TDW generic patcher Q

[Troutish]

when making changes with TDWs patcher, can i just do it or do i need to use JSGME to turn it off, make the changes, then turn on again?

[BigWalleye]

That depends on how sporty you are. The patcher allows you to make a copy of your sh5.exe file (the core executable file of the game), make changes to the copy with the patcher, and then install the patched sh5.exe just like any other mod. When you activate this or any mod with JSGME, JSGME saves a copy of the file being overwritten, and restores that file when you deactivate the mod.

You CAN point the patcher at your primary sh5.exe file and patch IT in place. But remember that you are making changes to the code you paid the forty bucks for. Programmers consider this high-risk behavior. (Tells you how dull programmers' lives are!:D) The important point is that the patcher is designed and intended to let you easily avoid modifying your primary .exe file. I prefer to use it that way. YMMV.

Whatever you decide to do, I suggest you read this before you try to use the patcher.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=197960

[finchOU]

I had the same question..... tho I ended up not using it as a MOD..... more specifically I directly MODed the .exe file......I think. I guess my question now is....how do I tell if the Patcher worked (aka the file was Modified?). My only indication was that I originally enabled independent engines controls...which was screwing up my game. I disabled it....and all was well. So I guess it works.... but my hydrophone is still...... not the best.

Warning: Side Rant My problem is ....I've MODed the game sooo much that I forget exactly what i've done...... it's a huge necessary evil with SH5. A scary thought is you put in about as much time trying to figure our how to improve the game (aka MOD it) as you do actually playing it. Then you have finicy necessary MODs like OHII which requires you to restart a career after every MOD change. So I would always suggest getting your perfect solution MOD list....then play a career and don't look back till it's over. My problem is I keep finding MODS I need Mid Career...and end up starting over..... so I've never made it past early 1940's before have to restart the same damn career. Very Annoying. I"m sorry....what was your question??? haha

[BigWalleye]

Directly patching the .exe file is not modding.

If you want to know whether the .exe was modified, look at the "Date Modified" column of Explorer. If the date is right, then the patcher changed the right file. Can you know what the patcher actually DID to your .exe? Not unless you like reading hex. That's another reason to not do your patching on Ubisoft/Silent Hunter 5/sh5.exe.

[TheDarkWraith]

Directly patching the .exe file is not modding.

If you want to know whether the .exe was modified, look at the "Date Modified" column of Explorer. If the date is right, then the patcher changed the right file. Can you know what the patcher actually DID to your .exe? Not unless you like reading hex. That's another reason to not do your patching on Ubisoft/Silent Hunter 5/sh5.exe.

that or look at the size of the .exe (or .act or .dll) and compare it to the original. Most of my patches add new sections (listed in PE header) to the file