Watchtower Library 2007 Forum

2007 edition and CrossOver 6.2 don't like each other! Big problem.

Up until 2007 edition the application has worked well. 2007 installs successfully. But when running it, the new version throws up an odd message just after the splash window. It says, "Watchtower Library data files cannot be accessed. Please ensure that the necessary media is accessible and try again." Then it exits.

Of course, the data files are there and they have the necessary access permissions. There's a bug. The following describes how you can work around it, hopefully temporarily until there's a fix. (In fact, it has already been fixed in later versions of Wine: 0.9.52 under Linux runs without issues. CrossOver just needs to catch up!)

Meanwhile however...

Prerequisites
What you will need:

• Apple Mac running OS X (Tiger or Leopard)
• CrossOver Mac 6.2, latest version from CodeWeavers
• Watchtower Library 2007 CD-ROM
• Watchtower Library 2006 CD-ROM (strange but true, please read on)

Procedure
Install Watchtower Reader from the 2006 edition! You might already have this running.

Remember, the 2006 edition comes with two pieces of software: Watchtower library and Watchtower reader. Latter is the newer piece of software with simpler interface. I understand that the society prefer this one because it makes internationalisation easier. Hence the new 2007 edition comes with just one piece of software: the reader! Although, it's now called Watchtower library in 2007.

Confused? Anyway, install the Reader from 2006.

Next, copy the "rs_data" folder from the 2007 CD-ROM to "C:\Program Files\Watchtower\Watchtower Reader\E" in the bottle. Overwrite the pre-existing folder. Finally, run the 2006 reader. The splash window still says 2006, but the contents are 2007! Note, you do not need to run the 2007 installation program, just copy the rs_data folder.

You might also want to fix the native COMCTL32.DLL issue if you want to read scripture references in tooltips (yellow pop-up boxes).

This is a workaround until the issue between CrossOver and Watchtower Library has been resolved. It means you can read this year's day texts and access last year's Watchtower and Awake issues in the meantime.

Regards,
Roy

I tried the work-around you suggested, I'd already tried the same before seeing your post, but although the programme launches, it crashes if you attempt to use the forward, back or home buttons. Also I'm missing the blue arrows in area '3'. Any ideas?

Regards,
Tony

It sounds like you're running with the built-in COMCTL32.

COMCTL32 contains Windows software for displaying commonly-used graphics components. Wine provides a built-in version of the DLL. However, Wine currently does not provide 100% compatibility (its authors claim about 80%). Consequently, tooltips and parts of the lefthand panel disappear when you rely on the built-in implementation.

What platform and versions are you running with? There can also be an issue with correctly loading native COMCTL32 versus built-in.

Regards,
Roy

If I have WtLib 2006 already installed in the same bottle, do I have to uninstall it before installing the Reader, or can I just install the reader along with Library, and then replace the rs_data-folder?

Stefan Swales wrote:

If I have WtLib 2006 already installed in the same bottle, do I have
to uninstall it before installing the Reader, or can I just install
the reader along with Library, and then replace the rs_data-folder?
Good question. It boils down to: do they interfere with each other?

From memory (I don't have the old 2006 Watchtower Library installed) they do share a common DLL subdirectory, i.e. MEPSCommon. It needs testing but my guess is that they will run within the same bottle without problems. Has anyone else had experience using them together?

They don't share the same data directories. If you install both you should find the following layout:```
Program Files\
Watchtower\
MEPSCommon
Watchtower Library 2006\
E\
rs_data
Watchtower Reader\
E\
rs_data

The 2006 reader software and data install into a *separate* subdirectory (the latter above). When copying 2007 data, you need to move it to Watchtower Reader\*language*\rs_data only. So it will only alter the Reader's data.

Does that help?

While this might not be exactly in step with the theme of the forum, if I could maybe go slightly off topic, would anyone mind? Is there ANY way such an adjustment/fix can be found that would make the 2007 Library work with computers running Windows 98SE? Many have found themselves "stuck" due to not having an operating system the new Library will work with. With people finding ways to make the '07 work with Linux and Pocket PCs, isn't there a way to make it work with W98?