READ_ME_FIRST_Stiebler4C_Patch.txt

This Stiebler4C patchkit is a specialist tool designed to enhance a legitimate copy of Ubisoft's Silent Hunter III game. It is an extension of the older Stiebler3B patch-kit previously installed successfully by many other users.

A. Specifically, it patches the file SH3.exe, AFTER you have first patched it with H.sie's V16B1 patch kit (available at the Silent Hunter III page of Subsim):
1. You MUST use an *unaltered* copy of SH3.exe first created with H.sie's V16B1 patch. This means unaltered in any way, for example by use of the Options Selector provided with H.sie's V16B1 patch. If you have any doubts about whether your copy of H.sie-patched SH3.exe is suitable, re-create it! (H.sie's original file had all boxes ticked in the Options Selector for H.sie patches, except 'less radio reports' unticked. The two slider dials for oxygen consumption are both set to 1.0.)
2. You must NOT use any form of the file SH3.exe which has NOT been patched by H.sie's V16B1 patch. Any attempt to use the Stiebler patchkit with a copy of SH3.exe which has not been patched with H.sie's V16B1 will cause an immediate Crash-to-Desktop (CTD) when you attempt to run the game.


B. Use of this Stiebler4C_Patch kit assumes prior knowledge of the following:
1. How to use computer editing software (such as Notepad), with cut-and-paste operations.
2. How to use Windows Explorer, to locate files, and if necessary to move them.
3. How to manipulate key files, such as en_menu.txt, de_menu.txt, commands_en.cfg, commands_de.cfg, menu_1024.768.ini, and other files that may from time to time require alteration.
4. How to use J Scones' General Mod Enabler (commonly called JSGME; also available from SubSim). JSGME is used to install new mods in a reversible manner to an existing installation of Silent Hunter III.

If you lack confidence or ability to carry out these operations, then DO NOT ATTEMPT TO INSTALL THIS PATCH. (However, if you have already installed the H.sie V16B1 patch, you probably have a good idea about how to install the Stiebler4C patch.)
In particular, please be aware that certain parts of this patch-kit are not compatible with mods made by other users, and which you may previously have installed, and therefore you may require expert knowledge of the files listed in B.3 above in order to fix the other mods properly. This applies especially to any mods which may have changed the original GUI interface of Silent Hunter III.

C. There are a total of three instruction manuals included with the Stiebler4 patch kit. These need to be read!
1. Instructions_Stiebler4C_V16B1_Addon.rtf.
Contains the instruction about how to patch your copy of SH3.exe (pre-patched with H.sie's V16B1) with the Stiebler4 patch.
2. Stiebler4C_patch_Docs.pdf.
Contains details about the function of each mod, and how to use it.
3. HSieOptionsSelector_Readme.txt.
Contains instructions about how to use the Options Selector (a separate program, which enables you to enable or disable different options as required.)

Stiebler. 23 July 2012.

