NBA Live 99
Page Last Updated: 2/24/17
Fixes & 64-bit Installation
Table of Contents:
1. Freeze When Starting a Game
2. 64-bit Windows Installation - Copying Files
3. 64-bit Windows Installation - install.dat
4. 64-bit Windows Installation - Registry Keys
5. 64-bit Windows Installation - EA Patch
6. Configuring nGlide
7. Additional Troubleshooting at the Message Board
Notes About This Page
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​*These instructions are intended to be used with the English language version of NBA Live 99. They *may* work for other regions, but this is not at all guaranteed.
*For the sake of brevity, this page assumes you have some intermediate-level knowledge of Windows, File Explorer, folder structure, and the registry. It will often tell you 'what' to do as opposed to 'how' to do it. If you need help with how to perform any of the actions described, please leave me a note on the message board and I will be happy to walk you through.
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*A forum user alerted me that in season mode, the game freezes solid at the conclusion of the playoffs. Don't have an answer for that one yet.
1. Freeze When Starting a Game
On all operating systems after Windows 98, NBA Live '99 locks up when you attempt to load a match. This is easily fixed by installing the Live '99 patch. It is available for download here, or it may even be on your game CD-ROM, in the /Patch directory, depending on whether you own the "CD ROM Classics" version of '99.
Now, if you're running a 64-bit version of Windows, installing the game at all is the trickier part, as the game's setup program is not compatible with 64 bit.
2. 64-bit Installation - Copying Files
To run the game on your 64-bit Windows, you're going to have to do the setup program's job for it. Start by inserting the game CD and opening your CD drive in File Explorer. Highlight the "NBA99" directory and copy it.
Next, I strongly recommend you create a folder on your hard drive called "C:\Games\Sports" and paste the NBA99 folder inside it, so that the game path is C:\Games\Sports\NBA99. You don't absolutely have to follow my directory structure, but doing so will make future steps much easier.
3. 64-bit Installation - Adding install.dat
Install.dat is a required game file that was generated after the user completed the setup process. Since us 64 bitters can't run setup, I'm providing the file here.
Install.dat includes a reference to the user's CD-ROM drive letter, and the game will not run if this letter does not match that of your CD-ROM drive. I used to have a section here on how to edit this file in Notepad, but for the sake of simplicity, I'm now going to offer several different versions of the file. Just download the one that corresponds with your CD-ROM drive letter
Download install.dat (for CD Drive Letter D)
Download install.dat (for CD Drive Letter E)
Download install.dat (for CD Drive Letter F)
Download install.dat (for CD Drive Letter G)
Unzip install.dat to your NBA99 directory. At this point, your game folder should look like this:
4. 64-bit Installation - Adding the Registry Keys
Now we need to download and install the registry keys for the game.
As with the install.dat file, the registry keys include references to the user's CD drive. Download the version that corresponds with your CD-ROM drive letter.
Download the Registry Key for CD Drive D
Download the Registry Key for CD Drive E
Download the Registry Key for CD Drive F
Download the Registry Key for CD Drive G
A couple of notes:
(1) I have the game set up to run through Glide, so make sure you have the nGlide glide wrapper installed on your system beforehand.
(2) There is a line in the registry key that is critically important, it is:
"Install Dir"="C:\\Games\\Sports\\NBA99"
This line HAS to match the directory you installed the game in. If you placed your game in a directory OTHER than C:\Games\Sports\NBA99 you will have to change this line to reflect where you have the game installed.
(I told you to follow what I did, dangit. :p) .
If you need to make a change, right click the .reg file in File Explorer and hit "edit". This will open a Notepad window.
Once you're sure your settings are correct, save your .reg file. Then, add it to the registry by double-clicking the file in File Explorer. You will receive a prompt similar to the following.
Click Yes and you should get another popup saying your keys have been added to the registry.
5. 64-bit Installation - EA Patch
Next, download and install the EA SPORTS patch for the game to fix the freeze bug mentioned at the top of this article.
6. Configuring nGlide
Once you installed nGlide, it should have added an nGlide folder to your start menu. Inside that folder is the nGlide configurator, and it is important to spend a moment or two using it before you fire the game up, as this program is what will actually be controlling your graphics output, rather than the in-game settings.
The most important setting here is the screen resolution. By default, this is set to "by app" which means NBA Live '99 will handle it - you'll be limited to the screen resolutions '99 supported at release.
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By specifying a custom setting here, you can improve the game's visuals drastically -- just be sure to use modes your monitor supports. "By desktop" is typically a safe setting, as it will set the game to whatever resolution you use on your desktop.
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The other options can safely be left on default settings, but you may wish to turn off the 3Dfx logo splash screen which pops up every time you start the game.
Apply your nGlide settings and you should be ready for tip-off. Launch NBAWIN.exe to play.
7. Additional Troubleshooting at the Message Board
If you run into problems, or if you simply have a question or comment about NBA Live '99, please stop by the message board.