This is a little guide for the lost, since this process seems exceedingly non-obvious and tidbits are spread over a variety of aging threads. I can't guarantee this will work for everyone, but it works for me.
Prerequisities
- Install the .NET Framework 1.1 Redistributable Package, if you don't have it already. .NET 1.1 does not come with Vista. x64 users: don't bother looking for the x64 version, as there isn't one. .NET Framework 1.1 is 32 bit only, so this one will do fine.
- Install .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1, if you haven't already. Don't omit this step, I couldn't get XACT playing sounds without it. You'll need to reset your machine. If you have UAC enabled, be sure to allow the installer to continue working after your machine resets (you'll get a separate UAC prompt about an "unknown application".
Before Running XACT Each Time
Note: You can skip these steps if you do not wish to hear any sounds inside XACT.
- Stop any local applications which are using port 80. This may include Internet Information Services (IIS), Apache, etc.
- You can stop IIS from a command prompt if it's running as administrator: "iisreset /stop".
- To check if other applications are using port 80, open a command prompt as administrator and type "netstat -a -b". If you see entries mentioning port 80, like this:
Active Connections
Proto Local Address Foreign Address State
TCP 0.0.0.0:80 MyComputerName:0 LISTENING
[MyApplicationUsingPortEighty.exe]
then you need to stop those programs.
- Stop your firewall, or be sure that it will allow local connections on port 80 between applications; or be ready to answer "yes" when it asks you about them, depending on your firewall.
-
Start the XACT Auditioning Utility. You will find it at Start Menu -> Programs -> Microsoft XNA Game Studio 2.0 -> Tools -> XACT Auditioning Utility. You need this because XACT cannot play back or previews sounds itself, and instead relies on the auditioning utility to do that for it. You do not need to run it as administrator.
- Do not close the XACT Auditioning Utility Window until you're closing XACT.
Running XACT
- Start XACT. You will find it at Start Menu -> Programs -> Microsoft XNA Game Studio 2.0 -> Tools -> Microsoft Cross Platform Audio Creation Tool (XACT). You do not need to run it as administrator.
- Manually connect to the Auditioning Utility as "127.0.0.1". From the Audition menu, select "Connect to...". Type "127.0.0.1" in the box (without quotes) and hit OK. In the XACT Auditioning Utility window, you should see it say "XACT tool is now connected..." If it doesn't, check that you've followed all the steps above.
It's that easy. Have fun!
