I've downloaded GTL from Steam.........what now?

[Wiltshire Tony]

First thing is make sure that the install location is not in the Windows or Program Files folders. If it is you may get problems. Try to move it or reinstall to a drive root location e.g. (c:). Check that your set up as Administrator. Once installed right click on the GTL desktop icon and make sure that the Compatibility Mode box is un-ticked. You can tick the run as Administrator box. To get on-line for Multiplayer racing you need to fill in the Registration page of GTL which you will come across when you start Multiplayer GTL for the first time. Here you enter the On-line Key from Steam (CAPS for the letters, with NO hyphens (dashes) between them), your driver name, password and email address. Sometimes this takes several attempts to work so be patient. I have created this thread which shows the various steps in pictures https://www.simracing.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=13966.msg252396#msg252396
To unlock all of the GTL content without doing the cup challenges you can follow the instructions here https://www.simracing.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=15379.msg280221#msg280221. Start GTL and create a new Profile. Exit GTL then start it again. If it's successful your cars will now be unlocked and you will have loads of cash.
Make sure your GTL is set to run in Professional mode (no driving assists except for auto-clutch which is handy if you don't have a clutch pedal).
Try to join the practise server by going on-line. Start GTL and select Multiplayer then Internet then accept the defaults (already set up previously) by clicking on the orange Log in circle on the right hand side of the screen. You should shortly see the Lobby screen. Under Game Name look for SimRacing.org.uk etc. Don't try to enter just yet.
Our races contain many third party mods e.g. tracks and cars and these are required to be downloaded and installed for every race. The Race Announcement thread (top right of Home screen under Forthcoming, first entry beginning with code letter "L", click on this) will provide download links for the track and car mods required for that race. You need to install all of the cars, even if your not planning to drive them yourself. This is so that GTL can load your opponents chosen car when you join on-line on race night. Download these and install them following all instructions provided. Once finished you can now try to enter the on-line practise server via the Lobby. Please do not wait until race night to discover you have a problem! You should test that everything is OK by trying to join the practise server before the race night thus giving us a chance to sort out your problem.
Another invaluable add-on to GTL is called XD which will provide loads of in-race information in HUD format. Things like race position, fuel used, tyre wear, fastest laptime etc are displayed for your information. Get XD here http://www.vitumo.de/ and drop the downloaded files in to your GTL main folder.
That's just about it. Hope to see you on track real soon  

[Wiltshire Tony]

Another set of instructions found at Race Department

After GTL (from Steam) installed, right click on the game in your library list, then click on properties. Choose the "updates" tab, and set the drop down menu to "Do not automatically update this game". This stops Steam messing with the game files.
For Windows 7: Go to the main GTL folder of the new install, right-click GTL.exe and click properties. Under Compatibility click "Change settings for all users". Select Compatibility mode XP SP3 and check "Run as administrator".
Do not run the game yet. See next post for setting up GTL for the first time, or to copy settings from an existing install
Once you gone through these steps it is easy to create a 2nd install of GTL:
Go to the new Steam install
Copy the entire GT Legends folder
Paste the entire GT Legends folder in a new location outside the Steam folders and rename it (to RDHCS etc.)
To make a shortcut for the 2nd install, right-click GTL.exe and click "Send to">"Desktop (Create Shortcut)". Then Rename it to RDHCS etc..
Do not run the game yet. See next post for setting up GTL for the first time, or to copy settings from an existing install
Installation with Digital/DVD version
Launch the installer. If you are using the Digital download, start the installation by right-clicking setup.exe and click "Run as Administrator".
Select an install location outside the Windows folders (i.e. do not install in Program Files) and select a path without spaces in any of the folder names (i.e. "C:\mygames\GTLegends" instead of "C:\my games\GT Legends"
At the end of the installation process you are asked if you want to run Configuration. uncheck the option as we will do it later.
If you use DVD version, install 1.1 Update (link). Right-click the installation file and click "Run as administrator"
For Windows 7: Go to the new install, right-click GTL.exe and click properties. Under Compatibility click "Change settings for all users". Select Compatibility mode XP SP3 and check "Run as administrator".
Do not run the game yet. See next post for setting up GTL for the first time, or to copy settings from an existing install
To create a second install:
If you have a shortcut on the desktop for the first install, rename it to GTLclub
Go through the same steps above with the following changes:
Install in a different location ("C:\mygames\GTLRDHCS" etc)
Select a different location on the start menu ("SIMBIN\GTLRDHCS etc)
Do not run the game yet. See next post for setting up GTL for the first time, or to copy settings from an existing install