Arkona

Installing games

You've downloaded a game, but don't know what to do with its ISO or RAR files? I'll show you the different Windows installation methods. Start by reading the release's NFO.

Mounting an ISO or BIN/CUE

For an ISO on Windows, right-click > Mount, then open the new virtual drive. A BIN is not mounted natively the same way: keep its CUE file if provided and use a compatible disc-image tool. Do not rename .bin to .iso.

For multipart archives, download every part before extracting. Use trusted files and keep security protection enabled.

Method 1 · ISO installation

  1. Mount the disc image and open the installer: setup.exe, install.exe or the executable named after the group.
  2. Follow the installation steps and select the game's destination folder.
  3. If the release instructions require it, apply the supplied crack using the installer's Apply crack / Copy crack files after installation option, or copy the contents of the Crack or group folder into the installed game folder afterward.
  4. Once installation is complete, launch the game from its shortcut or executable.

Method 2 · RAR with installer

  1. Extract the archive, then open setup.exe, install.exe or the supplied installer.
  2. Follow the installation procedure and any release-specific instructions.
  3. Launch the game using the shortcut created by the installer, if present.

Method 3 · Ready-to-run archive

  1. Extract the complete archive into a folder where you want to keep the game.
  2. Run the game's executable, following any accompanying notes.

Method 4 · Local installer

  1. Extract the archive and run the .exe or .bat specified in its instructions, only if you trust its source.
  2. Wait for the game files to be prepared. They are usually created in the extraction folder, unless the installer says otherwise.
  3. Launch the game's executable after the process completes.

Method 5 · CD1 / CD2

  1. Mount the CD1 image and start setup.exe.
  2. Follow the installer. When it requests another disc, mount CD2 (then any further discs) and resume the installation.
  3. If instructed, copy the supplied crack into the installed game folder. It may be on CD2 or another disc: follow the NFO rather than assuming its location.
  4. After installation finishes, launch the game from its shortcut.

Method 6 · Trainer

A trainer modifies a running game; it is not a game installer. Check the supported version and use it offline in single-player, not on competitive servers.

  1. Launch the trusted trainer executable.
  2. Launch the game. Follow the trainer's notes if they require the opposite order.
  3. Enable the desired options using the trainer's controls or shortcuts.