Lot editor tutorial problem

[mave94]

Hello all,

I downloaded the LE and the PIM and I'm testing it now.
I've read the lot editor for beginners tutorial, but at a moment it says "replace item", but that won't show up for me, like this:

The only buttom I see is "add family", but not "replace item".

Does anybody know what I haven't installed or what's wrong?

-Matthijs-

[Ninevah]

I also have the same problem!
Please, help! 

[Cali]

did you download all the bldgprops.dats from the maxis site? that might cause that. because if those aren't installed you really dont have anything to replace it with or add to. just my guess. good luck!

[mave94]

So far as I know I don't have installed that files.
You made a good point, if you have nothing to replace with, then the button won't appear. Sounds very logical
I only have one problem; for downloading files from the Maxis website you have to be product registered. But the site says that my product code already exists.
I can't download any files from that site. Isn't there another productcode with what I can register me or an other site where I can download that?

-Matthijs-

[CaptCity]

Use the EA Support button at the top of this page. Check in the Lot Editor section.

[Ninevah]

did you download all the bldgprops.dats from the maxis site? that might cause that. because if those aren't installed you really dont have anything to replace it with or add to. just my guess. good luck!

That doesn't seem to be the problem with me. I have both volumes of bldgprops but still have this problem.

[mave94]

Downloaded the files from this site, but I still don't see that button

[Lowkee33]

I will also confirm that.  I do not have Buildings as props and I do see that button

Does the same thing happen when you open a random Lot from the long list that opens with LE?  Can you point me to the tutorial?

[Ninevah]

I will also confirm that.  I do not have Buildings as props and I do see that button

Does the same thing happen when you open a random Lot from the long list that opens with LE?  Can you point me to the tutorial?

It happens with every lot I try to open. I can't delete a building or replace it. If I make my buildings as props that works fine, but I kinda want them to be functional rather than just eyecandy.

[Lowkee33]

If I make my buildings as props that works fine, but I kinda want them to be functional rather than just eyecandy.

No worries.  You are dealing with three types of files here:  Prop Exemplars, the Building Exemplar, and the Lot Exemplar.

Basically,
Prop exemplars say "this model can be placed on a lot".
Building exemplars say "this model has specific properties that make it functional".  (What type/wealth/construction time... the building has)
Lot Exemplars say "these props go here"

There are more specifics there, but the connection between model and functionality is relatively small.

Every lot must have a building, but it doesn't matter what model it is.  The important thing is that the properties (Residential/Wealth/Etc) are set correctly.  Some lotters even use invisible buildings (which have their own downsides).

That being said, I recommend you use PIMX.  This program offers much more realistic property values than MaxisPIM.  It also has a built in lot editor.  It will  display pictures of all of the props for easy lotting.  Also, it will overwrite the original file so you don't have outdated versions in your plugin folder (Sim City data is safe).  Read the readme, become friends, you'll be making lots in no time.   

[mave94]

I'll give a try to PIMX, i've heard it's much easier.
I have to spend some time on it, because it's such a big manual.
Thanks for the tip; I hope it's not difficult and it works for me

-Matthijs-