Uninstall/Install issue (CLE0002: Error reading directory)

When installing DS or C3 on a computer where DS or C3 has been installed before, some users may get "error reading directory" error messages and other similar warnings. The most likely reason for this is that the previous installation of the game was not uninstalled using our tried and tested uninstall process. Read on to find out how to fix this.

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A typical example of this error message is:

App::InitLocalisation
Catalogue Error: CLE0002: Error reading directory ".\Catalogue\"
Windows NT/2000 5.1 build 2600 ()
OriginalDisplay DirectX (no modules)
Tue Nov 12 17:37:58 2002 - User's_Name_Here - 2.286

The game hasn't been uninstalled properly -- the Registry entries for Docking Station are still there. You need to remove the Docking Station Registry entries to be able to install again properly.

Be VERY careful when making changes to your registry. There may be a way to back up your whole Registry before editing it, if so, I suggest you consider finding out how to, and doing that. If you have Windows 95/98/ME check this link for instructions on how to back-up your registry.

If Docking Station and Creatures 3 are currently installed, try running their uninstall programs first. I'd suggest uninstalling Docking Station then Creatures 3. Remember, deleting a directory or moving it about is a sure fire way to stuff up a program's installation. So be sure to use the uninstall process provided.

After you have uninstalled, be sure to physically delete the remaining Creatures 3 and Docking Station directories. If you install over them, you may end up retaining a problem that was caused by some of the extra files left over after install.

Go to Start Menu / Run and type in regedit and press OK. The exact steps may differ depending on your operating system.

You need to delete the following keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Creature Labs/Docking Station (and all it's sub keys -- ie InstallBlast).

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Cyberlife Technology/Docking Station (this is the most important one, as it is the one that contains the file paths of your DS directories).

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Cyberlife Technology/Creatures 3 (Same thing again, but for Creatures 3).

HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Cyberlife Technology/Creatures 3 (Notice it's not in the same place as the other three. This one contains preference options such as screen mode, language, windowed-mode window positions).

You may have to check the manual for your operating system to find out exact instructions on how to use regedit, if you're unsure.

After that, reboot and try installing again in the following order:

• Install Creatures 3.
• If it's not patched, install Patch 2 only.
• Install Docking Station.

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Topic Keywords: c3 cie errors installation oswindows9x oswindowsxp