Guide: How To Swap From Console To PC

I originally wrote this on Alla but with all the hoo-ha about the problems with the PS2, I thought I'd repost it here. If anyone has some suggestions on controllers, PLEASE! I'd appreciate any suggestions on third party wireless controllers with good battery life that won't break when you look at 'em. (I can tell you as a console player myself; console players treat their controllers..pretty roughly.)
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Guide: Changing from Console to PC

Yeah I know I know I KNOW! Seekers is only going to be on Xbox or PC, leaving PS2 players out in the cold. Also I've seen a lot of people say to console players when they get problems, “Get a PC” but not what to do to get the game changed to the PC. Well, 'ol Eli's got your back. I made the switch 2-3 years ago b/c of a bit of a PS2 argument and have never looked back, tho I have access to the PS2 version for a backup. (I rarely use it for more than backing up my macros to it, however.)

Enough of this, let's get into the meat.

First off, you need a pc that can run the game. Minimum system requirements are(from the US site; I've commented some): Pentium 3 800 MgZ processor(Or Athelon 3600 or so; Don't use their newest processor, I hear sadly the newest Athelons suck), 128 mb of RAM, a decent video card, either Nvidia or Radeon (Site says ATI Radeon 9000 series if you use a Radeon; I've actually ran it on a 4000 series card before I rebuilt my PC. Which wasn't bad bad (I get some artifacts but that doesn't bother me) but they don't mention you can run it on older cards. I wouldn't recommend less than a 3000 series card, however.), Direct X 8.1 compat sound card or sound chip, and 9.5 gb hdd space. Oh and you need a dvd-rom drive if you don't plan to install the game electronically.

Of course, if you got better than that you're golden. Just to be sure.. run the benchmark, which you can find here. I have only been able to find it on the EU version of the official site but that should tell you if you can run it.

Next, you need a some kinda joystick. For PS2 players, I suggest getting a clone for a PS2 joystick or a Super Dual Box Pro or some kind of PS2 controller to USB adapter. (If you get a clone for a ps2 controller, I suggest you check reviews on reliability and go to a physical store to pick one up and check the feel of it before you buy. The few times I haven't used a adapter, I've used This controller which I like; but everyone's different, so make sure you do your homework.) There are others, check reviews before you buy since some of them sorta suck and break easily. There is a way to use a PS3 controller for a pc if you don't wanna spend money; Here is a guide for that. (Keep in mind I cannot guarantee that will work since I haven't tested that) As for those who have been playing Xbox 360, a Xbox 360 controller can be used on a pc straight up since MS has made official drivers. Anyway, get one if you don't wanna relearn how to move.

Next thing, you need to make sure the PC is going to be secure. I know. Account hackings are not so common anymore but I would not want to take the risk if I were you; unfortunately the PC is more vulnerable than consoles to accounts getting stolen because you can get viruses/spyware/keyloggers/crap on a pc, while you can't on the console. So you need to defend yourself before you install FFXI, since believe me, preventing it is better than trying to get your account back and cure it. >.< First off, if the computer has been being used, you need to check it for viruses and spyware. I suggest getting MalwareBytes and Avast or Avira or Microsoft Security Essentials and do a full scan. Clean it if needed, if you really got garbage on that pc that those will not remove, this thread on BG should be able to help you get it cleaned. Only use the directions in there if you absolutely have to, however. There is a risk you might have to reformat anyway when you use those instructions, so make sure you have your windows disks and drivers close at hand if you find yourself doing that.

Anyway, after you do that, don't use IE for anything from then on other than updating Windows! IE BAAAD, it's full of security holes. It might as well be made of swiss cheese. I recommend going to Firefox or Google Chrome immediately, tho the extensions are a little different for Chrome. Anyway, for Firefox, and before I go on; this is mostly based on this thread on Windower's board tho I am giving you updated instructions.

First off, once you got Firefox, install Adblocker Plus and NoScript before you do anything else! Set up Adblocker Plus and Noscript same as that thread says (the options haven't changed), then here's where it changes; you need to go here to install the EasyList and EasyPrivacy filters, then go here to install Fanboy's List, then go here to find out how to use adblocker to remove both google and yahoo ads (Google ads were blamed for a certain hacking attack).

If you got Chrome, you want Adblocker Plus for Chrome and either Notscript or ScriptNo or use native stuff in Google Chrome to block scripts.. I recommend ScriptNo if you are not very computer smart; it's more intuitive than the other two options for script blocking, however. Just install the same Adblocker Plus filters as if you were using Firefox (all of them have Chrome versions now) and you'll have the same first line of defense as Firefox users. I don't know all the configs on that but I don't think it'll be hard to figure out. ^^

Now for the last bits. The programs I mentioned earlier for scanning for viruses/spyware should do you(take your pick of antiviruses), also I suggest you install HijackThis and make sure you run it once a month or so to check for anything “off” or “wierd”. Also if you got some money to spend, you want either ESET Online Security or Kapersky for antivirus protection.

As for firewalls, the one mentioned in the thread is so out of date it really stinks. Windows Firewall is okay, tho if you're really paranoid, Comodo Firewall is very good, so is Online Armor. Both give you decent protection with very little nagging. Also, if you're behind a router you're proly already behind a firewall, to be honest, so you might wanna stomp that paranoia.

Also, there's some stuff you might want to get rid of b/c it is buggy or often is a vector for viruses/hacks anyway. Three programs can be trouble; that is, Adobe Acrobat, Quicktime, and Real Player. I can understand someone keeping quicktime if they got an ipod or ipad or an iphone however; Apple's kinda mmm. Bad that way. And I know some have to use Acrobat for school or work, so if that's the case for you, you might feel it's better to keep it. If you can get away with getting rid of it however, I suggest replacing Acrobat with Foxit Reader (make sure you do a custom install on that however; if you're not careful you can get some stuff you don't want with that), Quicktime with Quicktime Alternative, and Real Player with Real Alternative. Either way, ALWAYS keep all your programs updated; everything from Flash (which also can also be a vector for viruses/gunk but is so much a part of most people's browsing lives that it's impossible to get rid of; not to mention there is NOT a substitute) to Windows itself. This will patch any holes that those clowns use to get the stuff on yer system. If you wanna be fast about it, Ninite can set you up a autoinstaller for most other common stuff; just a warning with that however, never select anything that you have to do a custom install with to avoid extra unwanted garbage (Foxit, VLC) for it will install the extra garbage without telling you. Best to update those by hand.

Ok, enough for the security stuff for the moment. Now, you need a copy of the game. There's some mmm..less than legal ways to get it, which I won't cover here (I like to know where the frick my software has been, so I'm very wary of anything pirated) Basically you got about three choices if you don't wanna be erm, naughty. (Two if you want Seekers too.)You can go on Ebay and buy a used copy if you don't care about the new expansion (Codes? You got the codes!) of the Ultimate Edition (Don't get anything less than that.), you can buy the Ultimate Collection Seekers Edition off Amazon (again, codes? Who needs codes? Well, unless you want Seekers, then you want the codes for sure.). If you get it off Amazon, it will proly run you no more than 40 bucks USD; the pain in the butt is no disks. There is one more option however; Get it off Steam. Steam often has sales on it that will bring it down to $10 or less, however, you will not get any disks. Unfortunately you will get codes for this, but the tradeoff is you'll be able to get any of the minis you missed + a neat chocobo cap. If you REALLY don't wanna pay for another copy of the game (Don't blame you!) there is one possible legal way to get it for free: US Free Trial Client or EU Free Trial Client. D/l the one for your region and DON'T request a free trial code. You got codes, and it should unlock the FULL game other than Seekers when you use them, besides, who the bleep would want to play a gutted account like that? Unless you're really trying out the game? (Been sorta tested but not fully; so be careful if you try that. You might not get the expansions, if it don't work for that get it off Steam; tho the trial can and will fix a messed up install.)

Anyway; got your adapter/joystick plugged in and set up/drivers installed? Computer secured? Ok. Install the game by whatever method, depending on where you got it. Make sure you have your original instruction book nearby or at least know what your account number/POL pass/Square Enix Account name/Square Enix password is. When it asks for the codes, just hit “I have an existing account” and enter in the information it asks for. POL will then update, which won't take very long.

Then comes the real mess, updating FFXI. If you did the trial client you'll have to do this anyway. Might as well get it over with since this is one of the worst parts.. Log fully in (add sq.enix credentials first by hitting Settings and entering in your Square Enix id or you can't do it!) and go update FFXI. This will take 2-3 hours(At least for my connection; it CAN take longer; up to 7 or 8 hours if congestion is bad or it's feeling slow that day since FFXI is capped at 56k). If it looks like it's going to take that long, do it overnight.). If you wanna get on NOW, well. BG is again your friend; someone made an update archive you can find here. Make sure you use a program that can unzip files that are split in pieces if you use that, otherwise you will have some really odd effects like no music when fighting Alexander! (Ooops! BTW, that can't be fixed by a file check, sad to say. I made that mistake once and had to beg a friend for the music files for that fight..ugh.) Once it finishes, do NOT go into FFXI; back out using the mouse and the Escape key immediately. You won't be able to do anything in game without your controller, so that's next on the agenda..Log fully out and close POL.

After that and POL is closed, go directly to the FFXI config; you need to set up your joypad. On the first tab, hit Gamepad Settings. That's where you can set it up. Click Enable, then you'll have to tweak it, which can be a pain in the can. If you're using Dual Box Pro however, this is what I use, which is about as close to a real PS2 as you can get. I don't use force feedback since an earlier version of this adapter caused FFXI to crash with it on. (That's rumble btw, if you used it on PS2, you might try and see if it doesn't crash FFXI anymore but you might have to kiss it goodbye.) If you're using a Xbox 360 controller, be aware the triggers may not want to work for you, I've heard of people having to use Xpadder to get them to work right. So be prepared to cuss a bit, just keep trying and hitting Test Joystick (so you can see how it'd work) until you got it working the way you want. (This is also why I recommend you have your original manual around since it has the default controller config in it for your system. If you lost it (BAD!) Wiki has a list of the default controller configs.) After you hit okay, check what your screen res is and change the res to match or as close as you can get, you can always change that later. IF you can't find the FFXI config, it SHOULD be right there in the start menu under Playonline/Final Fantasy XI (I've never seen it NOT be there, but I'm aware Windows 7 can be strange; I know my brother always has to search for FFXI for some dumb reason) use Windows Search to search for a file called "FINAL FANTASY XI Config.exe" and run it. (It should be in your FFXI directory in either \PlayOnline\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XI\ToolsUS\ or \PlayOnline\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XI\ToolsEU\ ).

To finish, you'd better go get your macros. Boot up your console version, get to where your characters are, highlight your main, and:

If you're on PS2: Hit L1+L3 (Press the left stick like a button for L3.)
If you're on Xbox 360: Hit LB+ Left Stick Button

Then back out and log out. This will save your macros to the server so you can get them later.

Now it's time to get your macros on the PC. Login again, highlight your main again on the chara select screen then hit Shift + Alt + Ctrl + R. Then back out again; since the config changed a while back, you'll prolly want to tweak the res in FFXI config once more to go better with your screen resolution.

Also if your charas looked squashed/fat on the select screen, it's proly because the aspect ratio is wrong. You need to change that in game; basically log in fully to the game, make sure you know what your screen aspect ratio is (you'll have to look that up; look up your monitor on Google so you can find out), go to big menu in game, hit MISC2, then up the background aspect ratio to match what your monitor's is. Be aware, your charas will always look squashed on the select screen if you have to up it, but they'll look normal in game. Once you fix that; go to Global and make sure auto-disconnect is off (and the language filter is off as well if that bothers you; I keep it on b/c I got friends with salty mouths and I don't want to see that, tho it causes some funny situations sometimes.)

After that, finally one more security bit and I'll shut up; you proly will want to get a new security token if you got it only for the mog satchel then deactivated it (I bet you are kicking yourself if you did now). That is meant to be the final lock on your account; think of all the other security stuff as a bunch of locks to keep hackers from finding out your FFXI passwords, and the token as the big, heavy, ugly lock on the top of all the other locks. Go here if you live in NA, here if you live in EU, and get one or get a new one and attach it to the account. I also suggest you get a keychain (I use a stuffed animal keychain) to put it on by itself so you won't lose it.

One more thing, if you got the joypad config wrong (you'll know the instant you log fully in the first time, it'll feel wrong) /shutdown and go mess with the controller config again.

It may feel strange at first also if you're used to using the onscreen kb or a chatpad (UGH, how can you use that *****?) because you'll have to adjust to using a keyboard and a controller from here on out; there is no onscreen in FFXI PC, but it'll stay compatible for a very long time, proly until the game goes down. ^^
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Frequently Asked Questions That I Didn't Cover in the Guide:

1. What about Windower? -- I don't use it so I can't help you with windower! But if you want to use it, search for "FFXI Windower" on Google; make sure you always d/l from the official site for that to avoid viruses/crap. Other than that, ask on their board if you need help.

2. My graphics look like crap/res problems -- Run FFXI config and play with that. If that doesn't get it to where you want it, this should help you. WARNING! Make sure you back up your registry before you use that wiki page!

3. I'm using a Xbox controller and I still can't get the triggers to work, even with xpadder -- I can't guarantee anything with that. I have not played with that controller, ever..the only ones in the house belong to a certain little brother I do not want to cross. Someone said This or This might help; either is worth a shot.

To be frank, if you came from PS2, I recommend using a Super Dual Box Pro or a PS2 controller clone(Like this one) for plug, install driver, and play on FFXI without cursing TOO much. Logitech also makes a decent one but if you don't want it to break after a year, get some electrical tape and wrap it around the wire right next to where it comes out of the joystick; stupid thing didn't have any strain relief, which is what causes it to break (without the tape, that means the wire breaks inside after a while. Which sucks!) Just with USB PS2 controller clones, check reviews first; some of them break after a year and you don't want that. I can understand a Xbox player wanting to stick with the controller they're used to though.

Didn't read the whole thing, kinda long and I already play on PC, but from what I read, good guide, +1'd it

stopped reading at joystick

No offence I just thought this ***was common sense in checking a game runs on your system and finding a controller..

I play exclusively with controller. One time mine broke during a ls event, told them I had to go, logged off and didn't try to play again until I replaced it.

I know some of you may think common sense on most of this but...I'm dead serious..Most console players are very PC security dumb. And for good reason. The one advantage console players have over pc players is console FFXI accounts, as long as they never switch to PC, are pretty much unhackable. The only time a console player has been hacked that I know of is if there was some inside job in square or the community thing got hacked OR they went dual console/pc and caught something.

To tell one story that happened to a friend of mine (I'll call her Hikari here to protect her privacy; that is not her real ffxi chara name.); Hikari went dual ps2/pc for a while and got hacked because of ignorance and she caught something on the pc. She sent the pc to the shop to get cleaned and went perm back to the PS2. Last I talked to her, she was thinking about quitting before the expansion comes out. *shrugs* I hate seeing that, so best to do it right the first bloody time and lock the pc down.

Also, console players have been basically using chatpad or controller + usb kb for a very very long time now. You can't make someone change their ways in a instant, give them only a keyboard and they couldn't do ANYTHING in game. So don't knock it. I always tell people, "Stick to what you're used to if you can!"; if you're used to kb only, fine. If you're used to keyboard + controller, stick to that. ^^

And don't worry, no offense taken. I just figure most PC players who have had to deal with that crap from the first account hackings would find all that security stuff well..common sense. But to a console player, that stuff could come as a VERY rotten surprise. I know it did for Hikari. ^^ (Me? I was all, "I hate viruses!" and secured my browsing pc at the time down even tho I didn't play ffxi on it; I've never been hacked and only had a very minor spyware problem at one point.)

i'm in the same boat, can't do anything without my controller lol

inb4 "that's what she said"

I've played a few MMO without controller (Rift, GW2, Aion) but I've always felt a lot more comfortable with a controller.

Nice guide.

Due to the influx that may happen from seekers I've been considering putting my install disk / updated mov-rom-sounds on some online file service so people can get a recently updated version; just not sure where to put something this large.

Also been considering making an FFXI package manager.

If Skyrim does make an MMO, I'd have to play with controller too. Just can't use the keyboard for that game.. (can't sneak gradually enough lmao x_x and hate having to use the mouse to control the camera) But i've always played ffxi on PC and can't stand a controller here. I just never click any stupid/shady links and have never had any probs with spyware/viruses/etc. Just gotta be smart/careful. <3 but yeah, stick with what works for you.

I avoid the XBOX360 version of FFXI because of a silly bug on the chatpad support... If you press keys on the chatpad at a certain situation, it gets stuck repeating the last character typed. It cannot be stopped even removing the chatpad won't cause it to stop. That prevents you from logging out as you cant open the menu to log out or type /shutdown. Also you can't bring the "logout" prompt from pushing the start button for the same reason you cannot bring the menu.

Which leaves you with three options:

Push the power button on the XBOX360 console
Push the eject button on the XBOX360 console
Push the guide button and exit to the dashboard

And all three are likely to corrupt the FFXI install. Nice stuff, eh ?

XBOX360 works fine with a USB keyboard as long you don't have a chatpad connected to any of the controllers.

Mariane; Actually I think the PS2 version (before it got so darned buggy/freezeprone) works best with a cheap USB kb and a controller as well.(The onscreen just sucks really bad) Cheaper the better with usb kbs for consoles IMO since it's a fact; It WILL end up on the floor and stepped on. That is also unfortunate with chatpads and the Xbox 360 version..I have never messed with a chatpad myself, tho I know some who do.

And tbh, I find what's happened to the PS2 version a little sad. It used to be the most stable version and the PC version used to crash a lot/have problems with hitting the windows key. (Don't laugh, I have been around since the US PS2/PC beta) Now the PS2 version freezes/crashes a lot and the PC version is more stable. How the mighty have fallen...Well, still makes a good place to keep my last resort backup on my macros. ^^

Tho yes, I hope I can help someone coming back and going "WTF? Not for my PS2?" get swapped. ^^

I won't laugh. I played FFXI with a Japanese PS2 for three years, then another four with an USA PS2. ;)

I only stopped using it because ever since the team that knew how to program for the PS2 moved on to the PS3 version of FF XIV (I believe that happened right after they finished developing the programming side of WotG, somewhere around 2007), FFXI for PS2 became a little more than an laughing stock.

Random comment "for the lulz":

It was hilarious how it took them almost four years to finish WotG. Obviously they stretched it as much as they could and I bet the contents were all ready to go back in 2007 when it was released. lol

You probably remember how smooth was the frame rate on the PS2 before the release of CoP... It actually played better than the PC version back then.

Yeah I remember that...I played PS2 up until the freezing started, ironically. Then I got this old thing upgraded and never looked back.

Up until 2008~ I had better framrate on the PS2 than I did PC, but then again my PC wasn't the greatest in the world, pre COP specs.

It's funny how they still haven't released XIV for the PS3 though. Then again, somebody should have committed seppuku for the release of XIV, in a lot of people's opinions.

I started with a controller. When I swapped to keyboard I wasn't very impressed.

But then someone introduced me to Windower. Goodbye forever, controller. Maybe I'll pull you out of my closet one day if I decide to play NES emulators for nostalgic value.

Heh. Well, update put in, I tweaked recommendations b/c Seekers is out on where to get the game, and also added a guide for using a PS3 controller on a PC. (not been tested tho; use at your own risk)

If you hit the last key that is repeating on the chatpad it will stop and you can go back to doing whatever you were doing. I've had that problem a few times when my 360 controller died but it is easily remedied.

I'll see if I can get this restickyed guys.

Anyway pretty minor update; I have rebuilt my pc so had to reflect that, also a link no longer worked, so fixed. ^^

Common sense went out the window when I saw this on majority of food packaging.



OMG SOMETHING THAT GETS COOKED MIGHT BE HOT?!

SERIOUSLY?!?

Then we have to think this is the case everywhere. Well Appears the Canadians are beating us.



Never apply common sense, aparently it died out with manners, intelligence and chivalry.

You're one of a kind Conagh.

Don't ever change.