MODS - A Few Tips.
 

MODS - A Few Tips.

I have posted this because there are so many good mods out there, keeping track is getting more difficult. I hope this will be of help to some people. This is based on the GWX mod, but will help with other major Mods.

To begin:-
SH3 loaded - Updated to GWX 1.03
MultiSH3 - Installed
JSGME - Updated to latest version
SH3 Commander - Installed
SH3Weather - Installed

Note- Add a New Folder to Sh3 root directory and call it "unused"

Keep seperate sh3 folder or at least SH3/data folder elsewhere, in case of corruptions. Can use this to repaste back, makes repairs easier and also you can refer back to original when Modding.

Modding:-
First of all do not alter your installation manually if possible as this makes repairs easier and keeps track of conflicting mods, use JSGE to make changes.

Add a New Folder to your MODS folder and call it "UCF - Updated Conflicting Files"

Installing Mods:-
Install mods one by one, via JSGE. If JSGE warning shows, correct it before proceeding. This helps later on when bug hunting.

Correcting JSGE warnings:-
1. Two or more mods have created the same folder
Take note (or copy from JSGE warning) folders name and path and create empty ones elswhere. Uninstall the conflicting mods and paste in the empty ones. The Mods should now install without warnings.

2. Two Mods use same file:-
Examine the 2 mod files and compare them with your Back-up file as this is unmodified. I use WinMerge (freeware) to help to do this.
If the file is not already in your "MODS/UCF - Updated Conflicting" Folder.
Copy the file with the most corrections into this folder i.e data/Menu/menu_1024_768.ini as an example.
Then paste the 2nd mod file changes to the UCF - Updated Conflicting Files/your path/file

In each mod add new folder and call it "unused" and inside add folder with mod name. Cut the conflicting file and put it into this folder.
Now you are using the file in your UCF - Updated Conflicting Files folder for both mods.

Tree Representation

SH3/MODS/
Mod1 name/
unused/Mod1 name/conflicting file (file removed file from mod)
data/rest of the mod files

Mod2 name/
unused/Mod1 name/conflicting file (file removed file from mod)
data/rest of the mod files

UCF - Updated Conflicting Files/data/.../conflicting file (Modded file using both mods)

When the two mods are installed you should have this:-

SH3/
Other folders

unused/
Mod1 name/conflicting file
Mod2 name/conflicting file


MODS/
Mod1 name/rest of mod
Mod2 name/rest of mod
UCF - Updated Conflicting Files/conflicting file (updated by you, used by program)

Here is my MODS folder structure:-

SH3/
MODS/
CM1 - GWX-103 Cfg
CM2 - Combined Skin Pack
CM3 - Aircraft Markings
CM4 - Flaggen
GW1 - 16km Atmosphere
GW2 - English Nav Map and Grid Refs
GW3 - Main movie - 'Das Boot'
M01 - GUI 1.1.4
M02 - LRT Hardcore v1.34
M03 - SH4 Effects v2.022
M04 - U-Boat Exhaust and Longer Wakes v1.0
M05 - Repeated Order
M06 - More Capital Ships
M07 - Leaving Harbor
M09 - Command Combat v2.0
M10 - Krillerssun & Carotios Moonmod
M11 - Fubars Crew Skins v4
RM1 - German Hits 11 1937-1938
RN1 - Churchs 1939 War Radio
RN2 - Rich Radio
RN3 - Sept 1939 Radio
SP1 - Bearded faces
SP2 - Early War Sensors Snorkel Antennas
SP3 - Late War Sensors Snorkel Antennas
UCF - Updated Conflicting Files

Here is my unused folder (fills up as I add the mods) Note:This folder is not used by SH3, so you can add what you want:-

SH3/
unused/
Removed (files removed by me for Flaggen Mod)
M01 - GUI 1.1.4
M02 - LRT Hardcore v1.34
M03 - SH4 Effects v2.022
M04 - U-Boat Exhaust and Longer Wakes v1.0
M05 - Repeated Order
M06 - More Capital Ships
M09 - Command Combat v2.0
M10 - Krillerssun & Carotios Moonmod
M11 - Fubars Crew Skins v4

The above folders contain all the unused and readme files that where transfered. (I Just pop them in my MODS/Modname/unused folders. Helps to keep everything together just in case).

KEY:-
CMx - SH3 Commander files
GWx - Original GWX mods
M0x - New mods added
RMx - Radio Music files - I will add the rest later and use SH3 commander to install on correct date.
RNx - Radio News files - as above
SPx - Mods that install at certain times. ie SP1 - Bearded faces - install this mod halfway through the patrol and all your crew go from clean shaven to beards.
UCF - Contains all modified conflicting files (This ensures that there is only one copy and is put last to override anything that may have slipped past.).

These Keys keep the files in a nice order.

I know it appears Heavy going, but go through step by step.
Feel Free to take any part and use as you want.

Cheers
P.s.
All modders a BIG, BIG thankyou for all the time and effort you have put into the mods and made Sh3 a Reality.

That is a really good idea. I have become a Mod Collector Junkie and this scheme will help with the clutter.:nope:

My plan is to cull, when GXW 2.0 is released and then just add the mods to that as they become compatible or I tweak them into compatibility.

But I can use this, great planning and thanks.:up:

Wilcke

Thanks for your comment Wilcke

I did notice one small error

Mod2 name/
unused/Mod1 name/conflicting file (file removed file from mod)
data/rest of the mod files

should be-

Mod2 name/
unused/Mod2 name/conflicting file (file removed file from mod)
data/rest of the mod files

The Tree structure layout, didn't upload as I typed it, so it may be a little difficult to follow.

The bonus of this structure is that any tweaks you make is in the one folder " UCF - Updated Conflicting Files". When bug hunting , for most mods, you start at this folder with a VERY HIGH chance that your problem is here. Saves running all over the place.

It is important to log all the changes you make in this folder and use comments as much as possible. Saves trying to remember what you have done and also shows up possible problems when you add mods later.

I noticed a massive error with your thread;..............................your not using any of my mods :shifty:
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:rotfl:

@ Venator :lol:

@ Bad Wolf " WHOA Thats a lot of Mods" :yep:

but a good idea there mate

:up:

Hi Venatore

I agree with you.

Have been running around using the U-Boat IIa, as I would like to make my way up the hard way. Tried your skin for it but found there was no DF Antennas revolving. Really loved the skin and do miss it, but couldn't afford the time to solve problem.(might be tricky)

As for your crew uniforms. I read somewhere that a lot went to sea in checkered shirts etc. I wanted to make it random and mixed with the clothes via SH3 Commander, so they appeared in different clothing, Casual and uniform, as I would imagine the crew would have done. Again haven't had time to sort out possible problems

This is just 2 mods. But rest assured, a lot of your mods will be used soon, as I think they are excellent.

The last reason your mods are not used is because I only have a NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700LE and I am already pushing it to the limit. The fan has melted and is sitting at the bottom of my computer, but it keeps going without problems. Going to build myself a new system over the xmas holidays.

No need to explain matey, I was only joking :oops: The part where you discussed that the DF antenna wasn't rotating thats the first I've heard about that, thank you for bring this to my attention.