TDM-ModPack 3.11

[Marco]

Thanks for the prompt answer Mephisto, I will download the .exe file this evening.

[Mephisto]

Darn, some small things one will always overlook. I have fixed the files now. The readme.txt is correct so you can determine which Version you are running.

Originally posted by Saracen:
I had the same problem with the installer, it just sat there when it was done. Also I don't see 3.11 anyhwere. When I boot the mod launcher it still says the Version is 3.10??? How do you confirm that you have indeed installed 3.11 and are running it?

[joesys]

Hi there,

I am having some problems with the installer too. Basically, I believed after unpacking all the files to C:\SE4TEMP, the xcopy failed to copy it to the directory I wanted. Xcopy start and stop almost immediately and making it hard to read what is the error message. My OS is WinXP Pro and I know xcopy is there.

The directory that I want it to be installed was in D drive instead of C. I thought that might be the problem and in the end, I choose to install it to C:\temp and I still encounter the same problems.

The thing is, xcopy starts and stop and fooled the installer to think that the installation is successful and thus delete the C:\SE4TEMP direcotry. Thus, I am unable to copy the TDM-Modpack directly.

I can choose "single file" options and extarct it myself. This is good, until I realised that the installer ignore the path of the files. So when I asked the installer to extarct all the files(via shift-click) to \TDM-Modpack directory, it puts all the file into that directory. It didn't create all those subdirectory (such as \Pictures\Races\...) when extracting some files. I don't really want to end up creating all the subdirectory myself and install the appropiate files manually.

Is there anything that I can do? or does anyone know where I can file the zipfile for 3.11 Online? I know the creator didn't think it is necessary, but I'm having problem with the installer.

Thank you very much,
-Joe

[Mephisto]

Hi joesys,
First of all, thanks for the bug report. I'm sorry that you have problems with the installer. If anybody else has WinXP and has the same problems, please tell me.
Meanwhile I have altered the install program somewhat so that the manual mode does not require Xcopy. This should solve the problem you have.
If you don't want to download it again, just rename all your xcopy.exe to something else for a minute and run the install program while xcopy is renamed. The install program should switch into an emergency mode and install all files to C:\Space Empires IV.
After this don't forget to rename your xcopy!

To all:
We don't offer the winzip files any more because it took me literally hours to upload all the files to the server only to upload fixed files again a few hours later. Unfortunately all the TDM-Memembers have a RL and just not enough time at hour hands. Further we often had your mailbox full of questions how to install the TDM-ModPack winzip by people that just could not afford it (time and money wise) to download the exe file again. We realize that the install program is not that great for people who know their PC in and out but it is a great help for the beginners and when we have fixed all bugs and problems with the installer it will be more easier for all of us.

[joesys]

Hi Mephisto,

Thanks for getting back to me so soon. renaming xcopy.exe works, though of course winxp try to restore xcopy.exe as part of their system file protection. I ended up deleting my renamed xcopy as another xcopy.exe already exist by the time installer finished.

One note about the installer, at the moment, the inataller create a program group to put in SE4Launcher.exe. It'd be great if you ask the user whether they want to do that or not (being YES as the default). The reason is that I happened to put the SE4 links on a non-standard program group and has to delete it everytime the installer ends. This is not a big thing. I won't even say it's irritating if I were to run the installer once, but when you've run it several times,... ;-)

I'm not against the installer idea vs Zip file. Either is fine with me as long as it works. It is true that installer would be easier for the newbie though I suspect most of the SE4 player are quite knowledgable abt computer. But hey, I'm not the one who has to answer their questions abt "how to extarct zip files" ;-)

You mentioned that it took you hours to upload the file. I might be wrong here, but I think most of it are because of the pictures. You might want to look into the possibility of using ImageMod (spelling?) like Derek's Gold mod. Of course, this might be confusing for the newbie, so you've to think abt this.

Thanks again once more. Best of luck,
-Joe

[joesys]

Hi Mephisto,

Just out of curiousity, what does [K126] stands for? The galaxy you're from? ;-)

-Joe

[Mephisto]

Yea, the SE4 Launcher icon creation can be a pain. I will see if I can get a querry to create or leave it with the next Version.
Unfortunately the install program cannot put it into anything "below" the current folder. There are some things I would like to see changed in the install program but -he!- it's the only free one that can search for an exe. But it is no longer supported either.
The picture load is already reduced to a minimum, only the pictures of the unique races are included (ok, and the intro screen). There are just to many races .
Directing a user who wants to use TDM to another mod just to have the graphics is at least bothersome for them. It is already hard to find the pack, and then you tell him to go and find another mod? And, Last but not least, the way it is the TDM team has control over what is installed and can give you support. This would be much more complicated if you have to use two mods (that a user has to install to the correct folder, too! Both of them!).

[K126] actually is short for an address in an german city where some friends and I used to play our RPG. It came to pass to be our clan insignia for counter strike and team fortress. Now I use it all the time as attached in front of Mephisto it will guarantee me my callsign anytime anyplace (or do you have ever meet someone with this callsign before? .

[ May 22, 2002, 11:57: Message edited by: [K126]Mephisto ]