Possible fix for DLC not showing up in game with Origin installation. Note: Affects owners of the RETAIL version
IF my fix does not work for you, or you don't have a retail version, other options can be found HERE , HERE and HERE
NOTE: THIS ONLY WORKS IF YOU HAVE A RETAIL DISC, BASICALLY IT'S JUST USING THE RETAIL VERSION TO PLAY THE GAME INSTEAD OF THE ORIGIN VERSION.
Update: After restarting Origin, it started checking and updating files, changing it back into an Origin version. So changed one of my fix points. Basically just don't install in the same folder as Origin. Play it seperately from Origin.
Hi guys,
I'll start off with some background information about the situation I encountered.
(skip this part if you want)
I have an original retail version of Dragon Age Origins from years ago, and I have had some DLC unlocked prior to even getting involved with Origin (the program). So I've already had lots of plays of DAO before this instance.
I got sparked to play again, seeing as the newest installment is coming out, and the free offer showed up on Origin.
First off, for some unfanthomable reason, DAO did not even show up for me in Origin, even though I had it registered (along with plenty of content for it and other games) on the Bioware Social Network (BSN). (EA Customer Service even found it strange that this was the case)
So I added the free version into Origin, and installed the game. After this easy task, I noticed that none of my content showed up as unlocked in Origin, which was to be expected because DAO didn't even show up in the first place. An EA Customer Service representative gave me some steps to follow to as a possible solution. This involved manually downloading the DLC and adding them with the daupdater.exe located in the bin_ship folder.
This done, the content showed up in game as installed! It still did not show up as installed or available in Origin though. Nonetheless I though, oh well, it's in the game now. So I started playing. The Blood Knight armor was there, so I thought it was all good! Then I reached the part where you'd normally be able to access the new locations for the DLC (Warden's keep, Stone Prisoner), and the quest giver (Levi) did not show up in my camp, and the locations did not show up on the map. So I'm thinking, what the hell?
After searching and trying for a good long time, and trying **bleep** loads of options, I finally found something that made it work!
What I found out is that the Origin installation is somehow missing certain files(?), including the daupdatersvc.service.exe, which you need to have running appearently. (Are you reading this EA?)
Note: Since this involves installing a retail version, you will need the disc to play the game with this fix.
The fix:
1. Uninstall DAO in Origin.
2. Install your retail version with the physical disc. Do NOT install in the same folder as Origin!! This will make Origin update it back into it's own version!
3. Update the game to version 1.05 with the official patch HERE.
4. BAM, suddenly it works. (Make sure you log into your account in game)
Note: I'm not sure if this is important. But if during the installation you are NOT asked for your key to enter, make sure you have a key registered to the game. You can do this by opening the DAOriginsConfig.exe located in your "bin_ship" folder, and selecting the "game" tab on the left.
If there is no key registered, you can apply your retail key by using a progam located on your installation disc named "Dragon Age_code.exe" which is in the data folder.
I also noticed that afterwards, I suddenly see DLC I have not bought yet, as available and buyable in the game. (Which it had not showed before)
Hope this has helped some select few who had this possibility!
Cheers,
pink
