Manually editing files

[BillBam]

This is my first attempt a manually editing a file rather than installing a mod with the mod enabler. I can't seem to find a step by step guide here to what I did was open the file in Notepad, edit the file and try to save it, however when I do this I get a "Access Denied" error. Is notepad the wrong program for doing this?

[Fincuan]

Never manually edit the original files. If you do that and screw up your only option is to reinstall. Always make a mod that contains the files you want to change, and make all edits to those files. If the file doesn't look like ¤%&HGDG¤%& in notepad, ie. it's readable, then it's ok to edit it.

The "access denied" error probably means you don't have writing permissions to the file you're trying to save. Make sure you have those and you should be good to go.

[BillBam]

Thanks for the reply. I have backups of any editied files and the premission change work on saving the file.

Thanks again.

[Bish0p]

Modifying your files is one sure fire way to make sure you either crash, or you crash other people if you play multiplayer.
If you don't know which files will cause conflicts it is best to stay away from it.

All it takes is one incompatibility and bye bye mutliplayer.

[razark]

Modifying your files is one sure fire way to make sure you either crash, or you crash other people if you play multiplayer.
If you don't know which files will cause conflicts it is best to stay away from it.

All it takes is one incompatibility and bye bye mutliplayer.

That's what backups are for.

My philosophy:
Multi SH4 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=108215&highlight=multi+sh4). Get it, use it.
Keep one install for multiplayer (if you bother with that), or for general playing with whatever mods you feel like using. Make another install, and copy the files from it. If you break something, copy the original file back.

Start poking into whatever files you want. It's the way to learn what is in the files, what you can change, what is useful for what you want to do. Don't be afraid, just make backups. Evey modder needs to start somewhere.

[Bish0p]

I hardly consider multiplayer a bother.
Only people who don't use it do.
Thats cool you don't play it.
But no need to bash it.
We have 8 people playing in mutliplayer with teamspeak for hours on end.
That's fun to me.
going alone into the ocean to me with no teamspeak is not..

Also verify the files aren't set to "read only" as some tend to be.
If they are, uncheck read only.
then save it.
Cheers and good luck.

The biggest and best rule, as has been said.
Backup Backup Backup...
Backup the entire data directory I'd say.
I have a fresh data directory just waiting for a rainy day.