# Complete Final Fantasy XI Windows Setup Guide

## Step 1: Download Required Files
1. Download [FFXIFullSetup_US](./FFXIFullSetup_US/?zip)
2. Download [FFXI-UpdatePatch](./FFXI-UpdatePatch/?zip)
4. Download [latest XIloader](https://github.com/LandSandBoat/xiloader/releases)
5. Download [Ashita](https://ashitaxi.com/)

## Step 2: Enable DirectPlay (Windows 10/11 Only)
**Required for Windows 10/11 users:**
1. Press `Windows Key + R` to open Run
2. Type `Control Panel` and click OK
3. Click "Programs and Features"
4. Click "Turn Windows features on or off"
5. Double-click "Legacy Components" to expand it
6. Check the "DirectPlay" checkbox
7. Click OK and wait for installation to complete

## Step 3: Extract and Install FFXI
1. **Install FFXI:**
   - Run `FFXISetup.exe`
   - Complete the full installation process
   - Don't freak out if it's on computing space for a long time, just wait

## Step 4: PlayOnline Setup & Update
1. **Run PlayOnline Viewer:**
   - Navigate to your FFXI install folder
     (typically: `C:\Program Files (x86)\PlayOnline\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XI\`)
   - Run `PlayOnlineViewer.exe`

2. **Update Process:**
   - If update available: Click "Next" → "Update" → "OK" → "Next"
   - PlayOnline will restart automatically
   - Select "For PlayOnline Members!"
   - Enter `ABCD1234` in both "Member Name" and "PlayOnline ID" fields
   - Click: "Register" → "Yes" → "OK" → "Exit" → "Yes"

## Step 5: File Verification & Patching
1. **Apply update patch:**
   - Extract `FFXI-UpdatePatch.zip` into your FFXI install folder
   - Overwrite all files when prompted

2. **Verify files:**
   - Open PlayOnline Viewer again
   - Select "Check Files"
   - **Important:** In dropdown, select "FINAL FANTASY XI" (not PlayOnline Viewer)
   - Click "Check Files"
   - When errors found: "File Repair" → "Yes"
   - Complete: "OK" → "Exit Viewer" → "Yes"

*Note: Repeat this file check process after every major client update*

## Step 6: Ashita & XIloader Setup
1. **Place files:**
   - Extract latest XIloader to your FFXI install folder
   - Move Ashita to your FFXI install folder

2. **Configure Ashita:**
   - Run `Ashita.exe`
   - Click "+" button in bottom left
   - **Boot Tab:**
     - Configuration Name: `The Wired`
     - File: `xiloader.exe`
     - Command: `--server ffxithewired.servegame.com`
   - **Window Tab:**
     - Uncheck "Show Border"
     - Set your resolution
   - **Game Tab:**
     - Configure graphics settings (most users can max these out)
   - Click "Save" at the bottom

3. **Create account:**
   - Click "Play" next to "The Wired"
   - In xiloader: Press `2` then Enter for "Create New Account"
   - Create username and password (enter twice)
   - FFXI will launch - test it works, then close the game

## Step 7: Final Configuration
1. **Update Ashita command:**
   - Reopen Ashita
   - Select "The Wired" and click the pencil (edit) icon
   - **Boot Tab:** Change Command to:
     ```
     --server ffxithewired.servegame.com --hairpin --user YOUR_USERNAME --pass YOUR_PASSWORD
     ```
   - Save the configuration

2. **Create Steam shortcut:**
   - In Steam: Add a Non-Steam Game → Browse
   - Navigate to `Ashita.exe` in your FFXI folder
   - Add selected program
   - Right-click the new shortcut → Properties
   - Change Target to:
     ```
     "C:\Program Files (x86)\PlayOnline\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XI\Ashita.exe" --config="C:\Program Files (x86)\PlayOnline\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XI\config\boot\The Wired.xml"
     ```
   - Rename to "Final Fantasy XI" or "The Wired"