Problems with editor included with Armageddon?

[unmerged(13647)]

While trying to figure out how to use the editor that comes with Armageddon I've seen a couple of different threads that are saying you should stay away from it. Is there some definitive info about the problems with using it? I just want to do some minor tweaks to a standard scenario, so I'm wondering if I can safely use it for anything.

Thanks very much

 

[Ayeshteni]

Don't touch it with a bargepole.

The main problem is that using it can change files you are NOT altering and corrupt them, so the only safety net you have is to make a complete back-up of your HoI2 DDA folder.

Your best bet is to use the editor to 'look' at stuff and get a feel for things, but don't edit anything.

Editing is best done manually by opening .csv files in Notepad (or another text editor) and having a look in there to get your bearings. You will soon figure it out (look at the HoI2 Wiki site for pointers).

Having such a 'hands-on' approach is really enjoyable and worthwhile. It also allows you set regular schedules as you back up a file alter it, and be able to know what is causing errors (which you can't do with the editor).

make small changes, load up the game to see if it works and so on. It means you have full control over the modding process.

Good luck.

Ayeshteni

 

[unmerged(13647)]

I had a feeling it was that bad. I was originally going to just make some minor leader and minister mods in the db files. Unfortunately I'm fairly ignorant when it comes to manipulating a computer file. When I open those files they are read-only. When I save them with a different name I can't figure out how to get the game to access them. Unfortunately the modding guides I've looked at so far assume the person doing the work is smart enough to figure out how to get past that little problem. o

 

[Gen. Skobelev]

I had a feeling it was that bad. I was originally going to just make some minor leader and minister mods in the db files. Unfortunately I'm fairly ignorant when it comes to manipulating a computer file. When I open those files they are read-only. When I save them with a different name I can't figure out how to get the game to access them. Unfortunately the modding guides I've looked at so far assume the person doing the work is smart enough to figure out how to get past that little problem. o

Right-click on the file, then select the option at the bottom (can't remember what it is in English), then unselect "read only". Then you are good to go to edit the files. Just be sure you have made a backup copy of the files you are editing!

 

[Ayeshteni]

I had a feeling it was that bad. I was originally going to just make some minor leader and minister mods in the db files. Unfortunately I'm fairly ignorant when it comes to manipulating a computer file. When I open those files they are read-only. When I save them with a different name I can't figure out how to get the game to access them. Unfortunately the modding guides I've looked at so far assume the person doing the work is smart enough to figure out how to get past that little problem. o

Right click on the file you wish to alter.

Bring up 'Properties' from the list.

You will see some check-boxes at the bottom of the window. One of those will have a cross in 'Read-only'.

Click on it to un-cross it.

Apply.

You can now save your file as the correct (identical) name.

EDIT: Emued. o

Ayeshteni

 

[unmerged(13647)]

Sorry I'm such a numbskull, and thanks for reminding my to look at the file's properties......

Unfortunately while poking around on the included editor I did make a change to one of the ministers for Germany. I was having trouble figuring out how to get it to save and ended up selecting "Save without using include files" but telling the editor "Yes to all" for the files it wanted to modify. I now see that change is showing up in all scenarios. I don't mind the change, but should I assume now that my game is going to be messed up and that I am going to have to re-install?

 

[Ayeshteni]

Well if you didn't back up the files that were changed, quite possibly. Unless you can retrograde the changes (i.e. if you rechange what you did back to what they were before the changes).

Otherwise a re-install is likely.

Ayeshteni

 

[CSABadass]

In addition to "Don't use the editor," the best advice for all PI modders is to check out the Wiki guides:

http://www.paradoxian.org/hoi2wiki/index.php/Mods_and_Modding#General_modding_guides