TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Grab it here: TDM-ModPack Homepage

TDM-ModPack 3.20 (Gold Version)
August 14, 2002

For use with Space Empires IV Version 1.78 only.

INTRODUCTION
============

First - many thanks to the folks at Malfador Machinations ("MM") and Shrapnel Games for their continued support and communication with the gaming community. Since MM is dedicated to releasing a number of future patches, this "Mod" pack does not contain any modified tech trees, new components or facilities, just a major overhaul to the AI files to get the most of the current Version of SE4.

INSTALLING THE TDM-MODPACK
==========================

(1) AUTO-INSTALLER (FULL) - Just double-click on the file called and the program will try and find your existing SE4 directory on its own and install all of the proper files. If it cannot find your installation, you have the option to install the TDM-ModPack anyway in a directory of your choice.

(2) AUTO-INSTALLER (PATCH) - This is similar to option (1) above, but only contains the files that have changed since Version 3.00 of the TDM-ModPack found on the Gold CD. First install Version 3.00, then apply this patch over it. That's it!

UN-INSTALLING THE TDM-MODPACK (OPTION 1)
========================================

(1) Copy the file "original Path.txt" from the TDM-ModPack folder to your Space Empires IV folder.

(2) Delete the file "Path.txt" in your Space Empire IV folder.

(3) Rename the file "Original Path.txt" now located in the Space Empire IV folder to "Path.txt".

(4) The game will now run with it's default settings. The "TDM-ModPack" folder is still present. You can either delete it now or keep it to reinstall the TDM-ModPack if you desire to do so. To re-install the ModPack, follow the instructions for un-install but use the "TDM-ModPack Path.txt" instead.

UN-INSTALLING THE TDM-MODPACK (OPTION 2)
========================================

(1) Open the file "Path.txt" in your Space Empires IV folder.

(2) Alter this line:

Using Mod Directory := TDM-ModPack

to

Using Mod Directory := None

(3) Save and close the file "Path.txt".

(4) The game will now run with it's default settings. The "TDM-ModPack" folder is still present. You can either delete it now or keep it to reinstall the TDM-ModPack if you desire to do so. To re-install the ModPack, follow the instructions for un-install but use the "TDM-ModPack Path.txt" instead.

THE SE4 LAUNCHER UTILITY BY MATRYX
==================================

As of Version 3.10 of the TDM-ModPack, we are happy to be able to incorporate one of the best utilities created by a fellow player for those that use mods with this game. This utility was designed by Matryx and is included with his express permission. It allows you to choose a particular "mod" folder upon starting SE4. This utility will be automatically installed along with the TDM-ModPack and will be located in your main SE4 folder. For more detailed information be sure to read the file "SE4Launcher.doc" located in the main SE4 directory after installation. To use:

(1) Press your "Start" button on the windows task bar, select "Programs," then select "Shrapnel Games" and click on the program called "SE4 ModLauncher"
(2) When the utility starts, choose the mod in the left most column that you would like to use for this game by clicking once with the mouse (note- the utility automatically creates these choices based on the list of folders located in your main directory and is designed to give your information for each mod that contains a "modinfo.txt" file)
(3) Once your selection is made, click the button called "Play SEIV."
(4) That's it! If you selected the "TDM-ModPack" you should be greeted with our specially modified intro screen to let you know your selection was successful.

INSTALLING OTHER MODS
=====================

If you want to use other Mods while playing the TDM-ModPack, make sure to install all other MODs you download into the "TDM-ModPack" folder and do not edit or override the "Path.txt" in your Space Empires IV folder. Following these instructions makes sure you don't cripple your ModPack installation involuntarily. BEWARE: Overriding any files in the "TDM-ModPack" folder may disrupt your ModPack installation!

HISTORY
=======
VERSION 3.20 - Maintenance update due to the Space Empires IV 1.78 patch. Added the "United Flora" races.

Compiled file contains the following:

(01) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Aquilaeian" - Version 2.00 (with shipset by Klaus Lehtonen a/k/a Zarix and AI files by Master Belisarius).

(02) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Colonials" - Version 1.23 (with shipset and AI files by Dracus).

(03) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Cue Cappa" - Version 1.20 (with default shipset from Malfador Machinations, AI files by Rollo and speech file by Quikngruvn).

(04) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Cylons" - Version 1.40 (with shipset and AI files by Dracus).

(05) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Dra'kol" - Version 2.00 (with shipset by Don Phillips a/k/a Voidhawk, AI files by Tampa_Gamer and speech file by John Zamarra).

(06) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Earth Alliance" - Version 2.90 (with shipset by Randy Stulce and other artists and AI files by Mephisto).

(07) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Jraenar" - Version 1.58a (with default shipset from Malfador Machinations, AI files by God Emperor).

(08) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Klingons" - Version 1.67a (with shipset from Atrocities, AI files by God Emperor).

(09) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Krill" - Version 1.67a (with default shipset from Malfador Machinations, AI files by Atraikius).

(10) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Narn Regime" - Version 2.90 (with shipset by Randy Stulce and other artists and AI/speech files by Mephisto).

(11) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Norak" - Version 2.10 (with default shipset from Malfador Machinations, AI files by Daynarr).

(12) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Orks" - Version 1.67a (with shipset and AI files by Atraikius).

(13) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Piundon - Version 1.50 (with default shipset from Malfador Machinations, AI files by Tampa_Gamer, speech file by John Zamarra)

(14) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Praetorian" - Version 1.58a (with default shipset from Malfador Machinations, AI files by God Emperor).

(15) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Pyrochette" - Version 2.00 (with shipset by Grand Mausic Yith Saulkar and AI files by Master Belisarius).

(16) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Rage Collective" - Version 2.41 (with shipset and AI files by Alpha Kodiak)

(17) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Romulans" - Version 1.67a (with shipset from Atrocities, AI files by God Emperor).

(18) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Sergetti" - Version 2.10 (with default shipset from Malfador Machinations, AI files by Daynarr).

(19) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Shadows" - Version 1.67a (with shipset from Atrocities, AI files by God Emperor).

(20) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Terran" - Version 2.90 (with default shipset from Malfador Machinations, AI files by Mephisto).

(21) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Toron Confederation" - Version 2.90 (with shipset by Klaus Lehtonen and AI by Mephisto).

(22) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Ukratel" - Version 1.58a (with default shipset from Malfador Machinations, AI files by God Emperor).

(23) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "United Flora" - Version 2.00 (with shipset by Henk Brouwer, AI files by Rollo).

(24) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Vaxin" - Version 1.31 (with shipset and AI files by Alpha Kodiak).

(25) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Vikings" - Version 1.10 (with shipset by Dogscoff and AI files by Rollo).

(26) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Xiati" - Version 2.90 (with default shipset from Malfador Machinations, AI files by Mephisto).

(27) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Xi'Chung" - Version 2.20 (with default shipset from Malfador Machinations, AI files by Daynarr).

(28) Revised default AI_Planet_Types file to tweak planet selection for AI (by Daynarr).

(29) New formations.txt file that includes 9 new formations (contributions by Tampa_Gamer, Daynarr and Master Belisarius)

(30) Settings.txt modified to make "Quick Start" option available for all races - including 4 additional default races and all new races and increased default max units/ships (modified by Tampa_Gamer and Mephisto).

(31) "Modlauncher" info file added (created by Mephisto).

(32) Revised "Intro.bmp" screens for both 800x and 1024x Versions to indicate that "TDM-ModPack Directory" in use (created by Tampa_Gamer).

(33) Complete SE4 Launcher Utility - Version 2.01 (created by Gregory 'DM-Matryx' Sweetman).

(34) New default AI_Construction_Units file included to increase AI unit production in default, non-modded AI races (by Tampa_Gamer and Mephisto).

VERSION 3.11 - Includes fixes for all known bugs from Version 3.10. The Earth Alliance, the Narn, the Terrans, the Torons and the Xiati were tweaked. Fixed a problem with the install program.

VERSION 3.10 - Introduction screen now using the GOLD screen (again modified to indicate use of "TDM-ModPack Directory"), minor bug fixes, again rework of all previous races and re-adding several races that we left out on the CD for copyright reasons. Also, most of these new races files take advantage of the new features implemented via the Gold Patch.

VERSION 3.00 - GOLD-Version of the TDM-ModPack. All the races were modified and made compatible with the GOLD-Edition.

VERSION 2.00 - Introduction screens modified to indicate use of "TDM-ModPack Directory", major reworks to previous races and several races added (Cue Cappa, Jraenar, Krill, Praetorian, Ukratel, Terran, Xiati and Vaxin).

VERSION 1.80 - Aquilaeian race added, older races updated and ModLauncher info file added.

VERSION 1.75 - All races (except Norak, Xi'Chung and Sergetti which have been tested and are working with Version 1.41) reworked by respective authors.

VERSION 1.72 - Minor patch to include strategy changes to Norak, Sergetti & Xi'Chung and minor tweaks/spelling corrections to other AI files

VERSION 1.71 - Revisions to all races, updated for SE4 ver 1.35 & Pyrochette race added.

VERSION 1.70 - Revisions to all races & additional races added.

VERSION 1.60 - Revisions to all races.

VERSION 1.50 - Added shipsets for two races, all AI files tweaked and updated.

VERSION 1.01 - Fixed several range errors caused by spacing and spelling error in Dra'kol files.

VERSION 1.00 - Initial Release.

NOTES
=====

(1) Each of the races has a complete revision history and additional notes contained in their own respective "readme.txt" files located in the race subfolders.

(2) You can find the most recent Version of the TDM-ModPack at
http://home.t-Online.de/home/3200453...1/tdmstart.htm
or in the "Space Empires: IV - AI Races/Ship Sets" folder on the Shrapnel Games website download section located at
http://216.167.123.13/cgi-bin/ultima...&f=50&t=000001

(3) The TDM-ModPack may be freely distributed as long as no files are modified, added or deleted.

Have Fun!
- The TDM-ModPack Team

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

[K126]Mephisto , read your private Messages reporting error in tdm 3.20 http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yes, the new formations work !!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Why oh why do you not have a plain and simple zip file for TDM Mephisto?

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Don't make such an angry face. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
I have uploaded the corrected Version. As I have no beta testers, bugs (especially with all the little numbers) are unavoidable.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Because it already takes my DSL line nearly 45 minutes to upload the two files already present, because many people were unable to do anything with a zip and because the exe offers erverything the zip does. So why do you ask? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Problem with TDM modpack. Sort of. When I click on "Download the TDM-ModPack upgrade" I get a page cannont be displayed message. Same is the case with downloading full Version. What's up with this?

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

The exe hangs indefintely while trying to find X-Copy (or something like that). http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

45 min? What kind of DSL is that?

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

The link was just a bit messed up after uploading the new Version (double http in front, double .exe at the end http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif ).
My upload is 128 kbit/s. I wish I would have more but then again I'm not uploading MBs every day and don't want to spent money on something I seldom use. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
Give "search" a chance, it will finally stop. Then you can choose the auto, the manual or the emergency install.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Oh ok, cool thanks for fixing it.

Man, that's one of the lower DSL cases I've seen. The one I have is supposed to be a 356K/second. But I can only download at around 50K/second. Sometimes I pull 100K/second though. Very rare indeed. I upload at around 175K/second. Which is nice, but I hardly ever upload so it's not much use to me.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

I've left the search going for like 20 minutes before, and it never stopped. I had to cancel it manually.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

TDM pack installed except it "hung" at end. I clicked the "X" in upper right and it finally showed "Finished X-copy". *shrug* Seems to run fine in-game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Seconded!!

Same problem as on 3.11, the exe doesn't run on my XP system, imediate crash out. Switched to me/win98 compatibility mode and ran manual install again -

See this link for 3.11 issues

[ August 15, 2002, 00:40: Message edited by: Resident Alien 2 ]

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Well, I was going to be nice and put up a zip of the modpack.. but it's too large! 500k over my total website limit at 10.5 MB. I figure shrapnel's had enough abuse just dealing with one copy of this http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Well the EXE worked fine for me... Of course I just ran the update on the Version on the disk...

Might I add that my first experience with TDM AI's was especially brutal!

I was ripped apart by the Krill and Vikings before the game even got very far....

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Ok. I patched to 1.78. I D/L the entire new large TDM file 3.20. I executed it in the Space Empires directory. It found everything it wanted and "appeared" to do its thing. When I run the mod launcher it says it is ver 3.20. Is there anything else I need to do in the way of throwing away old TDM files or did the mod overwrite everything?

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

That should be it.. What else would it need to do??

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

I downloaded both the full file and the patch, and I couldn't get either to work for me. The patch update gave me an error message and wouldn't even do anything. The full file started, but that was it. There isn't some sort of memory requirement for the full file is theere? I only have 48 mb of RAM. I hope that isn't it. What can I do?

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Hey! My new computer runs XP. Does this mean I can't have TDM any more? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Ok, first of all: If anything isn't working with the EXE but it gives you an error message please be so kind and report this error message so I can help you. Thanks!

Troubleshooting list:
1.) DON'T rename the file except to the names specified in the links, i.e. TDM3xxto320.exe or TDM320Full.exe.

2.) Read the instructions during install carefully. The program has problems with very long path names (in fact the standard path for SE4 IS to long for the program) and there is a special install option if you encounter this problem. So read the instructions carefully and take the right bend at the right time. Just clicking "OK" and "Yes" will not do the trick for everyone!

3.) If the background "XCopy Dos Window" is not closing after installation (it should close if you haven't altered your windows settings) then try to close this dos box manually. If the EXE is still not proceeding, kill it too, the install process is already done, there is just a finishing message waiting for you that you don't need.

4.) It should work with standard XP. At least it does on the machines I have tested it on.

5.) There are 4 ways to get the files onto your system: Auto, manual, emergency and single file install. Make sure to check them out if you have a problem!

Thanks! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

I run XP professional and I haven't had any problems. the EXE does take a while to find the xcopy.exe. you just have to be patience.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Maybe that's my problem. I have my SE4 program on an external hard drive. Would it automatically look at the C: drive first before going to another drive?

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

I love the TDM-MOD. Just a quick question. Any plans to make it compatible with proportions Mod?

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Work is in progress http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif If you check proportions' readme files for Pequininos, Soul Hunters and Nostropholo, you will see that the starting point for those races have been TDM Aquelinenas(sp.)/Pyrochette AI by Master Belizarious. The profound gameplay difference between stock SE and Proportions makes the transition very difficult. If you "adapt" any TDM race and turn it to Proportion style, we all will be very greatfull !

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Mine won't install either. I'm getting "unable to copy" for the defensive AI politics file.

Any suggestions?

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Did you try my troubleshooting tips? Did you try a shorter path name (like C:\Temp)? I will try to upload a zip here but anyway please try a shorter path name and give me some feedback if it worked. Because if it did not I will have to search fir another installer...

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Here is a full TDM zip. 1029676605.zip

Beware, this file is not supported by me. I will not give any troubleshooting for the use of the zip and I will NOT update this zip. So, this zip and link will be outdated with the next release of the TDM-ModPack at the very latest.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">How much free space do you have on the HD? The patch adds several Meg of shipsets that weren't on the CD; I had to uninstall another game to make enough room to run the v3.20 patch .exe .

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

First, thank you for the zip, it worked!

I tried all the troubleshooting tips, I even redownloaded the install, I tried both the patch and the full, I also tried to install the single file and got the same error each time.

I don't know why it wouldn't work.

Thanks again!

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Well, I know why my copy didn't work at first. There was a post about not renaming the file, and that's what I had done. I downloaded it again, and the patch worked perfectly.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Why, after all this time, is there still a formation named incorrectly? "Barage" should be "Barrage". I am curious as to why this has never been fixed.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Because nobody reported it? It's fixed now. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Mephisto,

I ran the installer and noticed the following things:

</font>

• <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I told it to locate SE4.EXE and of course it found the wrong installation so I had to browse for it anyway </font>
• <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I watched as it installed and when it got to 100% it just sat there. I waited and waited and waited and waited and waited. Finally I alt-tabed to do some work in another window while I waited. I worked and waited and worked and waited. I alt-tabed back and it was still stuck. Finally while alt-tabing I noticed a dos window in the list. I switched to this window and it was xcopy saying it was done copying files. So I closed it and then the installation process continued. There was no way to see this dos window because the installation screen hides the start bar. </font>

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You should check out Inno Setup. It has a very easy to use wizard for creating your setup program and it looks professional like the new XP-style installs and it does not mess with that xcopy business. While it does not search for EXE's (which didn't work too well anyway) it can set the installdir based upon registry settings.
Anyway...thanks for the update.

[ August 23, 2002, 04:41: Message edited by: Bman ]

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

FWIW I've used Inno Setup in the past and it works great. It's been a few years now but presumably any newer Versions are as good if not better than the ones I've used.

Having said that however, the Versions of Inno that I used required you to manually write a script detailing every file you wanted in the installation and where it would go. That's ok for a small installation but with 1000+ files in TDM that sure would be a pain.

The script editor wizard used to be a separate download (again this was a few years ago) - I haven't looked but be sure to check the 3rd party section of the site just in case it still is. Believe me you don't want to write out a script the size TDM would need by hand.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

The Version I downloaded Last week had a real neato point-and-click wizard that let you pick your files (maybe even folders I am not sure) and asked you where the destination should be and asked for licenses and readmes and if it was uninstallable and what icons to make etc. It was real easy. When it was done I had to edit the script slightly to flag some OCX's and DLL's to be registered after install and I flagged the readme file so the user could view it when done. Still it only took me 10 minutes from the time I downloaded the program to having a setup.exe that did some complicated stuff.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Because nobody reported it? It's fixed now. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">What!? Noone ever mentioned that before? Sheesh! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Thanks for the hint with Inno, actually, I have found it several days ago myself and I'm just in the process of making up the setup. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
The "Inno Setup Tool" even let me to a drag and drop with all the files. The only thing not ready yet is the detection of the install path and to ask the user if he really wants to install to a directory that has no SE4.exe present. Unfortunately SE4 does not have one single registry line where it puts its install directory, just an uninstall string that I must process to read correctly and even then I cannot use the path directly to install to as it is written in the old dos compatible way... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

There is a reg entry called "Last Save Folder" or something similar to that. It might be useful.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Thanks for the hint, Bman. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif I thought about that one. However, many PBW people might not use their SE4 folder for saving their games at all (not even in the same part of the directory tree...). I wish the filefinder function would allow for a recursive search mode or a way to read all the folders of all drives and put that in the dir variable of the filefinder function. As far as I can tell this is not possible at the moment. Oh well, when I find some time in September I will see what I can do. Any comments and thoughts and especially any solution to this whole problem is more then welcome.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Finally, I have finished the new install program with Inno Setup. You can download it here:

Grab it here: TDM-ModPack Homepage

I would very much appreciate if somebody could download the new files and test them. They work fine here but I need some testers. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[ September 15, 2002, 00:06: Message edited by: [K126]Mephisto ]

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

For Mephisto: I made the installation one first time in the default SE4 directory and a second time in a separated directory without the SE4 executable, in both case the program worked fine.
Thanks.
Marco.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Thanks for the feedback! Glad that it worked fine for you. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

For Mephisto: the upgrade file works correctly, as I told you, but apparently there is an error in the full installation file, in the data directory only 2 .txt files are created instead of 28. The upgrade file, on the other hand, install all the 28 .txt files. May be the installation routine of the Data directory has been inverted in the two executable files ? I installed the upgrade Version over the full Version and after that all works correctly.
Marco.

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Thanks for the feedback, here are the fixed files:

Grab it here: TDM-ModPack Homepage

[ September 15, 2002, 00:07: Message edited by: [K126]Mephisto ]

Re: TDM-ModPack v3.20 released
 

Mephisto, please check your private Messages.