SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

Sim City 4 Devotion Tools => Tools - General Discussion => Topic started by: Yild on November 11, 2012, 01:31:38 PM

Title: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 11, 2012, 01:31:38 PM
I want to introduce my first creation for the fans of SimCity 4.

DAMN Manager is an alternative to the commonly used (I hope  :) ) program SSPTool and DAMN Plugin by Stefan Wertich (stefan79).

It is a tool for creating files for plugin Daeleys Advanced Menu Navigator.

The program to use is very similar to its original, has some new features: adding the original lots of Sim City, menu items can be created automatically using custom templates and a few minor additions.


Main form:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg832.imageshack.us%2Fimg832%2F5057%2Fmainform.th.png&hash=7174aa64081fecd2c01289956d8a4d86484ee839) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/832/mainform.png/)

Lots list filter activated:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg836%2F5493%2Ffilteractive.th.png&hash=4e6495a3198a518870e42e2f9c53db7a8f0fd091) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/filteractive.png/)

Simcity 4 Lots list:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg442%2F898%2Fsimcitylotswindow.th.png&hash=3bff6972ccb79742ee54791451aa2ebfce53d9a7) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/442/simcitylotswindow.png/)

Menu items template editor:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg593%2F2307%2Ftemplateseditormenu.th.png&hash=3186b9fb9cba2c6a860d677317352785a624084e) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/593/templateseditormenu.png/)

Menu item lot info insert popup menu:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg703%2F264%2Flotpopupmenu.th.png&hash=36b325e1a42fc9f1acfa212484b03f1de50f846a) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/703/lotpopupmenu.png/)

To not bore you any longer, I invite you to download the program, all (or almost all) the information can be found in the help files included with the program.


Any comments are welcome, especially those critical;)

If you have any problems with specific plugins, give me it's name and a link where to download the plugin.
The program includes the language files in English and Polish (polski).

You can download Manager from STEX (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/28205-damn-manager/).


ps. Please forgive me if the English language version contains errors. If (dare I say when) some will see (help file or user interface), please let us know.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: DemDude1 on November 11, 2012, 02:29:49 PM
I posted in replies over in simtropolis but when i activate the exe it says something like language packs not found, do i have to extract everything into a folder before i use the exe?

Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 11, 2012, 02:43:58 PM
yes, whole damnmanager folder must be extracted, folder structur must be same as in zip file
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: DemDude1 on November 13, 2012, 05:47:32 PM
Thanks Yild, i got it working now I was having a brain fart or something lol.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: xannepan on November 13, 2012, 09:01:18 PM
 &apls &apls
I didn't have the time to test it yet... But congratulations on this great and useful achievement!
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: P3CTankman on November 15, 2012, 12:05:57 PM
Stumbled upon this while lurking the forums and downloaded it.  I have to say that there is a good improvement over the SSP version.

There are however 2 issues.

1) After editing a menu file and accepting the changes the selection menu scrolls back up to the top.  Please fix this as I always loose my place.

2) More of a completeness issue but the readme needs some FAQ even if nobody has asked.  Questions such as "Does this program hide files".

Other than that it's great.  Unlike the SSP tool it doesn't crash while loading files.  Also its easier to manage hiding files than SSP.  I like that they are named after the DAMN location.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 15, 2012, 12:56:23 PM
Quote from: P3CTankman on November 15, 2012, 12:05:57 PM
There are however 2 issues.

1) After editing a menu file and accepting the changes the selection menu scrolls back up to the top.  Please fix this as I always loose my place.

2) More of a completeness issue but the readme needs some FAQ even if nobody has asked.  Questions such as "Does this program hide files".

Thanks for your feedback :)

ad 1: it's probably on my "to do", will be done (at the weekend)

ad 2: it can be done, pain is to come up with suitable content ;)


Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: P3CTankman on November 15, 2012, 02:36:32 PM
Well theres the one in my first post.  Theres also this...

Quote from: DemDude1 on November 11, 2012, 02:29:49 PM
...but when i activate the exe it says something like language packs not found, do i have to extract everything into a folder before i use the exe?

"How do you unhide the lots" - This is due to the SSP version not unhiding the lots within the interface.
"The DAMN window is too big.  How do I shrink it?" - Had this issue but I learned for myself.

Basically put anything that is inferred but not directly stated in the readme.  You can also put things that people may have trouble doing.

EDIT: Moar Suggestions

After fiddling with the program a bit more I have some more things to point out.

The program seems to be not able to grab descriptions that are linked to external exemplars.  Might need fixing.

When you import a menu it imports it as the root menu within the root menu (Rootception!).  Most likely already on the ToDo list.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 16, 2012, 03:36:55 PM
Quote from: P3CTankman on November 15, 2012, 02:36:32 PM
The program seems to be not able to grab descriptions that are linked to external exemplars.  Might need fixing.

manager search for lots only in ".sc4lot" and ".dat" files (as in original SSPtool), ".sc4desc" files are ignored, normally sc4desc should (?) have lot descriptions like props, foundations, etc (I'm not a BATer so correct me if I'm wrong).

If lot is divided into more files and those files are in subfolders you should use 'scan with subfolders' to search all data.

Give me example with this problem, link to the plugin would be great (and TGI if there is more than one lot).

Quote from: P3CTankman on November 15, 2012, 02:36:32 PM
When you import a menu it imports it as the root menu within the root menu (Rootception!).  Most likely already on the ToDo list.

golden rule of programmers... never test it yourself ;)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: ivo_su on November 16, 2012, 03:58:45 PM
I have a problem with working with DAMN manager. I get to a certain place, but instead there appears to me that

http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/28205-damn-manager/# (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/28205-damn-manager/#)

With me out somehow incomplete and unfinished like this

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg341.imageshack.us%2Fimg341%2F2901%2Fsimcity4201211162347203.jpg&hash=184af67fa44fef95838eb652962abbdd40958209)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 16, 2012, 04:26:24 PM
check simcity 4 shortcut property "Start in" - it can contain "\Apps" in path, it should point to root folder of the simcity installation ie c:\programs files (x86)\Maxis\Simcity 4\
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: ivo_su on November 16, 2012, 04:33:33 PM
I have no such directory "... \ Maxis \ Simcity 4 \" in my program files.
If you build it will fix the problem and how.

This I have in my shortcut Start in: D:\GAMES\Sim\Apps
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: ivo_su on November 17, 2012, 05:54:45 AM
So thanks to you and io_bg I discovered how to fix this bug. I really only had to delete / Apps from my shortcut and now everything is fine.
I do have one question. I have two folders with plugins, one is located in My Documents and the other is in D: \ GAMES \ Sim \ Plugins. The problem is that when I open DAMN manager I see only lots that are in C: \ Users \ Super Ivo \ Desktop \ Documents \ SimCity 4 \ Plugins.
How can I do so that the handle and the other lots.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: jdenm8 on November 17, 2012, 07:11:23 AM
That's probably intentional because stuff (Except the DAMN itself) isn't meant to go into the root plugins folder.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 17, 2012, 07:19:38 AM
Quote from: ivo_su on November 17, 2012, 05:54:45 AM
So thanks to you and io_bg I discovered how to fix this bug. I really only had to delete / Apps from my shortcut and now everything is fine.

I told you... ;)

Quote from: ivo_su on November 17, 2012, 05:54:45 AM
I do have one question. I have two folders with plugins, one is located in My Documents and the other is in D: \ GAMES \ Sim \ Plugins. The problem is that when I open DAMN manager I see only lots that are in C: \ Users \ Super Ivo \ Desktop \ Documents \ SimCity 4 \ Plugins.
How can I do so that the handle and the other lots.

It's by design, SimCity use ONLY plugins from My documents\Plugins  and \SimCity 4\Plugins (installation folder), meaning that SimCity know nothing about your "D: \ GAMES \ Sim \ Plugins" and so my program, you should move temporally plugins from this folder into My documents\Plugins to be able to create menu for those files.


Edit: updated version uploaded on STEX.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: P3CTankman on November 17, 2012, 03:30:39 PM
The STEX has 2 files with the exact same file size...

Are they both the same O_o

Forgot to mention one other suggestion...

The new window size looks somewhat strange on my display.  There should be a option to keep the default size.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 17, 2012, 04:09:23 PM
Quote from: P3CTankman on November 17, 2012, 03:30:39 PM
Are they both the same O_o

actually they are not :P
files order is date ascending (top - old, bottom - new).
as I stated at stex - next time I will add ver number to a file name ;)

Quote from: P3CTankman on November 17, 2012, 03:30:39 PM
The new window size looks somewhat strange on my display.  There should be a option to keep the default size.

"new window" ? main window size are saved between sessions, to restore default size bring system menu and select "restore..." (left top window icon "menu")
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: ivo_su on November 17, 2012, 04:09:37 PM
In fact, unbeknownst to me how io_bg uspyalda is made ​​so that the program can detect its plugins from D: to handle the entire range of lots. This is strange because you say that the program can see only those My Documents folder
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: io_bg on November 18, 2012, 03:02:48 AM
Quote from: Yild on November 17, 2012, 07:19:38 AMIt's by design, SimCity use ONLY plugins from My documents\Plugins  and \SimCity 4\Plugins (installation folder), meaning that SimCity know nothing about your "D: \ GAMES \ Sim \ Plugins" and so my program, you should move temporally plugins from this folder into My documents\Plugins to be able to create menu for those files.
Hmm, all my plugins are in D:\ and the program finds them. So does Simcity :)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 18, 2012, 02:29:52 PM
I've been using this and for the most part it good...  :thumbsup:

however  &mmm, SFBT [mainly the cemetery/ church set]... for some reason it has 'hidden' my SFBT cemeteries/churches, they are 'plopped' and then the game crashes, plus when trying to restore to normal with the cemetery/church set back in menu, it is no where to be found...

as the items from AC and SCAG also don't 'damn-up' as its results are flaky, spotty for the airport stuff and then, concerning Paeng items,namely the concrete grunge sets/series as it can't find the icons and posts a 'generic' "no icon"... it also happens to a few of Pegs things and WMPmurimk things too...  ???

thought it might be a useful notes...  :)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 18, 2012, 04:11:01 PM
fast test with 'freshly' downloaded:

Quote from: Jack_wilds on November 18, 2012, 02:29:52 PM
SFBT [mainly the cemetery/ church set]... for some reason it has 'hidden' my SFBT cemeteries/churches, they are 'plopped' and then the game crashes, plus when trying to restore to normal with the cemetery/church set back in menu, it is no where to be found...

yes there is a problem with some lots - incorrect exemplars are created for some of them and game crash when plopped - will have to investigate, didnt found any problem with 'missing' lots from simcity menu when undamned

Quote from: Jack_wilds on November 18, 2012, 02:29:52 PM
the concrete grunge sets/series as it can't find the icons and posts a 'generic' "no icon"...

only 9 ploppable lots are available in this set (8 lots + 1 mmp), the rest are props for lots creation, tested with ssptool same thing -8 + 1, rest no icon
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 19, 2012, 03:08:07 AM
Quote from: Yild on November 18, 2012, 04:11:01 PM
fast test with 'freshly' downloaded:

Quote from: Jack_wilds on November 18, 2012, 02:29:52 PM
SFBT [mainly the cemetery/ church set]... for some reason it has 'hidden' my SFBT cemeteries/churches, they are 'plopped' and then the game crashes, plus when trying to restore to normal with the cemetery/church set back in menu, it is no where to be found...


crash error fixed

new version uploaded on stex (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/28205-damn-manager/)



to update already hidden lots use 'Update hidden lots' from the DAMN Menu popup menu
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: ScottFTL on November 19, 2012, 04:52:06 AM
First of all, thank you for all your work on the DAMN Manager.  This is an excellent tool.   :thumbsup:

I've noticed a few problems while taking the program for a test drive.  All of my comments are related to v1.0.3.

I had a few problems with Maxis parks.  There are a few lots that simply turn the game cursor red after I select them from the menu.  Here are the items that gave me problems:  beach, ranger station, soccer field, softball field, and tennis court.  I also noticed that DAMN Manager is not pulling the proper plop cost when I add these items.  It simply lists the plop cost as zero.  I haven't played around enough to know if this problem is only related to Maxis lots or not.

Finally, I have one small request.  I find the interface a little problematic when you are trying to reorder items in a menu.  The list box always scrolls to the top after you choose one of the reorder buttons.  Everything works properly, but I have to do a lot of scrolling to rearrange things on a large menu.  If the focus could stay on the selected item, that would be much easier.

Thanks again for all your efforts!
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 19, 2012, 05:43:24 AM
Quote from: ScottFTL on November 19, 2012, 04:52:06 AM
First of all, thank you for all your work on the DAMN Manager.  This is an excellent tool.   :thumbsup:
::)

Quote from: ScottFTL on November 19, 2012, 04:52:06 AM
I had a few problems with Maxis parks.  There are a few lots that simply turn the game cursor red after I select them from the menu.  Here are the items that gave me problems:  beach, ranger station, soccer field, softball field, and tennis court.  I also noticed that DAMN Manager is not pulling the proper plop cost when I add these items.  It simply lists the plop cost as zero.  I haven't played around enough to know if this problem is only related to Maxis lots or not.

red arrow is pain in the ...
cost - yes there is an error if plop cost property is in parent exemplar/cohort - easy to fix


Quote from: ScottFTL on November 19, 2012, 04:52:06 AM
Finally, I have one small request.  I find the interface a little problematic when you are trying to reorder items in a menu.  The list box always scrolls to the top after you choose one of the reorder buttons.  Everything works properly, but I have to do a lot of scrolling to rearrange things on a large menu.  If the focus could stay on the selected item, that would be much easier.

again this is pain in the...

atm Im in a middle of 5 things all of them annoying  ;D so I will get to it when time permits

meanwhile - when you arrange items position you can select more than one and move all selected items at once

Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: oyefor on November 19, 2012, 07:59:46 PM
Hi.

I didn't try the result in game yet, but simply the program. I just finished to browse my plugin folder and took available lots in the DAMN menu. All worked fine, except for 2 files (on a thousand...  ::)) : after closing the Manager.exe and reopening it, the acces to the jpg or png corresponding to the icon menu of the files can't be found, then the program freezes when clicking on the Root Subfolder that contains the lot and can not be edited anymore. Dunno why. If it can help:

-SFBT Pre Fab School
-SimFox ThermoFisher (all the ploppables)

Curiously, no problem appears with the others SFBT and SimFox Lots.

Mainly I have to thank you for this tool update and wish you to find easily how to make it work perfectly cause it's indispensable to play with a huge plugin folder   ;D

Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 20, 2012, 05:28:57 AM
Quote from: oyefor on November 19, 2012, 07:59:46 PM
Hi.

-SFBT Pre Fab School
-SimFox ThermoFisher (all the ploppables)

Curiously, no problem appears with the others SFBT and SimFox Lots.

ok, I have nailed the problem in... external library that I use for a png image manipulation, those images from prefab elementary school and thermofishers contains some additional chunks that was ignored (actually author was saying: want to use it implement it yourself :P) when saved

i will upload update tomorrow 21-11 (probably)

Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 21, 2012, 12:48:40 AM
new upload available on STEX (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/28205-damn-manager/)

changelog:

    fixed: plop cost for some of the Maxis lots was not correct (thanks to ScottFTL).
    fixed: menu icons was not correctly saved into menu DBPF files for some PNG icons (thanks to oyefor).
    fixed: MMP Maxis trees generate additional unwanted cash when plopped. To eliminate this problem remove trees from your menu and add them again.
    fixed/changed: manager will remember select when reordering menu items in "DAMN menu items" panel.
    changed: updated help files (new QA in FAQ, new contents regarding new features).
    changed: updated ui language files.
    added: DAMN menu export into HTML file.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: oyefor on November 21, 2012, 12:00:32 PM
What a reactivity! Thanks to you!

I come to see that the Root directory (so are the DAT files) is fully compatible with precedent version of DAMN, it's interesting for reluctant people who think you have to recreate whole part of the DAMN Menu with your version. They have juste to use Import/Export function and backup their menu to have it as before

I know that now, cause later I tried it IG, and I had an empty Daeley window for some reason. This was not a shortcut "Start in" problem as noticed almost everywhere on the net, so I reinstalled the old version (with ssptool in Java) and then merged Root and Support folders with the backup I did with 1.0.3 . Now it's good, it works fine. Maybe it was an indexation problem, I'm such a dick ok, perhaps I did something wrong at the installation or would I not have to remove whole old files. Just to say that if someone have this kind of issue and can't resolve it after trying to remove "/apps" from their shortcut, they should consider to reinstall the old from the 1st step (like explained in the Paeng Tutorial) and switch to this new version.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: ivo_su on November 21, 2012, 12:32:29 PM
The game crash every time when I plop C.P. tree Vol 02 mega prop pak
http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2791
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 21, 2012, 01:10:02 PM
Quote from: ivo_su on November 21, 2012, 12:32:29 PM
The game crash every time when I plop C.P. tree Vol 02 mega prop pak
http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2791

It doesn't seem to be related to DAMN, I checked this trees, no problem here, however I did test in clean environment - only this plugin and its dependencies were installed.

It may be a problem with plugins sharing same TGI, doubled some files (props, models), etc.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: jmyers2043 on November 25, 2012, 06:43:43 PM
I have the new revision and gave it a test this evening. My experience was both good and bad. Good because this is a slick program and works as advertised. It is intuitive. It moved my hole digger lots from my transport menu and placed them in the ticker menu.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fileden.com%2Ffiles%2F2007%2F7%2F4%2F1237795%2FDAMN2.jpg&hash=74485daeeec7d522b0587a433077fc4bac3ee11e)

There are a couple of things that caught me by surprise.

The first read me does not tell me anything useful. I read it and thought to myself "I guess it is a straight forward installation. Time to click .exe and see what happens". I can then start making menus. Not so fast. I get an installation window. OK, no problem, I guess this will deploy necessary files to the correct places.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fileden.com%2Ffiles%2F2007%2F7%2F4%2F1237795%2FDAMN3.jpg&hash=5c53b07c44965cb20e9036595226c6dd40a5990f)

But what is all this. I'm supposed to start making decisions and haven't a clue what the best choice is.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fileden.com%2Ffiles%2F2007%2F7%2F4%2F1237795%2FDAMN4.jpg&hash=98d10e67572c3c1c1b216b334e6cbb5e173140f1)

The good news is that incorrect choices are simply overwritten by installing again. The real read me opens automatically afterwards but I wish that I had the opportunity to read it prior to clicking the installer icon. May I suggest that the casual gamer should be able to easily find the read me after unzipping. That the link to open the read me should be placed in the same folder as the installer icon. Right now it is hidden away in the resources lang folders.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fileden.com%2Ffiles%2F2007%2F7%2F4%2F1237795%2FDAMN1.jpg&hash=4eaeb4ebeb9aa7e05535a6e868bba3270e98a7d4)

I mentioned above that I easily added a menu item and the 12 hole digger lots into it. Clicked save. Clicked close. I opened the game ... and ... no new ticker item.  &Thk/(  Where could it be. Ah, I use the Startup Manager and the zzzzz_DAMN menu was put in plugins disabled. I make the change to the startup manager but still no ticker. So the second thing that caught me was the DAMN folder placed in C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4\Plugins\DAMN. The startup manager put it into the SimCity4\plugins disabled folder too. I think that a comment about file deployment or in the FAQ would benefit.

I'm off to learn some more about this program.

Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 25, 2012, 11:19:14 PM
Quote from: jmyers2043 on November 25, 2012, 06:43:43 PM
It moved my hole digger lots from my transport menu and placed them in the ticker menu.

yay... it works!  ;D

Quote from: jmyers2043 on November 25, 2012, 06:43:43 PM
The first read me does not tell me anything useful.

readme is a readme, help is help...
readme - brief info how to start, it's not an instruction how to build a rocket engine... :P

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fileden.com%2Ffiles%2F2007%2F7%2F4%2F1237795%2FDAMN3.jpg&hash=5c53b07c44965cb20e9036595226c6dd40a5990f)

Quote from: jmyers2043 on November 25, 2012, 06:43:43 PM
May I suggest that the casual gamer should be able to easily find the read me after unzipping. That the link to open the read me should be placed in the same folder as the installer icon. Right now it is hidden away in the resources lang folders.

...and I will not move help file to 'root' folder, I can create URL file that will point to a deeper location (but it may not work for everyone - depends heavily on browser safety settings), thing that will work is another button in the above image ("Yes", "No", "Open help file" or something like that).

Quote from: jmyers2043 on November 25, 2012, 06:43:43 PM
I use the Startup Manager and the zzzzz_DAMN menu was put in plugins disabled. [...] I think that a comment about file deployment or in the FAQ would benefit.
I don't :P
I know that it exists and how it works but tbh if you are using it you should know what to do if you install some 'new plugins'.
I will add this info to FAQ :P
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Gul Dukat on November 30, 2012, 04:27:33 AM
Hi;

1st of all, I apologize because it all may sound like something you've heard before, but I don't know what to do... If I may ask you guys a little patience, I'll tell my yesterday's little oddissey

I have windows 7-32bit ("damn" day I left XP...), and the new LM I downloaded since last tuesday just don't show up in the menu. Surfing through the forums I read about DAMN. I installed it, the SSPtool and the DAMN plugin. But there is no DAMN menu showing up in the game, just the "root menu" line and nothing else at all.

I tried to re-instal 4 times, fixed the "apps" line in the sc4's shortcut, read all the help I found, I have spent all my day yesterday trying to fix this issue with the landmarks that I installed but they still do not appear in any menu (game or DAMN). Also I tried to delete landmark files that I never use, but they are still there polluting my menu.

How come I delete the files but the buildings are still there on the shelf?!?!? :bomb:

I read something about permissions but I do not undestand how to change it - my windows is in portughese for I'm brazilian - and I do not know if it is allright. I see I only got one group ("todos" = "everyone") with full control of the folder and I can't change it anyway...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3RLJa.png&hash=d7af221798ddd0118c67c9c42850fb5cbc7c75b7)

So I have pretty much this: no menu, no new ploppable buildings, and can't get rid of the old ones... Gets more frustrating: After I re-downloaded, substituted and re-builded the Sears Tower it disappeared from the city, and shortly after that my Rockefeller Center that used to be functional became eye-candy only for some reason (magnetic storms? Nibiru? Romulan strike? "damn!") &sly

I am going up the walls! When I think it worked out allright it didn't, and then another bug unfolds... Has anyone a tip about it?
&hlp
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on November 30, 2012, 10:42:09 AM
I don't know why you ask here but...

Best thing to do is to compare new folder (new plugin) permissions with already existing one (and working).

Second thing if you set permissions for the selected folder they _may_ not propagate to its children (aka subfolders and/or files), you must select button "advanced" -> "permissions" tab -> "change permissions" button and check "include inheritable permissions from parent".

Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: PleasesPeople2 on December 07, 2012, 05:58:07 PM
As a previous user mentioned, I would like to know if a feature could be added to the Damn Manager that will allow users to customize the path to the Plugins folder as was possible with the SSP Tool Damn Manager 2.0.9. Some users would like to create their menus separate from the default game folders (in particular DatPacker users).
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on December 09, 2012, 03:32:17 AM
new version at STEX:

1.0.5:
    fixed: in some cases the filter button was disabled when filtering was active and lots list was empty.
    changed: information message at DAMN Plugin installation.
    changed: updated help files (new QA in FAQ, new contents regarding new features).
    changed: updated ui language files.
    added: now you can browse folders other than "my documents/SimCity 4/Plugins" - option available in "Plugins (folder)" panel context menu.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Kergelen on December 27, 2012, 08:48:01 AM
Hi Yild,

Thanks for this useful tool. &apls I never use the SSPTool and DAMN before but I knew some day it would be very helpful. That day has arrived and I decide to use your version. It's really intuitive and easy to use. :)

I have a question: If today I make the Root menu with the Lots assigned to it, and in the future I change the structure of my plugins folder changing the location of the Lots assigned previously, the program will have problems to find them?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on December 27, 2012, 11:55:13 AM
Thanks.

If you move plugins outside "my documents/simcity 4/plugins" that may be problematic, if not and stucture will change only inside plugins folder - there is an option in Extras menu called "Update plugins list" to update file locations in plugins folder.
To be clear this option is for DAMN Manager internal operations (ie, you want to unhide lots and then you change your mind) it doesn't affect Simcity - because everything that is in plugins folder will be loaded on start.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Architect_1077 on January 07, 2013, 03:18:21 PM
Yild, I've run into what I think might be a bug with the manager.
What happens is that, with some lots, it doesn't detect those lots when you are navigating within the folder they are in. Instead, the manager only detects them if I navigate to the main folder that contains the folder with the lots I want to add.

Example:
Imagine I want to add "Lot1", "Lot2" and "Lot3", which are in "Subfolder1". This subfolder is located in "Mainfolder". So, what happens is that when I navigate to "Subfolder1" the manager doesn't see any of the lots. However, if I go to "Mainfolder" and then press "Scan with subfolders" button, then I can see the lots.

So far this problem has only happened with the RMIP/AC TEAM airport lots. I'll update if I see this problem with any other lots.
Despite this minor bug I was still able to add the lots.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 08, 2013, 12:10:40 PM
Thanks for the input...

ok... problem with RMIP is based on lack of the "Exemplar Type" property in the lot exemplar, the exemplar itself points to other exemplar (parent cohort) which contains this property (Im guessing, coz I didn't bother [yet] to search for this particular cohort) and when this 'parent cohort' is not located within 'scanned' folder (or its subfolders).

ATM DAMN Manager remembers (for future use) only lots exemplars list. Props, and 'parent cohorts' are not included (file size could go to tens of megabytes).

Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 13, 2013, 12:14:36 AM

From today the DAMN Manager (1.0.6) is available to download from LEX (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2876)  ;D
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: alb33 on January 13, 2013, 01:24:55 AM
 :thumbsup: very cool!

I have a more general question on DAMN, something annoying I never got fixed, hopefully someone can help.
Setting up menus and using them ingame works for me, but the menus do not show up as popups but as part of news ticker. In my case this is even worse as I can click a lot only once, then the menu deactivates (i cannot click the menu folders/lots anymore) and I have to click "Open Additional Submenus" to re enable it - each time!

I have
- enabled urgent advice dialogs in the game
- selected proper menu window type in the tool
- reinstalled everything from scratch with DAMN as first plugin

Running SE4Deluxe (steam version) on Windows.
Please, anyone can help?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 13, 2013, 07:26:50 AM
Quote from: alb33 on January 13, 2013, 01:24:55 AMI have to click "Open Additional Submenus" to re enable it - each time!

"It works as intended"... well it worked that way in SSPTool (I use its DAMN plugin files), I was looking on lua scripts in DAMN mod but it looks that every time when we click an item window DAMN menu looses its focus (menu items names going grey) and we need to 'activate' it again by clicking link.
There may be solution but IMO 'simcity' lua lacks documentation to modify this behaviour.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: alb33 on January 14, 2013, 01:18:16 AM
Thanks  :)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 14, 2013, 07:23:50 PM
Anyone else got this running on Windows 8? It doesn't run for me.

I run the download, and it says it's installing. After that, nothing. Double click the executable and all you get is a zombie process in task manager for every time you tried to run the app, nothing ever shows up on the screen, the app never loads. No error messages either. Just have to kill the zombie task in Task Manager...
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 15, 2013, 04:14:34 AM
I didn't test Manager in this [insert your insult here] Windows... I will download win8 trial today and test/correct this... ETA unknown  ;)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: CasperVg on January 15, 2013, 04:29:56 AM
Don't worry Yild, I can confirm that it works on my "[insert your insult here]" installation of Windows just fine. Lotherius, have you tried running it as Administrator? That did the trick for me.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 15, 2013, 06:43:06 AM
Quote from: CasperVg on January 15, 2013, 04:29:56 AM
Don't worry Yild, I can confirm that it works on my "[insert your insult here]" installation of Windows just fine. Lotherius, have you tried running it as Administrator? That did the trick for me.
Thanks for the info :)

I was thinking about this, but... RTFM should apply :P
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 15, 2013, 10:46:05 AM
Quote from: CasperVg on January 15, 2013, 04:29:56 AM
Don't worry Yild, I can confirm that it works on my "[insert your insult here]" installation of Windows just fine. Lotherius, have you tried running it as Administrator? That did the trick for me.

Odd. I did try administrator as well as compatibility modes and it still just gets stuck as a zombie process. Have been using 8 since November and this is the first program I've encountered that plain didn't work, so maybe it is something else. At this point I simply have to give up on DAMN menus as SST tool freezes whenever I try to index NAM PIECES...
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: vortext on January 15, 2013, 10:55:12 AM
Quote from: lotherius on January 15, 2013, 10:46:05 AM
At this point I simply have to give up on DAMN menus as SST tool freezes whenever I try to index NAM PIECES...

Well I'm no expert on the subject but I suspect you simply cannot create DAMN menus for NAM pieces since they're transit items, which are very different from ordinary lots. Then again, I might be wrong.

Also, the order in the NAM menus can be altered with the Reader, so maybe that's something to look into and change whatever it is you want to change. :)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Swordmaster on January 15, 2013, 11:04:12 AM
Quote from: vortext on January 15, 2013, 10:55:12 AM
Quote from: lotherius on January 15, 2013, 10:46:05 AM
At this point I simply have to give up on DAMN menus as SST tool freezes whenever I try to index NAM PIECES...

Well I'm no expert on the subject but I suspect you simply cannot create DAMN menus for NAM pieces since they're transit items, which are very different from ordinary lots. Then again, I might be wrong.

Also, the order in the NAM menus can be altered with the Reader, so maybe that's something to look into and change whatever it is you want to change. :)

Yes you can, though I haven't tried yet. In the detail menu there's a "network" option, have you set that?


Cheers
Willy
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 15, 2013, 11:20:24 AM
"Add Network Lots" in "Extras" is function that you are looking for
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 15, 2013, 01:26:06 PM
Well, if I had some way to troubleshoot what was going on, I would.... :(... Does DAMN Manager scan your lots on loadup? Maybe it is hanging somewhere on that.... Plus, I have the game directory in a folder on the D: drive, maybe that's the issue.

I may go so far as to set up a Virtualbox with XP on it to test from there to see if it's my OS setup, or something in my plugins folder...
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 15, 2013, 01:49:58 PM
Quote from: lotherius on January 15, 2013, 01:26:06 PM
Well, if I had some way to troubleshoot what was going on, I would.... :(... Does DAMN Manager scan your lots on loadup? Maybe it is hanging somewhere on that.... Plus, I have the game directory in a folder on the D: drive, maybe that's the issue.
yes, at startup simcity_1.dat is loaded - exemplar info for the SimCity building, but location shouldn't be a problem coz every time you run SC registry entries are created/updated with info with simcity.exe location, and even if not found program should ask you to locate SC installation folder manually.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 16, 2013, 01:00:12 AM
Quote from: Yild on January 15, 2013, 01:49:58 PM
Quote from: lotherius on January 15, 2013, 01:26:06 PM
Well, if I had some way to troubleshoot what was going on, I would.... :(... Does DAMN Manager scan your lots on loadup? Maybe it is hanging somewhere on that.... Plus, I have the game directory in a folder on the D: drive, maybe that's the issue.
yes, at startup simcity_1.dat is loaded - exemplar info for the SimCity building, but location shouldn't be a problem coz every time you run SC registry entries are created/updated with info with simcity.exe location, and even if not found program should ask you to locate SC installation folder manually.

I wonder if it matters that I used SC4DatPacker on simcity_1.dat as recommended for one of the game bugfixes...

This bugfix: http://community.simtropolis.com/topic/48632-tutorial-applying-the-i-ht-bug-fix-correctly/

I will try tomorrow with the unmodified simcity_1.dat.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 16, 2013, 05:33:56 AM
question is did file names has change after packing?

Manager require SimCityLocale.DAT and SimCity_1.DAT files and they should be in installation folder. I will investigate this, in addition I found a "bug" - there is no info message if those files ware not found.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 16, 2013, 08:30:48 AM
Quote from: Yild on January 16, 2013, 05:33:56 AM
question is did file names has change after packing?

Manager require SimCityLocale.DAT and SimCity_1.DAT files and they should be in installation folder. I will investigate this, in addition I found a "bug" - there is no info message if those files ware not found.

The simcity_1.DAT file is the same. However I have the UK locale, which has a different filename form the locale by default, that is probably the root problem. It needs to look for the various locale names.

EDIT:

Now that I'm home, here is the path to MY locale file:
D:\Programs\SimCity 4\UKEnglsh\SimCityLocale.DAT

EDIT 2:

I copied the Locale file to:
D:\Programs\SimCity 4\English\SimCityLocale.DAT

and now DAMN Manager loads... so it needs to be flexible for non-US configurations of the locale :)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 16, 2013, 09:47:01 PM
Quote from: lotherius on January 16, 2013, 08:30:48 AM
Quote from: Yild on January 16, 2013, 05:33:56 AM
question is did file names has change after packing?

Manager require SimCityLocale.DAT and SimCity_1.DAT files and they should be in installation folder. I will investigate this, in addition I found a "bug" - there is no info message if those files ware not found.

The simcity_1.DAT file is the same. However I have the UK locale, which has a different filename form the locale by default, that is probably the root problem. It needs to look for the various locale names.

EDIT:

Now that I'm home, here is the path to MY locale file:
D:\Programs\SimCity 4\UKEnglsh\SimCityLocale.DAT

EDIT 2:

I copied the Locale file to:
D:\Programs\SimCity 4\English\SimCityLocale.DAT

and now DAMN Manager loads... so it needs to be flexible for non-US configurations of the locale :)

thanks for this info, there are files _filelist.txt in SC main folder with files paths for different language, SimCityLocale.DAT is standard name so I will search for it in installation folder (and in its subfolders).
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 17, 2013, 08:16:08 PM
Well the good news (that I got it to load) didn't last.

It doesn't work.....

That is, I cannot add ANY lots to the menu. They show up, pop up an error box (no matter what lot out of thousands I select) that says "Unknown format of the preview image (not PNG or JPG) with TGI:"... and so all the previews are blank..

I figured, okay no previews... that's bad enough.

But then, when I select the lot (it turns blue in the UI and the "Selected" count goes up), and hit "Add".... nothing happens. Absolutely nothing, except the UI flickers a bit. It doesn't add to the menu, doesn't give an error, nothing....
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 17, 2013, 09:45:21 PM
You are the only one who experience the "errors" on that scale...
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: CasperVg on January 17, 2013, 10:15:15 PM
I'm having the same problem as Lotherius with regards to the "add" button not doing anything. It never actually adds the lot to the menu and doesn't give an error either.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 17, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
Quote from: CasperVg on January 17, 2013, 10:15:15 PM
I'm having the same problem as Lotherius with regards to the "add" button not doing anything. It never actually adds the lot to the menu and doesn't give an error either.

ok, strange thing... I did some tests and THERE is a problem with latest upload, why no one reported this error I don't know,
I have downloaded my upload and there is this error - nothing happens when "adding", but at my installation where nothing was change in source code since then it works fine.

I will reupload this ASAP (12h or less from now).

Sorry for inconvenience  ()sad()
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 18, 2013, 01:22:29 AM
atm only uploaded at STEX, I have some problems with uploading at LEX - web browser freezes :P

btw. now I know that people download my program but they don't use it :/
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: CasperVg on January 18, 2013, 01:34:11 AM
Quote from: Yild on January 18, 2013, 01:22:29 AM
atm only uploaded at STEX, I have some problems with uploading at LEX - web browser freezes :P

btw. now I know that people download my program but they don't use it :/

I've downloaded the update from the STEX and can confirm that it works now. Thanks! As for "people not using it", I think that's untrue. It's the kind of tool you don't use every day, but instead spend a good few hours on one time, indexing everything and making all the menus, which is probably why no-one has mentioned the bug yet. I really like it; it works well and is very intuitive.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 18, 2013, 04:01:48 PM
Quote from: Yild on January 17, 2013, 09:45:21 PM
You are the only one who experience the "errors" on that scale...

Quote from: Yild on January 17, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
Quote from: CasperVg on January 17, 2013, 10:15:15 PM
I'm having the same problem as Lotherius with regards to the "add" button not doing anything. It never actually adds the lot to the menu and doesn't give an error either.

ok, strange thing... I did some tests and THERE is a problem with latest upload, why no one reported this error I don't know,
I have downloaded my upload and there is this error - nothing happens when "adding", but at my installation where nothing was change in source code since then it works fine.

I will reupload this ASAP (12h or less from now).

Sorry for inconvenience  ()sad()

Maybe I'm experiencing errors because I'm using the app LOL... or trying to. I'll give the latest version a go and see how it goes.

I think a lot of people probably download it thinking "I'll do this later" or something. There are those of us out there who do appreciate the effort though, so no placebos :)

edit: Bad News

Latest version download is back to the zombie process problem. Doesn't load at all, just gets stuck and has to be killed off in Task Manager, and now the workaround of copying the locale file to the English folder doesn't work.

edit 2:
Dunno what's up, I can't get any version to launch... all get stuck on zombie processes. I have tried a clean plugins folder, have tried the "move the locale file" trick, etc... I even tried 1.06 again which loaded previously but had the add button issue, and it gets stuck as a zombie process as well. No error messages or feedback of ANY kind that the program has even been launched, it just shows up in task manager without any kind of UI ever appearing. It gets as far as creating the zzzzzz_DAMN_Hidden folder before it hangs, it that helps.

Maybe if you could have the program create a logfile?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 19, 2013, 09:04:18 AM
lotherius...
I uploaded modified version at STEX, file name is DAMNManager1.0.7b.zip

to create startup logs  execute DAMNManager.exe with -slog parameter
i.e. modify shortcut to something like this "e:\D2009KODY\_bin\DAMNManager\DAMNManager.exe" -slog

it will create startup.log file in the DAMN Manager main folder


ps. give me memory usage of this 'zombie' process
pps. I was thinking about this 'zombie' process and there might be problem with main form size/position - this setting is saved/loaded from the settings.ini file, there is a "mainwindow" section - it may contain invalid values (despite that when setting this I check for negative values and greater than desktop resolution)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 19, 2013, 11:41:09 AM
Quote from: Yild on January 19, 2013, 09:04:18 AM
lotherius...

Certainly, however it will probably be another 8 hours before I have the chance to run try it.

If the logfile doesn't provide anything useful at that point, I'll clone my sc4 install into an XP Virtualbox session and see if there is any difference.


EDIT: Lol, I haven't touched anything else on my computer since last night (no reboots, anything) and 1.07b loaded up without delay.

I'll play with it and let you know if it acts up again.

EDIT 2: Btw, still getting the TGI error on preview images, is this a known issue or something else strange with my config?

EDIT 3: The add button still is unresponsive. Cannot add items to menus.

Plus, if I click on the NAM folder, it is predefined with (1) item inside it, the entire thing just locks up. I can create other folders without causing the app to freeze, but again, I can't add lots to them as the add button doesn't seem to be working still. (this problem solved by deleting the full DAMN install and starting over. But the Add button still doesn't work so I have empty menus.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 19, 2013, 10:17:02 PM
Quote from: lotherius on January 19, 2013, 11:41:09 AM
Quote from: Yild on January 19, 2013, 09:04:18 AM
lotherius...

Certainly, however it will probably be another 8 hours before I have the chance to run try it.

If the logfile doesn't provide anything useful at that point, I'll clone my sc4 install into an XP Virtualbox session and see if there is any difference.


EDIT: Lol, I haven't touched anything else on my computer since last night (no reboots, anything) and 1.07b loaded up without delay.

I'll play with it and let you know if it acts up again.

EDIT 2: Btw, still getting the TGI error on preview images, is this a known issue or something else strange with my config?

EDIT 3: The add button still is unresponsive. Cannot add items to menus.

Plus, if I click on the NAM folder, it is predefined with (1) item inside it, the entire thing just locks up. I can create other folders without causing the app to freeze, but again, I can't add lots to them as the add button doesn't seem to be working still. (this problem solved by deleting the full DAMN install and starting over. But the Add button still doesn't work so I have empty menus.

hmm... I wish I had some solution for your problems...

"tgi images errors" are raised when image in dbpf file is in unknown format or is malformed in some kind (file structure is changed and it cannot be read correctly).

There is upload at STEX 1.0.7c with some 'add' log - when you hit 'add' some info will be added to startup.log - to enable logging use -slog as in my previous post, this entries will start with '--- plugins add proc: ' string.

btw problem with unresponsive 'add' maybe related (in this case) to the "max items" setting in the Settings window ("general" tab), you can add items only when items count in focused DAMN menu is lover than this value.

Try to delete settings.ini - program will use default values and will recreate this file.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 20, 2013, 02:14:23 PM
Quote from: Yild on January 19, 2013, 10:17:02 PM
"tgi images errors" are raised when image in dbpf file is in unknown format or is malformed in some kind (file structure is changed and it cannot be read correctly).

There is upload at STEX 1.0.7c with some 'add' log - when you hit 'add' some info will be added to startup.log - to enable logging use -slog as in my previous post, this entries will start with '--- plugins add proc: ' string.

btw problem with unresponsive 'add' maybe related (in this case) to the "max items" setting in the Settings window ("general" tab), you can add items only when items count in focused DAMN menu is lover than this value.

Try to delete settings.ini - program will use default values and will recreate this file.

Deleted settings.ini.

It looks like the log function thinks it added the menu item, but it didn't actually do it.

Here is a pastebin of my log: http://pastebin.com/hCLQe5kg (http://pastebin.com/hCLQe5kg)

Plus the TGI error happens on ALL lots, even Maxis default. Hard to see how that could be anything corrupt or wrong in individual lots when it happens on EVERY lot?

Here's a video of what happens when I use the DAMN Manager currently:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut4nz1vdcsQ&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 20, 2013, 02:28:35 PM
ok...  &mmm

log "looks" ok at closer look log is incomplete,

in your log there is no

--- plugins add proc: worker end... ---

lines,

correct order should be

...
--- plugins add proc: adding item... ---
--- plugins add proc: worker start... ---
--- plugins add proc: worker end... ---
...


'add' button doesn't do anything - if there is an error while 'moving' elements from lots list into damn menu list, if i.e. image is 'not good'.

I have another task for you, in settings window at 'general' tab uncheck 'Ignore Lots without icon', it will add i.e. lots without 'resource item key' properties to found lots list - and it should create blank (white) icon with 'no icon' caption. select some folder and please scan it, something should appear 'without' icon.

Problem with images may be related to some errors in library that I used for image manipulation, win8 or hardware related.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 20, 2013, 03:01:51 PM
Quote from: Yild on January 20, 2013, 02:28:35 PM
ok...  &mmm

log "looks" ok at closer look log is incomplete,

in your log there is no

--- plugins add proc: worker end... ---

lines,

correct order should be

...
--- plugins add proc: adding item... ---
--- plugins add proc: worker start... ---
--- plugins add proc: worker end... ---
...


'add' button doesn't do anything - if there is an error while 'moving' elements from lots list into damn menu list, if i.e. image is 'not good'.

I have another task for you, in settings window at 'general' tab uncheck 'Ignore Lots without icon', it will add i.e. lots without 'resource item key' properties to found lots list - and it should create blank (white) icon with 'no icon' caption. select some folder and please scan it, something should appear 'without' icon.

Problem with images may be related to some errors in library that I used for image manipulation, win8 or hardware related.

Same results with the Ignore Lots icon unchecked. I can select lots on the top (all still have a black preview image and TGI errors), but they are never moved to the bottom to be added to the menu. Also logfile is same as before.

I'm about to head out so I'll start an XP install on virtualbox so I can test there.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 20, 2013, 03:08:24 PM
Quote from: lotherius on January 20, 2013, 03:01:51 PM
I'm about to head out so I'll start an XP install on virtualbox so I can test there.

I was trying to install win8 at oracle vm but it stuck at loading screen, did some research and I will try ms virtualpc tomorrow :/

btw. there are 'compatibility tab' in shortcut settings, you could try that

damn why this don't want to cooperate :/
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 20, 2013, 03:12:12 PM
Quote from: Yild on January 20, 2013, 03:08:24 PM
Quote from: lotherius on January 20, 2013, 03:01:51 PM
I'm about to head out so I'll start an XP install on virtualbox so I can test there.
btw. there are 'compatibility tab' in shortcut settings, you could try that

Compatibility was one of the first things I tried. XP compatibility with SP3... tried Administrator as well, though I have everything on D: drive so that shouldn't be an issue.

In my experience, what works on Windows 7 64 bit should work on Windows 8 64 bit..... I just want to try the XP box to see if it's OS related specifically or if using the same files & configuration will give me the same problems.

As far as hardware (doubt its related, but I'll give it a shot), this is what I'm running:
AMD Phenom II Quad Core.
8GB Ram.
Radeon 6850.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 20, 2013, 03:34:45 PM
Im uploading atm 1.0.7d at STEX - added some logs to function that reads icon entry form dbpf file and create preview image
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 20, 2013, 04:39:14 PM
- MakeIconFromEntry: enter
- MakeIconFromEntry: params assigned
- MakeIconFromEntry: getfile, size:8466
- MakeIconFromEntry: stream created
- MakeIconFromEntry: write to stream
- MakeIconFromEntry: image load from stream begin
- MakeIconFromEntry: EPngError raised
- MakeIconFromEntry: try if jpg
- MakeIconFromEntry: jpg write to stram begin
- MakeIconFromEntry: jpg exception raised
- MakeIconFromEntry: leave
- MakeIconFromEntry: enter
- MakeIconFromEntry: params assigned
- MakeIconFromEntry: getfile, size:8317
- MakeIconFromEntry: stream created
- MakeIconFromEntry: write to stream
- MakeIconFromEntry: image load from stream begin
- MakeIconFromEntry: EPngError raised
- MakeIconFromEntry: try if jpg
- MakeIconFromEntry: jpg write to stram begin
- MakeIconFromEntry: jpg exception raised
- MakeIconFromEntry: leave


Same results on any lot. These two are from Maxis' Longfellow Castle.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 20, 2013, 05:13:57 PM
Okay, so I've tested inside VirtualBox using Windows XP...

results...

mixed.

The TGI errors go away, and I can see preview images (yay)

Add button still does not work (nay).

Some ploppable lot files that were showing up in DAMN Manager (without images) under Windows 8 simply do not show up at all under XP (odd)..

For example this lot:
http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=225
Shows up under DAMN Manager with Windows 8, but does not show up under Windows XP

Lots that do show up under XP though still won't add to the menus.

I'll try tomorrow in XP again, but with a clean plugins folder and only one or two test lots installed.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 20, 2013, 11:41:07 PM
aha... BIG THANKS for link above...

at win xp: manager loaded this without a problem

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/69/test1se.jpg/

But

Add button do nothing... investigating now...

Edit:

ERROR FOUND at least the 'Add' button one...

Edit2:
Updated to 1.0.8 at STEX and LEX, the -slog parameter is still present

Edit3:
Installing win8 64b atm on VM... I hope I can replicate this problem

Edit4:

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/826/test1kq.jpg/ - simcity internal lots list
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/test2yl.jpg/ - gettys building

hmm..., It doesn't mean that manager works. It's virtual machine, without any external app, without drivers, even steam is launched from pendrive

About problem when manager couldn't find lot from your link.
At startup, another thread is started that reads exemplars from the simcity_1.dat file for possible "parent cohort" that can be used by scanned plugins, and there is no blockade that would prevent scanning plugins folder in this time.
You can see that in 'Extras' menu, 'Add simcity lots' menu item is disabled in that time.
Allowing users to scan plugins before this is finished may be a design flaw.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 21, 2013, 08:21:55 PM
Odd... I don't know what would be different on my config...

The behaviour is the same. If it's something on my system, I'm unsure what it would be. I don't have much installed.

EDIT: Okay, the add button now works _in XP VirtualBox_ but still not in Windows 8...

But some of the lots are still not showing up in XP VirtualBox. This may be a path/registry issue however, because I did not actually "install" simcity to XP but rather copied my existing install from Windows 8 over the network. Thus DAMN Manager asks me every startup where my SimCity folder is, but I don't think that's "taking", as under XP the Extras->Add Simcity Lots remains grayed out, whereas it is not grayed out in Windows 8....

So, one possible new issue identified: When install location manually specified, it doesn't seem to pick up the maxis files from Simcity program files, thus causing items depending on those to fail.

Still doesn't explain the TGI / no Add button in Windows 8, but it appears to be working better in XP as the add button does work there.

So I should be able to do a "proper" install of SimCity with registry entries on XP and use that environment to edit my menus for now. Will test that tomorrow.

Oh, and -slog doesn't seem to want to provide logs today. Actually, it was doing logs without -slog before, now it doesn't do logs with or without.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 21, 2013, 10:00:19 PM
Quote from: lotherius on January 21, 2013, 08:21:55 PM
But some of the lots are still not showing up in XP VirtualBox. This may be a path/registry issue however, because I did not actually "install" simcity to XP but rather copied my existing install from Windows 8 over the network. Thus DAMN Manager asks me every startup where my SimCity folder is, but I don't think that's "taking", as under XP the Extras->Add Simcity Lots remains grayed out, whereas it is not grayed out in Windows 8....

no need to install simcity - just run it, and it will create registry entries, I had experienced this yesterday - I will correct this, and -slog,,, yes I had modified something and didn't test it  &Thk/(

still... what's with 'add' button...

Edit:

what did I modified today...

- selecting path problem - the simcity_1.dat reader didn't receive correct path - file wasn't found - terminate app,
- speed up loading time - previously ALL (if you had 5000 items...) damn menu items was loaded at start no only items from root node and its children,
- new magic app parameter just for lotherius...,
- redesigned startup log.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 24, 2013, 10:56:33 AM
Got it working last night. No idea what the issue was!

I re-installed Windows 8 and kept the same SimCity config that I had before. So it wasn't a problem with any of the plugins... Made sure to check as I installed all the same stuff I had installed before if anything broke it, graphics drivers, codec packs, etc, nothing seemed to cause any issue this time.

The only substantive difference is that I had been running Enterprise Preview (which was supposed to be same as RTM, a full non-beta Windows 8) and I finally got around to switching to a retail copy. So it was either that, or some obscure conflict with a driver/app.

Anyway, it's working now and thanks to all the troubleshooting apparently we did squish a couple of other bugs.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 24, 2013, 11:01:49 AM
One of the things I especially like now that it works fully, is the ability to edit entry descriptions.

That's GREAT for SOMY lots and other Japanese lots, I can enter in English-readable descriptions.

The only request I have at this point, is if it is possible to enable viewing Japanese fonts within DAMN Manager which will help me with translating them for my descriptions. I have SC4 patched to view Japanese fonts, but as my Japanese skill is pretty low, it would be nice to be able to view the Japanese text in DAMN Manager as well where I can edit the descriptions.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 24, 2013, 11:35:09 AM
Quote from: lotherius on January 24, 2013, 11:01:49 AM
The only request I have at this point, is if it is possible to enable viewing Japanese fonts within DAMN Manager which will help me with translating them for my descriptions. I have SC4 patched to view Japanese fonts, but as my Japanese skill is pretty low, it would be nice to be able to view the Japanese text in DAMN Manager as well where I can edit the descriptions.

I'm glad it worked... finally :P

japanese.. I will see what can be done.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: lotherius on January 24, 2013, 07:42:14 PM
Quote from: Yild on January 24, 2013, 11:35:09 AM
I'm glad it worked... finally :P

japanese.. I will see what can be done.

Don't worry, if Japanese is difficult (dunno how hard codepage/font changes are, my programming never went that far)...

I'm still working on breaking things! I sent you a few PMs, prolly best to read them all before responding. Found what I *thought* was a loop I was stuck in, turned out it was just .... a usability issue that might need addressed.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Diggis on January 26, 2013, 12:21:50 PM
Hey, I've just started using this tool, Yild. Very well done. Took me a while to get the settings for the ticker as per normal.  Couple of small issues I found:

1. It doesn't detect the standard DAMN installation. I have had this installed from the start, but your program wouldn't let me run it without overwriting my installation. It's not a big issue, although took me some time to work out the settings.

2. I can't figure out how to add a save name to the DAMN file.  It just calls it DAMN-Menu_1359223971624. Is there a way to name it sensibly?

Edit:

3. Possibly as part of the above issue, the DAMN Manager doesn't recognise files that aren't created using it, or ones with the name changed. It doesn't recognise the files that came with the original DAMN.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 26, 2013, 01:46:20 PM
@Diggis

ad 1. There shouldn't be a problem - when app is starting it checks if two files exists in /simcity/plugins/damn/support folder - if not, it begins installation procedure.

ad 2. No. and it will stay that way, there is no need for changing file, in addition its standard file name used by SSPTool.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Diggis on January 26, 2013, 02:04:46 PM
Quote from: Yild on January 26, 2013, 01:46:20 PM
@Diggis

ad 1. There shouldn't be a problem - when app is starting it checks if two files exists in /simcity/plugins/damn/support folder - if not, it begins installation procedure.

ad 2. No. and it will stay that way, there is no need for changing file, in addition its standard file name used by SSPTool.

1: I had the original DAMN from Daeley which it didn't recognise. I'm not sure why this is.

2: I'm sorry to hear that. If I'm DAMNing something for release I want it to have a logical file name. I'm more than capable of changing it in the Reader, but as I said in my edit above, that also seems to stop the manager from seeing it.  This is also a problem if people want to edit a DAMN file downloaded from the LEX.  It also makes it easier to keep track of files I have DAMNed.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 26, 2013, 02:47:27 PM
Quote from: Diggis on January 26, 2013, 02:04:46 PM
1: I had the original DAMN from Daeley which it didn't recognise. I'm not sure why this is.
If you referring to something that is something that wasn't installed by SSPTool (probably this http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1775 ) then I have no clue.

Quote from: Diggis on January 26, 2013, 02:04:46 PM
2: I'm sorry to hear that. If I'm DAMNing something for release I want it to have a logical file name. I'm more than capable of changing it in the Reader, but as I said in my edit above, that also seems to stop the manager from seeing it.  This is also a problem if people want to edit a DAMN file downloaded from the LEX.  It also makes it easier to keep track of files I have DAMNed.

Manager wont see this files because it only looks for files starting with 'DAMN-Menu_' so files can be used by SSPTool and vice versa (the digits string is date time in unix format).

If you provide menu files for other users which use either SSPTool or DAMN Manager there should be no problem - "copy this there". Ther is solution for you, change name as you like and forget that user can manipulate if in his own style (ie items order)...
either way 'reindex menu' procedure must be done.

Tracking what was 'damned' - use menu hierarchy i.e. "/my stuff/my stuff type 1/my lots1/DAMN-Menu_blabla.dat" ;)

btw
Quote
I'm more than capable of changing it in the Reader

that puzzles me - why you need to change something in the menu file itself, changing files name by reader is an overkill ;)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Diggis on January 26, 2013, 03:27:42 PM
Quote from: Yild on January 26, 2013, 02:47:27 PM
Quote from: Diggis on January 26, 2013, 02:04:46 PM
1: I had the original DAMN from Daeley which it didn't recognise. I'm not sure why this is.
If you referring to something that is something that wasn't installed by SSPTool (probably this http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1775 ) then I have no clue.

Yes, I was referring to that, as it is the DAMN.  Everything you are working with stems from the work Daeley did on that. That upload also had DAMN sets for many of the common BSC sets i.e. Parks etc. which I had to create by hand for the upload. Stefan and your tools have made life a lot easier for everyone.

Quote from: Yild on January 26, 2013, 02:47:27 PM

Quote from: Diggis on January 26, 2013, 02:04:46 PM
2: I'm sorry to hear that. If I'm DAMNing something for release I want it to have a logical file name. I'm more than capable of changing it in the Reader, but as I said in my edit above, that also seems to stop the manager from seeing it.  This is also a problem if people want to edit a DAMN file downloaded from the LEX.  It also makes it easier to keep track of files I have DAMNed.

Manager wont see this files because it only looks for files starting with 'DAMN-Menu_' so files can be used by SSPTool and vice versa (the digits string is date time in unix format).

If you provide menu files for other users which use either SSPTool or DAMN Manager there should be no problem - "copy this there". Ther is solution for you, change name as you like and forget that user can manipulate if in his own style (ie items order)...
either way 'reindex menu' procedure must be done.

This helps to know. Changing the file name to be DAMN-Menu-Custom File Name means that the DAMN tool does recognise it. So while I still have to manually change them I can at least make them easily editable.

Quote from: Yild on January 26, 2013, 02:47:27 PM
Quote from: Diggis on January 26, 2013, 02:04:46 PM
I'm more than capable of changing it in the Reader

that puzzles me - why you need to change something in the menu file itself, changing files name by reader is an overkill ;)


The file name has to match the file name listed in the LUA file. You need to use the reader to change the LUA name to match the file name.

It would be really useful to be able to assign a custom file name at creation, with the DAMN-Menu_ prefix.


EDIT:

I noticed one other thing.  When ever you create a new subfolder it creates a blank DAMN Menu file. I think I understand why this is done, but if I'm creating a subfolder to add another subfolder to, it's unnecessary. Is it possible to remove it?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Stefan79 on January 27, 2013, 03:23:08 AM
Hi all,

as I posted in the SSPTool-DAMN thread I stopped further development of SSPTool-DAMN and refer to this new tool from yild. So this new tool could take care of new ideas and improvements of DAMN management. I think there is no need to have a downwards compatibility to SSPTool-DAMN which is not developed any longer.
I can say I would have changed the name for DAMN menu files to some better, if I develop this tool further but now this can be done by yild with the new DAMN Manager. So it doesn't bother me, if the DAMN Manager goes ahead and is not compatible with SSPTool-DAMN anymore. I'll soon remove the downloads for SSPTool-DAMN and refer to yild's DAMN Manager.

Best Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Diggis on January 27, 2013, 03:28:46 AM
Quote from: Stefan79 on January 27, 2013, 03:23:08 AM
Hi all,

as I posted in the SSPTool-DAMN thread I stopped further development of SSPTool-DAMN and refer to this new tool from yild. So this new tool could take care of new ideas and improvements of DAMN management. I think there is no need to have a downwards compatibility to SSPTool-DAMN which is not developed any longer.
I can say I would have changed the name for DAMN menu files to some better, if I develop this tool further but now this can be done by yild with the new DAMN Manager. So it doesn't bother me, if the DAMN Manager goes ahead and is not compatible with SSPTool-DAMN anymore. I'll soon remove the downloads for SSPTool-DAMN and refer to yild's DAMN Manager.

Best Regards,
Stefan

Stefan, I just want to say thanks for beginning this process with the SSP tool.  You did an amazing job and I know how amazed I was when I used the very early beta versions compared to the method Daeley originally devised, which was quite time consuming. 
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 27, 2013, 04:26:29 AM
Quote from: Stefan79 on January 27, 2013, 03:23:08 AM
Hi all,

as I posted in the SSPTool-DAMN thread I stopped further development of SSPTool-DAMN and refer to this new tool from yild. So this new tool could take care of new ideas and improvements of DAMN management. I think there is no need to have a downwards compatibility to SSPTool-DAMN which is not developed any longer.
I can say I would have changed the name for DAMN menu files to some better, if I develop this tool further but now this can be done by yild with the new DAMN Manager. So it doesn't bother me, if the DAMN Manager goes ahead and is not compatible with SSPTool-DAMN anymore. I'll soon remove the downloads for SSPTool-DAMN and refer to yild's DAMN Manager.

Best Regards,
Stefan

Hello Stefan...

In addition to file name compatibility I was thinking to remove "building/flora/network" control - it doesn't do anything 'useful' it just 'is'.

File names... there is one solution to keep 'damn-menu_' or any other - load first dat file found in the menu folder. So any file name could be used.

btw
Diggis would name "DAMN-Menu_mystuffname.dat" be sufficient? If so you can use it already, as I stated already Manager search for files with 'DAMN-Menu_*.dat' format - * can be any string (exchange digits with "anything" you like).


Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Diggis on January 27, 2013, 05:19:39 AM
Quote from: Yild on January 27, 2013, 04:26:29 AM

Hello Stefan...

In addition to file name compatibility I was thinking to remove "building/flora/network" control - it doesn't do anything 'useful' it just 'is'.

File names... there is one solution to keep 'damn-menu_' or any other - load first dat file found in the menu folder. So any file name could be used.

btw
Diggis would name "DAMN-Menu_mystuffname.dat" be sufficient? If so you can use it already, as I stated already Manager search for files with 'DAMN-Menu_*.dat' format - * can be any string (exchange digits with "anything" you like).




Yes, leaving the DAMN-Menu_ as a prefix is not a problem. I understand the need for it. I've changed the ones I've worked on to use that prefix already.  One idea that might work is to have the file take the name of the folder it's in.  So if you put something in inland waterways\canals\SG Canals\Base Set then have the file be DAMN-menu_Base Set.dat  That way it can be an automatic process like it is now.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Rady on January 31, 2013, 09:53:11 AM
Sorry to drop in with a problem ..  :(

I've been using your modified version of the SSPtool for some weeks now and have already created a bunch of menus (actually I'm re-damn'ing my whole plugins folder atm). Just now I run into an error when opening the DAMN Manager:

==================================================
There was an error during the execution of this program.
The application might become unstable and even useless.
It's recommended that you save your work and close this application.

Cannot open file C:\PROGRA~1\Games\SIMCIT~1\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Waterfront\Industrial Wharfes (Newman Inc)\DAMN-Menu_1359391491230.dat.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exception log with detailed tech info. Generated on 31.01.2013 18:29:45.
You may send it to the application vendor, helping him to understand what had happened.
Application title: DAMN Manager
Application file: C:\Program Files\DAMNManager\DAMNManager.exe
Application build version: 1.0.5.364
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exception class: Exception
Exception message: Cannot open file C:\PROGRA~1\Games\SIMCIT~1\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Waterfront\Industrial Wharfes (Newman Inc)\DAMN-Menu_1359391491230.dat.
Exception address: 00558E85
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Main thread ID = 5284
Exception thread ID = 5284
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exception stack
Stack list, generated 31.01.2013 18:29:45
[0042FB8A] Classes.TFileStream.Create (Line 6026, "Classes.pas")
[00404D3B] System.@ClassCreate (Line 10591, "System.pas")
[0042FA48] Classes.TFileStream.Create (Line 6008, "Classes.pas")
[00558D7B] DBPFFileEntryU.TDBPFFileEntry.LoadFile (Line 245, "DBPFFileEntryU.pas")
[0040862C] System.DynArrayClear (Line 20587, "System.pas")
[00408663] System.DynArraySetLength (Line 20606, "System.pas")
[004116DC] SysUtils.FileRead (Line 6352, "SysUtils.pas")
[004087D1] System.@DynArraySetLength (Line 20686, "System.pas")
[00546B1F] DBPFFileU.TDBPFFile.ReadHoles (Line 1254, "DBPFFileU.pas")
[00559498] DBPFFileEntryU.TDBPFFileEntry.GetFile (Line 446, "DBPFFileEntryU.pas")
[005A618D] LUAU.TLUA.DecodeLUA (Line 70, "LUAU.pas")
[0061445C] DAMNDecoderU.TDAMNDecoder.Run (Line 91, "DAMNDecoderU.pas")
[0068901F] MainFrm.T_MainForm.ReadDAMNFolder (Line 3101, "Forms_Frames\MainFrm.pas")
[004A6FEB] Controls.TWinControl.GetClientRect (Line 11382, "Controls.pas")
[0049DE40] Controls.TControl.GetClientHeight (Line 5259, "Controls.pas")
[00648560] VirtualTrees.TBaseVirtualTree.DoSetOffsetXY (Line 21873, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[006836CE] MainFrm.T_MainForm.vtDAMNFolderInitNode (Line 909, "Forms_Frames\MainFrm.pas")
[00647D60] VirtualTrees.TBaseVirtualTree.DoInitNode (Line 21614, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[0064CA81] VirtualTrees.TBaseVirtualTree.InitNode (Line 23940, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[0065CCC8] VirtualTrees.TBaseVirtualTree.ValidateNode (Line 33437, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[00683503] MainFrm.T_MainForm.vtDAMNFolderInitChildren (Line 865, "Forms_Frames\MainFrm.pas")
[00683594] MainFrm.T_MainForm.vtDAMNFolderInitChildren (Line 878, "Forms_Frames\MainFrm.pas")
[00690048] GR32_MicroTiles.GR32_MicroTiles (Line 1719, "GR32_MicroTiles.pas")
[004A41BF] Controls.TWinControl.WndProc (Line 9336, "Controls.pas")
[004A42BB] Controls.TWinControl.DefaultHandler (Line 9377, "Controls.pas")
[00647D20] VirtualTrees.TBaseVirtualTree.DoInitChildren (Line 21605, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[0064C9E2] VirtualTrees.TBaseVirtualTree.InitChildren (Line 23909, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[0065BCF1] VirtualTrees.TBaseVirtualTree.ToggleNode (Line 32948, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[00631F4C] VirtualTrees.TVirtualTreeColumns.GetCount (Line 9818, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[00635073] VirtualTrees.TVTHeader.GetMainColumn (Line 11494, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[006450A9] VirtualTrees.TBaseVirtualTree.DetermineHitPositionLTR (Line 20145, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[004A6FEB] Controls.TWinControl.GetClientRect (Line 11382, "Controls.pas")
[00653664] VirtualTrees.TBaseVirtualTree.Dragging (Line 27463, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[0064BE85] VirtualTrees.TBaseVirtualTree.HandleMouseDown (Line 23646, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[004A02B2] Controls.TControl.DoMouseDown (Line 6781, "Controls.pas")
[00642557] VirtualTrees.TBaseVirtualTree.WMLButtonDown (Line 18713, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[0049FC72] Controls.TControl.WndProc (Line 6642, "Controls.pas")
[006365C0] VirtualTrees.HSPlitterHit (Line 12275, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[0063756A] VirtualTrees.TVTHeader.HandleMessage (Line 12624, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[00437910] Classes.StdWndProc (Line 12703, "Classes.pas")
[004A41BF] Controls.TWinControl.WndProc (Line 9336, "Controls.pas")
[00631F4C] VirtualTrees.TVirtualTreeColumns.GetCount (Line 9818, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[00633951] VirtualTrees.TVirtualTreeColumns.GetVisibleFixedWidth (Line 10824, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[00631F4C] VirtualTrees.TVirtualTreeColumns.GetCount (Line 9818, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[006358DB] VirtualTrees.TVTHeader.DetermineSplitterIndex (Line 11836, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[00636C07] VirtualTrees.TVTHeader.HandleMessage (Line 12406, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[004A3B18] Controls.TWinControl.IsControlMouseMsg (Line 9129, "Controls.pas")
[004A41BF] Controls.TWinControl.WndProc (Line 9336, "Controls.pas")
[00651E37] VirtualTrees.TBaseVirtualTree.WndProc (Line 26506, "VirtualTrees.pas")
[004A38D8] Controls.TWinControl.MainWndProc (Line 9065, "Controls.pas")
[00437910] Classes.StdWndProc (Line 12703, "Classes.pas")
[00489D61] Forms.TApplication.StopHintTimer (Line 10390, "Forms.pas")
[00488D0D] Forms.TApplication.ProcessMessage (Line 9660, "Forms.pas")
[00488D52] Forms.TApplication.HandleMessage (Line 9690, "Forms.pas")
[0048907D] Forms.TApplication.Run (Line 9827, "Forms.pas")
[006922D5] DAMNManager.DAMNManager (Line 91, "")
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call stack for main thread
Stack list, generated 31.01.2013 18:29:45
[77460C22] ZwGetContextThread
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
System   : Windows 7 Home Edition, Version: 6.1, Build: 1DB1, "Service Pack 1"
Processor: Intel,         Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3450 CPU @ 3.10GHz, 3090 MHz MMX SSE SSE2 SSE3 SSSE3 SSE41 SSE42 64 bits DEP
Memory: 8129; free 6219
Display  : 1280x1024 pixels, 32 bpp
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Controls hierarchy:
TVirtualStringTree "vtDAMNFolder"
TGroupBox "gbDAMNFolders1"
TPanel "pnlDAMNFolders"
TPanel "pnlBackgroundBottom"
TPanel "pnlPanelsBackground"
T_MainForm "_MainForm"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==================================================

So I thought "well, you have a problem with that specific menu? Ok, I'll get you rid of it" and deleted this one. Only to get the same error message again when starting with only the menu name changed.


I have to say that I've got this "There was an error during the execution of this program. ...." error a few times before when adding items to a meu, but after saving, closing and restarting DAMN manager it went on without problems.

So I would be glad if you could help me out here.

Thank  you!
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on January 31, 2013, 10:02:57 AM
this error may be connected to read/access permission for those files, run DAMN Manager as administrator.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: TheAttendee on January 31, 2013, 11:13:57 AM
Hey Yild, love the tool. It's easy to use and has definitely helped me organize all my downloads!

One request; could you add another height option for the news ticker window? 450 is still a little big for me, and I'd prefer something more around the range of 300. Not a high priority request, but if you find the time to do it I'll be very appreciative. :)

Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Rady on January 31, 2013, 02:14:47 PM
Quote from: Yild on January 31, 2013, 10:02:57 AM
this error may be connected to read/access permission for those files, run DAMN Manager as administrator.
Thank you, that solved the problem ... looks I still need to get used to Win7  :P
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on February 01, 2013, 02:11:00 PM
updated to 1.1

Quote from: TheAttendee on January 31, 2013, 11:13:57 AM
One request; could you add another height option for the news ticker window? 450 is still a little big for me, and I'd prefer something more around the range of 300. Not a high priority request, but if you find the time to do it I'll be very appreciative. :)

I don't have time atm - to many projects in my daily job that I bring them home... ETA unknown.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Diggis on February 02, 2013, 02:41:33 AM
Question for you: When damning a file, if you have 2 versions of the lot in your plugins, which does it use to create the remove lot?

The reason I ask is I did a CAN-AM mod which allows the water to change depending on what banks you place. However, it relied on me modding the banks to have wealths. To release this I copied the exemplars into a separate dat file and changed the wealth. This overwrites the original ones. However, if the DAMN remove file was created using the old ones the banks become broken. :/  Can it use the last loaded version?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on February 02, 2013, 09:00:00 AM
Quote from: Diggis on February 02, 2013, 02:41:33 AMCan it use the last loaded version?

And how am I supposed to do that? Become a fairy to guess which one is latest, its just a tool for creating menus, it doesn't analyse what's in your plugins folder.

If you damned lot which have a multiple instances (occurrence) in plugins folder - the damned one is used to create hidding exemplar. Its your choice - when adding to DAMN menu don't hide them or... delete the second one (third, etc.) from plugins folder or... use loading order - hidding files are created with menu paths i.e. Root_Canals_Base_Set.dat, Root_Canals_Extension.dat - exemplars in Extension will override this located in Base_Set.

Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Diggis on February 02, 2013, 01:57:29 PM
Quote from: Yild on February 02, 2013, 09:00:00 AM
Quote from: Diggis on February 02, 2013, 02:41:33 AMCan it use the last loaded version?

And how am I supposed to do that? Become a fairy to guess which one is latest, its just a tool for creating menus, it doesn't analyse what's in your plugins folder.



The load order for SC4 from the plugins isn't a secret. It's very well documented. There is no need to be rude. It was a simple request and I understand it it's not possible. The second part of your post explained why it wasn't and was all that was needed.


I did notice another oddity, associated with the Start Up Manager. This isn't something that is a DAMN manager issue, but that's where it shows up. If you use the start up manager to hide folders when you play the DAMN manager loses them, even once they are restored and the SUM isn't running.  I believe it's tied to the way the SUM is hiding them. I haven't checked to see if it finds them again on a restart.


I also had instances of folders not showing up in the DAMN manager. Thinking about it now, it's the folders I copied over from an old plugins folder and they would have been associated with the SUM in the past.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: kassarc16 on February 03, 2013, 12:23:18 AM
Having an issue with it stalling during "Scan Folders" action. Also, what does it mean when the popups occur during that, the ones where you have to hit OK?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on February 03, 2013, 01:12:58 AM
please redownload 1.1 - there was an old debug popup message - uploaded corrected 1.1 to stex and lex few mins ago
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Diggis on February 03, 2013, 01:21:51 AM
Further to my post yesterday about the Startup Manager, it completely breaks the DAMN Manager. Once a folder is accessed by SUM it is no longer visible to the DAMN manager. I've restarted and also copied the folder back in so it's a 'new' folder, but something the SUM does renders the folder invisible to the DAMN Manager. I imagine it's something in the way it's hidden to the game, but it's being left hidden to the DAMN Manager.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on February 03, 2013, 02:20:21 AM
1.1.1:

    fixed: folders set as "system" by Startup Manager was not visible by application (thanks to Diggis).


- already on LEX and STEX
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Diggis on February 03, 2013, 02:25:25 AM
Quote from: Yild on February 03, 2013, 02:20:21 AM
1.1.1:

    fixed: folders set as "system" by Startup Manager was not visible by application (thanks to Diggis).


- already on LEX and STEX

I'll test this when I get home, but thanks for the speedy fix. I noticed this on a few files when I did the first batch of DAMNing but it wasn't until I reinstalled SUM I realised what the trigger was.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Diggis on February 03, 2013, 06:31:35 AM
Success!  Thanks for the fix mate, good to be able to add to my menus.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: H2Odk on February 08, 2013, 11:13:14 PM
I am currently reinstalling simcity after a long break.

Last I played I was able to reactive the menu (newsticker only.. I think) after something was plopped. Has something like that been incorporated into this update?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Sonik-hedgehog on March 03, 2013, 07:28:05 AM
I really need your help.

1. DAMN works only from the catalog "Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins\DAMN". From the root ("F:\Games\SC4\Plugins\DAMN") the game just doesn't see DAMN files and doesn't load him (small news window and never get message about this menu). What could be the reason?

I ran the game with a shortcut (With "F:\Games\SimCity4\Apps" and just "F:\Games\SimCity4\Apps" without "Apps" parameters). And ran it from "SimCity 4.exe" file from root catalog. But is nothing if DAMN in root catalog of the game. However, when game running in full-screen mode (I play in a window mode with CustomResolution) DAMN boots up from the root catalog, but in same game all maxis trees, interface textures and images advisers is lost (black background or brown boxes). When I try to change the scale - game is crash to desktop.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg46.imageshack.us%2Fimg46%2F8212%2F20130303213732.jpg&hash=51a7cc845ae3910b0e1a2476f0794a92b13b2ada)

Maybe the problem in the localization the game? I have a Russian localization.

2. When it loaded from "Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins\DAMN" my menu is blank. But DAMN is should not work with documents plugin folder?

PS: I created a menu in the manager and indexed files as required. Win7 x64, the system has full access rights to files. SC4 Deluxe not steam version (CD) last patch installed, plugins catalogue is clear (only one file for test DAMN).

I reinstalled the game and did clean installation. The reason was that I once interfered into SimCity_1.dat. Maybe conflict or other something.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on March 03, 2013, 01:21:40 PM
Quote from: Sonik-hedgehog on March 03, 2013, 07:28:05 AM
I really need your help.

1. DAMN works only from the catalog "Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins\DAMN". From the root ("F:\Games\SC4\Plugins\DAMN") the game just doesn't see DAMN files and doesn't load him (small news window and never get message about this menu). What could be the reason? [/quot]

DAMN must be located in "\simcity 4\plugins\damn" installation dir - not in 'documents' because it must be loaded before everything else (almost)

Quote from: Sonik-hedgehog on March 03, 2013, 07:28:05 AM
I ran the game with a shortcut (With "F:\Games\SimCity4\Apps" and just "F:\Games\SimCity4\Apps" without "Apps" parameters). And ran it from "SimCity 4.exe" file from root catalog. But is nothing if DAMN in root catalog of the game. However, when game running in full-screen mode (I play in a window mode with CustomResolution) DAMN boots up from the root catalog, but in same game all maxis trees, interface textures and images advisers is lost (black background or brown boxes). When I try to change the scale - game is crash to desktop.

those crashes should not be related to DAMN, as you mantioned in addition to your first post - you did some modifications to SC file...


Quote from: Sonik-hedgehog on March 03, 2013, 07:28:05 AM
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg46.imageshack.us%2Fimg46%2F8212%2F20130303213732.jpg&hash=51a7cc845ae3910b0e1a2476f0794a92b13b2ada)

this is when index file doesn't contain valid information with paths to a DAMN menu files.

Quote from: Sonik-hedgehog on March 03, 2013, 07:28:05 AM
I reinstalled the game and did clean installation. The reason was that I once interfered into SimCity_1.dat. Maybe conflict or other something.

possible errors in simcity_1.dat - in my experience there are entries in this file which doesn't represent correct exemplar format (and are suppressed by patches), in addition saving by ilive creates problems as well (in some cases)

I'm glad that you figured this by yourself :)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: terse pig on March 04, 2013, 03:08:59 PM
Quote from: ivo_su on November 17, 2012, 05:54:45 AM
So thanks to you and io_bg I discovered how to fix this bug. I really only had to delete / Apps from my shortcut and now everything is fine.
I do have one question. I have two folders with plugins, one is located in My Documents and the other is in D: \ GAMES \ Sim \ Plugins. The problem is that when I open DAMN manager I see only lots that are in C: \ Users \ Super Ivo \ Desktop \ Documents \ SimCity 4 \ Plugins.
How can I do so that the handle and the other lots.

I think this is the same problem I am having...how do I "delete /Apps" from the shortcut? Thanks in advance for any help and of course for making this awesome tool!
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on March 05, 2013, 09:47:44 AM
right mouse button on shortcut -> properties -> start in, del \apps
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: terse pig on March 05, 2013, 10:49:22 AM
Quote from: Yild on March 05, 2013, 09:47:44 AM
right mouse button on shortcut -> properties -> start in, del \apps

Thanks so much, but here is what I have in my "Start in" section : C:\PROGRA~2\Maxis\SIMCIT~1\

The Target looks like this: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe"

I get the "Open additional submenus" in the game but when I click nothing happens. I made sure that the folders were not dat packed and I pointed the DAMN to the correct folder to the plugins. I'm running this on a Steam downloaded version, I read that that may be an issue. Could that be it?! I hope not!!!

Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: TheNewbie on March 06, 2013, 09:45:42 PM
Lots are graying out after a few seconds, is that normal? &Thk/(
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on March 06, 2013, 10:45:46 PM
if 'set hidden for Lots which are DAMNed' is set - yes
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Gordon Dry on March 11, 2013, 10:41:12 PM
It seems not to work on x64 - same blank menu page as Sonik-hedgehog.

You quoted him and wrote

Quotethis is when index file doesn't contain valid information with paths to a DAMN menu files.

So my DAMN-index.txt is perfectly right - but it won't work.

As I installed SC in a different partition than Windows (of course) I set a junction link from c:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\ to the folder where I installed it.
Another test run ...
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Sonik-hedgehog on March 12, 2013, 01:38:31 AM
Create a new shortcut with no additions to the file path (such as "*.exe' -intro:off -w -CustomResolution:enabled") and delete in "Start in" section (from properties of the shortcut):
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\" and get this:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\"

All working on my Win7 x64
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on March 12, 2013, 10:42:19 AM
Quote from: Gordon Dry on March 11, 2013, 10:41:12 PM
It seems not to work on x64 - same blank menu page as Sonik-hedgehog.

You quoted him and wrote


actually it works... just not for you (at the moment) ;)

Quote from: Gordon Dry on March 11, 2013, 10:41:12 PM

As I installed SC in a different partition than Windows (of course) I set a junction link from c:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\ to the folder where I installed it.
Another test run ...

there is no need for junction to be able to find simcity installation folder - Manager can use registry entries to get installation path or if not found it will ask to select one.

and Sonik-hedgehog give you another thing to check

btw. to by blunt... in this topic (or in manual provided with Manager) people can find solutions for "all" possible problems with DAMN
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Gordon Dry on March 13, 2013, 05:26:49 PM
Quote from: Sonik-hedgehog on March 12, 2013, 01:38:31 AM
Create a new shortcut with no additions to the file path (such as "*.exe' -intro:off -w -CustomResolution:enabled") and delete in "Start in" section (from properties of the shortcut):

I'll give it a try - I hope I can get SC4 to a fine resolution anyway.

Quote from: Sonik-hedgehog on March 12, 2013, 01:38:31 AM
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\" and get this:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\"

I got that from the beginning.

Quote from: Sonik-hedgehog on March 12, 2013, 01:38:31 AM
All working on my Win7 x64

I guess so - you won't publish it if not...


Edit:

well, thanks, it works now.
But the news filter is not working well, before THAT one worked...


Edit:

btw would you please add one little feature?

I think that "replace not allowed chars by underscore" thing could be optimized by "replace some characters with some allowed ones" like:

ä -> ae
Ä -> Ae
ö -> oe
Ö -> Oe
ü -> ue
Ü -> ue
ß -> ss

and for other languages than german some more I'm not aware of...  %wrd

well, like:

á -> a
à -> a
é -> e
è -> e
ñ -> n

and so on. And I hope that the encoding of this website allows that you see everything as I typed...  :-\
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on March 15, 2013, 01:04:31 AM
Quote from: Gordon Dry on March 13, 2013, 05:26:49 PM
btw would you please add one little feature?

I think that "replace not allowed chars by underscore" thing could be optimized by "replace some characters with some allowed ones" like:

ä -> ae
Ä -> Ae
ö -> oe
Ö -> Oe
ü -> ue
Ü -> ue
ß -> ss

and for other languages than german some more I'm not aware of...  %wrd

well, like:

á -> a
à -> a
é -> e
è -> e
ñ -> n

and so on. And I hope that the encoding of this website allows that you see everything as I typed...  :-\

hmm... it's not that simple every character replacement takes time, if ppl start posting lists like this it would be even longer
I'll think about it thou.

I can inform ppl to not use letters other than abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz in folder (menu) names...
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Gordon Dry on March 15, 2013, 03:36:17 AM
Something...

When I initially click on "Open DAMN Menu" down there and the window open and I click on it again - inside the window - then the window goes blank and that was it.

I really have to remember to not to click on "Open DAMN Menu" inside the window...
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on March 15, 2013, 03:58:06 AM
not my fault... blame one who wrote plugin :P

Im just an app author
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Gordon Dry on March 15, 2013, 06:39:02 PM
Quote from: Yild on March 15, 2013, 03:58:06 AM
not my fault... blame one who wrote plugin :P

Im just an app author

All right, I'm testing a new strategy....


Testing ...

Edit:

Nope.
I'm trying it without damndesign.dat


Edit:

All right, the strategy to make it working is


So the menu works now, but after each lot I chose and set (or pressed ESC) I have to close the whole window and click on Open DAMN Menu again to get it working. If I do not, the menu won't work, it's like just a picture without functionality.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Gordon Dry on March 22, 2013, 12:35:32 PM
I was able just to hide them all again, same settings as in above post.
And I'm allowed to use further items without leaving the menu just clicking on "Open DAMN Menu" again inside the same window.

It's funny, but since I use the SC4 Launcher (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/28544-sc4-launcher/) everything works fine.


But a new issue, when I try to "Add SimCity Lots" initially it works fine, but as soon I want to change anything in any menu with a SimCity lot in it, the "Update plugins list" progress occurs as times as many entries are in that specific menu, that can last horribly long.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Gordon Dry on March 27, 2013, 09:33:39 AM
And something new...

It seems that adding standard SimCity lots and hiding them breaks the reward system.

I'm no more asked to build the "mayor's villa" or the townhall, neither I can build them after the population reached the limits.

I'm trying to remove all of these standard lots now from the DAMN menus - I hope that helps.

--

BTW several lots, specially BSC Parks stuff, which initially had icons inside DAMN, now got blank (none) icons... I don't know why.


Edit:

All right, hiding standard lots is the reason for the problem mentioned above.

While unhiding them I also updated all hidden lots so now the blank icon problem is also solved.

Edit:

... but from time to time other menus get blank icons, so it's a game. As soon as I change menus I can count on it that somewhere several icons get blanked out ...
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: ROmeoBOT on April 02, 2013, 02:47:52 AM
I got a problem with my damn manager install. It works fine, but it thinks I have the Danish version of SC4 deluxe, when in fact I have the Swedish version. Anyone had this problem before? Is there a setting in the ini-file that can fix this?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Gordon Dry on April 09, 2013, 03:56:07 PM
Hmmm.
Now I can't start DAMNManager.exe

I solved another issue, sometimes I couldn't start it when a Total Commander Lister window with HTML or MHT as content was opened, but now something new...

Perhaps the reason is that JDownloader is running (and so is Java) ... but I only guess it because I never tried to run DAMN Manager when JDownloader was running before...

So, here is the message that occurs:

Access violation at address 0040B9E1 in module 'DAMNManager.exe'. Read of address FB0BFB04.

And after clicking on 'OK' the manager is opened with empty spaces where the contents should be and clicking on the close 'X' just closes the window but doesn't end the process.

Edit:

Allright, it seems that JDownloader or Java is not the problem, it was a previously opened Lister window in Total Commander (again). So, if I ever opened an .html or .mht with TC in the Lister, I have to close TC because something is still in memory that DAMNManager doesn't like.

But whatever, it also doesn't like to be opened too long or to be used too much.

After each menu folder done, pressing save and just closing and reopening the whole program is essential or later the user will be p o.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: ROmeoBOT on April 12, 2013, 12:16:58 AM
Quote from: ROmeoBOT on April 02, 2013, 02:47:52 AM
I got a problem with my damn manager install. It works fine, but it thinks I have the Danish version of SC4 deluxe, when in fact I have the Swedish version. Anyone had this problem before? Is there a setting in the ini-file that can fix this?

Well, if anyone else got the problem with the maxis lots showing the wrong language name and description, I figured out a workaround.  &idea  You simply rename the language folder you don't want to (example: Danish_original). Then you make a copy of your language folder (ex: Swedish_copy). Then you rename the (ex: Swedish_copy) to (ex: Danish). And suddenly you have your own language in damn Manager!  :thumbsup:  Replace the names with the languages you want to change!

Be careful when you mess around with the maxis original files and always have a backup copy.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: enanbaruch on April 24, 2013, 11:14:42 AM
First let me say that this is a great program and I can't wait to use it in the game.  I have successfully installed the program and used it to look through my plugins folder to begin creating and organizing menus.  My problem is that when I play the game, I get blank menus.  I've tried the suggestions made earlier  regarding the change to the path names in the shortcut properties, especially the Start in path name. I still get blank menus.  Should I have reinstalled DAMN after I changed the shortcut path?  In snooping around a little, I compared the files in the DAMN fold under the Plugins with the help file and did find that one file is missing called lottemplates.ini.  I also noticed that the entries in the DAMN-index file all start with C:\PROGRA~2\Maxis\SIMCIT~2\Plugins\DAMN\Root\ as opposed to the full path name of C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\.  That probably has nothing to do with it but I thought it was worth a try.
Any suggestions for moving forward? I really really really want to use these menus in the game.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: ROmeoBOT on April 24, 2013, 09:58:35 PM
Quote from: enanbaruch on April 24, 2013, 11:14:42 AM
I also noticed that the entries in the DAMN-index file all start with C:\PROGRA~2\Maxis\SIMCIT~2\Plugins\DAMN\Root\ as opposed to the full path name of C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\. 

Have you tried running the program as administrator? And changing the last /app in the shortcut?

It really is a great program.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: enanbaruch on April 25, 2013, 04:32:22 AM
Thanks for your response.  All suggestions are one more step towards a solution.  I can't change the last Apps\ in the "Target" path because that is the directory where the SimCity 4.exe file is actually located.  When I take the Apps\ out, the shortcut cannot find the program.  I believe that the references to taking out the Apps\ string is referring to the path in the "Start in" path, which I've done.  I've also been running both the DAMN tool and Simcity 4 in Administrator mode.

I know I am so close to having this work properly.  Even on the "blank" menus in the game, they have the buttons for "home," "back," and "help" put there by the DAMN.  I only need to see the actual menu items.  When using DAMN itself, the program seems to function perfectly, allowing me to add numerous menu items and add most of my lots.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on April 25, 2013, 05:10:29 AM
Quote from: enanbaruch on April 25, 2013, 04:32:22 AM
Thanks for your response.  All suggestions are one more step towards a solution.  I can't change the last Apps\ in the "Target" path because that is the directory where the SimCity 4.exe file is actually located.  When I take the Apps\ out, the shortcut cannot find the program.  I believe that the references to taking out the Apps\ string is referring to the path in the "Start in" path, which I've done.  I've also been running both the DAMN tool and Simcity 4 in Administrator mode.

is file DAMN-index.txt created in sc4\plugins\damn\support ? is this file empty, if not does the entries contains valid paths? i.e.:


E:\GRY\Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\THM Military\Airplanes\DAMN-Menu_1363553214161.dat
E:\GRY\Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\THM Military\DAMN-Menu_1363038108168.dat
E:\GRY\Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\THM Military\MMP\DAMN-Menu_1363552939628.dat
E:\GRY\Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\THM Military\OTHER I\DAMN-Menu_1363552977239.dat
E:\GRY\Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\THM Military\OTHER II\DAMN-Menu_1363553133247.dat
E:\GRY\Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\THM Military\Ships\DAMN-Menu_1363553272474.dat
E:\GRY\Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\THM Military\SNM\Base elements I\DAMN-Menu_1363553455480.dat
E:\GRY\Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\THM Military\SNM\Civic\DAMN-Menu_1363553408780.dat
E:\GRY\Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\THM Military\SNM\DAMN-Menu_1363553313826.dat


if not, use extras-> reindex DAMN menu, it should recreate DAMN-index.txt file (should - if privileges are available for file creation in above folder).

Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: enanbaruch on April 25, 2013, 09:09:35 AM
Thanks Yild!  I have checked the DAMN-index file and just to be sure permissions are working correctly, I did as you suggested and ran the reindex DAMN menu option.  It definately wrote a new file based on the date stamp.  I did notice that whenever DAMN saves this file it uses an abbreviated file path, as in:
C:\PROGRA~2\Maxis\SIMCIT~2\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Civic\Air Cleaner\DAMN-Menu_1366771609462.dat
C:\PROGRA~2\Maxis\SIMCIT~2\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Civic\Education\Colleges Universities\DAMN-Menu_1366768816840.dat

This is how the path originally looked in my shortcut in the "Start In" path name.  I tried editing the DAMN-index file to put the whole path name in there, as in:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Civic\Air Cleaner\DAMN-Menu_1366771609462.dat
C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Civic\Education\Colleges Universities\DAMN-Menu_1366768816840.dat

but running simcity after that yielded the same results - blank menus.

I was thinking that maybe one of my plugins was causing this, so I was going to try to run simcity with a clean plugins folder, and then try adding a few back and rerunning the DAMN tool.  What do you think?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: enanbaruch on April 25, 2013, 11:13:43 AM
SUCCESS!  I completely wiped out the plugins folder (the one in Documents\Simcity 4\) and added back several plugin files. I also started over with the DAMN menus - getting rid of the old structure and basically starting over. 

Everyting works fine now.  I will add the plugin files back one or two at a time and eventually see which one was causing the DAMN menus to be blank in the game.

Thank you again for creating such a useful tool, and I apologize for taking your time to answer my problem that was most likely caused by something I've downloaded in my plugins.

If and when I discover which plugin was causing the problem, I will report back here in the future.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on April 26, 2013, 11:15:51 AM
Quote from: enanbaruch on April 25, 2013, 11:13:43 AM
If and when I discover which plugin was causing the problem, I will report back here in the future.

that would be helpfull :)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Strife on May 02, 2013, 07:36:21 AM
been using this tool for a while, its awesome, thanks a lot for uploading it.

i started having this issue a few days ago, when i open the menu all i see is this:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foi39.tinypic.com%2Fhwimua.jpg&hash=3189a2f633d5908f6e437dbc1768d425344b6590)

any clue what am i doing wrong?, it was working fine before.

also, is there a way to extend the ingame time the menu is avaiable, i always have to pause the game to use it or it turns grey and disabled.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on May 04, 2013, 03:17:43 AM
Quote from: Strife on May 02, 2013, 07:36:21 AM
been using this tool for a while, its awesome, thanks a lot for uploading it.

i started having this issue a few days ago, when i open the menu all i see is this:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foi39.tinypic.com%2Fhwimua.jpg&hash=3189a2f633d5908f6e437dbc1768d425344b6590)

any clue what am i doing wrong?, it was working fine before.

I have never experienced this, it looks like TGI conflict - try to find plugin that is on your picture, remove it and then check DAMN ingame, or split your plugins in half check each part alone, if you found which part cause conflict split in in half and check again... repeat...



Quote from: Strife on May 02, 2013, 07:36:21 AM
also, is there a way to extend the ingame time the menu is avaiable, i always have to pause the game to use it or it turns grey and disabled.

nope, DAMN menu acts as an reward system - each lot from ingame reward menu (original) is placed once and cursor turns to default (menu goes gray) - you can't place reward lot twice - this can be solved by LUA script author (Daelay) but in 7 (?) years that (original) DAMN is available there was no update to this behavior.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: H2Odk on May 05, 2013, 07:30:10 AM
Quote from: Yild on May 04, 2013, 03:17:43 AM
Quote from: Strife on May 02, 2013, 07:36:21 AM
also, is there a way to extend the ingame time the menu is avaiable, i always have to pause the game to use it or it turns grey and disabled.

nope, DAMN menu acts as an reward system - each lot from ingame reward menu (original) is placed once and cursor turns to default (menu goes gray) - you can't place reward lot twice - this can be solved by LUA script author (Daelay) but in 7 (?) years that (original) DAMN is available there was no update to this behavior.

This is how I solved this (timeout + plop multiple times).. notice ONLY works for DAMN used in the news window.. not as a separate window.

LUA script from damncontrol.dat
--#-package:0000daea# -- package signature
----------- created by Daeley & SSP -------
---------- last edit: 01/06/07 ------------

-- some code to prevent interfering with other kTest1 messages (from me... lol)
news_trigger_ID = " "
itemID = " "
function set_news_ID(string)
news_trigger_ID = string
end

if (DAMenu == nil) then

-- ************** values ****************** --

DAMenu = {}
DAMenu.menu = true -- true for submenu, false for item
DAMenu.parent = DAMenu -- self
DAMenu.op = false
DAMenu.items = {}
DAMenu.size = 0
DAMenu.linkname = "Home"
DAMenu.description = ""

DAMenu.currentMenu = DAMenu -- keep pointer to currently displayed menu

DAMenu.icons = {}
DAMenu.icons.menu   = "sc4://HTML/dae1e700/dae1e71f"
DAMenu.icons.search = "sc4://HTML/dae1e700/dae1e722"
DAMenu.icons.info   = "sc4://HTML/dae1e700/dae1e724"
DAMenu.icons.home   = "sc4://HTML/dae1e700/dae1e721"
DAMenu.icons.back   = "sc4://html/dae1e700/dae1e720"
DAMenu.icons.plop   = "sc4://html/dae1e700/dae1e723"

-- ************** news message ****************** --

local a = create_advice_cityplanning('0DAE102D')
a.trigger  = "1"
a.frequency = 1
a.timeout = 20000
a.title = [[text@dae1e775]]
a.message   = [[text@dae1e776]]
a.priority  = 0
a.mood = advice_moods.NEUTRAL
a.once = 0

local a = create_advice_cityplanning('0DAE102C')
a.trigger  = "DAMenu.op and (news_trigger_ID == 'DAMenu')"
a.frequency = 1
-- a.timeout = 5
a.timeout = 20000 --H2Odk: menu no longer timeout so fast
a.title = [[text@dae1e773]]
a.message   = [[text@dae1e774]]
a.priority  = 0
a.mood = advice_moods.NEUTRAL
a.once = 0
a.event = game_events.kTEST1

-- ************** def functions  ****************** --

DAMenu.addItem = function(rootmenu, item)
   rootmenu.items[rootmenu.size] = item
   rootmenu.items[string.lower(item.linkname)] = item -- keep double indexation
   rootmenu.size = rootmenu.size + 1
   item.parent = rootmenu
   if (not (item.menu)) then
     if (item.description == [[text@NULL]]) then
        item.description = nil -- nillification (yes, I just invented that word)
     end
     DAMenu.createItemNews(item)
   end
end

DAMenu.newMenu = function()
   menu = {}
   menu.menu = true -- true for submenu, false for item
   menu.items = {}
   menu.size = 0
   menu.description = "menu description"
   menu.info = {}
   menu.info[1] = ""
   menu.info[2] = ""
   menu.linkname = "menu linkname"
   menu.icon = DAMenu.icons.menu
   return menu
end

DAMenu.addMenu = function(root,name)
   menu = DAMenu.newMenu()
   menu.linkname = name
   DAMenu.addItem(root,menu)
   return menu
end

DAMenu.newItem = function()
   item = {}
   item.menu = false
   item.hidden = false
   item.network = false -- these is obsolete, but for old DAMN
   item.type = "" -- available types: flora, network, zone and finally building
   item.linkname = "item linkname"
   item.info = {}
   item.info[1] = ""
   item.info[2] = ""
   item.description = "item description"
   item.iid = "00000000"
   item.icon = DAMenu.icons.plop
   return item
end

DAMenu.itemCursor = function(item)
-- this is now obsolete, but for old DAMN
   if (item.network) then
     game.tool_plop_network(tonumber(item.iid,16))
   else
-- till here
     if (item.type == "flora") then
       game.tool_plop_flora(tonumber(item.iid,16))
     else
if (item.type == "network") then
  game.tool_plop_network(tonumber(item.iid,16))
       else
  if (item.type == "zone") then
    game.tool_plop_zone(tonumber(item.iid,16))
  else
    game.tool_plop_building(tonumber(item.iid,16))
  end
end
     end
   end
   DAMenu.trigger() --H2Odk: reactivates menu after plop
end 

DAMenu.findItem = function(str)
   local i = 0
   local index = 0
   local x = {}
   str = string.lower(str)
   repeat
     index = string.find(str,"/")
     if (index == nil) then
       x[i] = str
     else
       x[i] = string.sub(str,0,index-1)
       str = string.sub(str,index+1)
       i = i + 1
     end
   until (index == nil)
   
   local menu = DAMenu.items[x[0]]
   i = 1
   while ((menu ~= nil) and (x[i] ~= nil)) do
     menu = menu.items[x[i]]
     i = i+1
   end
   return menu
end

DAMenu.itemCopy = function(item)
   newItem = {}
   for field in item do
     newItem[field] = item[field]
   end
   return newItem
end

DAMenu.createItemNews = function(item)
   if (item.hidden) then
     a = create_reward_cityplanning(item.iid)
     a.condition = function()
       return reward_state.HIDDEN
     end
   end
   if (item.description ~= nil) then
     a = create_advice_cityplanning(string.format("%x",tonumber(item.iid,16)+1))
     a.trigger  = "((news_trigger_ID == 'DAMenuItem') and (itemID == '" .. item.iid .. "'))"
     a.frequency = 1
     a.timeout = 5
     a.title = [[text@dae1e773]]
     a.message = item.description
     a.priority  = 100
     a.mood = advice_moods.NEUTRAL
     a.once = 0
     a.event = game_events.kTEST1
   end
end

-- ************* search function ****************** --
-- we can not localize these texts
DAMenu.searchTitle = "Search"
DAMenu.searchBody = "Enter a search term (not case sensitive), then press [OK] to view the results. A maximum of 50 results can be displayed."
DAMenu.searchAccept = function()
   DAMenu.searchMenu = DAMenu.newMenu()
   DAMenu.searchMenu.parent = DAMenu
   DAMenu.lookup(string.lower(keyboardInput.currentword),DAMenu)
   DAMenu.searchMenu.linkname = DAMenu.searchMenu.size .. " items found"
   DAMenu.currentMenu = DAMenu.searchMenu
   DAMenu.trigger()
end

DAMenu.lookup = function(str,menu)
   if (DAMenu.searchMenu.size < 50) then
     for i=0,menu.size-1 do
       if (menu.items[i].menu) then
         DAMenu.lookup(str,menu.items[i])
       else
         if (string.find(string.lower(menu.items[i].linkname),str) ~= nil) then
           DAMenu.addItem(DAMenu.searchMenu,DAMenu.itemCopy(menu.items[i]))
         end
       end -- else
     end -- for
   end -- if
end

-- ************** news utility ****************** --

DAMenu.getTitle = function()
   return DAMenu.currentMenu.linkname
end

DAMenu.getLinkText = function(index,line)
   if (index < DAMenu.currentMenu.size) then
     if (line == 1) then
       return " " .. DAMenu.currentMenu.items[index].linkname
     else
       if (DAMenu.currentMenu.items[index].info[line-1] ~= "") then   
         return " > " .. DAMenu.currentMenu.items[index].info[line-1]
       end
     end
   end
   return ""
end

DAMenu.getLeftIcon = function(index)
   --return DAMenu.icons.search
   if (index < DAMenu.currentMenu.size) then
     return DAMenu.currentMenu.items[index].icon
   end
   return ""
end   

DAMenu.getRightIcon = function(index)
   if (index < DAMenu.currentMenu.size) then
     if (not(DAMenu.currentMenu.items[index].menu)) then
       if (DAMenu.currentMenu.items[index].description ~= nil) then
         return DAMenu.icons.info
       end
     end
   end
   return ""
end 

DAMenu.open = function(index)
   if (index < DAMenu.currentMenu.size) then
     local item = DAMenu.currentMenu.items[index]
     if (item.menu) then
       DAMenu.currentMenu = item
       DAMenu.trigger()
     else
       DAMenu.currentMenu = item
       DAMenu.triggerItem()
     end
   end
end

DAMenu.plop = function(index)
   if (index == nil) then
     local item = DAMenu.currentMenu
     if (not (item.menu)) then
       DAMenu.itemCursor(item)
       --DAMenu.currentMenu = DAMenu.currentMenu.parent --H2Odk: stops menu going up one level after plop
     end
   else
     if (type(index) == "number") then
       if (index < DAMenu.currentMenu.size) then
         local item = DAMenu.currentMenu.items[index]
         if (item.menu) then
           DAMenu.currentMenu = item
           DAMenu.trigger()
         else
           DAMenu.itemCursor(item)
         end
       end
     end
   end   
end

DAMenu.up = function() -- up one level
   DAMenu.currentMenu = DAMenu.currentMenu.parent
   DAMenu.trigger()
end 

DAMenu.root = function() -- back to root level
   DAMenu.currentMenu = DAMenu
   DAMenu.trigger()
end 

DAMenu.trigger = function()
   if (not (DAMenu.currentMenu.menu)) then
     DAMenu.currentMenu = DAMenu.currentMenu.parent
   end
   DAMenu.op = true
   set_news_ID("DAMenu")
   game.trigger_event(game_events.kTEST1)
end

  DAMenu.triggerItem = function()
   itemID = DAMenu.currentMenu.iid
   set_news_ID("DAMenuItem")
   game.trigger_event(game_events.kTEST1)
end

-->> build from directory structure <<--

function DAMenu.interpret(path)

  local _,i = string.find(path,"Root\\")
  local relpath = string.sub(path,i+1)

  local menu = DAMenu
  while (i) do
    _,i = string.find(relpath,"\\")
    if (i) then 
      local folder = string.sub(relpath,0,i-1)
      -- interpret folder
      local submenu = menu.items[string.lower(folder)]
      if (not submenu) then
        submenu = DAMenu.addMenu(menu,folder)
      end
      menu = submenu
      relpath = string.sub(relpath,i+1)
    end
  end
 
  -- create link from root to relative menu
  DAMenu.items[relpath] = menu

end

-- os.execute("echo off & del list.txt & for /R %i in (*.damn.lua) do echo %i >> list.txt") -- game loses focus :(
local luainput = io.open([[Plugins/DAMN/Support/DAMN-index.txt]])
local line = 1
while (line) do
  line = luainput:read("*l")
  if (line) then
   DAMenu.interpret(line)
  end
end

DAMenu.currentMenu = DAMenu

end


There are 3 edits.. all marked with "H2Odk"
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Reihard on August 30, 2013, 11:16:03 AM
Hello.
I have a DAMN window (with the adviser), but it empty.  :'(

What did I do?
I add things in a window, I press SAVE CHANGES and REINDEX DAMN MENU.
I have setup game in folder C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe  and have updated it.
SimCity 4.exe is placed in C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps and it is copied in C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe
I pressed on all SimCity 4.exe
I have setup today the newest JAVA (automatically).
I tried setup the DAMN-SSPTOOL, but result same.  It worked with my old Rush Hour.

"check simcity 4 shortcut property " Start in " - it can contain " \Apps" in path, it should point to root folder of the simcity installation ie c: \programs files (x86) \Maxis \Simcity 4\"

I have not understood it and tried to remove or bypass "...\Apps", but it has not helped.

What I should make and press?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Manwith Noname on August 31, 2013, 09:08:36 AM
Reihard, and anyone else for that matter...

I had this same issue. I searched, I read, I tried many things but all of the suggestions failed to make the menus appear. In another thread I found...

Quote from: memo on February 24, 2013, 08:21:30 AM
It is in the attachment. You should get the menues, if you move it into your plugins (and remove your previous DAMN files). I indexed some of the Network Addon Mod items, so you should be able to select some of the puzzle pieces. Though, you don't need the NAM in order to get the menues.


Edit: By the way, I noticed that I did not delete "Apps" from the shortcut at all, but it works nevertheless.

I tried his folder and success! Alas, the link for DAMN was in German and it wasn't my menu setup. Dropping my DAMN-Index.txt brought up my menus but this link to DAMN was still in german.

So I played around, I compared the files across folders and noticed that his damndesign.dat was significantly smaller than mine. Did a bit more playing around swapping files and lost my menus.

Now, I know that when I installed DAMN without creating a menu in DAMN Manager it shows up, in my own language too. So, having created a backup of my DAMN folders with my index files and root structure in place, I wiped them. I re installed DAMN and checked in game. It worked but of course not my menu layout.

Checking what had been installed by DAMN itself, showed me that there was no damndesign.dat.

The next step for me was to replace my ROOT folder and my DAMN-index.txt, the result...

I now have my created menu showing in game.

In short, try deleting the damndesign.dat file found in the DAMN\Support folder.


I don't know what this file does for sure, but my guess is it relates to the columns and pixels you can change in DAMNManager. If there is some valid reason I should not delete this file then maybe someone with more knowledge of it's contents would care to explain but for now, it seems to me that DAMNmanager creates this file and for some reason the game doesn't like it.

Hope this helps someone.

EDIT: This is essentially what GordonDry found also, but he used SSPTool to create a design file...I'm just deleting it and seeing how that works.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: droric on September 12, 2013, 05:36:56 AM
Yild,

I would like to request permission to use your application screenshots in some documentation for the DAMN NAM project.  Also if possible would these screenshots be able to be used for the NAM user manual?  Furthermore I was wondering if it was possible to add these root menu's in a more functional method using your application.  See the DAMN-NAM Root Menu button which links to another menu item.  ALSO is it possible to replace the folder icons with item icons?  Thanks!!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F1Khz8C2.jpg&hash=4d0f9e9dc7bc36a781627fba0b2f6a0469356dd2)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on September 13, 2013, 10:31:00 AM
Quote from: droric on September 12, 2013, 05:36:56 AM
Yild,

I would like to request permission to use your application screenshots in some documentation for the DAMN NAM project.  Also if possible would these screenshots be able to be used for the NAM user manual? 

granted

Quote from: droric on September 12, 2013, 05:36:56 AM

Furthermore I was wondering if it was possible to add these root menu's in a more functional method using your application.  See the DAMN-NAM Root Menu button which links to another menu item.  ALSO is it possible to replace the folder icons with item icons?  Thanks!!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F1Khz8C2.jpg&hash=4d0f9e9dc7bc36a781627fba0b2f6a0469356dd2)

I just created tool that fills some .dat files, Im not the author of the scripts - so any change you have to make by yourself (as one posted some posts earlier),
and Im not currently active SC4 player - this implicate that Manager development is atm on hold :/

I've seen NAM puzzles in DAMN menu 'plugin'... I suggest that you should put those files in folder structure created by Manager and run DAMN-Indexer.cmd by yourself (that should recreate new menu structure including added branches).
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: droric on September 13, 2013, 10:39:14 AM
Yild,

Thank you for your response.  I will continue to add the root menu entries manually in the LUA script for each menu.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: bassileian.rob on September 25, 2013, 07:15:57 AM
Okay... So here's the scoop.  I had the DAMN manager working before with some difficulty at first.  I'm not sure exactly what got it to finally work, but I had to reload my SC4 and NAM and DAMN and now the DAMN is not working.  I installed the DAMN 1.1.1 into my /Documents/SimCity4/ folder and ran it.  Setup seemed to work just fine.  Here's the catch.  Before when I used the DAMN 1.1.1 the DAMN folder loaded into my /Documents/SimCity4/Plugins directory and now it's loaded into my /Programs/Maxis/SimCity4/Plugins directory.  I figured that this wouldn't be a problem, but when I attempt to run SC4, none of my menu shows up in program.  SO, I tried moving the "DAMN" folder from my /Programs/Maxis/SimCity4/Plugins directory to my /Documents/SimCity4/Plugins directory and then tried to run the "DAMN 1.1.1" and it told me that DAMN 1.1.1 was not installed.  So I moved the DAMN folder back and DAMN 1.1.1 ran with no problem again, but still didn't load my menu structure into SC4.  So scratching my head, I've been dumbfounded as to what I should do.  When installing DAMN 1.1.1 there are no options for where to point the DAMN folder.  Before it worked in my /Documents/SimCity4/Plugins, but I have no idea why it did and no idea why it doesn't now... I'd love to get it working again.  Thanks.

EDIT:  Well, I tried to move the actual DAMN into my /Progrms/Maxis/SimCity4/Plugins directory and voila everything is working again.  Maybe the DAMN should be installed into that directory instead of the /Documents/SimCity4/Plugins directory.  Now the menus work and I can use all of my useful files.  Sorry I wasn't able to figure this out earlier before posting.

Thanks for this wonderful software Yild.  Maybe the next update should include instructions as to where to place the program so that it works without any complications.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on September 25, 2013, 10:42:02 AM
Actually you don't need to place any files anywhere... ;)

When you launch app for the first time it checks if certain files are stored in you SC4 installation directory in /plugins/damn - if not found it copy 3 (4 if selected additional options) files there.

btw there is a help file in /resources/lang/english/ ;)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ernestmaxis on October 03, 2013, 01:30:56 PM
Is it possible to change the maximum of items in the Damn manager?
Maximum is 500 items,
I thought to create a MML for MML's to put this in the Damn Manager to decrease the amount of scrolling in menu games.
But I'm not the greatest with computers so I was unable to create a MML on my own. &cry2

So my question is
Is it possible to change the maximum of items in the Damn manager?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Kergelen on October 04, 2013, 07:45:35 AM
Hi Yild,

I'm having problems with some few lots that I have DAMNed. When I plop the lot the game stop, I can't do anything else not even quick the game. The only way to close the game is using the task manager.
It only happen with the lots where I don't see the building before plopping, as shown in the picture attached.
For example, I have problems with  this one (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=848) from the LEX which is the one in the picture. And this (http://descargas.capitalsim.net/index.php?sitio=csc)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: jmdude1 on January 30, 2014, 06:40:29 PM
Has anybody got this to work with a steam version of the game? If so, how???  I am running into problems with the 'apps' folder location and none of my menus are showing in the game, although the menu window is there and sized correctly.

I've edited the launch options on steam with no results.  I've change the 'apps' folder name and created a new desktop shortcut which points directly to the exe rather than the steam url but that also doesn't work.  Error: steam is unable to find exe file.  I've even done a fresh install of the DAMN Manager and tried to create a new menu, but also with no results.

I've found google results on how to move an entire game folder but not how to move an exe within a game folder. So basically, when I rename my 'apps' folder steam can no longer find the exe file.

Any help would be amazing. I really don't want to use the original menu system, they are so full.  I used to have this working when I had the disk version, but my disk finally stopped working.

Edit:  I got DAMN to work! I just installed DAMN and the SSPTool and it worked.  I didn't try the DAMN Manager since everything is working ok now.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ajax on May 19, 2014, 07:17:45 AM
I apologize if it is inappropriate to revive this thread, but I didn't know where else to post my question.  A couple of months ago I started moving all my SC4 stuff from my old Vista PC to a new machine running Windows 7.  After re-organizing all of my plugins, tweaking my own custom content, and deleting a lot of old unwanted stuff, everything is working in the game perfectly.  All that is left for me to do is to re-build my DAMN menus.  I never had any problems with this on my old machine, but now I am having the same problem that many have already had and fixed.  I also get the DAMN link in the news ticker, but the link just brings me to the DAMN menu Home page without showing any of my menus.  It must be "seeing" the stuff I have added, because if I do a search, it finds the correct number of lots.  I swear I have attempted nearly all the solutions I could find.  The "Start In" path in my SC4 shortcut does not have "Apps".  I am running everything as Administrator.  The folders have all permissions.  One thing I have not tried is installing the old SSP Tool and DAMN manager.  I like this version much better, so I would prefer it if I did not have to take that course.  This morning I tried it with an empty plugins file and the original SimCity_1.dat (The only modification I made was the fix for CAM), I made a couple of quick menus with a couple of park lots and get the exact same result.  I just don't know what I am missing.  I'm not that computer literate, but I am also not completely without understanding.  All issues I've had in all these years of playing SC4 I've been able to resolve.  Unfortunately, without the ability to create menus the game isn't worth playing.  Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ajax on May 27, 2014, 06:44:10 AM
Once again, my apologies if my post is inappropriate.  I think I read somewhere that you should not "bump" your own posts.  Please know that I am not trying to inflate my post count.  I am simply frustrated that I have not been able to resolve this issue with the DAMN menus.  I understand that it is either my system or something that I am doing that is causing the problem.  I know the program works because on my old system, it worked right out of the box.  I have now tried the old SSP version (which also worked for me in the past) and get the same result in game, a blank DAMN menu home page.  I have checked and re-checked in the past week that all the common solutions have been applied.  I do not have "Apps" in the "Start In" path, the folders have all permissions, and am running everything as Administrator.  Again, I know that it must be something I have done, or possibly have not done, but am simply at a loss of what else to try.  If anyone has suggestions as to how I might resolve this problem it would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on May 27, 2014, 11:02:19 AM
Hmm... all things that could be problematic was mentioned in this topic (and at simpeg/simtropolis forums), my guess its files/folders permission problem, either run damn and sc4 with admin privileges, also check if DAMN-index.txt file inside sc4/plugins/damn/support folder are filled with menu files (DAMN-Menu_*.dat) which names are correct including letters case (iirc lua scripts are case sensitive when working with file names), also check permissions for DAMN-index.txt (including whole folders path).
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ajax on May 28, 2014, 12:26:30 PM
Thank you so much for the response!  I know many are not as active as they once were and that I am not "entitled" to a response.  As I mentioned, I have looked into all the folders I have thought are tied in some way to the DAMN program to ensure they all have full permissions.  I also have been running everything as Administrator.  I did do a quick search over at ST, but any problems more complex than "Apps" in the "Start In" path or the permissions/admin solution seemed to point people back here.

The program appears to be generating the menu files correctly.  Here is just a sample of what was created in DAMN-index.txt with my latest test:

C:\PROGRA~2\Maxis\SIMCIT~1\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Drives and Parking Lots\5050\DAMN-Menu_1401021343544.dat
C:\PROGRA~2\Maxis\SIMCIT~1\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Drives and Parking Lots\5050\TE\DAMN-Menu_1401021353451.dat
C:\PROGRA~2\Maxis\SIMCIT~1\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Drives and Parking Lots\DAMN-Menu_1401021329288.dat
C:\PROGRA~2\Maxis\SIMCIT~1\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Drives and Parking Lots\Ind\DAMN-Menu_1401026037639.dat
C:\PROGRA~2\Maxis\SIMCIT~1\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Drives and Parking Lots\Ind\TE\DAMN-Menu_1401026046022.dat


I had not thought to check DAMN-index.txt for permissions, but now that I have, that seems to be OK also.  I am not sure what you mean by "whole folders path", I suppose that betrays some of my ignorance, and maybe is a clue as to why I can't get this working.

When I am in the game, the lots are hidden appropriately, and it will allow me to do a text search and comes up with the appropriate number of lots.  I just can't see the menus.
I was hoping it was something simple I have missed, but I don't have any clue why I could get it to work so easily before, and now I can't figure out what I am doing wrong.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on May 28, 2014, 12:53:38 PM
C:\PROGRA~2\Maxis\SIMCIT~1\
this might be a problem, try to change this part to a fully qualified paths like "c:\Program files\Maxis\Simcity 4" or whatever its on your system.



Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ajax on May 28, 2014, 02:36:50 PM
I'll give that a try, but it doesn't seem promising since that style of string is what was in my previous installation on my Vista system.

I just tried it...and got the same result.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: hellodave on June 30, 2014, 11:27:55 AM
It seems there are quite a few reasons that cause the dreaded blank menus, I tried everything in this thread with no luck, until...

Quote from: Manwith Noname on August 31, 2013, 09:08:36 AM
...

In short, try deleting the damndesign.dat file found in the DAMN\Support folder.

...

Hope this helps someone.

This helped me, thank you Manwith Noname.
Thank you to everyone who worked through these issues before I got here :)
While I'm handing out thanks, thanks Yild! I love the Damn Manager!
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ajax on July 04, 2014, 05:04:17 AM
Thanks for the reply.  I thought I had tried this prior to my request for help, but just to be sure I tried it again.  The result I got confirmed that I had tried this before.  With damndesign.dat deleted, the news ticker in game just reads "***_NOT_IN_TEXT_DATABASE***text@daele775".  Then when I start the DAMN Manager without damndesign.dat, it starts as though DAMN has not been installed.  So, I let it re-create the damndesign.dat and went back into the game and once again I have blank menus.  I went back to the original post for this solution to see if there is something more to it than just removing damndesign.dat.  If there is, I am not seeing it.  I have read this entire thread and still can not get my menus to appear in game.  Maybe I need to re-read it to see if there is something I have missed.  Again, my complaint is not with the tool.  I had used it before, and loved it.  The problem only started when I switched to a new PC with Windows 7.  And, I am certain it is something specific to me since others have obviously been using this tool with Windows 7.  I just wish that I could resolve this issue and get back to playing the game.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Imaginary Llamas on July 04, 2014, 10:42:25 AM
I'm having a problem installing the DAMN manager. It almost gets the correct path for my SimCity installation, but it leaves out a slash like
"C:\Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe EditionPlugins\DAMN\"

I cannot find an option to manually set the path and so I can't get a working installation. Is there an option hidden away to set the path, or how else could I fix this?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ajax on July 16, 2014, 10:36:10 AM
In my seemingly endless struggle to get my DAMN menus to work, I am now wondering if it has something to do with my system specifically.  As I stated before, I know it must be a problem on my end since many have resolved the issue and gotten this tool to work.  So, having tried all the suggestions (some multiple times) to fix this without success I am wondering if it may be something else.

1:  Could it be something blocking it from working?  I have Norton 360 to protect my system, but I also had it on my old system where the DAMN worked.
2:  Is it my Quad-core processor?  (Intel Core i5-4440 CPU @ 3.10GHz)  I think I have seen elsewhere in the forums that others have had issues with this.  I did not know this had been causing problems for anyone and since I never had any problems with my previous Dual-core system had never considered this possibility.
3:  The "Help" documentation states that nothing additional is needed to run DAMN.  But, is it possible that I have some Windows 7 feature turned on or off that is causing a problem?
4:  Some have also had issues with the graphics card they are using.  I currently have the GeForce GT635.  I don't remember what model my old graphics card was other than that it was also GeForce.
5:  Over at ST, someone noted that they were having the same issue with DAMN menus not showing up in the game and the solution was that there was a process running for a music streaming service that once disabled, the DAMN worked.  The only thing I have installed on this new computer other than my SimCity stuff is the game Empire Earth II.  I am not really familiar with processes and what I can disable, so I don't know if this would be a valid solution for me.

I apologize to all that I keep bringing this issue up, but everything else seems to be working fine with my game except this.  I admit that I have not been in the game much, because without the DAMN, the game just is not very enjoyable for me.  The endless time spent scrolling through the Maxis menus just kills much of the joy of playing the game for me.  I enjoy working on landscapes (mostly golf courses) and have created a couple hundred puzzle pieces for this purpose.  I just hope someone can point me in the right direction to solve this frustrating problem.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: APSMS on July 16, 2014, 10:07:10 PM
So, I have Windows 7, like you. Like you, I was frustrated that the pre-made DAMN menus for things like SimNation Military would not load properly because the list would not autogenerate after scanning my plugins for the corresponding files. Unlike you, I did not make any of  my own custom DAMN menus, but mostly due to time restraints and personal laziness. I'll get around to it one day...

Because you have not necessarily mentioned what you did to try to fix your problem, I will ask if the DAMN-index.txt file was manually modified by you in order to add the required files. I ask because this is what I did initially; I moved the DAMN folder into an empty place where administrator permissions were not necessary (even though I was running everything as an administrator anyways) and ran the program. DAMN-index.txt was generated like I wanted, except that the starting path (something other than C:\Program Files (x86)\...etc.) was wrong. All I was unsure of was the ending path file; the beginning was obvious enough so I went and modified the file path for every line in the index, reinserted it back into the Program Files folder, approved permissions, and voila! my DAMN installation now worked. That was what I did then, and it is a rather heavy handed approach if you have hundreds of files. Of course, I didn't specify exactly what I did then because I found an easier way to solve my problem, but it requires beginner comfort with the command prompt, if that's all right with you.

You see, I had a few months ago (prob more like a year) installed Yild's DAMN manager with the idea that I would easily create my own DAMN menus for things like Paeng's parks. What I was unaware of after running the program once to get my bearings was that the program re-created the DAMN-index.txt file and had erased my previous index; I was getting a submenu link (like you should), but clicking it did nothing, except open empty menu space. I recalled a programming class I had taken regarding running programs from the command prompt, and that gave me an idea....

You will, of course, need an administrator account with permissions.

First, open an elevated command prompt, like so:
(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/54787955/ShareX/2014-07/2014-07-16_21-43-24.jpg)

Then, navigate to the place where your DAMN installation is. When typing, use "cd .." to go up in the filesystem (like from My Documents to Users) and use "cd foldername" to go down (like from C: to Program files). After typing the first part of the name, you can use the TAB key as a shortcut; it will suggest folders based on the first few letters that you type. My particular path looks like so:
(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/54787955/ShareX/2014-07/Administrator_Command_Prompt_07-16-2014_117.jpg)

Next we're going to run the DAMN-indexer. This time, the program should run flawlessly because we are using an Elevated Command Prompt, and not relying on the Windows GUI to remember whether or not we have the right permissions (which it doesn't, and we do).

To run the program, simply type it's name into the window; remember to use the three-letter filetype extension (or use the TAB key). Mine looks like this:
(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/54787955/ShareX/2014-07/Administrator_Command_Prompt_07-16-2014_118.jpg)

Hit ENTER to run the program:
(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/54787955/ShareX/2014-07/2014-07-16_22-02-29.jpg)

Voila! A freshly indexed DAMN installation. Now let's check that DAMN-index.txt to see if it did it properly:
(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/54787955/ShareX/2014-07/DAMN-index.txt_-_Notepad_07-16-2014_119.jpg)

This happens to be what I had before (I saved a copy JIC this time), so we know it works!

Hope this helps. Try it out and let me know if anything works, or what didn't and we can go from there and see what we can do.

-Absalom
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ajax on July 17, 2014, 12:36:37 PM
Thank you so much for the reply!  I apologize that I did not mention specifically what I have done to try to fix the problem.  Essentially I have tried all the common fixes to the problem mentioned in this thread (making sure "apps" is not in the "Start in" path, making sure the folders have full permissions, and that I am running things as "Administrator").  I have tried re-installing the latest DAMN, just in case something went wrong, as well as trying to install it in various places.  I have also tried just using the old SSP version, without any success.  I had modified the SimCity1.dat as instructed in the CAM thread to avoid the workforce bug, so tried the DAMN with my backup copy of the original SimCity1.dat.  Some have suggested removing the damndesign.dat file, but that too was unsuccessful.  I have been fighting this problem so long that I may have forgotten other things that I have tried, but these are the primary things I have done.  The only time I edited the DAMN-index.txt file manually was when Yild suggested that this might be a problem:

C:\PROGRA~2\Maxis\SIMCIT~1\

So I changed it to the "fully qualified path" like he suggested.  Unfortunately the result was the same. 

I have not had any need to use the command prompt in years (probably since college over 20 years ago), but I can follow instructions.  Thanks for the clear guidance and the screen caps, it made this very easy to follow.  Initially I was encouraged when after following these steps the DAMN-index.txt file that was written from this procedure had changed from what I had posted earlier to the following:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Drives and Parking Lots\DAMN-Menu_1401021329288.dat
C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Drives and Parking Lots\5050\DAMN-Menu_1401021343544.dat
C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Drives and Parking Lots\5050\TE\DAMN-Menu_1401021353451.dat
C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Drives and Parking Lots\Ind\DAMN-Menu_1401026037639.dat
C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4\Plugins\DAMN\Root\Drives and Parking Lots\Ind\TE\DAMN-Menu_1401026046022.dat

So, I fired up the game and...got the same result.  There is a link to the DAMN menus, but clicking it only brings up empty menu space.  It will also let me do a search, and as I stated previously, the tool does appear to be "seeing" the menu items because it comes up with the correct number of items that should be in the menus, it just does not display them.

I appreciate your kindness very much in trying to help me solve this problem!  Thank you for the time you have devoted to helping someone in need.  I just hope there is a solution to this.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: APSMS on July 17, 2014, 07:53:52 PM
I notice that there is a "SimCity 4" folder in my "Maxis" folder, in addition to the "SimCity 4 Deluxe" folder. The SimCity 4 Deluxe folder is where the rest of my game files are, including the game default SimCity_1.dat.

The DAMN installer seems to have created for me both a folder in SimCity 4 and SimCity 4 Deluxe. I'm not sure if you have rush hour instead (which could be totally skewing things on my end), but perhaps that is part of the problem? The SimCity 4 folder is empty except for a dummy plugins file with a very sparse DAMN installation.

I hope it really is that easy, but I'm not holding my breath.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ajax on July 18, 2014, 06:22:38 AM
Yes, I do have Rush Hour.  I'm still using the same discs since the game first came out.  So, I only have the "SimCity 4" file in the "Maxis" folder.  The DAMN has therefore only created a folder in the Maxis\SimCity 4\Plugins location (that is the one with "Root" and "Support", I also have the "zzzzzz_DAMN_Hidden" folder in the Libraries\Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins location).  Again, this installation worked on my Vista system so I don't understand why this would be an issue, but there is obviously an issue with my understanding or I would be able to get this to work.  One thing that is different is that on Vista vs. Win7, I think I remember that Vista used My Documents and didn't have "Libraries"(Although, I could be remembering back to XP).  I don't know what you are hoping the easy fix is.  Are you suggesting that there should be another folder with a dummy plugins file, or that I need to obtain SimCity 4 Deluxe, or something else?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: APSMS on July 18, 2014, 10:16:08 PM
One could hardly suggest that buying the Deluxe version is a "fix". If it works, I guess it's worth it, but I'm not recommending it at this point. Really it was me just hoping that the problem was as simple as a misplaced directory, which was, of course, wishful thinking, but stranger things have gone unnoticed before...

One thing I did, mostly to ensure that Terraformer worked with my new laptop when I switched from Vista, was to move my "My Documents" folder (which exists in Windows 7) to the root drive (so C:\My Documents). I don't think this is necessary for DAMN, but one thing I did is open the My Documents folder from the User filespace, rather than the libraries one.

IIRC, you can find your specific Userspace by going to the C drive (or root Hard Drive directory) navigating to Users, and clicking on your username. There you will notice that there are a bunch of folders, some of which are named in the traditional Windows Vista/XP/2000 format, like My Documents, My Music, etc. Obviously the Plugins files are already there, else the game would not see them, but I like to do my thinking for me and avoid the chance that Windows is placing the stuff in public userspace, even if I know for a fact that it is not.

I can post some pictures if what I'm saying makes no sense; I'm not advising you move your My Documents folder, just that you avoid the standard Libraries directories when working with files for SC4. I'm currently scanning the archives for inconsistencies. Could you post any pictures of your installation, like the file windows or the shortcut/.exe properties? That may help in identifying what's wrong...

Did you use any known operable DAMN menus, like the ones for RTMT, in your testing to see what the problem was? If a menu system created by a 3rd party is known to work (in a clean DAMN install), then we may be on to something. Or not.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ajax on July 19, 2014, 07:09:16 AM
Since Deluxe is just the combined Original SC4 and Rush Hour, I wasn't sure how that could be a fix, but at this point I am willing to try just about anything.  I know strange things can happen, seemingly without reason.  When trying different installation locations for the DAMN, one time it un-zipped missing several of the files.  I've used the Terraformer since switching to Win7 and have not had any problems with it and did not do anything special with the installation.  I had to take a little trip down memory lane, which I anticipated I would have to do at some point, since I have not posted any pictures in a few years.  Here are the shortcut properties for SimCity 4:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi42.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe322%2Fjdscosprings%2FSC4Shortcut_zpsdb71be2d.jpg&hash=76422815498d6e12470cd600f476f976a5f18b2c)

and for DAMN:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi42.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe322%2Fjdscosprings%2FDAMNShortcut_zpsd94b4409.jpg&hash=d38aa70dce73793c9a2e4c44ad09ca2555ec64c4)

Which file windows would you like to see, specifically?  The My Documents/SimCity 4..., the Program Files (x86)/Maxis/SimCity 4..., where I have the DAMN installed (which is currently also in the Program Files (x86) directory), or something else or all of them?  I will get pics of whatever you think might help.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Donician on July 30, 2014, 10:57:19 AM
Is it possible to delete items from the DAMN Manager and have them reappear where they would normally appear without DAMN? For example, I have RRP Ploppable Water and Draggable Paths. Neither would work in the DAMN Manager (the icons show up, but when I click on them, my cursor turns red and it doesn't plop anything). So, I tried to remove them from the DAMN Manager, expecting that they would revert back into the MMP menu. However, they are not there. I even tried deleting them from my plugins folder and re-installing them, but it didn't work. I'm having the same issue with the PEG Pond terrain MMPs (had them in DAMN, they didn't work, and now I cannot get them to appear in my regular MMP menu). Any help would be appreciated.

By the way, DAMN is great!
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on July 31, 2014, 04:57:32 AM
updated to 1.2.0

Donician - all hiding data is stored in zzzzzz_DAMN_Hidden (default) folder in your main plugins folder, each file there is a single menu branch - delete selected branch (file name) where your lots ware added and they will reapear in SC menu.

If you provide links to a problematic plugins I will try to fix it if time permits.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Donician on July 31, 2014, 07:02:24 AM
Yild,

Thanks for responding. I actually posted a similar request over on SimPeg and SimCoug told me to delete the files from the zzzz_DAMN Remove folder. Once I did that, they reappeared in my MMP menu. So, problem solved.

As far as the problematic plugins, here are the links:

RRP Draggable Paths - http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1885

PEG PPond Terrain Prop Pack 1 - http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=492

The other problematic plugin is RRP Ploppable Water, but I can't find a link for it at the moment.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: vortext on August 02, 2014, 12:24:40 PM
Maybe it's because those are all MMPs instead of lots?  &Thk/(
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: ScottFTL on August 11, 2014, 01:03:47 AM
I'm experiencing a perplexing problem with DAMN Manager.

When I use DAMN Manager v1.20 to install the DAMN plugin and create a DAMN menu, I can see the menus in-game but plopping a DAMNed lot causes a crash to desktop.  I select the lot from the DAMN menu, then I see a green cursor as I plop followed by an immediate crash to desktop.  I've tried with several different sets of lots, so I don't think that is the issue.

I removed everything and used SSP Tool instead to install the DAMN plugin and create the exact same menu.  Surprisingly, it worked perfectly.   %confuso

Any ideas?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Sabretooth78 on August 11, 2014, 05:21:34 AM
Quote from: ScottFTL on August 11, 2014, 01:03:47 AM
I'm experiencing a perplexing problem with DAMN Manager.

When I use DAMN Manager v1.20 to install the DAMN plugin and create a DAMN menu, I can see the menus in-game but plopping a DAMNed lot causes a crash to desktop.  I select the lot from the DAMN menu, then I see a green cursor as I plop followed by an immediate crash to desktop.  I've tried with several different sets of lots, so I don't think that is the issue.

I removed everything and used SSP Tool instead to install the DAMN plugin and create the exact same menu.  Surprisingly, it worked perfectly.   %confuso

Any ideas?

I've been using DAMN for some time now (haven't upgraded to 1.2 yet) and initially I was having that problem apparently randomly.  Turned out I was able to avoid it by just not hiding any items from the menu.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on August 11, 2014, 07:03:13 AM
Quote from: ScottFTL on August 11, 2014, 01:03:47 AM
Any ideas?

I just look in my glass ball... coz you didn't provide enough information...
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ajax on August 11, 2014, 01:08:15 PM
O.K., before you think "Oh man, not this guy again!", I would just like to say:

&dance &dance &dance

I decided this morning to take another stab at getting this thing to work.  So I took a deep breath and started clearing out all the files from my last failed attempt.  I went step by step installing everything as I thought I had before.  And now I can state with extreme joy that I have those beautiful DAMN menus in my game again.  Unfortunately, I do not know what I did differently with the installation this time that I did not do any of the other times that I installed the tool.  All I can say is that whatever I did wrong, I did right this time.  Apparently persistence pays off!  I would just like to say thank you to everyone who tried to help me, and to all who had a hand in creating this fantastic tool.  Now I just have to re-build all of my menus (and hope I don't mess something up in the process  ;) ).
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on August 11, 2014, 02:22:57 PM
did you used 1.2 version ?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: APSMS on August 11, 2014, 02:30:36 PM
Quote from: Ajax on August 11, 2014, 01:08:15 PM
O.K., before you think "Oh man, not this guy again!", I would just like to say:

&dance &dance &dance
<snip>
That is excellent news. Hopefully everything stays working, and perhaps you may be able to figure out what was wrong and let us know. I, for one, would be interesting in knowing. :sunny:
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: ScottFTL on August 11, 2014, 02:40:30 PM
Quote from: Yild on August 11, 2014, 07:03:13 AM
I just look in my glass ball... coz you didn't provide enough information...


What additional details would be helpful?

I installed DAMN Manager v1.20, installed DAMN using your tool without the default menus using the options for Urgent Advice Dialog, Columns 3/400 with max items 50 and reduce news messages selected.  I tried 3x to create a simple menu as a test with the same results each time using MGB's Hedges, TWrecks' IRM Fillers and finally SFBT's Diagonal Fillers.  For each test, I completed removed the DAMN folder from the App Plugins folder and removed the Hidden folder from the Docs Plugins folder.  The hidden option was selected for all lots.  The menus appear as they should in-game, but when I select a lot to plop the cursor turns green and the game crashes to desktop when I plop the lot.

As a final test, I completely removed DAMN again and used SSP Tool v2.2.5 to install DAMN with the same options.  I created the same simple menu with the same lots as a test, and this time it worked perfectly.  The cursor did not turn green when I selected a lot, and there was no crash when the lot was plopped.

I also noticed that the SFBT placement props that are visible in the preview for these lots was visible with the SSP Tool menu, but I saw nothing except a blue square when using DAMN Manager to create the same menu.  I don't know if that is relevant, but I suspect that something is going wrong in the process that creates the hidden lots.

My computer is running Window 7 SP1 x64. SC4 is installed to "C:\Games\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\" and I double-checked the Start In value for the desktop shortcut.  I have full permissions on the Plugins folders, and I also run DAMN Manager as Administrator.

I would be happy to provide any other details that might assist you in troubleshooting, if you are interested.  SSP Tool still works fine for me, but I wanted to report the problem nonetheless.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on August 11, 2014, 02:56:19 PM
now its more than enough

QuoteMGB's Hedges, TWrecks' IRM Fillers and finally SFBT's Diagonal Fillers
this will help me to investigate a problem
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ajax on August 12, 2014, 07:38:05 AM
QuoteThat is excellent news. Hopefully everything stays working, and perhaps you may be able to figure out what was wrong and let us know. I, for one, would be interesting in knowing. :sunny:

What I tried to do was to make it work the way it had on my previous computer.  When I first started using DAMN, I installed the SSP version and then Yild's version when it came out.  With the new computer, I tried jumping straight to Yild's version without installing the SSP version first.  When I was having problems, I did try installing the SSP version, but I don't remember how thorough I was in removing everything else.  All I know is that it did not work at the time.  This time I made sure all remnants of the DAMN were removed and started from scratch.  First install DAMN, second install SSP Tool, third install SSP Tool DAMN Plugin, fourth install Yild DAMN Manager, and verified each step as I went along. That seemed to work...

This morning I gleefully sat down to start building my custom menus and at first all was going well.  I made a couple menus, then checked them in game.  All good!  Made a couple more, all good in the game again!  Made a couple more, and some weird stuff started happening.  The buttons showed up in game, but some of them did not have any entries, others had lots from the wrong menus.  Tried to make a couple more, and the same errors were happening.  So, just out of curiosity, I tried adding a couple menus with the SSP Tool, checked them in game, and those menus are fine but the menus that had errors still had the same errors.  All of the lots I have DAMN'd so far are my own personal lots that had been in the menus on my previous computer so I don't think they are the problem.

I was unaware at the time of my previous post that there is a 1.2 version of the DAMN manager.  Since I thought I had solved the problem, I did not want to try the new version, but now I think I will give it a go.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Sim.Rico on August 12, 2014, 11:59:59 AM
ROFL   it really DOES say what i thought the title says!!!


(https://ja9p6w.bn1304.livefilestore.com/y2pa6W6N36OzMCBcOcChYX4XeEqUaAC3DTofXpZjRxVZow9-0f-RslFI0SsszuLj9JzVWvzaCuEp8AQMe92ltED8fK_MFv9jD3Y0k0SpbQuWJg/ROFL.gif?psid=1)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: joshua43214 on August 17, 2014, 08:28:15 AM
Thank you for the work on this tool.

There is one thing I really really wish it had.

I would love to be able to have items in the Lot List color coded to indicate they are already DAMN'd, or even the ability to able to filter out all DAMN'd lots.

Hopefully this is something simple to do and you feel the urge to do it.

Thanks again.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: joshua43214 on August 17, 2014, 08:22:34 PM
Version 1.2 has a borked DAMN installer.

Here is the story;
After mucking up my plugins folder trying to get IRM for CAM to work, I decided to do a clean install of everything.
Reinstalled SC4, NAM, CAM, LE, etc, and my entire plugins folder. Basically a clean install of everything SC4.
I noticed that v1.2 was available while I was still setting up my DAMN menus and upgraded.

When I would try to plop a WMP light pole from the DAMN menu, I would get a CTD, I was also getting this for some other items, but I can't remember exactly which ones. So I started doing the divide and conquer routine of my zzzzzz_Damn_Hidden folder and found the WMP crashed the game even when all alone. I deleted all the DAMN stuff, reinstalled DAMN, and had the same issue.
I uninstalled DAMN and reinstalled and only made a menu for Maarten's LRM light set, an item I know for certain worked in the past. Game still crashed. I started dividing my plugins folder until I had only LRM and DAMN, game still crashed when I plopped the light.

With only LRM in my plugins, I reinstalled DAMN, added LRM - game crashed.
Uninstalled and installed DAMN using v1.1.1 - no game crash
Added all my plugins back in - plopped the lamp with no crash.
Uninstalled DAMN, and reinstalled with v1.2 - CTD plopping a lamp.
Reinstalled DAMN with 1.1.1 - no crash when plopping a lamp.

It follows with no uncertainty that v1.2 has a bad DAMN installer.

Specs (not that it matters)
Win8.1 pro
i7-3770 3.50GHz
16GB RAM
Dual GTX 570's in SLI
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on August 18, 2014, 01:29:51 PM
I would say this... closed file structure sux big time!

there is a problem with exemplars binary coded vs ascii coded (text)... my DBPF decoding/encoding library is based on iLive Reader DBPF routines - from time of first release I had to modify my source code to read/write some mods that was OK for Simcity but iLive and my app would throw exceptions or crash (yes... there are still errors in iLive...). 

atm DAMN Manager saves (encode) all hiding exemplars as binary entry, even if original exemplar was decoded as text entry... this may result in malformed files due to errors with encoding as binary data. This is the case where we don't have official file structures and all data was reverse engineered.

So returning to those damn ploppable lamps... original exemplar is saved as text file, hiding exemplar as binary,
Manager and iLive can read them correctly but Simcity crash when we want to plop them... there must be an error some ware... best solution is to save exemplars binary as binary and text as text but I must think it over. This isn't some major change (2 lines of code to comment) but it may cause other unpredicted problems.


Second option is to save all hiding exemplars as text. It would seem that simcity is more immune to errors in text data (by my 'experience' of 20 mins modifying those damn lams properties - SC didn't even crash, some values was set as default or 0 only).
Third option is (for end user) to disable hiding lots from menu so that new overriding exemplars wouldn't be created.

Probably I will resolve this with second option.


ps. I don't play SC for some time now (to many mods... to long to load... to old computer)  so updates are from time to time - if I would use Manager by myself I would be able to find some issues earlier or even add some additions (like I wanted to add NAM puzzle pieces automatically)...

Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: joshua43214 on August 18, 2014, 09:43:46 PM
I wish I had some helpful suggestion. My experience with coding is only with bio-informatics and numerical analysis. In my field, anything with words is nothing but a massive headache.

I really appreciate the hard work you put into this, and your continued support. My game is borderline unplayable with out DAMN, being able to hide the worst of the mess is essential to the game being fun.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Catalyst on January 19, 2015, 10:04:14 AM
Hello, I managed to successfully install DAMN and the DAMN Manager. It took me a while but now it feels even more satisfying ;-).
I have only three points of (constructive) criticism:
- after selecting a lot in the DAMN menu and plopping it, I have to click on "Open DAMN Menu" before I can select another lot. I'm not sure this is related to the DAMN Manager and maybe this is even the way DAMN works, but I find it a little annoying and maybe there is a way to change this,
- getting the preferred DAMN menu size in game is a little complicated, after a while I understood but in some cases the menu remained empty. A small preview or something similar and more count/width/height options in the DAMN manager under "Installer" settings would be great, maybe it could even be made re-sizable in game?
Edit: customization of the window size is actually possible in the "settings" file found in the DAMN Menu installation folder; scroll down for ColumnWidth, WindowHeight & WindowWidth!
Edit 2: actually this doesn't have any effect in-game, haha nevermind.
- initially I had a CTD every time I tried to select a lot in-game from the DAMN menu, after some clicking around in the DAMN Manager I found out by chance that it only occurred to "hidden" lots (DAMNed Lots, hidden in the original SC4 menu's through the zzzzz_DAMN_hidden folder found under /documents/simcity4/plugins). Now I simply leave DAMNed lots unhidden and the whole thing works fine. It would be nice however to have these DAMNed lots hidden from view in those original sc4 menu's. No idea how to do that without causing the mentioned CTD's...

Further I have only compliments & praise for you:  &apls

Scrolling up & down the endless and tiny SC4 menu's was definitely something I disliked most about the game and I think it was an important motivation-breaker. :'(

Thanks for your dedication to making SC4 better!
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: joshua43214 on January 29, 2015, 07:55:58 AM
Quote from: Catalyst on January 19, 2015, 10:04:14 AM
Hello, I managed to successfully install DAMN and the DAMN Manager. It took me a while but now it feels even more satisfying ;-).
I have only three points of (constructive) criticism:
- after selecting a lot in the DAMN menu and plopping it, I have to click on "Open DAMN Menu" before I can select another lot. I'm not sure this is related to the DAMN Manager and maybe this is even the way DAMN works, but I find it a little annoying and maybe there is a way to change this,
- getting the preferred DAMN menu size in game is a little complicated, after a while I understood but in some cases the menu remained empty. A small preview or something similar and more count/width/height options in the DAMN manager under "Installer" settings would be great, maybe it could even be made re-sizable in game?
Edit: customization of the window size is actually possible in the "settings" file found in the DAMN Menu installation folder; scroll down for ColumnWidth, WindowHeight & WindowWidth!
Edit 2: actually this doesn't have any effect in-game, haha nevermind.
- initially I had a CTD every time I tried to select a lot in-game from the DAMN menu, after some clicking around in the DAMN Manager I found out by chance that it only occurred to "hidden" lots (DAMNed Lots, hidden in the original SC4 menu's through the zzzzz_DAMN_hidden folder found under /documents/simcity4/plugins). Now I simply leave DAMNed lots unhidden and the whole thing works fine. It would be nice however to have these DAMNed lots hidden from view in those original sc4 menu's. No idea how to do that without causing the mentioned CTD's...

Further I have only compliments & praise for you:  &apls

Scrolling up & down the endless and tiny SC4 menu's was definitely something I disliked most about the game and I think it was an important motivation-breaker. :'(

Thanks for your dedication to making SC4 better!

Your first wish a game limitation, it is still nicer than the MML deal where you only get one plop at a time.

If you go back one page on this thread, you will find a post from me detailing how DAMN Manager 1.2 is broken, as causes a CTD.
Sadly Yiild has not taken v1.2 down from the STEX, but v!.1.1 is still there as an option when you click the download button.
You will have to uninstall v1.2 and install 1.1.1 and it will work fine with hidden files and no ctd.

Sadly, it seems that RL has taken Yilld away from us. Hopefully he will find the time to come back and get this moving again.

-Josh
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on July 10, 2015, 02:37:29 PM
for posterity... FSH/QFS compression/decompression routines in delphi (pascal) based on ilives reader c++ code, I fixed some errors that ware found for some dat files:




type
  TDynByteArray = array of byte;

// Decode file (LUA & other compressed files)
// Input : Data.file.input : input buffer
//         Data.filesize   : input buffer size
// Output: Data.file.output: output buffer

// New generation FSH/QFS decompressor/compressor
// Version 1.22 - copyright (c) Denis Auroux 1998-2002
// auroux@math.polytechnique.fr

// copy from ASrc at ASrcStr index to ADest at ADestStr for ALen bytes
function CopyMemory2(var ADest: TDynByteArray; const ASrc: TDynByteArray; ADestStr, ASrcStr: longword; ALen: longword): integer; inline;
var
  i: longword;
  dst, src: pbyte;
begin

        if ALen = 0 then exit(0); // there is nothing to copy

        src := @ASrc[ASrcStr];
        dst := @ADest[ADestStr];

        for i := 0 to ALen - 1 do begin

          dst^ := src^;
          inc(src);
          inc(dst);

        end;

        result := ALen;

end;

function DecompressData(const AInBuff: TDynByteArray; var AOutBuff: TDynByteArray; var ABuffLen: integer): boolean;
var
  packcode: byte;
  a, b, c, len, offset: integer;
  inlen, inpos, outpos: integer;
begin

        // length of input data
        inlen := ABuffLen;

        // get decompressed buff size
        ABuffLen := AInBuff[2] shl 16 + AInBuff[3] shl 8 + AInBuff[4];

        SetLength(AOutBuff, ABuffLen);

        // check which compression is this (QFS)
        if AInBuff[0] AND $01 <> 0 then
          inpos := 8
        else
          inpos := 5;

        outpos := 0;

        // main decoding loop
        while (inpos < inlen) AND (AInBuff[inpos] < $FC) do begin

          packcode := AInBuff[inpos];

          a := AInBuff[inpos + 1];
          b := AInBuff[inpos + 2];

          if (packcode AND $80 = 0) then begin   // 128

            len := packcode AND 3;

            CopyMemory2(AOutBuff, AInBuff, outpos, inpos + 2, len);

            inpos := inpos + len + 2;
            outpos := outpos + len;

            len := ((packcode AND $1C) SHR 2) + 3;
            offset := ((packcode SHR 5) SHL 8) + a + 1;

            CopyMemory2(AOutBuff, AOutBuff, outpos, outpos - offset, len);

            outpos := outpos + len;

           end
          else if packcode AND $40 = 0 then begin // 64

            len := (a SHR 6) AND 3;

            CopyMemory2(AOutBuff, AInBuff, outpos, inpos + 3, len);

            inpos := inpos + len + 3;
            outpos := outpos + len;

            len := (packcode AND $3F) + 4;
            offset := (a AND $3F) * 256 + b + 1;

            CopyMemory2(AOutBuff, AOutBuff, outpos, outpos - offset, len);

            outpos := outpos + len;

           end
          else if packcode AND $20 = 0 then begin // 32

            c := AInBuff[inpos + 3];

            len := packcode AND 3;

            CopyMemory2(AOutBuff, AInBuff, outpos, inpos + 4, len);

            inpos := inpos + len + 4;
            outpos := outpos + len;

            len := ((packcode SHR 2) AND 3) * 256 + c + 5;
            offset := ((packcode AND $10) SHL 12) + 256 * a + b + 1;

            CopyMemory2(AOutBuff, AOutBuff, outpos, outpos - offset, len);

            outpos := outpos + len;

           end
          else begin

            len := (packcode AND $1F) * 4 + 4;

            CopyMemory2(AOutBuff, AInBuff, outpos, inpos + 1, len);

            inpos := inpos + len + 1;
            outpos := outpos + len;

          end;

        end;

        // trailing bytes
        if (inpos < inlen) AND (outpos < ABuffLen) then begin

          CopyMemory2(AOutBuff, AInBuff, outpos, inpos + 1, AInBuff[inpos] AND 3);
          outpos := outpos + AInBuff[inpos] AND 3;

        end;

        if outpos <> ABuffLen then
          AddLog('F:UncompressData', llSEVERE, 'Bad length, %d insted of %d', [outpos, ABuffLen]);

result := TRUE;

end;

// compressing a QFS file
// note: inbuff should have at least 1028 bytes beyond bufflen for safety
procedure CompressData(const AInBuff: array of byte; var ABuffLen: longword; AOutBuff: pbyte);
const
  WINDOW_LEN = 1 SHL 17;
  WINDOW_MASK = WINDOW_LEN - 1;
  // QFS compression quality factor
  QFS_MAXITER = 50; // quick and not so bad
var
  inrd, inref, incmp: pbyte;
  offs, len, bestoffs, bestlen, lastwrot,
  inpos, inlen, outpos: integer;
  i, j: integer;
  x: pinteger;
  rev_last: array of array of integer;
  rev_similar: array of integer;
  t1, t2: byte;

  // used with low intense  - can stay as local
  procedure FreeTables;
  var
    i: integer;
  begin

          SetLength(rev_similar, 0);

          for i := 255 downto 0 do
            SetLength(rev_last[i], 0);
          SetLength(rev_last, 0);

  end;

begin

        try

          SetLength(rev_similar, WINDOW_LEN);

          SetLength(rev_last, 256);
          for i := 0 to 255 do begin

            SetLength(rev_last[i], 256);
            for j := 0 to 255 do
              rev_last[i, j] := $FFFFFFFF; // -1

          end;

          inlen := ABuffLen;
          inrd := @AInBuff;
          bestoffs := 0;

          if (rev_similar = nil) OR (rev_last = nil) then begin

            ABuffLen := 0;
            FreeTables;
            exit;

          end;

          FillChar(rev_similar[0], WINDOW_LEN * 4, $FF);

          AOutBuff[0] := $10;
          AOutBuff[1] := $FB;
          AOutBuff[2] := inlen SHR 16;
          AOutBuff[3] := (inlen SHR 8) AND 255;
          AOutBuff[4] := inlen AND 255;
          outpos := 5;
          lastwrot := 0;

          // main encoding loop
          for inpos := 0 to inlen - 1 do begin

            if inpos AND $3fff = 0 then ;

            // adjust occurrence tables
            t1 := inrd^;
            t2 := (inrd + 1)^;
            x := @rev_last[t1, t2];
            rev_similar[inpos AND WINDOW_MASK] := x^;
            offs := rev_similar[inpos AND WINDOW_MASK];
            x^ := inpos;

            // if this has already been compressed, skip ahead
            if inpos < lastwrot then begin

              inrd := inrd + 1;
              continue;

            end;

            // else look for a redundancy
            bestlen := 0;
            i := 0;
            while (offs >= 0) AND (inpos - offs < WINDOW_LEN) AND (i < QFS_MAXITER) do begin

              i := i + 1;
              len := 2;
              incmp := @inrd[2];
              inref := @AInBuff[offs + 2];
              while (incmp^ = inref^) AND (len < 1028) do begin

                len := len + 1;
                incmp := incmp + 1;
                inref := inref + 1;

              end;

              if len > bestlen then begin

                bestlen := len;
                bestoffs := inpos - offs;

              end;

              offs := rev_similar[offs AND WINDOW_MASK];

            end;

            // check if redundancy is good enough
            if bestlen > inlen - inpos then
              bestlen := inpos - inlen;
            if bestlen <= 2 then
              bestlen := 0;
            if (bestlen = 3) AND (bestoffs > 1024) then
              bestlen := 0;
            if (bestlen = 4) AND (bestoffs > 16384) then
              bestlen := 0;

            // update compressed data
            if bestlen > 0 then begin

              while inpos - lastwrot >= 4 do begin

                len := (inpos - lastwrot) div 4 - 1;
                if len > $1B then len := $1B;
                AOutBuff[outpos] := $E0 + len;
                outpos := outpos + 1;
                len := 4 * len + 4;
                CopyMemory(@AOutBuff[outpos], @AInBuff[lastwrot], len);
                lastwrot := len + lastwrot;
                outpos := len + outpos;

              end;

              len := inpos - lastwrot;

              if (bestlen <= 10) AND (bestoffs <= 1024) then begin

                AOutBuff[outpos] := (((bestoffs - 1) SHR 8) SHL 5) + ((bestlen - 3) SHL 2) + len;
                outpos := outpos + 1;
                AOutBuff[outpos] := (bestoffs - 1) AND $ff;
                outpos := outpos + 1;
                while len > 0 do begin

                  AOutBuff[outpos] := AInBuff[lastwrot];
                  outpos := outpos + 1;
                  lastwrot := lastwrot + 1;
                  len := len - 1;

                end;
                lastwrot := bestlen + lastwrot;

               end
              else if (bestlen <= 67) AND (bestoffs <= 16384) then begin

                AOutBuff[outpos]:= $80 + (bestlen - 4);
                outpos := outpos + 1;
                AOutBuff[outpos]:= (len SHL 6) + ((bestoffs - 1) SHR 8);
                outpos := outpos + 1;
                AOutBuff[outpos]:= (bestoffs - 1) AND $ff;
                outpos := outpos + 1;
                while len > 0 do begin

                  AOutBuff[outpos] := AInBuff[lastwrot];
                  outpos := outpos + 1;
                  lastwrot := lastwrot + 1;
                  len := len - 1;

                end;
                lastwrot := bestlen + lastwrot;

               end
              else if (bestlen <= 1028) AND (bestoffs < WINDOW_LEN) then begin

                bestoffs := bestoffs - 1;

                AOutBuff[outpos] := $C0 + ((bestoffs SHR 16) SHL 4) + (((bestlen - 5) SHR 8) SHL 2) + len;
                outpos := outpos + 1;
                AOutBuff[outpos] := (bestoffs SHR 8) AND $ff;
                outpos := outpos + 1;
                AOutBuff[outpos] := bestoffs AND $ff;
                outpos := outpos + 1;
                AOutBuff[outpos] := (bestlen - 5) AND $ff;
                outpos := outpos + 1;
                while len > 0 do begin

                  AOutBuff[outpos] := AInBuff[lastwrot];
                  outpos := outpos + 1;
                  lastwrot := lastwrot + 1;
                  len := len - 1;

                end;
                lastwrot := bestlen + lastwrot;

              end;

            end;

            inrd := inrd + 1;

          end;

          // end stuff
          inpos := inlen;

          while inpos - lastwrot >= 4 do begin

            len := (inpos - lastwrot) div 4 - 1;
            if len > $1B then
              len := $1B;
            AOutBuff[outpos] := $E0 + len;
            outpos := outpos + 1;
            len := 4 * len + 4;
            CopyMemory(@AOutBuff[outpos], @AInBuff[lastwrot], len);
            lastwrot := len + lastwrot;
            outpos := len + outpos;

          end;

          len := inpos - lastwrot;
          AOutBuff[outpos] := $FC + len;
          outpos := outpos + 1;

          while len > 0 do begin

            AOutBuff[outpos] := AInBuff[lastwrot];
            outpos := outpos + 1;
            lastwrot := lastwrot + 1;
            len := len - 1;

          end;

          if lastwrot <> inlen then begin

            ABuffLen := 0;
            FreeTables;
            exit;

          end;

          ABuffLen := outpos;

finally
          FreeTables;
        end;

end;


Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Yild on July 22, 2015, 01:31:41 AM
New version available on SC4LEX, fixed error with lots plopping causing CTDs.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Mikey Knox on November 03, 2015, 02:24:09 PM
These LOTs crashing the Game when trying to place

http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/27533-un-park/
http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/23622-sentra-mulia-tower/
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ernestmaxis on November 04, 2015, 06:03:38 AM
For some reason 1% from all made lots dont work. You can try to make a new lot with the PIM. copy all properties with the reader from this lot to the new one. Sometimes that does the trick
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: 1SweeTDreamS1 on November 13, 2015, 09:28:15 AM
I'm not sure what everyone is crying about... I have windows 10 and all I had to do was right click on the desktop icon, choose "properties" and delete the word "app" from the end of the "Start in" line. It works GREAT! Having everything organized has made the game play much more enjoyable. Thank you very much!!! I'm giving you a perfect score on all websites!  :thumbsup: :bnn: &apls
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: shanghai kid on January 02, 2016, 02:33:00 PM
I started to play SC4 RH again today, and after a MS win update which blocks SC4 from starting, i had to make a script(found a how to, online) that stops the "Sec. update" until SC4 starts.

The game plays fine, but the problem is that i had lots of "lots" in damn within different folders, but now i only get the 3 main icons... arrow left, home and questionmark.

I've moved the SC4.exe from apps to maxis\sc4 deluxe folder.
The SC4 shortcut is directed to the scriptfile, which in the script is linked to the maxis\sc4 deluxe\ sc4.exe..... when i played a very long time ago it worked fine, but not anymore.... i even tried making a new single damn folder(removing the old root folder from SC4) with just some lots, but still empty "damn manager browser window".

Anyone know how to fix this?

Ps. i'm using win 7.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: YouBet on January 05, 2016, 06:13:52 PM
Hey, Shanghai.

I had a similar problem that I referenced in the thread, "CD Version of SC4 will stop working if you install Windows Update KB3086255".

When I used a script to start SC4 (to circumvent the issue that MS caused with their update), my DAMN menus were blank. What I found, though, is when I set the driver's service manually (i.e., not through a script) the DAMN menus appeared normally.

For my system (I'm on Win7, too) I simply type:

sc config secdrv start= demand

at an elevated command prompt.

Hope it works for you as well. Good luck.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: shanghai kid on January 06, 2016, 02:21:39 PM
Thank you for the reply and tip, YouBet  :thumbsup:

I was thinking about that maybe, if i did it manually instead of the script the damn would work, but i didn't test it.
I'll test when i try playing again, to see if it works :)
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Jack_wilds on January 14, 2016, 06:30:24 PM
I am liking a refresher on how to install this program and then how to use it... it will not or that is the 'green button' -whatever it is called,to activate or damn the current package will not work as its dimmmed out... I have FULL permissions YET I must still use "run as admin" to open the program... aid in this matter would really help... THX
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: brick_mortimer on April 07, 2016, 10:58:59 AM
Hello Yild!

First of all, thanks for creating this usefull program  &apls

I have a small problem with a CTD when plopping a hidden lot:
It's the VIP post office by vnaoned http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=3002 (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=3002)

I'm using v.1.3.1 of the DAMN manager.

I already solved the problem by 'unhiding' the submenu with this lot.
It's only a small sub-submenu, so the lots in it don't take up a lot of space in Landmark menu (which is already very empty thanks to the DAMN manager ;) )

So this is just an FYI that might help you.

Greetings B & M
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ldubz on June 24, 2016, 12:46:12 PM
Quote from: hellodave on June 30, 2014, 11:27:55 AM
It seems there are quite a few reasons that cause the dreaded blank menus, I tried everything in this thread with no luck, until...

Quote from: Manwith Noname on August 31, 2013, 09:08:36 AM
...

In short, try deleting the damndesign.dat file found in the DAMN\Support folder.

...

Hope this helps someone.



This helped me, thank you Manwith Noname.
Thank you to everyone who worked through these issues before I got here :)
While I'm handing out thanks, thanks Yild! I love the Damn Manager!


Oh my god this did it. Holy biscuits.

I just reinstalled on windows 10 through origin, and on this one and my old computer, my menus were always blank. I had had it working at one point on the old computer and then it just didn't work anymore (I think I updated DAMN but not sure, it's been a while). I've tried every solution I could find and just came across this and it works. Oh thank you so much, it works!! <3333
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: APSMS on September 08, 2016, 11:17:46 PM
I got a wild hair recently and tried to open the latest version of the DAMN Manager (1.3.1) on my Windows 7 laptop.

Initially it told me that DAMN was not installed (very weird), and installed some files. But then, nothing. DAMN Manager refuses to open; there is a DAMN Manager process listed in Task Manager, and I can produce multiple instances of it when I try to reopen DM unsuccessfully, but I can't get it to open.

I added DM to my Antivirus Whitelist in case that was causing issues, but so far no dice. Has anyone else had this problem recently? Yild, you around with any ideas?

EDIT: I noticed that someone on ST said that a program they were running was preventing DM from running, or rather, that when said program was running, DM would not. I've been trying to pare down running programs/processes, but again no luck. I will continue and post back. FWIW, SSPtool does work for me, but it's little outdated and I was hoping to take advantage of some of the newer features in Yild's program.
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: YouBet on September 09, 2016, 12:21:00 PM
My experience with the DAMN Manager was similar to yours, APSMS (I run Win 7 as well). Specifically, DAMN would not run with any of the following running...

A previous instance of DAMN running (i.e., process still running according to task manager),
Windows Explorer open, or
Internet Explorer open.

Absent these three, my computer would run DAMN properly. Perhaps nothing you didn't already know, but maybe it will help a bit.

Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: APSMS on September 09, 2016, 12:53:50 PM
How do you close Windows Explorer without crashing your computer or being unable to use basic functions?
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Dublin on September 09, 2016, 05:43:58 PM
Windows explorer is running when you have your folder open. just click start damn mgr and click off the folder window it is in. The folder window is what windows explorer is running. HTH
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: matias93 on September 10, 2016, 08:17:33 AM
Alternatively, if you are using a batch file to start the executable, you can forcibly close the explorer, and as the batch has to work sequencially, it won't restart it until the progrmam is closed. This looks like



taskkill /F /IM explorer.exe ::finds explorer and closes it in a non-friendly manner
::your command for running the program
explorer.exe ::restarts explorer but only after the game closes
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: jschlegel48 on January 17, 2017, 07:03:25 PM
 :angrymore: HELP!!!

I have the dreaded blank screen (window) when I attempt to open DAMNManager within the game (SC4D). I get the menu navigation buttons, (left arrow, home and search (?)) but no other data. When I do a search it indicates the menu item found but still nothing displays.

I've read most every post in this thread and attempted all the "fixes" without success.

1. Moved the executable file (*.exe) out of the apps folder.
2. Closed all other windows, i.e., explorer and web browser.
3, removed the damndesign.dat file
4. watched task manager
    shows SC4 open but does not show Damnmanager running when i attempt to open it within the game.
    shows manager running when opened outside of SC4
5. I usually start SC4 from SC4Launcher but did try opening the game directly from the exe file.

I'm running a drive with the XP operating system with the proper version of java. I have more than enough memory as it is a 6 core chip with 32GB.

I must be missing something???

Please help.  Additional info on request.

Thanks,

John
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: Ernestmaxis on January 18, 2017, 01:28:25 AM
Do you have the simcity.exe also out of the App folder in c: programfiles/maxis/simcity/app folder?

Try to place it in de maxis/simcity folder so it is out of the app folder.
Hope it works
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: jschlegel48 on January 18, 2017, 09:07:52 AM
Quote from: Ernestmaxis on January 18, 2017, 01:28:25 AM
Do you have the simcity.exe also out of the App folder in c: programfiles/maxis/simcity/app folder?

Try to place it in de maxis/simcity folder so it is out of the app folder.
Hope it works

Yes.  That's the first thing I did.

John
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: alice on May 03, 2017, 06:49:16 AM
I'm running a GOG version SC4 on a macOS Sierra using wineskin. The game, LotEditor and Reader work perfectly for me (except for loading s3d which conflicts with 3d rendering over OS X/*nix).
When I tried to run DAMN Manager in wine/wineskin I encountered the same problem as running over Windows: The Manager tool works well, but entering the game I got nothing but only the 3 buttons in the news. Even the buttons that supposed to be hidden in the vanilla sidebar are still there to be shown.

I have tested several times, such as using wineskin instead of wine, removing all DAMN directories and re-install DAMN, creating a soft link in the game's root directory pointing Apps/Sim City 4.exe ... , but nothing changed.
I also tried to pull the SimCity 4.exe off the Apps directory and relaunch a test, but the game crashed immediately.

Is there still a possibility to use DAMN in macOS/*nix?

Thank you!
Title: Re: DAMN Manager
Post by: scoty on June 06, 2020, 02:30:17 AM
Hello, as you can see in the picture, some icons in the DAMN menu (in the game) disappear! Of course, the icons exist (PNG in .sc4lot) and are visible everywhere else: in the DAMN manager, or in the game menus in "normal" mode (without DAMN) ...
The Exemplars of these Lots seem quite correct (in my opinion ;-)). I also looked at the Exemplar recreated by DAMN, and don't see what is going wrong!
Is this a DAMN bug? Have any of you encountered this problem and know a way to fix it?