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Modding, Mission Design, and Coding => FS2 Open Coding - The Source Code Project (SCP) => Topic started by: Arkblade on March 29, 2006, 07:32:31 am

Title: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Arkblade on March 29, 2006, 07:32:31 am
when MediaVPs works from other modfolder. (use mod.ini)
MediaVPs was normally loaded but only work some stuff. :sigh:
(splash screen, High-poly Medusa, etc...)
i confirmed mod.ini.
and this problem doesn't exist on other My PC.

----
PC Spec (My SubMachine)
CPU: PENTIUM4 1.6G
MEM: 512M
VIDEO: GeForceFX 5900XT
Sound: Soundblaster live!
OS: Windows 98SE (other My PC are Windows XP)
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Dark Hunter on March 29, 2006, 10:15:12 am
MediaVP's are considered a mod in and of themselves by the game, so, no they wouldn't work out of a different mod folder. Most mods nowadays have their own VP files. If you wish to have the MediaVPs on all the time (like I do) put them in the main FS2 folder, not their own.
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Wanderer on March 29, 2006, 10:23:48 am
Better way is to use mod.ini files and place those inside your modfolder

Example of mod.ini files contents
Code: [Select]
[multimod]
primarylist  = ;
secondrylist = ,Mediavps;

Assuming that the MediaVPs are is Mediavps named directory

@Arkblade
Are you sure that the mod you are trying to run doesnt override mediaVP stuff with some older graphics?
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: karajorma on March 29, 2006, 02:57:07 pm
A lot of mods included their own sets of table files. The result is that these will override those in the media VPs. If you tell us which mods don't work we can tell you whether that is the cause. It's easy enough to recognise the symptoms really though. You'd get HTL models but not the fancy shockwaves, etc.

If you're not getting anything from the media VPs at all then it's probably due to you missing a mod ini like the one described above. Have a look in my FAQ for more details on how to install FS2_Open mods.

Do not put the media VPs in the main folder. It works but it could cause you no end of problems later.
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Arkblade on March 29, 2006, 07:57:39 pm
It was an insufficient explanation.
This phenomenon happens even if other modfolder is empty(Mod.ini is put),
and I checked this phenomenon with SCP of several months and MediaVP367, 368delta.

@Wanderer
I have already written mod.ini and it's work fine My Other PC.
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Wanderer on March 29, 2006, 10:08:38 pm
Just a check... are there empty spaces anywhere in the directory name? In either FS2 directory name or in the modfolder directory name?
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Arkblade on March 29, 2006, 10:23:23 pm
no, folder name and folder path not contain empty spaces.
and This phenomenon occurs regardless of the name of the folder.

it's fileload and cmdline part of fs.log
Quote
Passed cmdline options:
  -fov 0.45
  -2d_poof 
  -alpha_env 
  -ambient_factor 75
  -cache_bitmaps 
  -decals 
  -env 
  -jpgtga 
  -mipmap 
  -missile_lighting 
  -glow 
  -spec 
  -no_vsync 
  -ballistic_gauge 
  -dualscanlines 
  -orbradar 
  -rearm_timer 
  -targetinfo 
  -3dwarp 
  -nobeampierce 
  -ship_choice_3d 
  -warp_flash 
  -snd_preload 
  -mod @_FS2, ,@Media_VPs
Building file index...
Searching root 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\@_FS2\'
Searching root 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\ \'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\ \root_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\ \smarty_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\ \sparky_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\ \sparky_hi_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\ \stu_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\ \tango1_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\ \tango2_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\ \tango3_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\ \warble_fs2.vp'
Searching root 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\@Media_VPs\'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\@Media_VPs\mv_adveffects.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\@Media_VPs\mv_core.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\@Media_VPs\mv_effects.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\@Media_VPs\mv_models.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\@Media_VPs\mv_music.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\@Media_VPs\mv_textures.vp'
Searching root 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\root_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\smarty_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\sparky_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\sparky_hi_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\stu_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\tango1_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\tango2_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\tango3_fs2.vp'
Searching root pack 'C:\games\volition\freespace2\warble_fs2.vp'
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: karajorma on March 30, 2006, 01:35:12 am
What have you called your media VPs folder? Cause it appears to be using the old format (Media_VPs) instead of the new one (mediavps).
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Arkblade on March 30, 2006, 01:43:33 am
@karajorma

i using @Media_VPs.
but This phenomenon occurs regardless of the name of the folder.

my mod.ini
Quote
[launcher]
image255x112 = FS2.bmp;
infotext     = Original FreeSpace 2 with the Media VP Files. ;
website      = http://scp.indiegames.us/news.php;
forum        = http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/board,50.0.html;

[multimod]
secondrylist = ,@Media_VPs;
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Arkblade on March 30, 2006, 02:01:06 am
hmm...

just now understood,
This problem has happened to all mod described to secondrylist including mediaVP.  :sigh:
(eg. fsportv3.0 - mainhall is not changed.

it's SCP's bug? :(
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: karajorma on March 30, 2006, 04:31:22 am
Remove the @ and see what happens.
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Arkblade on March 30, 2006, 04:46:13 am
I said several times, this problem happens regardless of the name.
As for the presence of @, it is similar.
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: karajorma on March 30, 2006, 05:15:33 am
Well the @ definitely shouldn't be present in the mod.ini or folder name. Let's get somethings straightened out because it makes it easier if you're using the same names as I am.

Call your mediaVP folder mediavps. Edit the mod.ini in the FS1Port folder to the same name. Run the FS1 port as your chosen mod.  Go to the Tech Room and press CTRL-SHIFT-S. That will allow you to see all the ships in the techroom.

Check whether you have the high poly version of the Hercules or not.

EDIT : I've just noticed that the Port 3.03 preload image is a PCX and will be overriden by the image in the media VPs. Do not take it's non appearance as any indication of something being wrong with the media VPs or the mod.ini system. The test with the Herc above is a better test. If you can see the pilot everything is working. :D
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Arkblade on March 30, 2006, 06:39:38 am
no.
i tested what you said,
but i only have low-poly ver Hercules.... :sigh:
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: karajorma on March 30, 2006, 08:00:24 am
Hang on a sec. Which version of the launcher are you using? Cause mod.ini files only work with 5.3 and above.

If you are using 5.3 try this. Select no mod. Then in the custom flags box in features type -mod FS1Port,mediavps (assuming that those are the names of your FS1 Port and Media VP folders).
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: taylor on March 30, 2006, 08:41:43 am
If you are using 5.3 try this. Select no mod. Then in the custom flags box in features type -mod FS1Port,mediavps (assuming that those are the names of your FS1 Port and Media VP folders).
Yeah, that should work.  The problem is just the bugs in the launcher code really.  The mods are "-mod @_FS2, ,@Media_VPs", and the ", ," (as space) counts as a mod as well.  That's why I added the the root index list to the debug info.  If you look at it (the debug info) the problem should be kinda obvious,  it's looking in @_FS2 first and finding no VPs, next it looks in " " which isn't a valid directory so the file system will consider current dir instead (meaning the main FS2 game dir), then it looks in @Media_VPs, and finally the main FS2 game dir again.  Since the original VPs are being found before the MediaVPs it would always use retail data except for certain cases (ie, EFFs are searched for before ANIs, and glow and spec maps would not be found in retail data).

So, Arkblade, just do what karajorma said and use the mod cmdline directly, ignoring the mod.ini files all together.  It should start working fine after that.  And never use @ characters (or other type symbols) in a directory or file name.  Different file systems will handle those differently (for instance the " " would have worked as a real directory under Linux) and the game could stop allowing such things at any point, especially since it could cause various unexpected issues for the game code (currently or in the future).
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Arkblade on March 30, 2006, 09:32:18 am
If you are using 5.3 try this. Select no mod. Then in the custom flags box in features type -mod FS1Port,mediavps (assuming that those are the names of your FS1 Port and Media VP folders).
ok, i using the mod cmdline directly, it's work fine. :nod:
thx!

If you are using 5.3 try this. Select no mod. Then in the custom flags box in features type -mod FS1Port,mediavps (assuming that those are the names of your FS1 Port and Media VP folders).
Yeah, that should work.  The problem is just the bugs in the launcher code really.  The mods are "-mod @_FS2, ,@Media_VPs", and the ", ," (as space) counts as a mod as well.  That's why I added the the root index list to the debug info.  If you look at it (the debug info) the problem should be kinda obvious,  it's looking in @_FS2 first and finding no VPs, next it looks in " " which isn't a valid directory so the file system will consider current dir instead (meaning the main FS2 game dir), then it looks in @Media_VPs, and finally the main FS2 game dir again.  Since the original VPs are being found before the MediaVPs it would always use retail data except for certain cases (ie, EFFs are searched for before ANIs, and glow and spec maps would not be found in retail data).

So, Arkblade, just do what karajorma said and use the mod cmdline directly, ignoring the mod.ini files all together.  It should start working fine after that.  And never use @ characters (or other type symbols) in a directory or file name.  Different file systems will handle those differently (for instance the " " would have worked as a real directory under Linux) and the game could stop allowing such things at any point, especially since it could cause various unexpected issues for the game code (currently or in the future).
thx, I understood the cause of this problem.
and Is this problem corrected sooner or later?

By the way, I want to classify the mod folder.
Is there a good idea that doesn't use @ characters (or other type symbols)?
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Goober5000 on March 30, 2006, 09:39:11 am
EDIT : I've just noticed that the Port 3.03 preload image is a PCX and will be overriden by the image in the media VPs.

Oh, that's why. :) I was getting really puzzled.
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: karajorma on March 30, 2006, 10:21:29 am
Yeah, that should work.  The problem is just the bugs in the launcher code really.  The mods are "-mod @_FS2, ,@Media_VPs", and the ", ," (as space) counts as a mod as well.  That's why I added the the root index list to the debug info.  If you look at it (the debug info) the problem should be kinda obvious,  it's looking in @_FS2 first and finding no VPs, next it looks in " " which isn't a valid directory so the file system will consider current dir instead (meaning the main FS2 game dir), then it looks in @Media_VPs, and finally the main FS2 game dir again.  Since the original VPs are being found before the MediaVPs it would always use retail data except for certain cases (ie, EFFs are searched for before ANIs, and glow and spec maps would not be found in retail data).

I don't think that's the cause though. At least not on XP. The launcher gives me this as the command line. \fs2_open_r.exe -mod FS1_Port, ,MediaVPs. However I'm getting the HTL versions of all the ships in the game. So it can't be looking in the standard VPs before the mediaVPs or I would not be seeing them. I'd be getting the retail models if that were the case surely? 
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: taylor on March 30, 2006, 12:00:26 pm
I don't think that's the cause though. At least not on XP. The launcher gives me this as the command line. \fs2_open_r.exe -mod FS1_Port, ,MediaVPs. However I'm getting the HTL versions of all the ships in the game. So it can't be looking in the standard VPs before the mediaVPs or I would not be seeing them. I'd be getting the retail models if that were the case surely? 
What does your debug log say?  Remember that it's filesystem dependant (one of the reasons this launcher bug is such careless coding).  That means that XP could be running NTFS and it would work, but if it was VFAT then it may not.  I'm pretty sure that NTFS would accept " " as a valid directory so in that case it would actually search for a mod directory named " " and just not find anything in it.  If you created that directory and dropped some VPs in there then they would override MediaVP content if anything was named the same.
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: karajorma on March 30, 2006, 01:46:17 pm
I'll have to build a debug build and check. I'll report back when I've done that :)

EDIT :

Code: [Select]
  -mod FS1_Port, ,MediaVPs
  -allslev 
Building file index...
Searching root 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\dop.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\eodredux.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\FS1_SCP.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\fsport3_0_3.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\fsport_fs1_training.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\fsport_glow.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\fsport_missions.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\fsport_shine.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\sparky_hi_fs1.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\stu_fs1.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\tango_fs1.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\FS1_Port\warble_fs1.vp'
Searching root 'F:\games\freespace2\ \'
Searching root 'F:\games\freespace2\MediaVPs\'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\MediaVPs\Kara High Quality Nebulae.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\MediaVPs\mv_adveffects.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\MediaVPs\mv_core.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\MediaVPs\mv_effects.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\MediaVPs\mv_models.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\MediaVPs\mv_music.vp'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\MediaVPs\mv_textures.vp'
Searching root 'F:\games\freespace2\'
Searching root pack 'F:\games\freespace2\root_fs2.vp'

It definitely is checking for that other " " folder. I'll take a look at the launcher code but I doubt I'll be changing anything.
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: Goober5000 on March 30, 2006, 06:11:56 pm
Uh, fs1_scp is incompatible with, and obsolete since, version 3. :p
Title: Re: MediaVP doesn't work from other modfolder.
Post by: karajorma on March 31, 2006, 02:47:28 am
I only installed v3.03 yesterday to test this. Haven't actually played it through :)