GenTool_v8.9.exe file - C&C: Generals Zero Hour

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GenTool

• Overview & Download

• Install Instructions & Tips

• Frequently Asked Questions

• ChangelogCompatibility

• Developer Team

• GenTool Updater

Anti Cheat

• Upload Mode

• Green Ping

• Maphack Detection System

• Game File Validation

Features

• Menu

• Random Balance

• Ranked Maps

• Widescreen

• Observer Chat

• Camera Height / Pitch / Rotation

• Scroll Speed

• Control Bar Toggle

• Ticker / Clock / Timer Display

• Framerate (FPS) Limit

• Cursor Lock

• Window position presets

• JPG Screenshot

• Replay Speed Controls

• Proxy DLL

• Render Mode

• Replay Observer

• Adjust brightness

• Game Fixes

• Online Lobby and Statistics

Overview & Download

GenTool adds widescreen support, and provides enhanced game controls and optimizations to maximize your online gaming experience. Additionally it comes with three anti cheat solutions for Generals and Zero Hour. The program is easy to install and is fully functional with C&C Generals version 1.08, C&C Generals Zero Hour version 1.04, Generals Deluxe Edition, The First Decade and The Ultimate Collection.

Download GenTool

GenTool Replays & Images

Other GenTool Files

Useful links

• GenPatcher

Fixes 99% of start-up crash bugs for Windows 10 and 11

Can install GenTool

Can install additional content and add-ons

• Tools

GenTable: Scoreboard for video streamers

RepInfo: Tool for organizing and inspecting replay files

Additional links

Note: Any of the patches or fixes listed here can automatically be distributed and installed through GenPatcher, linked above.

• Tools

GameRangerDirectConnectFixer: Fixes direct connect for non-English game install

GeneralsProxyLauncher: Launches game in windowed mode with GameRanger

• Official Game Patches
• No CD executables
• Zero Hour Control Bar HD Improves texture quality of Control Bar
• Zero Hour Control Bar Pro Modern Control Bar for Players
• Zero Hour Control Bar Obs Minimalist Control Bar for Observers
• Zero Hour German Uncut Lite
• Generals & Zero Hour Improved Hotkeys

Donations: paypal.me/gentool

Logo: www.gentool.net/images/logo_large.png

Install Instructions & Tips

Steps for automatic install method

1. Download GenTool as EXE Installer
2. Run the executable and follow the instructions
3. Restart the game

Steps for manual install method

1. Download GenTool as ZIP file
2. Open the ZIP archive
3. Extract d3d8.dll into the Generals and/or Zero Hour install directory
4. Restart the game

Steps for GenPatcher install method

1. Temporarily turn off the anti-virus scanner if necessary
2. Download GenPatcher
3. Run GenPatcher
4. Click the Install GenTool button
5. Restart the game

Common game install directories

• C:\Program Files (x86)\EA Games\Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour
• C:\Program Files (x86)\EA Games\Command & Conquer The First Decade\Command & Conquer™ Generals Zero Hour
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Command & Conquer Generals - Zero Hour
• C:\Program Files\EA Games\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour

Common user data directories

• %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Data
• %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data

Generals Zero Hour Install Check List

Does not apply when using GenPatcher and its Apply Fixes button.

1. Remove dbghelp.dll in game install directory to avoid crash on boot
2. Remove EngineBrowser.dll in Generals install directory to avoid crash on quit
3. Remove Data\INI\INIZH.big in game install directory to avoid crash on boot
4. Add missing IdealStaticGameLOD = High Options.ini entry in user data directory to avoid crash
5. Add monitor supported Resolution = X Y Options.ini entry in user data directory to avoid crash
6. Add -win -quickstart to Desktop Game Shortcut via right click > Properties > Shortcut > Target
7. Run DatGen.exe in game install directory to fix exploding buildings
8. Run GameRangerDirectConnectFixer.exe when using non-English game install with GameRanger
9. Install Generals Proxy Launcher to run the game windowed with GameRanger
10. Install GenTool to improve game functionality
11. Install No CD Generals.exe for Generals to avoid SecuRom issues and TUC version mismatch
12. Install No CD Generals.exe for Zero Hour to avoid SecuRom issues

Frequently Asked Questions

The GenTool FAQ page. If you encounter issues with GenTool please verify your game setup first before consulting the author.

Download and run the GenPatcher tool to automatically apply various fixes to the game install in order to have it launch without errors.

GenPatcher for Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour

Additional resources:

Generals Zero Hour Install Check List

NAT Trouble Shooting guide

Why does the game not start?

• CNC Online Launcher is not compatible with Generals Zero Hour Origin version. Remove the CNC Online Launcher and install GenTool instead. When using Origin, make sure to disable Origin In Game for Generals and Zero Hour by right-clicking the game icon in Origin and selecting Game Properties...

Why does the game crash on start?

• If the game exits with a "DirectX Error: Please make sure you have Direct X 8.1 or higher installed" message, then remove the dbghelp.dll file in the install directory of Generals or Zero Hour. Another common issue is the absence of the Options.ini file in the user data directory. Make sure Options.ini contains the IdealStaticGameLOD = high setting. If your monitor does not support small resolutions, then set Resolution = 1280 720 in the Options.ini to avoid crash on launch.
• If the game exists with a "Technical Difficulties: You have encountered a serious error" message, then install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable Package (x86). If you use Origin, then disable Origin In Game (Origin > Application Settings > Origin In Game > Enable Origin In Game).
• If the game quits with a "File corruped" error, then remove software that messes with debugging features, such as BitDefender, AVG AntiVirus and similar software, or add an exception/exclusion command in the Anti Virus for the game install directory.
• If Windows Defender blocks GenTool.exe or d3d8.dll, then add an exclusion to Windows Security. Note: d3d8.dll resides in the install directory of the game. On Windows Vista and higher you can also try to lower the User Account Control (UAC) setting.

Why do I have a black screen after I launch the game?

• Using a cracked generals.exe or game.dat can cause a black screen. Avoid the use of unofficial or modified game files, including cheats.

Why can I not log in online?

• Using Generals on Windows Vista/7/8/10 can cause connection issues. Run the game as Administrator and in Windows XP compatibility mode to avoid issues. This issue is not GenTool specific, but GenTool can increase the chances. Also check your Online IP in the Options menu of the game. You must select the IP Address of your Internet Adapter.

Why is the 1v1 lobby empty?

• Check the 2v2 lobby too. Regular players are there.

I am unable to connect to other players. Why?

• Your Router or Internet Service Provider (ISP) may not support native IPv4. This is common with 4G or 5G networks. Ask your ISP to enable the IPv4 option if they offer it. If you can use IPv6 only, then install and use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) such as Windscribe, ProtonVPN or UltraVPN. Turn on the VPN Tunnel, make sure the traffic is not blocked by Windows Firewall, launch the game and select the VPN IPv4-Address in the Game Options menu. Please read this NAT Trouble Shooting guide for more detailed information.

Why does my game freeze on match start or never finishes loading?

• Using Generals on Windows Vista/7/8/10 can cause game freezes. Run the game as Administrator and in Windows XP SP 3 compatibility mode to avoid issues. This issue is not GenTool specific, but GenTool can increase the chances. Additionally some AntiVirus/Security/Firewall programs such as McAfee, Kaspersky or similar can cause this issue. Uninstall those programs if necessary.

Why do I occasionally get a black screen during matches?

• The haze shader effect of the USA Microwave tank can cause the world to render black. Disable the "Heat Effects" option in the Advanced Display Options.

Why do my buildings explode 30 seconds after match start?

• Your game key was not correctly copied into your Windows Registry. Uninstall the game and run the installer as Administrator and in Windows XP compatibility to the point where you enter your serial key. Enter the key and click Next once. Open Windows Registry (WINKEY+R, regedit) and browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Electronic Arts\EA Games\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour\ergc. Modify the string value containing your serial key by adding the minus between the number sections. Finish the installation.

Why does Direct Connect not work in GameRanger?

• If your game install is not English, then GameRanger does not work correctly by default. You can apply the GameRanger Direct Connect Fixer to make a non English version fully compatible.
• If you get a "Join Failed - Connection Timed out" error dialog in game, then try disable obsolete Ethernet Adapter(s) in the Network Connections options of the Windows Control Panel. The VirtualBox Ethernet Adapter has been identified to cause this issue for example.

Why does the game lag so much?

• Disable Origin In Game by right-clicking the game icon in Origin and selecting Game Properties...

Why does my mouse stutter all the time with Windows 8?

• This issue is caused by Microsoft introduced with Windows 8. Please read these instructions to tackle the issue. If Windows' solution does not help, consider to run the game in windowed mode. If you run the game through GameRanger, enable windowed mode with Generals Proxy Launcher.

Why does the game crash when I attempt to quit the game?

• EngineBrowser.dll does not work correctly on Vista and higher. Use Windows XP SP3 Compatibility to avoid crashes.

Why is gentool.net not accessible or why does Upload Mode not work?

• Your Internet Service Provider may not serve required DNS entries. In doubt, try to use a different DNS server, for example Google DNS.

Why does Upload Mode show "could not copy replay" every time?

• Turn off the RepInfo R.A.S.E feature.

Why does my Anti Virus program warn about d3d8.dll?

• Possible detections from virus scanners are false positives and can be ignored.

What can I do if I have other problems?

• Visit the Zero Hour Tech Support or Generals Tech Support forum and have a look at the pinned topics. You can also ask questions in the forums.

Changelog

Fixes/Improvements 8.9

• Fixed randomly wrong timers and dates

Fixes/Improvements 8.8

• Reverted FPS limiter changes to avoid the performance issue on Windows 11

New Features 8.7

• Added compatibility with Generals and Zero Hour The Ultimate Collection (Steam, EA App)
• Added warning message popup for non-x87 compatible generals executables
• Fixed game version mismatches for various compatible executables
• Fixed missing hashing of scb files for game version hash generations
• Fixed C&C Online login kick by generating random ergc game keys when so required
• Added -showFrameCount command line argument to draw frame counts

Fixes/Improvements 8.7

• Fixed severe performance degradation with Steam Overlay (GameOverlayRenderer.dll)
• Fixed crash on application boot with Windows XP 32
• Fixed dysfunctional GenTool Updater in Windows XP
• Fixed theoretically unsafe code with Windows XP
• Fixed minor inaccuracy of FPS counter and FPS limiter
• Fixed incorrect terrain draw distance after changing camera height
• Changed Upload Player ID generation by adding another salt
• Improved game version names for uploaded txt files
• Removed forceful disabling of Origin In Game (IGO32.dll)
• Updater: Improved patch file formats and capabilities
• Updater: Improved the maps patcher for future map releases
• Updater: Removed the replacement of the Zero Hour no-CD game.dat
• Updater: Removed the replacement of the Generals Origin generals.exe

New Features 8.6

• Added PNG screenshot option in GenTool Menu
• Added limited feature compatibility for Thyme

Fixes/Improvements 8.6

• Fixed crash on game start affecting some users

New Features 8.5

• Added auto detection for modifications that require full viewport (Control Bar Pro)
• Added fixes for scroll speed to act consistently in different resolutions, viewports, pitch

Fixes/Improvements 8.5

• Reworked GenTool functionality related to accessing BIG Files

New Features 8.4

• Added new Upload Mode for Replays and Screenshots

Fixes/Improvements 8.4

• Fixed potential MDS false positives with "OverlordGattlingCannon"
• Fixed broken version number in GenTool menu

Fixes/Improvements 8.3

• Fixed crash when pressing Shift + Number while playing
• Fixed crash on application boot with Windows XP 32 bit

New Features 8.2

• Added alternative brightness settings at +129 to +256

Fixes/Improvements 8.2

• Fixed issue with Money Display
• Fixed issue with text in MDS Popup
• Changed SAVE REP, SAVE ALL Upload Mode options to also store censored Replay file on disk

New Features 8.1

• Added new User ID generation for Upload Mode
• Added some user hardware information in uploaded *.txt file
• Added fix for game bug that would crash all clients in a multiplayer match
• Added fix for black supply piles in Replay playback
• Added full viewport support with command line argument "-forcefullviewport"

Fixes/Improvements 8.1

• Fixed wrong names in Money Display on some maps ("Rain", "Civilian Res")
• Changed GenTool brightness option range to -128 +128

New Features 8.0

• Added Replay Controls bar at bottom of the screen in Replay mode
• Added feature to set a Time Pause (JK) in Replay to Fast Forward (F) to
• Added Mod support for player colors in multiplayer.ini that will work with Money Display
• Added censorship of IP addresses for Replay and Text files uploaded with GenTool

Fixes/Improvements 8.0

• Fixed a crash on game launch with Zero Hour The First Decade installations
• Fixed an issue where GenTool notification popup would never disappear after game launch
• Fixed an issue where game controls would freeze at match start
• Fixed an issue where Generals would freeze on shutdown
• Fixed an issue where WindowZH.big and Window.big could no longer be patched
• Fixed an issue that would log file names incorrectly in gentool.log file
• Fixed an issue that would generate images for upload after game session was completed
• Fixed an issue that would break Upload Mode when toggling its menu option
• Removed LastReplay.rep functionality in Upload Mode
• Removed the 'You are using a cracked binary' GenTool message
• Added Display (Menu) options 19, 20
• Changed Frame Step (O) replay functionality to no longer turn off Fast Forward (F)
• Changed font type and size of Ticker and Event message(s)
• Changed MDS+ Text to no longer show when GenTool Display (Menu) option is turned OFF
• Changed MDS Popup to display player names with player colors
• Changed MDS Popup to longer show button information
• Refactored replay parsing code

New Features 7.9

• Added player rank (*) and experience points (XP) to Money Display
• Enabled Money Display for match observers
• Enabled full access to Camera Height and Camera Pitch feature for match observers

Fixes/Improvements 7.9

• Fixed a crash on game shutdown caused by the use of a DirectX 8 to DirectX 9 wrapper
• Fixed an issue that would show Money Display for players sometimes
• Fixed an issue where Camera Height feature could be exploited in LAN matches
• Fixed non-functional ranked maps if game client was started without internet connection
• Removed observer player entries from Money Display
• Removed cnc-online.net popup message when launching the game with GameRanger
• Reworked GenTool key input manager
• Improved Match Timer to show the actual match progress instead of passed time
• Enabled full compatibility with Zero Hour Contra Mod
• Upload Mode: Fixed a directory issue when uploading files
• Upload Mode: Fixed errors 23, 35, 56 at begin of upload session
• Upload Mode: Increased quality of uploaded images
• Upload Mode: Decreased upload session retry wait time from 120 to 60 seconds
• Upload Mode: Removed minimum replay size limit (5 kb) from upload session
• Upload Mode: Improved contents and formatting of replay text information
• Upload Mode: Improved upload session success message to show full upload url
• Updater: Fixed broken patching of Window.big or WindowZH.big for some game installations
• Updater: Removed broken map.ini from [RANK] Australia ZH v1
• Updater: Disabled installations of ReadMe txt files
• Updater: Implemented new *.dat format for generic patch files

New Features 7.8

• Added new ranked maps to GenTool updater
• Added custom map list size patching to GenTool updater to list up to 1200 maps
• Added player money display in replay and observer modes
• Added text size toggle on [Numpad +] and [Numpad -] keys
• Added player name and player id information in uploaded replay txt file

Fixes/Improvements 7.8

• Fixed tick threading issue that would cause wrong timers
• Changed folder structure in uploaded data to separate online and network matches
• Changed text in GenTool menu
• Improved code in Upload Mode

Fixes/Improvements 7.7

• Fixed a crash when GenTool failed to connect to the Internet
• Fixed a crash in Upload Mode when using certain Mods
• Fixed a bug in Upload Mode where replays would be uploaded with wrong dates

Fixes/Improvements 7.6

• Fixed a bug where a new team selection would not be selectable for 2 seconds
• Fixed a bug in Upload Mode where replays would be uploaded with wrong dates
• Fixed MDS false positive when an infantry unit captures a stealthed abandoned vehicle

New Features 7.5

• Enabled reveal of random colors and start positions with Random Balance
• Enabled extra camera height in singleplayer missions
• Enabled low camera pitch values in singleplayer missions
• CNC Online: Added 2v2 ladder scoreboard and points preview
• Added menu display option to disable ticker/event/ladder displays
• Added support for chain loading other d3d8 files (d3d8x.dll, -proxy custom.dll)
• Added MDS checks for detecting maphack with buildings during replay playback
• Added support for custom camera heights in mods and custom maps (singleplayer, online)

Fixes/Improvements 7.5

• Disabled GenTool initialization in WorldBuilder
• Changed scroll speed value steps in GenTool menu
• Changed the ini file validation to accept the modification of a variety of UI related files
• Improved the screenshot feature to allow taking images without limitations (F11 button)
• Improved Anti Cheat
• Improved MDS performance
• Improved internal memory management and performance
• Fixed a bug that caused wrong ticker event times for American time zones (UTC-x)
• Fixed potential crashes
• Refactored major parts of code

New Features 7.4

• Added rank support for more custom community maps

Fixes/Improvements 7.4

• Slight performance improvement on custom ranked map validation routine

Fixes/Improvements 7.3

• Fixed GenTool compatibility bug with Generals German2 version
• Fixed an exploit in LAN
• Added 'CNC Online' match mode to Upload Mode text information
• Updater: Fixed a faulty result message in GenTool Updater
• Refactored minor parts of code

Fixes/Improvements 7.2

• Fixed GenTool bug that would crash game on Windows XP
• Fixed Game File Validation incompatibility with Zero Hour ME 2009
• Added 'GameRanger' match mode to Upload Mode text information

New Features 7.1

• Added full GameRanger support for Upload Mode, Ticker and GenTool updater
• Added Fault Tolerant Heap to help against CNC Online match freeze
• CNC Online: Added Point Reward Preview for Shatabrick Ladder
• Anti Cheat: Added a Game File Validator that blocks cheat mods

Fixes/Improvements 7.1

• Fixed critical crash and performance issue from 'Origin In Game'
• Fixed GenTool crash on game shutdown (when run without compat mode)
• Fixed GenTool crash in 'WorldBuilder'
• Added a warning message in the event that 'Origin In Game' is used
• Improved internal Anti Cheat mechanisms
• Removed the game version mismatch message for 'WorldBuilder'
• Removed obsolete terrain draw modes from Render Mode
• Fixed a bug where the ticker would draw an empty message
• CNC Online: Now disables stats if not all players are on proper gentool version (6.6)
• CNC Online: Fixed a bug where the ladder display could stall the lobby
• Updater: Fixed a code bug in the registry lookup of the Maps Patcher
• Updater: Fixed a bug where the updater would re-download GenTool everytime
• Changed 'upload.log' (Unicode) to 'gentool.log' (ANSI)
• Fixed general flaws in code
• Refactored major parts of code

New Features 7.0

• Fixed a series of critical exploits: scud bug, tunnel bug, building bug
• Added a latency presentation as light blue frame count in GenTool HUD
• Updater: Added update package to fix cracked game.dat in Zero Hour

Fixes/Improvements 7.0

• Improved the Unofficial Maps tab in statistics enabled game room to remember map selection within current session
• Changed MDS lag tolerance to a minimum of 10 and maximum of 64
• Removed error messages on failed ticker loading
• Added notification on game start to advertise cnc-online.net to GameRanger players

Fixes/Improvements 6.9

• CNC Online: Fixed a crash on log in

New Features 6.8

• CNC Online: Enabled Relax Maps to be playable with statistics from unofficial map list
• CNC Online: Added shatabrick.com top 10 scoreboard(s) to online experience

Fixes/Improvements 6.8

• Fixed a bug where matches were uploaded without date to server
• Refactored GameSpy API to increase lobby performance
• Updater: Added option to cancel installation of third party packages (e.g. Relax Maps)
• Updater: Removed forced RUNASADMIN WINXPSP3 flags
• Updater: Removed Direct Connect Fix for GameRanger users
• Updater: Improved Updater functionality for UAC enabled systems

Fixes/Improvements 6.7

• Fixed black screen issue in The First Decade - Generals Zero Hour

New Features 6.6

• CNC Online: Added access to Generals Statistics server
• CNC Online: Added exclusive access to Shatabrick.com Generals Ladder
• Updater: Added Generals version mismatch fix for The Ultimate Collection (Origin)
• Updater: Added Relax Maps as downloadable package for Zero Hour users
• Updater: Added direct connect fix for non-English GameRanger users
• Updater & Installer: Added force set of RUNASADMIN WINXPSP3 on generals.exe for Windows Vista and higher

Fixes/Improvements 6.6

• Fixed a bug where the resolution text was not printed correctly on uploaded images
• Improved GenTool Updater

New Features 6.5

• Added game access to cnc-online.net servers (Revora)
• Added Auto Updater

Fixes/Improvements 6.5

• Fixed a crash when launching a Generals Campaign mission
• Fixed cursor lock with dual monitor setup
• Adjusted UI content

Fixes/Improvements 6.4

• Fixed potential crash on application shutdown
• Fixed MDS issue where repairing unit on stealthed building caused false positive
• Moved GenTool save folder from C:\GenTool to C:\Users\...\Documents\GenTool
• Removed Upload Mode text when inside match or replay
• Removed version specific Ticker messages
• Changed Upload Mode to work with latest game versions only
• Changed Screenshot folder name from "Shots" to "Images"
• Changed maximum JPG quality setting from 100 to 95
• Changed Lobby FPS to 20 when windowed game is not in foreground
• Reworked game version authentication

Fixes/Improvements 6.3

• Fixed Windows 8 Crash (apphelp.dll)
• Fixed Origin crash from Origin Game Overlay (IGO32.dll)
• Fixed upload bug where screenshot was taken twice
• Fixed non-unique upload player ID in folder name
• Fixed some exploits in Upload Mode
• Added fixes to prevent local zoom hack in LAN matches
• Added check for GameRanger to hide GenTool intro screen (-nologo startup parameter)
• Changed GenTool's brightness behavior
• Refactored key management
• Improved memory usage

Fixes/Improvements 6.2

• Improved Fix for ScudBug
• Improved time management for Upload Mode and other clock dependent features
• Removed force time update on Windows clock
• Added incompatible version warning to Generals - The Ultimate Collection
• Improved some code

New Features 6.1

• Added full support for Generals and Zero Hour from The Ultimate Collection
• Added code fixes for Scud Bug
• Added code fixes for Multiplayer Crash when many units are in movement

Fixes/Improvements 6.1

• Fixed potential crash when Player Table was opened
• Fixed broken online nickname warnings
• Fixed broken MDS in Generals
• Changed Player Table layout
• Minor code optimizations

Fixes/Improvements 6.0

• Reverted some MDS changes from version 5.9
• Improved MDS techniques

New Features 5.9

• Added MDS Profiler/Output
• Added Brightness option to GenTool menu

Fixes/Improvements 5.9

• Fixed "GetLogicalProcessorInformation" crash for Windows XP SP2 and lower
• Fixed "unknown" upload directory in CCG upload mode
• Fixed blurry GenTool image on boot up
• Changed Config Save to keep settings accross new versions
• Increased overall MDS performance
• Improved MDS detection accuracy by scanning player actions
• Improved MDS AIState retrieval strategy
• Improved Scrolling behaviour when the Spetating mode or MDS Popup is active
• Improved Event readability by converting UTC to local times
• Improved Event logic
• Refactored/Optimized code for readability and efficiency

Fixes/Improvements 5.8

• Fixed major performance issues by improving Single Core and Multi Core CPU techniques
• Fixed missing plane lock warning in CCG MDS
• Fixed missing deletion of left over files from Upload Mode on application quit during active upload
• Added deactivation of scroll while player spectating is enabled in Replay mode

New Features 5.7

• Added event scheduler in main menu

Fixes/Improvements 5.7

• Fixed possible crash when MDS was used with replays containing non-ASCII player names
• Fixed MDS false positive due lock under fog on buildings
• Fixed MDS false positive due workers clearing mines
• Fixed MDS false positive due angry mobs auto locking units in fog (added warning)

Fixes/Improvements 5.6

• Fixed Error 45, Error 13 and similar on game launch/exit
• Fixed MDS false positives due attack-move with high range and similar moves
• Fixed user error with wrong windows clock DST settings by increasing clock adjustment tolerance to 1:05 hours
• Fixed upload.log not being saved to correct location when storage was changed
• Added modding support by allowing custom camera height settings from GameData.ini
• Added popup on game start if game version is not fully supported
• Changed texts
• Changed major parts of code

Fixes/Improvements 5.5

• Fixed mismatch bug from previous GenTool version
• Fixed potential crash with replay observer
• Fixed non closing MDS popup when pressing P without player selected
• Minor code changes

New Features 5.4

• Fixed multiple game crashes when selecting players in replay mode
• Fixed game crash when leaving replay mode while player places beacon
• Added Fog of War in replay mode to see match through player's eyes
• Added Auto Focus Spectating of observed player (ZH only)
• Added Auto Camera height adjustment in Replay when fog enabled
• Added Maphack Detection System in replay mode
• Added Frame Stepping for Pause in replay mode
• Added automatic Windows Clock adjustment if it is set wrong on game start

Fixes/Improvements 5.4

• Fixed rare crash on game start caused by Upload Mode
• Fixed uploading issue when using # in LAN nickname
• Fixed text size issue when using Windows DPI higher than 100%
• Fixed replay match timer inaccuracies when using fast forward
• Fixed minor issue with ControlBar toggle in replay mode
• Fixed minor issue in font class
• Added cracked game.dat to be compatible (ZH only)
• Added version recognition in PlayerTable with older GenTool versions
• Added note about match location in Replay Information text file
• Changed match length time format in Replay Information text file
• Changed storage device options to decrease user mistakes
• Changed lobby ping appearance of non GenTool players
• Changed GenTool menu appearance and colors
• Changed appearance of lobby nickname warnings as popups
• Changed appearance of game timer
• Removed [Pause] key of replay pause but kept [P]
• Reworked major parts of code

Fixes/Improvements 4.7

• Fixed crash when files failed uploading
• Fixed missing GenTool root folder creation leading to failing uploads/screenshots
• Fixed storage device not being saved to config

Fixes/Improvements 4.6

• Fixed 3 potential crashes
• Fixed several config exploits
• Fixed minor intro screen text issue
• Fixed minor nickname warning message issue
• Fixed window position issue from using left/top windows taskbar
• Added new upload server at www.gentool.net
• Added Upload Mode status to Player Table
• Added frame counter to replay timer
• Added new messages in upload.log in case of upload failures
• Excluded Observers from turning off Random Balance
• Excluded Observers from uploading screenshots
• Changed render mode shader
• Changed minor aspects of menu
• Changed Player Table making it incompatible with older versions incl. Random Balance
• Decreased upload screenshot quality
• Improved upload security
• Improved upload pipeline
• Improved upload status output
• Improved replay save to store broken replays
• Improved ticker system
• Improved major parts of code
• Removed game freeze when quitting game during active upload
• Removed ticker message when using WorldBuilder

Fixes/Improvements 4.2

• Fixed possible crash on game launch
• Fixed crash when toggling Camera Rotation in Generals
• Fixed Resolution Lock & Cursor Lock toggle issue on Windows 7
• Fixed Replay Speed & Camera Rotation settings not restored correctly from config file
• Fixed logic issue with Camera Pitch toggle keys
• Fixed minor issues in Screenshot procedure
• Improved performance of 16 Bit screenshot procedure
• Improved Window Position to consider windows taskbar and 2nd monitor
• Improved code
• Renamed default Fps Limit value to "Default"
• Removed Camera Pitch numpad key toggle in lobby
• Removed Camera Pitch toggle when replay is paused
• Added alternative Pause button on P-key
• Added upward limit for Scroll Speed option

New Features 4.1

• Added Camera Rotation speed option
• Added Replay Fast Forward speed option
• Added Replay Pause button
• Modified Replay Game Timer to display the real runtime
• Modified Replay Camera Pitch to allow changes down to 16.5
• Added Replay Camera Extra option to increase camera height and draw entire terrain
• Added Replay Render Mode with wireframes and polycounts
• Added more FPS limit options
• Added file size HUD information when taking screenshot
• Removed Game Controls input when opening GenTool menu in game mode
• Added Escape for quit and Return for toggle as alternative GenTool menu buttons
• Added minor visual changes to GenTool menu

Fixes/Improvements 4.1

• Fixed crash when launching game with GameRanger
• Fixed missing upload retry upon failed fileserver connection
• Fixed HUD/Ticker overlapping GenTool menu
• Fixed Camera Pitch issues in Replay
• Fixed Camera Pitch issues in Shellmap
• Fixed Map scroll bounding issue upon camera change
• Fixed taking Screenshot in WorldBuilder when window not active
• Reworked GenTool key technology to avoid issues with other programs using GetAsyncKeyState()
• Improved Ticker rendering to avoid warping text during loading times
• Improved GenTool menu code
• General code refactoring

Fixes/Improvements 3.3

• Fixed WorldBuilder incompatibility issues
• Added 16-bit Color mode support for screenshots
• Fixed rare gentool menu rendering issue
• Fixed flaw in Player Table to avoid rare false detection
• Fixed "null" string in upload.log
• Improved screenshot messages
• Fixed minor replay file naming issue when observer was involved
• Improved some code

Fixes/Improvements 3.2

• Fixed rare upload mode hang
• Increased internet time request from 5 to 10 seconds to help avoiding wrong dates on Fileserver
• Fixed mistake in ID generation code to avoid multiple and duplicate ID's

Fixes/Improvements 3.1

• Fixed rare ALT+Tab crash
• Fixed crash from wrong FPS rate
• Fixed broken scroll speed
• Fully reworked widescreen, camera pitch and scroll speed

New Features 3.0

• Improved Anti cheat for local maphack detection
• Added GenTool menu (press Insert)
• Added live GenTool detection in GameSpy lobby
• Added player table to see UID, GenTool, etc in GameSpy lobby
• Added random balancing feature
• Unlocked all supported resolutions in options menu
• Added option to forbid resolution changes
• Added warning if GameSpy nickname is bugged or bad
• Added new upload modes to keep/delete local files
• Changed intro layout and added skip button
• Added window mode repositioning after resolution change
• Added more text size options
• Added JPG quality option for F11 shots
• Added log file for upload transactions in GenTool root folder
• Removed unnecessary toggle keys
• Many other tweaks and improvements

Fixes/Improvements 3.0

• Fixed memory leak
• Fixed rare crash from upload mode
• Avoid double and duplicate ID's for upload folder
• Removed useless underscore in replay name
• Removed upload retry if connection was not established to file server
• Improved CPU performance of text
• Added library to avoid possible XP incompatibility issue
• Fixed broken F9 menu toggle
• Fixed failing uploads when previous upload session failed
• Fixed camera bug

New Features 2.1

• Added full Generals 1.8 support
• Added full The First Decade support
• Added observer chat
• Added configuration save
• Upload Mode: Added RepInfo detection
• Upload Mode: Now attempts to re-upload files to server
• Upload Mode: Exchanged UID from upload name with unique ID
• Upload Mode: Changed replay folders to Game\Month\Day\Player
• Anti Cheat: Shuts down the game when cheat was detected
• Changed camera pitch limit

Fixes/Improvements 2.1

• Upload Mode: Added unicode support to solve path problems
• Upload Mode: Bad player name will now be replaced with "player"
• Upload Mode: {0} in player name will now be removed
• Upload Mode: Now uses system drive as storage location
• Upload Mode: Now uses internet time to avoid wrong date on file server
• Improved general performance
• Fixed crash on game shutdown
• Fixed many code issues

New Features 1.8

• Added Upload mode (serves as anti cheat)
• Added JPG screenshot (F11)
• Added camera pitching (PgDown/PageUp keys)
• Added scroll speed adjustment (+/- keys)

Fixes/Improvements 1.8

• Improved Ticker
• Fixed many minor issues

New Features 1.4

• Added widescreen resolution support
• Added toggle for menu Bar in replay mode

Fixes/Improvements 1.4

• Fixed issue preventing all text not showing up
• Fixed issue showing ticker with failing content

Initial Release (1.0) Features

• Added clock display
• Added match and replay Timer
• Added news ticker
• Added FPS limiter
• Added window positions presets for windowed mode
• Added cursor lock for windowed mode and two monitor setups

Compatibility

GenTool was successfully tested on

• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 10

with

• Command & Conquer Generals
• Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour
• Command & Conquer Generals The First Decade
• Command & Conquer Generals The Ultimate Collection

Issues with other Software:

• Windows Defender may classify d3d8.dll or GenTool Installer as a threat. If that is the case try to Add an exclusion to Windows Defender.
• Using RepInfo's replay auto save function can interfere with GenTool's upload mode and cause failure. Avoid troubles by deactivating RepInfo's replay saver.
• GenTool is not compatible with Emsisoft Anti-Malware, BitDefender and AVG AntiVirus.

Developer Team

Programmer: xezon
Installer: kustodian
Testers: FlameIORI, Serby, -SorYu, AwfuL, deutsche, Neo`, Leikeze, Jundiyy, `Legionnaire

GenTool Updater

GenTool comes bundled with an internal updater that self extracts and starts after game shutdown, if necessary.

It can install the following:

• An update for GenTool
• Ranked Maps for Generals Zero Hour
• Fixed Generals.exe for The Ultimate Collection - Generals (Origin)
• Fixed game.dat for cracked Zero Hour 1.04 installations
• Increased map list size by patching Window.big file

The updater will allow cancellation for all installs except the GenTool update. To cancel an update, press 'C' when prompted. The cancellation will be saved in d3d8.cfg until the next GenTool update.

Upload Mode

GenTool's Upload Mode will collect screenshots, the replay and additional text information and upload them to the online data storage after a multiplayer match was completed. During upload, you can still start a new match. If you attempt to quit the game during an active upload, the upload session will abort. All uploaded files are available online and can be viewed by anyone for a limited time period. This feature is always enabled by default. You can toggle it on/off in GenTool menu.

Benefits:

• Allows opponent to see images on how you saw your game
• Saves all replays on your Computer
• Instant uploads your replays without extra work
• Generates quick replay information
• Easy to use - requires no extra program launch or registration
• Transparent results accessible for anyone

Downsides:

• Additional internet traffic
• Does not prevent cheating of others
• Results are not live

You can toggle upload mode in GenTool's menu to 4 different settings:

• OFF

turns upload mode off

• ON

uploads all data but does not save anything on the users machine

• SAVE REP

uploads all data and keeps replays in User Profile

• SAVE IMG

uploads all data and keeps replays and screenshots in User Profile

• SAVE ALL

uploads all data and keeps replays, screenshots and archives in User Profile

Type %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GenTool in Windows Explorer to access GenTool generated files.

Technical Details

Files for upload are stored on the disk temporarily. A folder will be created at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GenTool\replays\ (Windows XP: %USERPROFILE%\My Documents\GenTool\replays\ ; type in Windows Explorer). Data for Generals (ccg) and Zero Hour (zh) are split in separate folders. Replays are stored as *.rep for censored replays and *.original.rep for original replays.

Use as Replay Saver

You can use GenTool as an automatic replay saver. However it will not store replays smaller than 5 kb or with less than two human players.

Generating an image in your game will pause your game for 5 to 10 milliseconds. This is a 100th of a second or 0.01 FPS. That means it will not influence your gaming experience at all.

If the upload session fails, the program will wait and retry the operation later.

All uploaded data can be browsed at: Gentool.net

Download many files at once

You can use plugins like DownThemAll to batch download many files from GenTool's file server.

All upload mode file actions are logged in %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GenTool\gentool.log. This file is erased when you restart the game.

Green Ping

GenTool users can see other GenTool users in CNC Online match rooms indicated by a green ping. Note: GenTool prevents the use of serveral cheats on the users machine.

1. If a game host runs GenTool, his game appears with a green ping in the match list.
2. Once you are in a match room all GenTool users will show up with a green ping.Everyone else will either have yellow or red ping.
3. To view details about the match players you can open the Player Table inside GenTool menu and view the GenTool version.

Note: You can find GenTool users with Version 2.6 or higher only.

Benefits:

• Finds other GenTool players and matches live
• All clients who are shown as GenTool users cannot use maphack and several exploits
• Easy to use - requires no extra program launch or registration

Downsides:

• Does not find other GenTool users on GameRanger and Hamachi

Maphack Detection System

GenTool introduces the Maphack Detection System, MDS, to check a running replay for lock under fog and stealth hack scenarios. It will highlight any possible move that could be the result of cheating, popup a dialog message with information, pause the game and jump to the suspected unit of the selected player.

MDS is disabled by default and can be enabled in GenTool menu with Replay Observer set to MDS. If enabled and running, MDS will decrease the overall replay playback performance.

MDS will start its initialization and check routine as soon as some player is selected from the control bar. If no player is selected, then no checks are running. Checks are only performed for the selected player, not others. If you want to check all actions from all players in a replay, you must restart it and select a new player from the control bar each time.

Fast Forward

If you use Zero Hour you can make use of fast forward (key F) to check a replay even faster. MDS fully supports fast forward.

Once a player is selected, MDS requires an initialization phase of 64 frames (around 2 seconds of gaming). When ready, MDS note in HUD will turn green to show it is actively checking for maphack actions. You can freely switch from one player to another, but MDS will always require to reinitialize.

MDS will detect invalid actions by players, but in some special situations it does not automatically mean 100% maphack. If so, the popup will display a warning message and inform the user about it. One special circumstance is the influence of network lag in some cases and another is a lock-on from planes before take-off on airfield.

Latency

It appears that a new unit target can be given now but processed a few frames later since it must be communicated with other players first. This corresponds to what we call "laggy" matches. If this happens, then lock-ons on border-line units must be judged with caution, because the targeting command might have been given before the unit moved into the fog. Latency (lag) cannot be reviewed in replay playback.

To solve this issue, MDS takes advantage of a user definable lag tolerance subcheck. It rechecks all invalid actions against the last 64 frames. This makes sure that a) a detection is only submitted if the tolerance of x-1 frames failed b) the info popup presents a message about possible network lag influences. The lag tolerance has a default of 30 frames and can be adjusted to 10 till 64 frames. Pressing key L will adjust that tolerance. Under ideal conditions, 30 frames are equivalent to 1 second in real time. 64 frames are the maximum the game sets for network latency.

Lock-on during plane take-off

Unfortunately the game engine gives attack orders after plane take-off only. This means it is not possible to check what target a plane has when it stands on an airfield. MDS will notice this behaviour and warn the user if the attack command was given while the plane was on ground. Apart from that MDS will not assist any further to solve this case. A manual check by yourself or GameReplays Staff will be necessary.

Reviewing with Info Popup + Key actions

When MDS detected an invalid action, it will popup a notification in the center of the screen. It gives a quick insight of what happened, which players are involved, how many units are used and what the names of the units are. Additionally there is a set of keys that can be used in conjuction with a detection:

• Key U toggles between the view of the attacker and the victim
• Key I expands, removes or shows the popup
• Key L changes the lag tolerance value
• Key P continues the replay playback
• Key O steps one frame forward and exits the check as well

MDS Profiler

A MDS Profile output can be enabled by setting Replay Observer to MDS+ in GenTool menu. This will run the normal MDS plus additional debug text of current MDS tasks. It shows the unit/building actions from the selected player and his busy units attacking (red) or capturing (green) other units/buildings. The camera can be toggled onto listed units by pressing U or I. For the best usability it is recommended to pause the replay playback when doing so.
Legend:

• id = unique action number
• fr = frame
• [x] = unique object number
• st = AI State (guard, attack, idle, etc)
• fl = flags (sets some object parameters)
• fg = fog status
• hasSt = has the ability to stealth
• notStDet = is not stealth detected
• notRend = is not rendered

Sample Screenshots

Game File Validation

This feature was introduced with GenTool 7.1

Upon game launch GenTool will check all Game Files and verify that the installation is legitimate. There are 4 states the Game File Validation (GFV) has:

• Check Pending
• Normal Game Install
• Modified Game Install - Not compatible with Regular Game
• Invalid Game Install - No Online Access

Normal Game Install is considered a legitimate game install. Modified Game Install is a mod like Shockwave or even custom patches. Both these types are considered as valid installations.

Invalid Game Install is neither of them, where we assume that illegal changes were made. Users with invalid game installs and GenTool 7.1 or higher are blocked from CNC Online. An Invalid Game Install has full access to SinglePlayer and Network matches (incl. GameRanger), however Upload Mode will print the Install Type in the match information text file.

Avoid being cheated on

If you do not wish to play against players with an invalid game install on CNC Online, you are advised to check in Player Table if another user runs GenTool 7.1 or higher to be on the safe side.

---

Menu

Pressing the Insert button will open and close GenTool menu. Navigate with arrow keys Up and Down and toggle options with arrow keys Left and Right.

Alternatively use Esc to close the menu or use Enter to toggle options.

Opening the menu during a match or replay will lock the game controls to avoid unwanted game changes while navigating the menu.

GenTool does save your menu setup and restores it on the next game launch. Settings are saved in d3d8.cfg inside your game root directory.

The following settings will not be saved:

• Upload Mode off
• Random Balance off

This is done on purpose to encourage players to use them. They can be disabled after game launch if necessary.

Random Balance

GenTool allows to reveal the enemy armies in any multiplayer match if

• all users run GenTool
• all users have the random balance option enabled
• the match was hosted in the CNC Online lobby

Random Balance can be turned on/off in the GenTool menu.

Ranked Maps

Besides all official maps, a number of custom maps are made ranked as well.

GenTool downloads and installs a series of quality maps, that are approved for Shatabrick 1v1 and 2v2 Ranked Ladders. Ranked maps can also be manually downloaded from GenTool Download Page.

Ranked maps for 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 downloaded by GenTool may only include a subset of available maps. To get all ranked maps ever released, please download the ZIP file titled for All Ranked Maps. This pack can be used for watching old replays on legacy ranked maps for example.

See also Online Lobby and Statistics.

Custom Ranked Maps List:

• [rank] [nmc] tournament city
• [rank] [nmc] tournament arena
• [rank] [nmc] summer arena
• [rank] [nmc] plant waste
• [rank] [nmc] gorge drought
• [rank] [nmc] blasted lands
• [rank] [nmc] battle on the river
• [rank] zh carrier is over v2
• [rank] winter wolf balanced zh v1
• [rank] winter crows zh v1
• [rank] winter arena
• [rank] white serpent
• [rank] white hell zh v1
• [rank] wasteland warlords revised
• [rank] wasteland warlords balanced zh v1
• [rank] vendetta zh v1
• [rank] uneven heights v3
• [rank] uneven heights v2
• [rank] tournament in the canyon vb
• [rank] tournament in the canyon va
• [rank] tournament in the canyon b zh v2
• [rank] tournament himalaya zh v1
• [rank] tournament delta zh v2
• [rank] total domination sdz zh v1
• [rank] total domination no sdz zh v1
• [rank] the survivors zh v1
• [rank] the path zh v2
• [rank] the first strike zh v2
• [rank] td winter zh v2
• [rank] td resurrection v2
• [rank] td openmiddle zh v1
• [rank] td openmiddle nocars zh v1
• [rank] td nobugscars zh v1
• [rank] td nobugs zh v1
• [rank] td classic zh v1
• [rank] td classic nocars zh v1
• [rank] storm valley
• [rank] stonehenge zh v1
• [rank] sovereignty zh v1
• [rank] snowy drought v4
• [rank] snowy drought v2
• [rank] snow blind zh v2
• [rank] snow blind zh v1
• [rank] snow aggression v3
• [rank] sleeping dragon v3
• [rank] silicon valley zh v1
• [rank] scorching heat zh v1
• [rank] scorched earth zh v3
• [rank] scaraa zh v1
• [rank] sand serpent fixed
• [rank] sand serpent balanced zh v1
• [rank] sand scorpion
• [rank] rebellion zh v1
• [rank] plant waste zh v2
• [rank] planet coyon zh v1
• [rank] onza map v1
• [rank] oil rampage zh v1
• [rank] oil oasis zh v1
• [rank] natural threats zh v3
• [rank] natural threats zh v2
• [rank] mountain oil zh v1
• [rank] mountain mayhem v2
• [rank] melting snow zh v4
• [rank] melting snow zh v3
• [rank] melting snow zh v2
• [rank] make make 2 zh v4
• [rank] make make 2 zh v3
• [rank] lost valley v2
• [rank] liquid gold zh v2
• [rank] liquid gold zh v1
• [rank] lagoon zh v5
• [rank] lagoon zh v4
• [rank] lagoon zh v2
• [rank] jungle wolf zh v3
• [rank] jungle wolf zh v2
• [rank] jungle wolf zh v1
• [rank] irish front zh v1
• [rank] imminent victory zh v2
• [rank] homeland rocks zh v4
• [rank] homeland rocks zh v3
• [rank] highway 99 zh v2
• [rank] highway 99 zh v1
• [rank] hidden treasures v2
• [rank] hard winter zh v2
• [rank] gold cobra
• [rank] glacial shores zh v2
• [rank] frozen ruins
• [rank] frog prince zh v2
• [rank] freezing rain zh v2
• [rank] forgotten ruins
• [rank] forgotten air battle zh v5
• [rank] forgotten air battle v4
• [rank] forgotten air battle v2
• [rank] forest of oblivion zh v1
• [rank] forbidden takover zh v3
• [rank] forbidden takover zh v2
• [rank] flash fire balanced zh v1
• [rank] final crusade fixedv2
• [rank] final crusade balanced zh v1
• [rank] final crossroad zh v1
• [rank] farmlands of the fallen zh v1
• [rank] evergreen lagoon
• [rank] embattled land zh v2
• [rank] eight zh v2
• [rank] egyptian oasis zh v1
• [rank] early spring zh v2
• [rank] early spring zh v1
• [rank] eagle eye
• [rank] drallim desert zh v2
• [rank] down the road zh v1
• [rank] devastated oasis zh v2
• [rank] desolated district zh v1
• [rank] deserted village v3
• [rank] desert quadrant zh v1
• [rank] dedusu zh v1
• [rank] danger close zh
• [rank] combat island zh v1
• [rank] cold territory zh v2
• [rank] coastal conflict zh v2
• [rank] canyon of the dead zh v2
• [rank] canyon of the dead v1
• [rank] bozic destruction zh v3
• [rank] bounty v3
• [rank] blossoming valley zh v1
• [rank] blizzard badlands zhv5
• [rank] blizzard badlands reloaded
• [rank] bitter winter balanced nocars zh v1
• [rank] battle plan zh v1
• [rank] barren badlands balanced zh v2
• [rank] barren badlands balanced zh v1
• [rank] australia zh v1
• [rank] artic lagoon
• [rank] arena of war zh v1
• [rank] area j1
• [rank] antarctic lagoon zh v3
• [rank] annihilation
• [rank] ammars sandcastles v3
• [rank] abandoned farms zh v1
• [rank] abandoned desert zh v1
• [rank] a new tragedy zh v1
• winter wolf balanced zh v1
• the path zh v2
• the first strike zh v2
• td openmiddle zh v1
• td openmiddle nocars zh v1
• td nobugscars zh v1
• td nobugs zh v1
• td classic zh v1
• td classic nocars zh v1
• snow blind zh v1
• scorched earth zh v3
• natural threats zh v2
• melting snow zh v2
• lagoon zh v2
• homeland rocks zh v3
• hard winter zh v2
• forbidden takover zh v2
• flash fire balanced zh v1
• cold territory zh v2
• coastal conflict zh v2
• bozic destruction zh v3
• [rank] [nmc 2x2] middle fight
• [rank] [nmc 2x2] maguso
• [rank] [nmc 2x2] ghostly rocks
• [rank] [nmc 2x2] coastline wold
• [rank] [nmc 2x2] aftermath
• [rank] whispering woods zh v1
• [rank] volcanoe zh v1
• [rank] unity a zh v2
• [rank] toxic zh v3
• [rank] tournament a zh v1
• [rank] target tournament zh v1
• [rank] rubies and pearls zh v1
• [rank] mountain path zh v4
• [rank] make make 4 zh v2
• [rank] maguso zh v3
• [rank] lost temple zh v1
• [rank] lion heart zh v1
• [rank] hidden pearls zh v1
• [rank] final departure zh v1
• [rank] fe nowall zh v1
• [rank] fe nobug zh v1
• [rank] fall out zh v1
• [rank] drowning horses zh v1
• [rank] desert combat zh v2
• [rank] conflict zone zh v2
• [rank] combat encounter zh v1
• [rank] christmas zh v3
• [rank] bursting asunder zh v1
• [rank] burning deadline zh v1
• volcanoe zh v1
• unity a zh v2
• toxic zh v3
• mountain path zh v3
• maguso zh v2
• fe nowall zh v1
• fe nobug zh v1
• desert combat zh v2
• conflict zone zh v2
• christmas zh v3
• [rank] territorial dispute zh v1
• [rank] subjugation zh v1
• [rank] philippine highlands zh v1
• [rank] naval port reyes zh v1
• [rank] icy frontier zh v1
• [rank] defcon balanced zh v1
• [rank] coral islands zh v1
• unity b zh v2
• transition zh v2
• tournament graveyard zh v2
• industrial arena zh v1
• armored fury zh v2
• [rank] twister land zh v1
• [rank] dusty rampage zh v1

Widescreen

Launching your game in a custom widescreen resolution will adjust the camera height for you to have the best gaming experience. Any resolution is supported, allowing you to play Generals on a Notebook with finest gaming experience as well.

Recommended Resolutions:

• 5:4 = best vertical view space
• 16:9 = best horizontal view space

GenTool also unlocks all possible resolutions in the options menu.

Alternatively you can manually edit game resolution in MyDocuments\Command and Conquer Generals Data\Options.ini. That path differs for Zero Hour and different languages.

If you want to lock resolution changes from the options menu you can enable the resolution lock in GenTool's menu. This is useful if you use a custom resolution not available from the drop down list and want to make option changes without altering the resolution.

Tabbing out of the game can cause the sound to disappear sometimes. Entering the options menu and pressing OK will bring the sound back. But if the resolution changes too, the game may crash for some users. To avoid such issues you should enable resolution lock beforehand.

Observer Chat

Observer chat is unlocked for online matches. Press Enter to open a new chat window and type a message. Sent messages can be seen by other observers only.

Camera Height / Pitch / Rotation

Camera Height

Use the GenTool menu to enable and set a new camera height for replays and single player. It must be enabled before loading into a match. The higher the value, the higher the camera. When enabled, it will also draw the entire terrain and objects on the map. This can decrease the overall game performance.

Camera Pitch

You can also pitch the camera angle during matches and replays. There is an option in the GenTool menu and additional button mappings. Press and hold PgDown or PgUp to alter the angle. Press Home to reset the camera pitch.

You can also use the Numpad keys:

PgDown = Numpad 3

PgUp = Numpad 9

Home (Pos1) = Numpad 7

To avoid possible advantages with a low pitch during matches, the minimum limit is set to default 37.5. To enlarge view possibilities in Replay mode the pitch can be set to 16.5

Changing Camera Pitch will also automatically adjust Camera height and Scroll speed to keep them synced.

Camera Rotation

Use the GenTool menu to adjust the Camera Rotation speed. Camera can be rotated with Numpad 4 and Numpad 6. This feature is mainly useful for video makers creating slow camera drives.

Scroll Speed

You can adjust the right-mouse-button and keyboard scroll speed inside the GenTool menu. This can be useful if you want to lower or increase the speed.

Note: Use drag-scroll by holding the right mouse button and moving the mouse.

Control Bar Toggle

GenTool unlocks control bar toggle in replay mode. Just start a replay and press the button on the top right of the control bar. Alternatively you can also press F9 to completely remove it. This experience is best for making videos or to just enjoy a replay in full view.

Ticker / Clock / Timer Display

Live Ticker

On game start GenTool will show the ticker message once. The GenTool team can leave a message there and inform you about future events.

Reload Ticker in Game Lobby

You can reload the ticker ingame by toggling the text size in GenTool menu.

Clock

The top left display shows the local time, same as Windows clock.

U = Upload mode, grey=enabled, orange=running

R = Random Balance, grey=enabled, green=running

MDS[30] = Maphack Detection System, 30=lag tolerance, grey=paused, green=running

Light blue number = network latency (known as "lag")

Yellow number = framerate (FPS)

Dark Grey number = framerate limit

Game Timer

The top right display shows the frame count of the current match/replay or the time spent in the lobby. When starting a match or replay, the timer is set to zero. The timer progresses 1 second each 30 frames and will keep in sync with pause, fast forward and game stalls.

After finishing playing a match or watching a replay, the grey timer pops up and shows the time of the last played match. It disappears when a new match was started.

Toggle text size

You can toggle the text size or turn it off in GenTool's menu.

Framerate (FPS) Limit

You can toggle the framerate limit in GenTool's menu. By default it will be set to your monitors refresh rate. For example 75 Hz = 75 FPS.

You can toggle following values:

• Monitor Refresh Rate
• 30 FPS
• 50
• 56
• 60
• 65
• 70
• 72
• 75
• 80
• 85
• 90
• 100
• 110
• 120
• 240
• 480
• No Limit

Benefits:

• Smoothes the framerate when using modern graphic cards
• Smoothes scroll speed
• Reduces power usage of GPU and therefore additional heat in computer
• Avoids bad graphics from too fast movement (e.g. trees)

Replay Playback at 30 FPS

30 FPS can be useful for replay playback, because once you started a multiplayer match, the default framerate cap will be lifted and replays may playback very fast. Remember: The game itself limits its framerate to 30 before you start your first online match.

Cursor Lock

GenTool will bind your mouse cursor to the inner game window. This helps you in not leaving the game while playing in window mode. You can enable/disable the feature in GenTool's menu.

Second monitor

This feature also works when using full screen plus a 2nd monitor as extended desktop.

Window position presets

Launching the game in window mode will usually put the window to bad places. But GenTool offers 4 presets which can put the game window to following positions automatically:

• CORNER

Whole window with bars is visible at top left

• CENTER

Window is in the center of the screen

• TOP

Window without top bar is positioned at the very top

• FULL

Window without bars is positioned at top left

Alter the preset in GenTool's menu.

Fullscreen in windowed mode

Start the game with -win parameter in window mode. Set your game resolution to the same size as your desktop resolution and then use the FULL preset in GenTool menu. Tab in and out of the game once to bring the game window above the Windows task bar. This will allow you to play in "full screen" but within window mode. This is excellent for hosting multiplayer games while being able to tab out without game hindering risks. Also useful when having a slow computer with tabbing issues.

JPG Screenshot

Pressing F11 will take a screen shot in .jpg format and store it in: %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GenTool\images\

Inside GenTool menu you can adjust the screenshot quality. Higher number results in better quality but bigger file size. This will not affect quality of shots taken in Upload Mode.

Benefits:

• jpg capture does not stall the game
• jpg file size is smaller than uncompressed bmp
• jpg capture does not crash in windowed mode

Creating a bmp image with F12 will cause a crash in windowed mode when the window hits the border of the desktop.

Replay Speed Controls

Fast Forward Speed

Use the GenTool menu to adjust the Fast Forward speed. Fast Forward can be toggled in Replay mode by pressing F button. The default forward speed is 30x. GenTool offers speed changes from 2x to 250x.

This feature was designed for Zero Hour only, because CCG has got no Fast Forward feature.

Using Fast Forward on high speed can drop the framerate significantly.

Performance drop is expected, because the CPU must calculate whole Replay playback in a short time.

Pause

Press P key to pause replay playback. You can freely scroll and rotate camera while game is paused.

Press O key to step though single frames. It will automatically disable fast forward.

Proxy DLL

GenTool acts as a proxy between the game and DirectX, but can also chainload other custom proxy files. By default it will try to load a proxy dll in the working directory with the name d3d8x.dll. Alternatively a proxy dll can be given a custom name and specified with the command line argument -proxy YOUR.DLL.

A sample use case for this feature would be the use of a DirectX 9 proxy.

Render Mode

Use the GenTool menu to activate different presets of Render Modes for Replay mode. HUD will draw count of Polygons, Vertices and Drawcalls per frame.

Drawcall represents number of calls of DrawIndexedPrimitive() in DirectX 8.

Object Types:

• A - Use all graphics
• B - Use Assets only
• C - Use Structures, Units and Vegetation only
• D - Use Infantry and Particles only
• E - Use Terrain and Water only

Render Modes:

• 1 - Render selected objects
• 2 - Render selected objects with wireframe
• 3 - Render selected objects colored by their polygon count 0-white, 50-green, 200-yellow, 500-orange, 1000-red
• 4 - Render selected objects colored by their type

Render modes 3 and 4 also draw the terrain to give the ground a color, but the render counts are deducted from the score.

Use with Camera Extra

Be aware that using Render Modes when Camera Extra was turned on will unreveil all objects on the entire map. This means the Counters will be very high even if not much is seen in the scene.

Replay Observer

With GenTool you can watch replays through the view of all players. Simply select a player from the control bar. Optionally the feature can be disabled/enabled in the GenTool menu with Replay Observer.

Enabling Replay Observer will unlock following features on selected player

• fog of war
• auto camera height adjustment as if playing the game
• unit formation and group status
• waypoint of buildings
• promotion placement markers
• 1st person sounds

If using Zero Hour, a selected player can be spectated by pressing button S. All selections performed will be followed by the camera automatically. Pressing S again will disable it.

The replay crashes without GenTool?

Selecting players in Generals crashes the game often. GenTool fixes these crashes for both Generals and Zero Hour. Additionally it fixes the crash when leaving a replay while some player places a beacon.

Be aware that non selected players do not have an up-to-date building discovery. That means the discovered buildings may not be correct if you toggle between players view or similar.

Adjust brightness

GenTool allows to adjust the brightness level from inside the GenTool menu. This adjustment does not replace a proper Gamma Ramp but it works alright for tiny adjustments if necessary. Ranges from -128 to +256. Range 1 to 128 lifts black level linearly. Range 129 to 256 lifts brightness while preserving black level.

Game Fixes

GenTool fixes the following crashes/bugs from Generals and Zero Hour:

• 5.4 : Crash while having a player selected in replay view
• 5.4 : Crash when quitting a replay while a player places a beacon
• 6.1 : Crash when many units are in movement
• 7.0 : Shoot with scud storm anytime (scud bug)
• 7.0 : Pop units from tunnel scaffold (tunnel bug)
• 7.0 : Produce units in scaffold
• 7.1 : CNC Online match freeze
• 8.1 : Formation Crash

GenTool 7.1 implements a Fault Tolerant Heap that deals with some incompatible code bugs that were introduced in Windows Vista or Windows 7. With GenTool 7.1 or higher you can now play Generals and Zero Hour on Windows Vista, 7, 8 without using Windows Compat mode.

Online Lobby and Statistics

The official GameSpy servers have been shut down in 2014. The online service was taken over by revora.net and their cnc-online.net service. With GenTool installed and a Revora account at hand, you can join the online servers just like in the old days.

The statistics server was taken over by shatabrick.com. Upon logging into online and participating in one of Shatabrick's ladders, a top 10 view will be generated in the online lobbies.

All official maps across Generals and Generals Zero Hour are stats enabled. Additionally GenTool provides statistics support for a selection of custom maps for Zero Hour. You can open a game room with statistics and select maps from the Unofficial Maps tab.

See also Ranked Maps.

When joining a match room that fulfills all requirements to participate at Shatabrick Ladder, then GenTool will draw a little match points preview.

he requirements for a ladder match are:

• Match room was created with Statistics enabled
• Match type corresponds to the ladder type (1v1, 2v2)
• All match participants use GenTool 6.8 or later
• Selected map is either official or one of the above mentioned maps (Zero Hour)

Nickname Warning

Logging in GameSpy with a bad nickname is detected by GenTool. This includes a failing login known as "1". GenTool will inform you about possible issues via HUD text message so you can react immediately.

Recommended actions:

• Warning

Relogin to GameSpy with same or another account till the warning does not appear anymore

• Caution

Remove all incompatible characters from your nickname or create a new account without incompatible characters

Note: If you are logged in as "1" you will not be able to play any match. Avoid characters such as , . ' ~ + *