I have just read that the Auto updater will install a new version or update an existing one too so even though it may take a long time to get it can be done on the slowest and shortest connections
Warbirds III: 7/03/03 - New AutoUpdater
We have put a file up that will update an old version, or totally install a new version, depending on what you have, on the downloads page for the PC.
A few things to note about the PC Auto-Updater.
Each file in Warbirds is downloaded separately through the updater, if the download fails anywhere in the process, you will get a message saying that the updater was out of communication for 10 seconds, would you like to wait. If waiting doesn't get you your connection back, close the updater and restart it again from the Start menu under Programs/IEN Total Sims Series/Warbirds III/Check for WBIII Updates (Beta testers be warned, you may have a similarly named file that fails out, delete it please.)
The process of reconnecting is still klunky and makes you THINK your going to have to start from scratch. Have no fear, it will skip ahead to the end of the last file it downloaded successfully and begin again.
At the end of the download process, if any files in the download were corrupted, it will re-download them by running you through the process again. Again, clunky interface makes you think you've got to download the whole shebang when you don't. It'll just re-download any corrupted files.
Then it will install the files you've downloaded, when that process is done it'll ask if you wish to read the readme. Do or not, whatever and your done.
For now we've made the ETO mandatory in order to facilitate as many players as possible to be game ready for the Target For Tonight which will feature this Player Developed Terrain.
The other new terrain for DoA, and the Updated PTO are currently NOT mandatory.
Until we have an open release of the Mac build we will not be opening any arenas with the new terrains. Because they will have to be mandatory update accessible and will exclude users who have not updated. The FPA and WW2A will remain as they are and not require this update until the end of the current tour of duty.
This is a strange update, as it represents a conglomeration of different projects at different phases of development.
We consider the Warbirds build to be the 7/02 version, fully updated. However, it is also the open beta of Dawn of Aces III. It is also the first public test of ETO Version I. Lastly it is the second public test of the PTO.