
The standard location for the Caesar II install is in a folder in the root of your c-drive named “caesar2″. Confirm that Caesar II is installed to this location, or copy the game files from the CD to that folder.
Step 2: Download and Install DOSBox
Step 3: Start DOSBox and run the command “mount c c:\caesar2″
This will only work if you have your game files in the “caesar2″ folder.
Step 4: In DOSBox Switch to the c-drive by typing in “c:”
Step 5: In DOSBox Type “call c2.bat”
Once again, this will only work if you have your Caesar II files in the folder “caesar2″ in the root of your c-drive.
Step 6: Select Option 2 (Hit the spacebar)
Step 7: Enjoy the game!
Also, please let me know if these steps work for you.
63 Comments »
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Make sure you use the DOS version of Caesar II (Caesar 2 Version 1.0) or else this will not work.
Comment by Daniel — December 31, 2007 @ 3:52 pm
Gracias!
Comment by Gonzalo — February 11, 2008 @ 5:09 am
Hi! I have done all the 5 first steps but when i type call c2.bat, he said:”Illegal command:c2.bat”
If you can help me this will be great because i like this game..
Thanks.
Comment by Kostas — February 18, 2008 @ 9:01 am
Kostas, it sounds like this may be from trying these instructions with the Windows version of the game. Are you using the Dos version or Windows version of Caesar 2?
Comment by Administrator — February 18, 2008 @ 10:33 am
I think that i am using the Windows version of Caesar 2….
I hope that there exist a solution for this. In any case, thank you very much!
Comment by Kostas — February 20, 2008 @ 4:26 am
Kostas - there are some additional instructions that may be helpful to you. I sent them to your gmail address.
Comment by Administrator — February 20, 2008 @ 11:10 am
Thank you very mutch, Administrator!
Comment by Kostas — February 20, 2008 @ 11:37 am
No problem. Hope it helps.
Comment by Administrator — February 20, 2008 @ 12:10 pm
ok, thank you Administrator .It works with the dos version of Caesar 2.
Comment by Kostas — February 20, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
I too have the “llegal command:c2.bat” problem.
Can you help? I used to play this all the time when I had a win98 version.
thanks.
Comment by vaccyn — February 23, 2008 @ 6:22 pm
Hello, I installed Caesar and run it with dos box, I also choosed hard disk only, but I cnnot fight battles (some file is missing) thanks for reply
Comment by plati — March 11, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
Hi, I also have the Windows version of the game - how do I get it to run properly?
Comment by Michael — March 13, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
ok. I still can’t get it to run. I have Dosbox, I have the file dos version, and it is definitly in my C drive, but still, it doesn’t recognize the c2.bat. help please
Comment by vaccyn — March 13, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
Hi! I have done all the 5 first steps but when i type call c2.bat, he said:”Illegal command:c2.bat”
Comment by Mari — March 17, 2008 @ 8:53 am
I’m having the same “Illegal command:c2.bat” problem with my windows version of Caesar II. I tried having my computer run the program with the compatibility wizard, but nothing happens. I put the cd in, and a screen pops up asking if you want to play. I click yes, and it says the program isn’t found. I click install, and nothing happens. If you can help, I would greatly appreciate it.
Comment by Sarah — March 19, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
Vaccyn, Mari, and Sarah - the error you are getting is probably because you are using the Windows version and not the Dos version of Caesar II. In order to use these instructions you need to start with the Dos version of Caesar II.
Comment by Administrator — March 19, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
I have the same problem as Vaccyn, Mari and Sarah. But I don’t understand how we can start with the Dos version of Caesar II. Because when I was using it with windows 95, it would automatically shut down the pc and go to dos. Now with windows xp, it doesn’t automatically do that.
Comment by Stella — March 21, 2008 @ 9:29 pm
Stella, there is not a guide yet for how to run Caesar II with the Windows 95 version in XP (or Vista) but I will send you some additional details that may be helpful.
Comment by Administrator — March 22, 2008 @ 9:18 am
Thanks for the email. I was trying to run the game by copying the game files from a cd version of caesar2, which turns out to be a windows version. So I got the dos version … extracted the files into my c drive and repeated the steps above. Works perfectly! Thanks a lot!
Comment by Stella — March 22, 2008 @ 5:28 pm
Hey there. I downloaded a free version of the game and I just run it from my Dos Command Prompt in the Accessories file in Windows XP. I don’t have any real problems with gameplay EXCEPT for 2 things:
1) It doesn’t play any music, just voice and and occasional music during events like Invasions.
2) The game crashes whenever I chose to take command during a battle. It says there is a problem with a file, but I don’t know the name of it off-hand.
Any ideas how to address these problems?
Thanks!
Comment by Adam — March 23, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
Hey,
what are those “game files” exactly?
Thx!!!
Comment by Lisa — March 27, 2008 @ 11:49 am
I sailed through all the steps. it worked like a dream.. the only remaining issue is the sound setting which is not covered in the steps.. I have run “setsound.exe” from the game directory and chosen the first 100% compatible and automatic configuration.. the program says it is done successfully but on running the game still dont get any sound.. I have XP platform. can you help please? ..thanks
Comment by tony — April 5, 2008 @ 12:58 am
I got the answer to the sound problem: just run the setsound program from caesar2 directory and put these values : A220 I5 D1 T3 P330. by choosing to manually put the port details.. it worked for me.. although the auto configure program always returned a success result but no sound was coming. just using the manual configurations solved the problem.. I didnt even have to change the values they were already set to recommended 220, and 5 etc.. here is the link to the site with more details in part 6 about this topic.. http://www.dosgames.com/xphints.php .. take care
Comment by tony — April 5, 2008 @ 3:04 am
I have the same problem with “Illegal command:c2.bat”, because I probably have the Windows version of the game. What can I do?
Comment by Karin — April 5, 2008 @ 8:00 am
Karin..If you having a windows version is causing a problem then I can send you the DOS version of this game in Zipped form. I hope the admin wont have any problem with that. if you want me to send you the game then I suggest you make a temporary email account and post it as a comment here.. I will send over the game to you..it is working for me on my laptop and it will surely work for you, regards
Comment by tony — April 5, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
Missing combat part: guys.. is anyone else missing the combat at provance level like me? I game closes if I choose to take charge of the battle
Comment by tony — April 5, 2008 @ 12:11 pm
about combat issue: the exact error reads … ” Error Loading battle data - RO2SWDA.PL8 not found”.
I didn’t read comment number 20 which is stating the same problem like my comment 26. sorry about that. so the missing file is “RO2SWDA.PL8″
As far as the sound issue is concerned I will say run the setsound program and enter the A220 I5 D1 T3 P330 settings by choosing the manual configuration instead of auto detection. the sound issue was resolved for me by following this step. regards
Comment by tony — April 6, 2008 @ 4:03 am
Illegal command issue: Please don’t forget to “change drive to C:\” before running the game with c2.bat.. you will get this error every time when the active drive is Z:\ ..(Admin.. my appologies for flooding the message board)
Comment by tony — April 6, 2008 @ 4:09 am
Thank you for the additional details Tony. To get rid of the error “Error Loading battle data - RO2SWDA.PL8 not found” please download this file to the same directory as the rest of your game files:
RO2SWDA.PL8
Comment by Administrator — April 6, 2008 @ 8:42 am
First, I’d like to thank the administrator and everyone else. Without you all, I wouldn’t have known how to begin to run this game.
I, too, get an error message when I choose to take charge of a battle, but mine says “RO2SPRB.PL8 not found.”
Comment by Joseph — April 11, 2008 @ 11:47 pm
RO2SWDA.PL8 is not the only file the game can need for a battle.
There is a PL8 directory in the Caesar 2 cd, he contains 18 Mo of data.
They are surely dont all needed (when you read names) but i have just
put all the folder in my Caesar2 directory, cause am lazzy lol.
Comment by Jean — April 12, 2008 @ 12:33 am
i have the same problem with the illegal command cause i have the windows version.
but where can i find the dos version?please help me.i love this game
Comment by yiannis79 — April 18, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
I am having the same problem. When I go into battles it says “RO2SPRB.PL8 not found”. If someone could help me that would be awesome because I would really like to play it some more.
Comment by Kris — April 20, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
Hi, I can’t even get the game to install on my vista computer. Any advice?
Comment by Sean — April 21, 2008 @ 4:08 pm
How can i get caesur 3 to work?
Running xp.
Comment by Scott — April 23, 2008 @ 10:05 am
I’ve too the message illegal command c2.bat… I think that I’ve the dos version and I don’t understand why It doesn’t work..
Thank a lot for your help
Comment by Ben — April 24, 2008 @ 6:59 am
Search DosBox on google.
I have vista and i play the Dos version with Dos Box.
For the battles, if you want to be sure a missing file dont crash the game, put the PL8 folder of the win version in the same folder of C2.bat =]
You can find the entire CD here : http://www.abandonware-france.org/ltf_abandon/ltf_jeu.php?id=787&fic=liens
(french) But try “House of the underdogs” on google, you will find a site with huge ammount of old game in english, i am pretty sure Caesar 2 CD is in them.
Comment by Jean — April 26, 2008 @ 5:53 am
Sorry : not the folder, but all .pl8 files in the same as C2.bat
(sorry i am not english)
Comment by Jean — April 26, 2008 @ 5:55 am
Hi! i also having the same problem with Stella. Could you also email me the game file? thanks.
Comment by kerwin — May 6, 2008 @ 5:49 am
Hi! I am also having the same problem as of most of the people who commented on this page, Everytime i type in call c2.bat it comes up with Illegal command. Ive been trying to get this game to work for months and have had no luck PLEASE HELP appreciated.
Comment by Debra — May 6, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
I also have the same problem and am getting the illegal comment field returned. Could you send the email on to me also. Many thanks.
Comment by Tega — May 27, 2008 @ 1:36 am
Hello,
I have the original cd of Caesar 2 that I want to install on XP. I pop in the disk and the autoplay brings up the Install/Cancel dialog. I select Install and it plays a little tune and starts a “Sierra On-line Setup” block down on the task bar. Then it just sits there. Win Task Manager indicates that it is running but there is no processor demand.
many thanks.
Comment by Rob — June 9, 2008 @ 6:40 am
Hey, guys. I have a nice and quiet solution to the battle problem (RO2SPRB.PL8 not found)
Win version, dos version, i don’t care. Just download all the *.pl8 files from http://www.sailor.wz.cz/_pl8.rar, copy the files to you caesar2 directory and you’ll be fine (And you don’t have to install caesar strictly into c:\, the game will work on any drive).
I just hope there won’t be any trouble with admins, but i guess since i’m not posting the whole game but only a few files to increase the in-game performance for people that already DO have the game, it should be fine. I hope.
Cheers
Comment by Eman — June 14, 2008 @ 2:34 am
thanks for the tips, it’s work, but does anyone know how can i play it in fullscreen because i think it’s too small to play it using dosbox. thank u
Comment by yuzarian — June 18, 2008 @ 6:01 am
Having the same exact problem as Rob up there. I cant install it. I press install, the old sierra sound goes off and the window does nothing. Would love some help as I remember enjoying this game alot.
Comment by matt — June 25, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
I am having the same problem as a lot of people with c2.bat and it is coming up “Illegal command”. How do you run it from the DOS mode? I think I need the extra instructions, thanks!!
Comment by Denise — June 28, 2008 @ 11:27 am
I am having the same problem has many people above. First, I try to install and the Sierra On-line Setup music plays and createst a block on the taskbar and then stops and nothing else happens. Second, I tried the instructions above but receive the “illegal command” message. Thanks for any help.
Comment by Sean — June 30, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
Good to see so many C2 enthusiasts.
I have tried 2 routes (my experience is identical to Sean’s (post 46):
1. Installing my old Windows/DOS C2 CD-ROM, to no avail (the legendary “illegal command” line again when using DOSBox). Maybe somebody (Tony? - post 25) would be kind enough to let me know where I can get a DOS version of the game that’s Vista-friendly (as that seems the best option)?
2. As my French is passable, I looked into the site Jean (posts 37 and 38) mentions. Jean, did you download from there and if so, could you get it to work?
Thanks for any help; I would be very interested to hear of anyone who’s managed to get this game going using Vista.
Richard
Comment by Richard — July 1, 2008 @ 11:51 am
I am pretty sure I have the DOS version of the game but when I type in call c2.bat it says it is illegal command. I really love this game. If anyone has a way to get this game working with Windows Vista. Please let me know. Thanks so much!
Comment by Meagan — July 14, 2008 @ 8:24 am
to go to fullscreen in dosbox just hold down ALT and press ENTER that should do it, and to go back to window just repeat process also f11 and f12 works to slow down the game and speed up the game.
Im having a problem, I want to play the game to the end and capture all of the provinces… you know keep playing after getting 5 promotions, but I cant!! it just tosses me into the first screen =( dosbox or no dosbox, any one have a solution? il keep checking regularly.
if there is a mod or is that the whole game?
Comment by Igor — July 15, 2008 @ 12:28 am
Hi, I just downloaded the game and, like all the others, illegal command shows up… Instructions would be helpful, thanks
Comment by James — July 18, 2008 @ 7:40 pm
for all people who try to install it on XP or Vista, you just need to change your theme to Windows Classic
and then you will be able to see the setup window……..
take care guys and have fun
Comment by John — July 31, 2008 @ 9:06 pm
I am having the same problem as most others, getting the prompt of a “illegal command: c2.bat.
PLEASE HELP!!
Comment by Kevin — August 1, 2008 @ 2:22 pm
Hi, i believe i may also have the windows version of this game. although the game itself says it can be used on dos. I tried to un-install it on windows, but its saying the file was corrupted or something. could i just delete it? im not quite sure what to do…would you be willing to send me an email.
thank you very much.
Comment by gerry — September 1, 2008 @ 8:49 am
I have the same problem as a few other people. I run the autoplay, and get the install or quit option with the C2 logo in the background(No music or sound at this point). After I hit install, windows says it is not responding, but it’s not using any processor speed. The buttons go away and after a minute or two the autoplay screen disappears as windows shuts it down. Changing my theme doesn’t help, nor does putting the install and autoplay files into Win95 compatibility mode. Any suggestions?
Comment by Stephen — September 2, 2008 @ 4:31 pm
Sorry forgot a few things.
1) I have the windows version of C2
2) I have the exact same problem with Lords of the Realm 2
Comment by Stephen — September 2, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
I have the same problem with “Illegal command:c2.bat”, because I probably have the Windows version of the game. What can I do?
Comment by ellen — September 14, 2008 @ 3:55 am
Ok.
To Play C2 in XP/Vista
1. Get the newest available version of dosbox.
2. Make a directory called caesarII in just your c drive (location will be c:\caesarII)
3. Put ALL caesar II game files in the folder you just made
4. Run dos-box
5. Type exactly: mount c c:\caesarII
6. type exactly: C:
7. type exactly: c2.bat
8. Notice I didn’t use the expression “call.”
9. When it asks you to hit space to run off hard drive, do so.
10. When you see the sierra logo appear press alt-enter for full screen and enjoy.
Sound Instructions
1. Do steps 1 - 6 as stated above, then follow my next directions perfectly.
2. type exactly: setsound
3. Use arrow keys to highlight “Select and configure MIDI music driver” and press enter.
4. Scroll through the list until you see “Creative labs sound blaster or 100% compatible” and press enter.
5. Select “Attempt to configure sound driver automatically”
6. Repeats steps 4 and 5 for the digital audio driver.
7. Goto done.
8. Restart Dosbox
9. Follow my instructions for “To play C2 in XP/Vista” down to the keystroke.
Hope this helps you all
Comment by Shane — September 23, 2008 @ 8:33 pm
Now that I left a comment the size of asia, I have a question of my own. I’m having some texture problems with large palaces. Is anyone else experiencing this? If so, do you know of a fix? The textures seem to be pulling random pieces of the 3×3 forum or something. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.
Comment by Shane — September 23, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
The behavior of Palaces showing parts of forum etc is usually seen when an evolving block expands to palace not from houses alone but from gardens or just high ratings empty ground.
Comment by Martin — September 24, 2008 @ 7:16 am
I can’t take screenshots in Caesar II with either Screenprint button or Fraps…anyone have an idea how to get screenies? it is running fine on XP SP2 Btw, i use VDMS for sound but so afar I can run it fine with the CD
just no screenshots
Comment by CrisG — September 24, 2008 @ 7:45 pm
Thank you Martin
Comment by Shane — September 24, 2008 @ 9:51 pm
Still looking for a way to take screnshots in native CII, i know you can grab em with Dosbox so i may use that, but wondered if anyone had success with any capture programs? for some reason, not even Print Screen will get a shot thanks
Cris
Comment by CrisG — September 26, 2008 @ 5:27 pm