Installation Guide

Required Files (See this section first!)
Download these files before proceeding:


 * 1) Visual C++ 2013 Runtime (x86)
 * 2) Visual C++ 2015-2019 Runtime (x86)
 * 3) North American players: All 5 files located at PlayOnline.com If you're in the EU, you may use these files instead.*
 * 4) DSP Patch files
 * 5) xiloader
 * 6) Windower (stable release)

*These files will save several hours of updating versus the old 4 file installer.

Note: This guide assumes installation of Final Fantasy XI to C:\Program Files (x86).

If you choose to install to a different directory, replace C:\Program Files (x86) with the location where you installed FFXI.

Video Guide



 * ~10 min video
 * For those that prefer following a YouTube video
 * Update from video: download 5 files from Playonline.com instead of 4 as shown in the video.
 * Update from video: Windower no longer installs. It will extract/update from where you downloaded or moved it to.

-- Credit to Ricardo Cajigas.

Install Visual C++ Runtime Files
Install Visual C++ 2015 Runtime -and- (x86) Visual C++ 2013 Runtime (x86).



Verify DirectPlay setting
The Final Fantasy XI installer should take care of this setting, but to ensure there are no issues as a result of this setting, perform the following:


 * Click the Windows Start Menu at the bottom left.


 * Type Turn Windows Features on or off and press the Enter Key on your keyboard.


 * Fill the check boxes under Legacy Components and Direct Play.


 * Click OK.

Installing and updating FFXI
Double click "FFXIFullSetup_US.part1.exe" to extract the installation files.

Inside the extracted location, double click FFXISetup.exe to begin installation.

Once the Install is finished, ppen PlayOnline and let it update.


 * PlayOnline will relaunch after the update with the choice "Start PlayOnline Registration" or "For PlayOnline Members".


 * Click "For PlayOnline Members".
 * Fill in the settings so they match the following (PlayOnline Password is also 1234567):
 * Click OK.
 * Exit PlayOnline by clicking Exit, then Yes.

DSP Patch Files
Right Click the "FFXI-UpdatePatch.zip" and select Extract All... then click the Extract button.


 * The folder will open. Click Select All on the top right.
 * Click Copy on the left.
 * Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\PlayOnline\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XI\
 * Right Click on an empty space and select Paste. Choose to Replace the files in the destination when prompted.

Repair FFXI Files
Click Check Files. Typically takes 15-20 minutes or less, depending on your internet connection.
 * Open PlayOnline.
 * Click Check Files as shown below.
 *  Important : Select FINAL FANTASY XI in the drop down menu.


 * When the file check is complete, click the File Repair button.


 * PlayOnline will then check and repair the files. This takes less than 30-60 minutes, depending on connection speed.

After File Check and Repair

 * After the file check is complete, navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\PlayOnline\SquareEnix\PlayOnlineViewer.


 * Right-click the "data" folder and select Copy.


 * Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\PlayOnline\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XI
 * Right Click an empty space in the folder and click Paste. Choose to Replace the files in the destination when prompted.
 * You should now have the "data" folder inside your /FINAL FANTASY XI/ folder.

Xiloader
Copy and Paste the xiloader.exe to C:\Program Files (x86)\PlayOnline\SquareEnix\PlayOnlineViewer



Connecting with Windower
[Important for Windows 7 users: Update to Service Pack 1 and install .NET 4.5.x before proceeding]

Download Windower (stable release) 'to the folder of your choice''. (example: Desktop\Windower4)'''

Double clicking the Windower.exe file will extract numerous folders and update itself.


 * Create and name a profile once Windower opens. You'll need this Profile Name later on in these instructions.
 * Highlight the new profile, and click on the pencil icon to adjust your desired settings.
 * Click the pin icon ("Pin to Desktop") to create a desktop shortcut.
 * Exit Windower.

-p="Profile Name" --executable=xiloader.exe --server game.hokutens.com
 * Navigate to the new pinned icon, Right Click and select Properties.
 * Add (do not replace) the bold text to the end of the target line:
 * Click OK. Profile Name is whatever you named your profile (do not use "1080", substitute your specific Profile Name).
 * The xiloader window will open, where you can log in and register a new account. To create a new account, enter 2 and hit the Enter Key, then type your username and password. Confirm your password when prompted.


 * To log in, type 1 and then type the username and password of your choice.

-p="Profile Name" --executable=xiloader.exe --server game.hokutens.com --username YOURUSERNAME --pass YOURPASSWORD
 * Once you log in, Final Fantasy will start and you can create your character, choose your starting town, and get playing!
 * To save your password for future logins, add the bold text to the the target line:

If you have issues: Set Pol.exe and xiloader.exe to run as administrator by right-clicking on them and going Properties, opening the Compatibility tab and clicking the Run as Administrator checkbox at the bottom of the window.

DO NOT CHANGE CITY NATION AFTER YOU HAVE PICKED ONE AT THE BEGINNING!

'''DO NOT INSTALL LIGHT LUGGAGE OR PLASTIC SURGEON! THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED AS THEY CAUSE SERVER ISSUES.'''

Optional: Ashita
Ashita can be setup very easily with minimal steps and some players find it easier to connect with than Windower.

Ashita Download: https://www.ashitaxi.com/. Place into the folder of your choice (example: Desktop\Ashita).

When you double click Ashita.exe, it will extract folders and update itself.

Boot Configuration Info.


 * File:
 * Command:

Ability to Switch to other Programs while playing
If you would like to be able to ALT-TAB out to other programs or play a second instance of Ashita for a second (alt) character (without crashing!), fill the checkbox in the following setting under "Window":


 * Windowed Mode

Also be sure that the "Final Fantasy XI Config" tool is set to:


 * Borderless Window

Help
Post on the Hokutens Facebook group if you need assistance after trying this installation guide. Be sure to link this page for reference and what section/step you need help with.

Other stuff to do when starting out

 * Check the New Players page. It contains the most commonly needed resources for a New Adventurer!
 * Make sure you add yourself to the closed Facebook group to keep up on the latest news.
 * Request a Linkpearl (global chat item) from a GM, if one isn't already in your inventory. Type "/sea all" into chat and send a message to any member if an admin isn't online. If all else fails, write a post to the Facebook Group to request a linkpearl.
 * The Final Fantasy XI Config tool that is installed with PlayOnline can easily help you adjust the most common graphics settings. Settings in the screenshot below do not reflect recommended settings. Adjust as is needed for your hardware.
 * Set a home point immediately upon logging in. If you die without setting one, it could require a GM to reset you.