BK and MW4 maps - and user add on maps (like BZ4)

[Hammer]

O.K. all, there is a LOT of confusion out there as to where the "map" files should go...

If it is a stock MW4 map, and you are making the .nfx file or installing it from somewhere to use with BK - the proper place for these files is in the missions folder.

If you are getting a user add on mission (commonly and somewhat erroneously called maps) that uses the stock MW4 or BK terrain files, all the files associated with those missions go into the usermissions folder. There can be several files for these missions, but they will at least have a .mw4 file and a .nfo file and a .tga file and usually have a .dep file as well. To be compatible with BK as well they need a .nfx file (ask me and I'll tell you how to make a .nfx file out of a .nfo file if you do not know). All of these files will have EXACTLY the same file name except for the extensions (.nfo, .nfx, .mw4, .tga and .dep). If they have associated terrain files (i.e. map files)(they are also named with the .mw4 extension) they can be told apart by the file size. The terrain files (discussed below) will be MUCH larger than the mission files. A typical mission file size is less than 2 Meg and a typical map file size is 7 Meg or more. It does get confusing because the terrain files can be named the same or very similarly to the mission files - the difference is the size of the file and what it contains and therefore where it goes. If you get a user addon map that has additional terrain not included in the stock games, you will need to also get that terrain and install those files into the maps folder. Sometimes these .mw4 files have an associated .dep file that goes with it (this file will be named EXACTLY the same as the .mw4 file except for the extension).

Now, I know everyone is saying that servers do not have the files in the correct directories, so copy your files into all of the other mentioned directories and that will fix the problem. I am not sure that is so, and am working with some people to try and sort things out and get the final word to you. Bottom line is that is we perpetuate ppl putting the files into all of the mentioned directories we will be wasting a lot of disk space and not doing things correctly (O.K. - so call me anal...), which can potentially cause more problems down the road. So I beseech you to hold off on the put them everywhere mentality and lets try to do it right.

Anyone want to help me test???

_________________
Steel
aka. Helmut Fritz
Stop, Look, and Listen


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Steel on 2002-01-10 21:53 ]</font>

[ELH~Lancer]

I agree that putting the files everyplace is a no, no. I was told that this can cause major conflicts within MW as it tries to work out which one it needs. However, after placing the files in all those folders we finally managed to do our drop against the UA.

Would be nice of M$N to give some backup even for for just their own maps.

On the following addy is a VB utility for correcting .nfo maps to .nfx maps.

http://www.mw4online.com/Utilities.shtml

Not tried it myself yet so this is not an endorcement.

[Mooseman]

hmm...this all sounds suspiciously like technical stuff......i am so screwed if i try it ..

[Hammer]

If it gets things done right, yes... Right now the 151 has files in 3 different directories, and who knows what that will cause? It can be that WE actually prevent a drop from happening...

The utility mentioned above should work well for those still in stock configuration... If you are not, it would prolly be best to get back to stock and then run the utility. I also have a self extracting zip that can put the .nfx files where they need to go...

[Mooseman]

It's not a case of 'i won't try to do it', it's just that i'm a complete dmbass when it comes to changing around file types and all the other stuff mentioned, hence if i do try it, i'll end up messing it up

[Crickett]

I in the same place as Moose i don't know $#i+ about puters & changing files so before i screw up my puter or game I will wait till steel & the smart guys figure out where to put things.(i think i only have them in missions & user missions only.)

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Crickett on 2002-01-11 17:38 ]</font>

[Mooseman]

I know that it's already been stated by steel, and i'm sure his explanation was cool for those that know something about changing file types etc, but is there anyone who can give me the idiot proof, dumbass compatible, does not need large mental capabilities version of how to get maps working with BK?

[Hammer]

Ye4s, download and run the utility I gave a link to above...

That should do it...

[Mooseman]

luvverly....a one step guide to fixing things