Installation guide

How to Obtain the SoD-Client

There are several ways to obtain the client required to play on the SoD server. The easiest way is to download the game directly from the Live developers via their patcher. Just google "everquest" and follow the normal process until Everquest is installed, and then patch SoD over that directory.

Alternatively, The Titanium edition of Everquest is recommended for ease of installation yet any install past Gates of Discord (around 2004) will work just as well. Many online merchants (Amazon.com for instance) sell the software. Consult friends and associates to see if they have a copy you can borrow. However, if it is impossible for you to obtain a copy of Titanium edition, other versions of the game will do but you must have access to expansions going up to Gates of Discord (minimum.)

While Everquest installation files may be downloaded through peer-to-peer file-sharing networks (or otherwise pirated), the staff of Shards of Dalaya supports buying or downloading the game through legitimate retailers. As such, no links to pirated copies of the game may be shared in official public channels (this includes this wiki, official game-related IRC channels, the official forums, or in-game.)

Installation

• Give the Server rules a read-over, and make sure you understand them. It is the responcibility of every player to know them.
• It is highly recommended that you install the .net framework to make installation process smoother. You can download it here.
• Go to the registration page  and register for an account, if you do not already have one.
• Vista users: In order to use EQWindows you must turn off DEP in order for it to work efficiently. See this image from Xardon for instructions.
• Mac users: You will need to download Crossover Games and create a bottle to install the Everquest software to.
• Linux users: Check out SoD in Linux for details and help.
• To run in fullscreen, create a shortcut to eqgame.exe with patchme after the .exe. For example: "C:\Program Files\EQ-SoD\eqgame.exe" patchme

Pre-Gates of Discord Edition method

Only follow these instructions if you are using an install that predates the Gates of Discord expansion (pre 2004 or so). We do not recommend this if you can use a more modern installation!

1. Install the live game using any expansions you may have, since this will shorten your eventual download time. (We recommend installing it to c:\Program Files\EQ-SoD )
2. Run "everquest.exe". At this point, the Live Game's patcher will run.
3. Let the patcher update itself.
4. Watch closely: After a few moments it will start scanning your game files. When it does this, click 'cancel', then 'advanced'.
5. Check all expansions up to and including "Lost Dungeons," then 'save'.
6. Press 'Download'.
7. Let the files download.
8. When the patching is completed, close the Live Game's patcher.

Post Gates of Discord Method (2004 and onward)

1. Install the game normally (We recommend installing it to C:\Program Files\EQ-SoD )

Patching normal installations to Shards of Dalaya

Shards of Dalaya patcher

EQW

Following the installation of the Everquest client software, the game must be patched in order to use Shards of Dalaya's servers and unique content.

1. Download the SoD Patcher . Save the patcher to a path of your choice. You should have one application called "sodpatcher.exe".
2. Run the patcher. If you run Vista or Windows 7, it will ask you to access your computer. Click allow. This is necessary because the patcher needs access to your installation directory.
3. You will see the SoD Patcher pop up (see screenshot thumbnail to the right). Change the "the game" Directory to where you installed "the game" (the default location is C:\Program Files\Sony\Everquest).
4. Keep the default settings checked, and check "Bind Affinity to Processor:" if you use a dual-core or quad-core processor. Click Patch and Run.
5. Let the files download.
6. If you checked Use EQW, another window will pop up (see screenshot thumbnail to the right). It will ask you to locate your "the game" executable. Go to your installation directory, and choose eqgame.exe from the list ("the game".exe will not work). Click Start "the game".
7. After the patcher runs, you should see the EULA displayed in-game. Go through the configuration, checking settings you want, and enjoy.
8. In the future, simply run the SoD Patcher, and select 'Patch and Run'. The game will start after it checks to see if your SoD files are up to date. Creating a shortcut to the patcher to launch the game is highly suggested for ease of use.

Steam download and patching

1. Purchase the game on Steam.
2. Download the game.
3. Download the SoD Patcher . Save the patcher to a path of your choice. You should have one application called "sodpatcher.exe".
4. You may need to open ports on your router. If so, it would be 1024-6000 and 7000 for both TCP and UDP traffic.
5. When you open the patcher, set your game directory path to C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\Everquest\
6. If you have a multi-core processor, bind affinity to processor 1 or 2. This can help alleviate issues since the game was developed long before multi-core was around.
7. If you choose to use EQW to run in windowed mode, set your executable path to C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\Everquest\eqgame.exe
8. Click "Patch and Run".