Dinosaur Digs or Marine Mania content is missing in the game (822787)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Zoo Tycoon
  • Microsoft Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs Expansion Pack
  • Microsoft Zoo Tycoon: Marine Mania Expansion Pack

SYMPTOMS

When you install one or more of the Microsoft Zoo Tycoon expansion packs (Marine Mania or Dinosaur Digs), the content from the expansion packs do not appear in the game. For example, the additional animals and items to purchase do not appear in the list of animals or the list of items.

Note Typically, the correct opening screen appears but the main menu appears as the original Zoo Tycoon game menu or the correct content selections do not appear under the menu buttons. For additional information about how to select the correct content, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

841020 How to play the original Zoo Tycoon after you install the expansion packs

CAUSE

This issue occurs if the Zoo.ini file is not updated correctly to include the file path for the expansion packs.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use one or more of the following methods.

Method 1: Manually Edit the Zoo.ini File

You can edit the Zoo.ini file manually to add the path as appropriate. To do so, follow these steps:
  1. Open the Zoo.ini file. By default, this file is installed in the following location:

    C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Zoo Tycoon\Zoo.ini

  2. Under the [resource] section, type the path that is appropriate for your Zoo Tycoon expansion pack.

Dinosaur Digs

Edit the [resource] section to contain the following single line beneath it:

path=./updates;./xpack3/loc;./xpack2/loc;./xpack1/loc;./loc;./zupdate;./xpack3;./xpack2;./xpack1;

Marine Mania or Complete Collection Disc 2

Edit the [resource] section to contain the following single line beneath it:

path=./dlupdate;./updates;./xpack2/loc;./xpack2;./dupdate;./zupdate1;./xpack1/loc;./xpack1;./zupdate;./loc;

For example, this will look similar to the following:

[resource] path=./dlupdate;./updates;./xpack2/loc;./xpack2;./dupdate;./zupdate1;./xpack1/loc;./xpack1;./zupdate;./loc;

Method 2: Remove and Reinstall Zoo Tycoon and the Expansion Packs

Step 1: Remove Zoo Tycoon and the Expansion Packs

  1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Click Add or Remove Programs.
  3. In the list of installed programs, click Zoo Tycoon, and then click Change\Remove.
  4. Click Uninstall, and then click OK.

Step 2: Restart Your Computer by Using a Clean Boot Procedure

When you start Microsoft Windows, typically there are a number of programs that start automatically and run in the background that may interfere with the game. These programs may include antivirus and system utility programs. When you perform a clean boot, you prevent these programs from starting automatically.

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.

To restart your computer by using a clean boot procedure, follow these steps if you are using Microsoft Windows XP:

Note You may experience a temporary loss of some services functionality when you follow these steps. Restoring the settings restores the functionality, but the original error message or behavior may return as a result.
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. In the Open box, type msconfig, and then click OK.
  3. On the General tab, click Selective Startup.
  4. Under Selective Startup, click to clear the following check boxes:
    • Process SYSTEM.INI File
    • Process WIN.INI File
    • Load Startup Items
  5. On the Services tab, click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box, and then click Disable All.
  6. Click OK, and then click Restart.
To perform a clean boot procedure, click the Play button to view this streaming media demonstration.
To return from a clean boot state, click the Play button to view this streaming media demonstration.
For additional information or to view steps for other operating systems, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

331796 Games: How to perform a clean boot to prevent background programs from interfering with game play

Step 3: Install Zoo Tycoon and the Expansion Packs

  1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
  2. In the right pane, click Add New Programs.
  3. In the left pane, click CD or Floppy.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation process.
  5. When Zoo Tycoon is completely installed, insert your expansion pack CD-ROM, and then follow the instructions on the screen to completely install the expansion pack.

Step 4: Return the Computer to a Normal Startup State

  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. In the Open box, type msconfig, and then click OK.
  3. Click Normal Startup, and then click OK.
  4. Click Restart.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/2/2006
Keywords:kbdisplay kbsetup kbhowto kbArtTypeSHOWME kbprb KB822787 kbAudEndUser