[REL] JoneSoft Generic Mod Enabler (JSGME) v2.4 now available!

JScones · 05-07-10, 06:30 AM

JoneSoft Generic Mod Enabler (JSGME) v2.4 is now available from http://jonesoft.jaennahre.com or via JSGME's Update feature.

Changes:
- Added ability to copy the list of activated mods to the clipboard
- Added /s switch for saving mod profiles
- Added new (online) Help file (requires internet connection)
- Now optimised for use with Microsoft Vista and Windows 7
- Minor modifications to the behaviour of the "Tasks..." menu

A minor update, but one that includes a number of new features.

The most obvious change is the enhanced compatibility with Vista/Windows 7. Apart from adopting the native look and feel, JSGME also navigates the wonderful world of UAC. The downside of this is the annoying "Do you want to allow..." popup every time you open JSGME (until I get my digital signature in order, which will alleviate it a little bit), but the upside is that you can install JSGME anywhere and not worry about UAC related problems (assuming, of course, that you click the "Yes" button on the popup

). Note though that while JSGME will now run happily in "\Program Files", the game itself may not...so this modification is not to be seen as a license to start installing games into "\Program Files" with gay abandon.

I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL JSGME USERS UPDATE TO THIS LATEST VERSION! There are no benefits running an earlier version of JSGME.

INSTALLATION
JSGME can be installed one of two ways:

==1. CENTRAL INSTALLATION==
You can install the JoneSoft Generic Mod Enabler (JSGME) to a central location and point it to each of your games through creating shortcuts. To do this:

install JSGME to a central location (for example, “C:\Games\Generic Mod Enabler”). Keep the “Create a desktop icon” option selected in the installer
once installed, DO NOT RUN! Copy and paste the newly created JSGME desktop shortcut as many times as you have games and change the “Start in” folder of each shortcut to point to each game’s base folder. To change the “Start in” folder, right-click the shortcut, select “Properties” and then the “Shortcut” tab.
rename each shortcut to something meaningful, such as “JSGME - GameName1”, “JSGME - GameName2”, “JSGME - GameName3” and so on. To rename a shortcut, simply right-click the shortcut and select “Rename”

Using JSGME with subsequently installed games is simply a matter of copying, pasting and editing an existing shortcut (steps 2 and 3 above). And whenever JSGME is updated, you only need to install it once.

==2. SEPARATE INSTALLATION==
If you prefer, you can install separate copies of JSGME into each of your games. To do this, simply install JSGME to the base folder of the game that you would like to mod. The base folder usually contains the game’s main executable file and usually has a name unique to the game. If in doubt, consult the game’s online community. If you keep the “Create a desktop icon” option selected, the installer will add a uniquely named shortcut to your desktop.

Language Packs
If you use a language pack, please download the updated version from http://jonesoft.jaennahre.com. Note that some packs have not yet been updated with new translations - new versions will be uploaded as soon as possible.

As always, please feel free to announce in other game forums...

AND REMEMBER - THE ONLINE USER GUIDE IS YOUR FRIEND!

Ragtag · 05-07-10, 07:17 AM

Thanks

This is one of the most important game application of all times

reaper7 · 05-07-10, 07:17 AM

Nice. Thanks for the heads up.

Athlonic · 05-07-10, 08:32 AM

Quote:

- Added new (online) Help file (requires internet connection)

Ubisoft OSP DRM strike again !

JScones · 05-07-10, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athlonic

Ubisoft OSP DRM strike again !

That's it, I'm calling for a BOYCOTT until the Publisher removes the draconian online requirement!!!

Oh, wait...

jimimadrid · 05-07-10, 10:13 AM

Thanks a lot.

Question: Will my mods be syncronized to all my PCs with installed SH5? Do i need therefore a permanent online connection? Will i loose mods when my internetconnection fails??

Sailor Steve · 05-07-10, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JScones

That's it, I'm calling for a BOYCOTT until the Publisher removes the draconian online requirement!!!

Oh, wait...

5/7/2010 Sailor Steve: I refuse to be forced to do things just because some publisher says I have to!

7/13/2010 SS: Help! Your stupid program doesn't do half the things you say it will!

JS: What version are you using?

SS: 1.3...

JS:

coronas · 05-07-10, 01:05 PM

Many thanks!

convoy hunter · 05-07-10, 01:15 PM

thanks i 'll get it

Paco · 05-08-10, 02:36 PM

Thanks a lot for the new version

Paco

Akula4745 · 05-10-10, 07:37 PM

Many thanks!!

JScones · 05-11-10, 01:01 AM

OK, I'm looking at the next release.

The main feature will be the ability to build/create new mods based on the "Compare game files to snapshot" task.

In other words, assuming you've generated a snapshot of your game files (when you first install JSGME - see the User Guide for more information), if you make changes to game files (install mods or edit directly) and run the "Compare game files to snapshot" task you will be asked if you want to create one mod based on the differences found. Prolly mainly a feature for modders or those wanting to consolidate many mods into small mod packages.

I'm also looking at:
- auto-disabling subsequent mods when trying to disable a "greyed out" mod. Sounds easy, but requires a logic rewrite due to the recursive nature.
- ability to remove for folders as well. The folder version of the -remove parameter.

And two features not likely to progress:
- check to see if the game is already running, and give a warning if you're trying to enable a mod. How would JSGME know? The user would have to tell JSGME the name of the game exe file, but even that will not always be a good indicator given that some main exe files spawn other processes that exist long after the main exe has exited. So, unless the user knew this, it wouldn't always work properly, and I'd cop the flack over it.

- launch game from within JSGME. As above. The user would need to set the main game file name. This one is doable, but is it useful? Or worth the effort of me adding it? It would work through a task that you select, "Run game", where the first time you use it you're prompted for the file to run, with JSGME saving it for future uses. Let me know if you'd use this feature...

These may not all make the next release, but they should make a release over the next 12 or so months.

I will, however, not be implementing:
- junction points, hard linking or symbolic linking. Too many limitations with this approach. Sure, hardlinking means no physical file moves or copies, but:

a) it limits use to NTFS systems only. Surely this is over 90% of users, but it's not 100%. So it's no go for me.
b) JSGME must be installed on the same physical drive as the game. This wouldn't be an issue before v2.3, but with the ability to install JSGME anywhere and point it anywhere, this creates another limitation that I don't want.
c) I've seen so much user confusion over Win7/Vista's similar "File virtualization" feature (VirtualStore folder, anyone?), that it would be a nightmare to explain and support.
d) it's really only noticable with mods over 500mb in size.

So I've chosen maximum flexibility and ease of use over saving a few seconds and megabytes here and there.

- compressed backups. Why? Again, the few megabytes saved would come at the detriment of speed, with JSGME having to unzip everything whenever a mod is enabled/disabled and rezip it all again when finished. This could be consolidated into a once-only unzip at JSGME loadup and rezip at exit, but who wants to wait while hundreds of megabytes are unzipped and zipped everytime they run JSGME? Nup. I've already streamlined JSGME by recording some changes in text files instead of creating file backup copies...This change has seen a substantial reduction in backup folder size (up to 50%, depending on the mod).

As always, requests welcome. Remember, this is your tool to make your life easier.

JScones · 05-15-10, 04:12 AM

After some thought I've decided to remove the two features that I listed above as not likely to progress, so they are now two features definitely not to be progressed. There's simply too many variables involved to make either features useful, and given the lack of feedback on the features there's obviously nil interest amongst you users.

Anyway, now is the perfect time for both modders and general users to let me know of:
- anything that annoys you about JSGME that you'd like changed
- features that you may have seen elsewhere that you'd like added
- any other feedback, features or functionality that you think would make JSGME better for you

Pls make sure you've read the User Guide first though, just in case...

JSGME is what it is primarily because of your feedback.

Jimbuna · 05-15-10, 05:50 AM

No prizes for guessing Jaesen but I've had a steady stream of PM's necessitating a referral to page 4 of the online user guide

Don't worry, I'll report this post personally

tonschk · 05-15-10, 08:55 AM

Thank you JScones ,

this program is very very useful

.

05-07-10, 06:30 AM	#1
JScones Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 5,501 Downloads: 19 Uploads: 0	[REL] JoneSoft Generic Mod Enabler (JSGME) v2.4 now available! JoneSoft Generic Mod Enabler (JSGME) v2.4 is now available from http://jonesoft.jaennahre.com or via JSGME's Update feature. *Changes:* - Added ability to copy the list of activated mods to the clipboard - Added /s switch for saving mod profiles - Added new (online) Help file (requires internet connection) - Now optimised for use with Microsoft Vista and Windows 7 - Minor modifications to the behaviour of the "Tasks..." menu A minor update, but one that includes a number of new features. The most obvious change is the enhanced compatibility with Vista/Windows 7. Apart from adopting the native look and feel, JSGME also navigates the wonderful world of UAC. The downside of this is the annoying "Do you want to allow..." popup every time you open JSGME (until I get my digital signature in order, which will alleviate it a little bit), but the upside is that you can install JSGME anywhere and not worry about UAC related problems (assuming, of course, that you click the "Yes" button on the popup ). Note though that while JSGME will now run happily in "\Program Files", the game itself may not...so this modification is not to be seen as a license to start installing games into "\Program Files" with gay abandon. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL JSGME USERS UPDATE TO THIS LATEST VERSION! There are no benefits running an earlier version of JSGME. INSTALLATION JSGME can be installed one of two ways: ==1. CENTRAL INSTALLATION== You can install the JoneSoft Generic Mod Enabler (JSGME) to a central location and point it to each of your games through creating shortcuts. To do this: install JSGME to a central location (for example, “C:\Games\Generic Mod Enabler”). Keep the “Create a desktop icon” option selected in the installer once installed, DO NOT RUN! Copy and paste the newly created JSGME desktop shortcut as many times as you have games and change the “Start in” folder of each shortcut to point to each game’s base folder. To change the “Start in” folder, right-click the shortcut, select “Properties” and then the “Shortcut” tab. rename each shortcut to something meaningful, such as “JSGME - GameName1”, “JSGME - GameName2”, “JSGME - GameName3” and so on. To rename a shortcut, simply right-click the shortcut and select “Rename” Using JSGME with subsequently installed games is simply a matter of copying, pasting and editing an existing shortcut (steps 2 and 3 above). And whenever JSGME is updated, you only need to install it once. ==2. SEPARATE INSTALLATION== If you prefer, you can install separate copies of JSGME into each of your games. To do this, simply install JSGME to the base folder of the game that you would like to mod. The base folder usually contains the game’s main executable file and usually has a name unique to the game. If in doubt, consult the game’s online community. If you keep the “Create a desktop icon” option selected, the installer will add a uniquely named shortcut to your desktop. Language Packs If you use a language pack, please download the updated version from http://jonesoft.jaennahre.com. Note that some packs have not yet been updated with new translations - new versions will be uploaded as soon as possible. As always, please feel free to announce in other game forums... AND REMEMBER - THE ONLINE USER GUIDE IS YOUR FRIEND! Last edited by JScones; 05-07-10 at 09:34 AM.

05-07-10, 07:17 AM	#2
Ragtag Seasoned Skipper Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 654 Downloads: 163 Uploads: 0	Thanks This is one of the most important game application of all times __________________ Intel I7-7800x CPU. 16Gb G.skill DDR4 3600MHz. Asrock Taichi X299 mb Palit RTX 2080Ti. Fortron 1000W PSU. BenQ XR3501R LCD.

05-07-10, 10:13 AM	#6
jimimadrid Sonar Guy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Augsburg, Germany Posts: 385 Downloads: 115 Uploads: 19	Thanks a lot. Question: Will my mods be syncronized to all my PCs with installed SH5? Do i need therefore a permanent online connection? Will i loose mods when my internetconnection fails?? __________________ SH4 Menumaker . JTxE Textenabler . Gramophone SongRandomizer . SH_Keymapper

05-07-10, 01:05 PM	#8
coronas Ace of the Deep Join Date: May 2005 Location: Asturias, España Posts: 1,168 Downloads: 39 Uploads: 0	Many thanks! __________________

05-08-10, 02:36 PM	#10
Paco Captain Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kassel, Germany Posts: 542 Downloads: 345 Uploads: 0	Thanks a lot for the new version Paco __________________ My SH5-Mods: - Pacos German Folklore SubEmblems Mod - Pacos Environment Sound Mod - Lite Campaign German Edition

05-07-10, 07:17 AM	#3
reaper7 sim2reality Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: AM 82 Posts: 2,280 Downloads: 258 Uploads: 30	Nice. Thanks for the heads up.

05-07-10, 01:15 PM	#9
convoy hunter Samurai Navy Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: kapandriti, Greece Posts: 576 Downloads: 103 Uploads: 0	thanks i 'll get it

05-10-10, 07:37 PM	#11
Akula4745 Convicted Ship Killer Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Just out of sight... plotting your course and speed Posts: 846 Downloads: 371 Uploads: 1	Many thanks!! __________________ Akula4745 "If you sit by the river long enough... the body of your enemy will float by -- SunTzu"

05-11-10, 01:01 AM	#12
JScones Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 5,501 Downloads: 19 Uploads: 0	OK, I'm looking at the next release. The main feature will be the ability to build/create new mods based on the "Compare game files to snapshot" task. In other words, assuming you've generated a snapshot of your game files (when you first install JSGME - see the User Guide for more information), if you make changes to game files (install mods or edit directly) and run the "Compare game files to snapshot" task you will be asked if you want to create one mod based on the differences found. Prolly mainly a feature for modders or those wanting to consolidate many mods into small mod packages. I'm also looking at: - auto-disabling subsequent mods when trying to disable a "greyed out" mod. Sounds easy, but requires a logic rewrite due to the recursive nature. - ability to remove for folders as well. The folder version of the -remove parameter. And two features not likely to progress: - check to see if the game is already running, and give a warning if you're trying to enable a mod. How would JSGME know? The user would have to tell JSGME the name of the game exe file, but even that will not always be a good indicator given that some main exe files spawn other processes that exist long after the main exe has exited. So, unless the user knew this, it wouldn't always work properly, and I'd cop the flack over it. - launch game from within JSGME. As above. The user would need to set the main game file name. This one is doable, but is it useful? Or worth the effort of me adding it? It would work through a task that you select, "Run game", where the first time you use it you're prompted for the file to run, with JSGME saving it for future uses. Let me know if you'd use this feature... These may not all make the next release, but they should make a release over the next 12 or so months. I will, however, not be implementing: - junction points, hard linking or symbolic linking. Too many limitations with this approach. Sure, hardlinking means no physical file moves or copies, but: a) it limits use to NTFS systems only. Surely this is over 90% of users, but it's not 100%. So it's no go for me. b) JSGME must be installed on the same physical drive as the game. This wouldn't be an issue before v2.3, but with the ability to install JSGME anywhere and point it anywhere, this creates another limitation that I don't want. c) I've seen so much user confusion over Win7/Vista's similar "File virtualization" feature (VirtualStore folder, anyone?), that it would be a nightmare to explain and support. d) it's really only noticable with mods over 500mb in size. So I've chosen maximum flexibility and ease of use over saving a few seconds and megabytes here and there. - compressed backups. Why? Again, the few megabytes saved would come at the detriment of speed, with JSGME having to unzip everything whenever a mod is enabled/disabled and rezip it all again when finished. This could be consolidated into a once-only unzip at JSGME loadup and rezip at exit, but who wants to wait while hundreds of megabytes are unzipped and zipped everytime they run JSGME? Nup. I've already streamlined JSGME by recording some changes in text files instead of creating file backup copies...This change has seen a substantial reduction in backup folder size (up to 50%, depending on the mod). As always, requests welcome. Remember, this is your tool to make your life easier.

05-15-10, 04:12 AM	#13
JScones Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 5,501 Downloads: 19 Uploads: 0	After some thought I've decided to remove the two features that I listed above as not likely to progress, so they are now two features definitely not to be progressed. There's simply too many variables involved to make either features useful, and given the lack of feedback on the features there's obviously nil interest amongst you users. Anyway, now is the perfect time for both modders and general users to let me know of: - anything that annoys you about JSGME that you'd like changed - features that you may have seen elsewhere that you'd like added - any other feedback, features or functionality that you think would make JSGME better for you Pls make sure you've read the User Guide first though, just in case... JSGME is what it is primarily because of your feedback.

05-15-10, 05:50 AM	#14
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,500 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	No prizes for guessing Jaesen but I've had a steady stream of PM's necessitating a referral to page 4 of the online user guide Don't worry, I'll report this post personally __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

05-15-10, 08:55 AM	#15
tonschk Admiral Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,200 Downloads: 172 Uploads: 0	Thank you JScones , this program is very very useful . __________________ What we do in life echoes in Eternity