How To: Download and Install Minecraft 1.9 Version 4 Pre-Release

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We're back again for another Pre-release! 

This time around it's 1.9 Version 4. Notch released version 4 today saying, "...instead of trying to squeeze in another real release, we're going to do weekly (or so) pre-releases". He went on to say there will be no official 1.9 release, only pre-releases until Minecraft officially launches live at Minecon!

We don't have full disclosure on the content of this pre-release yet, but one thing has been made clear, there aren't dragons in game just yet!

Here are some discoveries so far:

• Hardcore Mode has been enabled, in which when you die the game deletes your world save!
• A new version of melon called "Glistering Melon".
• The Sun and Moon are now round by default.
• The Moon now has phases, waxing and waning.
• Enchantment Tables are added and "done for now", as Jeb has stated.

Stay tuned for more discoveries as they're made!

How to Download and Install the 1.9.4 Update!

1. Download the update by clicking here. Save the file in a folder somewhere with easy access, like your desktop.
2. The quickest way to open your .minecraft folder is to open your start menu and in the search bar type, "run". Your computer's Run program should appear. When it does, open it and type "%appdata%" in the "Open Tab" and click "OK". Your appdata/roaming file should be open before you.
3. Open the .minecraft folder, and then open your bin folder. 
4. Inside your bin folder you will see a file named "minecraft". Right-click on the file and hit "rename". Now this is your old minecraft.jar file, so be sure to name it something you'll remember like "minecraft-old" or "minecraft1.8". 
5. Finally, drag and drop the 1.9 Version 4 file you downloaded into your bin folder. Be sure that it is named "minecraft" exactly, not "minecraf.jar" or anything else. 

You're done! Now you can open Minecraft and play 1.9 Version 4. If and when you decide to play your old version of Minecraft, which you will need for any servers that are not currently 1.9 Version 4, just rename your current minecraft.jar something like, "minecraft1.9.4". Rename your OLD jar file "minecraft", and you will be able to play the old version again.

Troubleshooting

Here are some tips if you're having trouble. 

• If you are having trouble finding your .minecraft folder, here is an alternative method:

1. Run Minecraft like you're going to play it, and select "Mods and Texture Packs".
2. You will see a list of your current installed texture packs and below, a button that says "Open Texture Pack Folder". Select this.
3. When the link opens, you will be in your .minecraft/texturepacks folder. From there you can navigate to your bin folder by clicking .minecraft in the navigation bar above. It should say something like User>Appdata>Roaming>.minecraft>texturepacks. Select .minecraft.
4. Now that you are in your .minecraft folder, open your bin folder. In it you will find your "minecraft" file.

• Remember you are NOT opening this Minecraft file. You are only placing it in your bin folder and renaming it "Minecraft" (without the quotations).
• If you cannot see or access your .minecraft FOLDER try this: 

1. Open your start menu and select "Control Panel".
2. There should be a search feature in the upper right hand corner. In it, type "Hidden files" and press enter. A file named "Folder Options: Show Hidden Files and Folders" should appear. 
3. Click on "Show Hidden Files and Folders" and a menu will appear. In the menu there will be a prompt that says, "Hidden Files: Don't Show / Show". Select the "Show" button and click "Apply". I've included a picture of the selection below.

• If you are getting a frozen screen that says, "updating Minecraft" while trying to launch  the game try this:

1. Move your save and texturepack files to another folder.
2. Delete your .minecraft folder entirely.
3. Open and run Minecraft and let it download all it's files.
4. Re-add your saves and texturepack folders to your .minecraft folder. When asked to overwrite select, "yes" or "ok".
5. Now try the installation process over again. Be sure to follow the steps carefully.

Please be patient if this does not work the first time. If you have any further questions leave a comment below, or PM me for help.

Stay tuned to this post for more discovered content on the 1.9 Version 4 Pre-release!

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