I have started coding on another little program for automated conversion of files between txt & bin formats using the actual convertdata*.exe's and the correct convertdata for the files based on the pathname eg for entrenchment mods/reference files the path should contain "entrenchment" ditto for the next expansions, and for vanilla sins it SHOULD NOT contain any of the expansions names also it will work on all drives in the computer BUT does need the sins installation in the location pointed to by the registy.
it will also be able to make TXTed reference files as easily as converting an entire mod to/from bin
to make your own reference set you first COPY the program files sins folder to another location in the computer like for example 'my documents', then delete FROM THE COPY the appdata,font & sdplugins folders and the dll and exe files in the root of the copy then run the txt binner doing the entrenchment folder first then any other expansions you have and finally the vanilla sins and for each folder note which files have FAILED conversion
a more detailed overview of the program
psudo code outline
get the conversion type
get the location to convert
determine which convertdata to use based on the location (all three expansions will be supported)
scan the location to create a list of all files
for each file in the list use the convertdata to convert each file if it is NOT the type wanted, then test to see if it was converted correctly, if not list it in the failed conversion list, if it was then list it in the success list
end psudo code outline
note additional minor feature if you have a location you want to use as a sins reference files location and want it to be accessably with a single button then create a sinsref.txt in the same folder as the txt binner.exe and have as the first line of the file as the path to your sins reference location eg 'f:\sins reference' note the LACK of trailing backslash the program does not want it
the new versions of the mod updater and TXT BIN GUI use the correct version of the convertdata to do the actual convesion to text/bin eg updateing mods from entrenchment 1.01 to 1.03 the mod updater converts to text with convertdata_entrenchment1.01.exe and updates the entities, then converts back to bin with convertdata_entrenchment 1.03.exe.
I suggest not using the old version files the current is 1.1
the latest version is included in the utility pack that an be downloaded from my mod updater thread
harpo
xeranes, do you havethe richtxt32.ocx in the same folder as the sins textbinner.exe?
all of my programs use the richtext32 messagebox for the reporting of file converstions & listing due to the standard message box being limited to 64k of data and the richtest32 doe NOT have that limit.
Where does the converter put the converted files to? i cant find them!
O please do use media fire too, it would really help others download.
shuaziod, mediafire refuse to let me upload to them anymore.
but I havev already uploaded them to diplomacy (433kb), entrenchment (6.03mb), and sins (15.6mb).
I also have been having some difficulty uloading to filefront which is why i am currently using filefactory
ye i know where the converter is, but once i convert the files i cant find them, please help.
EDIT: either it does convert the files and i cant find them, or it doesnt convert the files... any good clear tutorials on this available?
Harpo, maybe you'd like to try Megaupload, otherwise I won't mind if you e-mail em to me
But that is, if you don't mind.Thanks for the work you're doing round here, i still cant get your converter to work lol. Maybe labelled instructions from you would really help.
Would be better than using reference data from Forged Tools.
Don't worry dude, i have had the exact same problem and so much more.
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG OMG OMMG OMG!!!!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I DID IT HARPO AND GRUNTMASTER! I DID IT!
I MADE THE CONVERTER WORK LOL!!!! I DID IT!!!!
OMG, after all the trial and error, i think i can unofficially be called the convertdata troubleshooter lol.
Btw, just fyi, none of your suggestions worked, i found out the cure to all my problems by myself lol. I DID IT MAN! I DID IT!!!
Quick question and tips.
Harpo, i ran the converter with the following programs still running in the background:
Sins of the Solar Empire: Diplomacy game ( was testing the Galaxy Forge maps)
Galaxy Forge
3 Firefox windows.
MSN messenger
Winamp.
Then i decided to do abit of conversion BETA testing by converting the entire Vanilla Sins Gameinfo folder.
Converting 878 files took about 110 seconds. RAM barely reached 50%. Is that considered:
Slowest, Slow, Expected Speed, Fast , OMGWTFISTHATSPEED? or LightSpeed?
Btw, my converter uses the OriginalSins_0 and other files labeled Convertdata_(Brand)0.exe to convert the files instead of the 1.19 stuff. Is there a problem there? I think its prolly cos my files are updated?
QUICK TIP FOR THOSE LOOKING OUT FOR IT: Right click the program or anywhere in the middle of conversion to pause it.
HWO DID YOU DO IT!!!
i want to know!!! or be prepared to face my mighty fleet!!! D:<
EDIT: note that i am trying to edit ONE Entity file at a time. so im trying to convert ONE enetity file at a time. not whole mods.
btw, i am forced to convert where the game is located, where the mods are it doesnt work for me. as i try to convert a whole mod folder from the Entrenchment v1.05 folder, it give me the following error:
"Convertdata not found for the expansion chosen. Looked for Convertdata?entrenchment1.05.exe here, and did not find it. please copy it into this location."
shuaziod & narhar, inplace means that the files to be converted ARE REPLACED by the CONVERTED files, so if you convert a folder from bin to txt then the files in that folder ARE REPLACED by txt versions and the sames for txt to bin,
regarding instructions CAN YOU READ ENGLISH? the program has the instructions in label boxes to the left of the actual controls in english. i had also tried to make the operation of the program as OBVIOUS as possible by disabling controls untill the REQUIRED chioces were made.
My text-bin GUI was designed to NOT use the entire system during conversions as the convertdata's do the actual work of converting the files between text & bin, and during initial testing BEFORE i inserted delays it would hit 100% useage on all 4 cores of a quadcore and still take about the same time to do the conversions with the only the gui running other than standard background tasks including an effecient AV. it also ment that the computer COULD not share files in my network while the conversion was happening. after puting in the 100ms pause & allow other tasks in the operate convertdata code the system usage dropped to the current usage, and allow filesharing and ther tasks to work in a timly manor.
ok, thats good but as i said i cannot convert anything outside the game directory itself:
it gives me the following error: "Convertdata not found for the expansion chosen. Looked for Convertdata?entrenchment1.05.exe here, and did not find it. please copy it into this location."
now if you says that the data is REPLACED by the converted one, then why when i go back to the file that was SUPPOSED to be converted not converted? it is staying as an .ENTITY file, and not converted to a .txt file.
the program however, says that it was converted...
The file stays an .entity file but the format is in text, try opening it with notepad and if the program worked it should be readable text instead of gibberish.
nope, not in txt format, all giberish
are you trying to convert your game installation folder? if yes you silly baby. the gui does not alter ANY files in the program files tree so that you can continue to play sins. copy the sins/entrenchment/diplomacy folders to another path, then use the program on the copied files. DO NOT ATTEMPT to convert the program files folders as the program will continue to REFUSE to convert them.
i was just trying to get helpjesus christ no need to flame me but thanks anyways...
EDIT: i still get the following error message:
Convertdata not found for the expansion chosen. looked for Convertdata?entrenchment0.exe here, and did not find it. please copy it into this location.
please note that i copied the whole sins directory to Desktop.
(i am using Entrenchment 1.05, and am trying to convert the entrenchment folder)
To: Mr Narhahahahahaahahahahahahaahahahahahahaahahahahaha.
Follow this instructions TO THE LETTER. I Mean do EVERYTHING as stated here!
Step 0: You may ignore the word SHIT/Shit/Shat that is mentioned over the course of the next few steps. You may try, but you may not succeed.
Step 1: Download Harpo's converter's zip file WITH Diplomacy involved.
Step 2: Make sure your game is updated. Vanilla should be @ 1.19. Entrenchment should be @ 1.05. Diplomacy should be @ 1.00. (You may check this by heading to C:\My Documents and Settings\My Shit\Local Settings\ApplicationData\Ironclad Games\SOASE [PLEASE NOTE THAT ITS MY SHIT -> Local Settings -> Application Data.
Step 3: Unzip Harpo's converter to your desktop into a Folder called "Converter".
Step 4: Go to your Program Files/IroncladShit/SOASE
Step 5: There should be 2-3 files there that STARTS WITH convertdata_(something).exe
Step 6: Copy those 3 files into the Converter Folder in desktop.
Step 7: Those 3 new files copied in your converter folder? add the number 0 in front of them before the .exe.
So its like convertdata_(SOMETHING)0.exe
Step 8: There are 3 folders in your Program Files/Ironcladshit/SOASE that are labelled GameInfo, one is in your install folder, one in Diplomacy and one in Entrenchment.
Step 9: Highlight all of them (if you can, if not use 3 windows).
Step 10: Select Copy.
Step 11: Copy them to C:\ReferenceFiles
Step 12: Launch The Converter! (I got an erection when I got to this step)
Step 13: Look at the top of it, tick "Conversion to" is set to "txt"
Step 14: Go to the folder dropdown, go to C drive, select reference files -> Gameinfo.
Step 14a: Select "3 convert this folder"
Step 14b: Select "4 convert the folder NOW GOD DAMMIT!"
Step 15: Repeat steps 14 to steps 14 for different Gameinfo folders.
Step 15a: Exit the program and smile.
Step 16: Well, there is a Step 16 because my favourite number is 16.
TIPS: Its best to convert ALL game info folders in your C drive, so you dont corrupt your originally installed game.
After you edit a file in notepad or notepad++, just copy it to your install folder or make it into a mod.
If you do copy and overwrite your original folder's gameinfo, do back it up and convert it back to Bin. (Steps 13 to Step 14 for BIN, its jsut 2 steps!)
TROUBLE SHOOTING:
1 - It didn't work Shuazoid! YOU LIED TO ME YOU FILTHY FUCK!
Ans: It works for me, it'll work you. You probably read something wrongly and didn't follow it to the letter. And for your info, I ain't never had a girlfriend and am a virgin.
2 - THANK YOU SHUAZOID!
Ans: Don't thank me, give me Karma. And tell Harpo to put this in a readme file with my name in it.
3 - Are you an atheist?
Ans: Why , yes. But I prefer to call myself a free thinker, it sets me free.
4 - Why is 16 your favourite number?
Ans: Its a special reason.
5 - I'd like to be your soulmate!
Ans: Well, im honored. But if you're gay, shove your schlong somewhere else.
LOL thank you very much Shuazoid, your litle readme is very appreciated and best of all: IT WORKS!!!
thanks again.
and well yes, it would be anm excellent idea to provide Harpo your readme, it helps alot.
shuaziod & narhar
1 the convertdata_* numbers SHOULD be the sins/entrenchment/diplomacy version numbers, eg convertdata_originalsins1.19.exe, convertdata_entrenchment1.05.exe, convertdata_diplomacy1.exe for the current versions
2 the copy of the entire game files to another folder outside of the \program files\ IS REQUIRED before conversion
3 my utilities will work from ANY folder/drive in the computer(s) that have sins installed including usb sticks
4 the converter uses the folder name to figure out which convertdata to use, so it is a good idea to add the sins/expansion version number to the folder name after you have copied it. the reasons for this are
a that I have found that the convertdata's only work successfully on files that were processed with the SAME version when converting FROM bin
b when you get the next patch you will probably want to update your mod with the latest files, and it helps when finding which fies you have changed
there is one more file to edit when updating sins and my utilities and that is the targetsinsver.txt
the structure of the target sinsver.txt is originalsinsversion number current is 1.19entrenchment version number current is 1.05diplomacy version number current is 1.00thirdexpansion version number(will remain blank unless ironclad release a MAJOR expansion for sins)
shuaziod I agree with your answers 1,3 & 5 as they also apply to me
Harpo, u havent told me whether my conversion rate was fast. Its above.
shuaziod, 110 seconds for 878 files COPIED and updated sounds reasonable. I am thinking of adding the MB copied to the reports as my entrenchment updating with 15GB of mods takes around 1 hour on my slow development machine.
ok i followed suazoids instructions to the letter it all worked and then about half way through i get an assertion error and i can no longer convert the files can someone point me in the direction to get this sorted thanks in advanced.
ok ill leave this in case of people like me, dont forget to double click on the folder you want converting.
sorry for the trouble.
freakyman, the only error that can happen part way through the conversion is the convertdata's stopping because it can not convert the file, just click on the OK and the convert should continue with the file that the convertdata locked up on listed in the failed list and file.I have no control over the convertdata's failing to convert files, but I noticed that the convertdata for the particular release does seem to work on MOST files for the release
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