Patches not in right format

[howaboutthat]

Im trying to download the patch to play command and conquer 3 no dvd/fixed exe patch.
I download it ok.
I open up the .rar using winrar.
But all that is in there is a .dat file. No .exe file.

Since i need to use the CNC3GAME.EXE file to replace the old one, it wont work. (all the patches are like that, whereever i download from). I've tried just changing the format, but that gives an error message when i try and run it.

Is there something i need for my computer to be able to recognise that the file inside is a .dat file.

(when i open up the .dat file in notepad, it is just pages and pages of computer code) (i download from http://www.gamecopyworld.com/ and search for command and conquer 3)

[Blazkowicz]

You have to exchange .dat file in RetailExe/1.X (x is your patch version).

[chron]

read the nfo, CNC3GAME.EXE hast not to be replaced.

The file in RetailExe\1.5\ has to be replaced by the cracked one.

[wolfsrain]

Install order.
a. Install game
b. Install patch 1.05(latest)
c. Backup the .dat file from Retail.Exe directory(that's for future use; if another patch comes out, you won't have to reinstall everything)
d. Replace the .dat file from Retail.Exe directory with the one from the crack for patch v1.05
e. Play the game
This kind of protection first appeared in LOTR:BFME series.

[howaboutthat]

how do i install the patch, if all that is on it is a .dat file and a .nfo file.

[TippeX]

erm you download the patch from ea... then you install it
then you overwrite the .dat file with the .dat file in the crack...
probably says that in the nfo file anyway.. and most likely in the forum too

[wolfsrain]

ftp://ftp.ea.com/pub/eapacific/cnc3/...05_english.exe
Here you can find the patch. You can also update the game through the built-in updater.