More Awesome Than You!

Pes said creating manual .dbc files is no longer recommended, but why?  And if I use decrapify, will I be able to install arr'ed content through the HELS launcher without using GnatGoSplat's solution?

Cool!  Does the launcher still freeze when scrolling through installed items?

Good!  That was annoying. ;D

Well it does in mine.

I wait until it gets out of experimental.

Well, I must be doing something wrong, too:  I can't get the launcher to install them at all.  I dragged and dropped the files over the decrapify.exe, then the s3rc.exe, and vice versa.  No dice.  Does the Recompressor need to be installed in a particular folder?

When I try to install the arr'ed content, all the packages show in the DCBackup folder.  But the .dbc file is only 1 kb.  Urrgh.  Maybe I'll start from scratch tomorrow. 


:D

Two things happened, missing thumbnails and then it was several minutes of freezing.

That's why they invented "remote assistance". This way you can leave your "helpee" feeling both incompetent and VIOLATED.

Well, Pes, at least you didn't say I was doing it wrong.  Or poke me with a sharp stick.  Yet. ;D

I've found drag & drop won't work if I leave the .sims3pack in my Downloads folder.  I put s3rc.exe and decrapify.exe on my desktop, then copy all the .sims3pack to my desktop, drag and drop onto decrapify.exe, then move them back to my Downloads folder.  You can verify if the decrapification actually took place by looking at the Modified Date.  It should be pretty close to current date and time.

For some reason, a few specific Store hairs intermittently drop out leaving some sims bald.  I've tried recompressorizing and even re-downloading them from different sources to no avail.  A few specific examples are afhaircandylong and amhairshaggy.  The only solution I've found to get those Store hairs working reliably 100% of the time is to point Resource.cfg to the .dbc file in my DCCache folder.  That loads it as a regular package file which has the drawback of longer initial game loading and Store items don't have the special icon on the thumbnail, but better that than intermittently bald sims.  It has nothing to do with decrapify because those same hairs intermittently dropped out on 1.7/2.2 as well.

I also start with the .sims3pack files on my desktop, and the date does change.  So I don't know what's going on.  Do you drag and drop onto s3rc.exe, too, or just decrapify.exe?

Just decrapify.exe, but I've downloaded a few that needed to be dropped onto s3rc.exe as well to recompress them.

Have you tried removing your DCCache folder and reinstalling all your .sims3pack files from scratch?

Yup.

Speaking of decrapifying, I have just had to patch because of awesomemod message, installed Hels, and my game has the freezing every minute bug.
Would decrapifying help? And what should I decrapify: packages/ merged packages/ launcher dbc files (I don't have any other, as I used the non patched launcher) objects only/ other items/ ? Saves of course.
I have been playing with my old save, which still has a few days of playing in it.

Having the same issue like Captain Marie over there. Decrapified and all - launcher says "No can do".

I hate that God forsaken thing.

I thought I was the only one unable to decrap.  My launcher always says it could not install decrapified sims3packs.  But I can install them just fine before (except for the old TSR ones).  I poured over other threads to make sure I was doing it right.  Not sure where I am going wrong.

I hate to finally sign in just for a "me to" post, but: Me to!

The launcher goes all its way, like it's instaling, says installation complete and okays and such... But if you check it, it doesn't mark the store content as installed content.

I've never had any trouble with the solutions Pescado finds for the game, that's a first.  :-\

A few weeks ago, I noticed something when reinstalling store content I had gotten free or bought.  When run through the original Recompressor, the .sims3packs wouldn't install via the HELS launcher.  If I left them alone, they were fine.  I thought it was a problem with the Recompressor, but maybe it's the new launcher.  

Maybe if we just decrapify, and don't use the s3rc.exe, it will work.  Or we could try GnatGoSplat's solution for the new launcher.

TashaFaun, it works for you.  Do you use the s3rc.exe?

My decrapified stuff will all install just fine with the HELS launcher, and I also ran everything through s3rc to recompress it since that seemed to fix some issues I had with a couple .sims3packs getting stuck while installing.

I've put a decrapified .sims3pack here, you're welcome to try it and see if it works for you:
http://rapidshare.com/files/353885896/HappyValentineSet.Sims3Pack

It definitely works for me, so if it doesn't work for you, that might narrow things down a bit.

Thanks.  I'll download it as soon as Rapidshare quits throwing up an error.  ;D


Think I'd get rapped in the mouth if I sent him a PM?  :D

Hmm.  Think I'll just try it again first.  ;D

I also had the same issue Marie is having. I dropped them on s3rc.exe only and then tried installing, it said they were installed but it lied. I then tried dropping them on decrapify.exe but it didn't appear to do anything as it returned rather quickly (probably because it was already ran through s3rc?). I then tried installing again and got the same result. I then got fed up and got an old prepatched copy of TS3EP01.exe and renamed it to TS3SP01.exe and threw it in Program Files/HELS/Game/Bin which reverted the launcher back to before they screwed the pirates and it all installed fine. Then I dragged the dbc files to my Mods folder and put my original SP exe back and went on my way.

Your file works for me, too.  But when I try decrapifying, etc., myself, it won't work.  I deleted DCBackup, DCCache, Installed Worlds, and all cache files first. 

It's not like decrapifying is a complicated process, but I feel like I'm still missing something.  ::)

If my file works for you, then you're definitely having a problem with the decrapification.
Did you put BOTH decrapify.exe and s3rc.exe on your desktop?  Both files must be there, since decrapify.exe calls s3rc.exe.  Then drag all your .sims3packs onto the desktop first.  When they're on the desktop, drag them all on top of decrapify.exe.  A DOS window should pop up listing each .sims3pack.  When complete (DOS window closes on its own), drag all .sims3packs back to your Downloads folder.

Those are the exact steps I took which worked perfectly.

I don't have a Library folder yet, and I thought I'd decrapify my saved game after decrapifying my .sims3packs.  But I'll try that in reverse later and see what happens.  (I PM'ed Pes earlier, too.)

I extracted both to the same folder.

@TashaFaun and GnatGoSplat:  Do you guys use 3booter and FPSlimiter?  I do; might that have something to do with it?

I forgot to mention to Pes that I have 3booter and FPSlimiter; but like you, I don't *really* think they have anything to do with it.  I just try and try to get stuff to work, long after someone else would've given up! :D

Well, if nothing else, I'll just keep using the .dbc files I created manually.  Though I do hope Pes answers my PM.

Again - same here, just like in Cap`s case - your file installs fine, everything else is for crappers. I`m re-downloading the s3rc, maybe it works...*sigh*...I only get this frustrated when dealing with my family. And people in general...

EDIT - re/dl the Modern minimalist set (arred), decrapified, installed w/o problems. It`s the files we have on our HD. Now to figure out why...

As for reporting the same issue - just trying to show the problem is generic, and same steps result with same results in multiple cases. As for everything else - I`m an artist. I can do/say whatever the f*** I want and still be "avantgarde".  ;D

I have 25 files that do not install through the launcher at all, mostly patterns and a few TSR old files that I have been trying to fix/decrapify/compress and if I just decrap and try to install they say Success! But no install icon, and the dbc is 1 kb.  If I s3rc and try to install them I get install failed and that I need to update my game.  It doesn't work for any sims3packs, but these files need the fix so I thought I would keep trying with these.

I am running Vista 64 bit.  My launcher is the HELS launcher it says version 3.1.  My game version.txt says 1.10.

I have managed to work around this and I have my game running really well now that I found out what was causing my crashes.  However I like to have things as good as I can get them, so it really bothers me that I can't do what you guys are managing.  I thought I was just being a tard, but I am following the exact same steps as listed above.

I don't know what else to do.

Edited to Add: That Valentine's file also installed just fine.  Going to experiment some more.

WRDC?  I know it doesn't really have anything to do with the topic, but I'm curious.  And my Google-fu is weak tonight.  ;D

Was that folder your desktop?  Because I couldn't get it to do anything in my Downloads folder with Windows 7 x64.  Moving everything to Desktop was what made it work on my machine.  So just a shot in the dark, but maybe some versions of Windows have permissions issues with what folders you can use.

No, I don't use 3booter or FPSlimiter.  I'm not sure those are relevant if you were able to get my .sims3pack to work.

Try this:
- Open a DOS Command Prompt window.
- Drag s3rc.exe to it.  Then type space and -fD and another space.
- Drag your .sims3pack to the command prompt window.
- You should then have something that looks like "c:\path\s3rc.exe" -fD "c:\path\whatever.sims3pack" (where path is the full path of where the file is located).
- Hit ENTER.

Does that make a .sims3pack that works?

It's in a folder on my desktop.  I'll try your suggestion, probably tomorrow.  I'm way too frustrated tonight! :D

W: We
R: Really
D: Don't
C: Care

 :D

I feel like a fool but I can not drag anything into the command prompt window.  Do I need to DL a DOS program for this?  I haven't used DOS for...I have no idea, YEARS!  

I did however manually type out the -fD and it says:
BacktoNature.sims3pack
Done!

When I stick it in the launcher it says: Installation failed: Please make sure your game has the latest Software update.

I have these files and s3rc/decrap inside C: User - Name.

ETA: If I just decrap they pretend to install but don't.  ???  Also I have SUCCESSFULLY decrapified my merged packages and what not.  So I know it does work.  Just not sims3packs.  At least I think it has.  I am trying really hard to learn all of this and not be a tard!

I'm going to reinstall, maybe I am not as patched as the game is leading me to believe.

Dear God, STOP with the fucking smileys already. That's, what, the sixth one on this page? We don't need to be constantly updated on your expression.

Try this:
- Open a DOS Command Prompt window.
- Drag s3rc.exe to it.  Then type space and -fD and another space.
- Drag your .sims3pack to the command prompt window.
- You should then have something that looks like "c:\path\s3rc.exe" -fD "c:\path\whatever.sims3pack" (where path is the full path of where the file is located).
- Hit ENTER.


Tested. Works.

I can't either.  So I Googled it and found the drag and drop feature has been disabled in Windows Vista.  Unless you don't have Vista; then I don't know what to say.

It must be a Vista problem then.  I found I was NOT fully patched so I fixed that issue at least.  But I still can not get the broken/uninstallable sims3packs to install after using decrap or s3rc.

Oh well this is way too much fiddling for such a bug ridden game anyway!  My sims usually corrupt themselves in just a few generations just from going on vacation.  I have what I need working.  Until someone can tell me how to work this with retarded Vista I will go back to my Sims for now.

Ah, learn something new every day.  I didn't know you can't drag & drop onto the Command Prompt in Vista.  Well, you can just type in the full path, it will be just as effective, just not as easy.

I'm completely guessing, but maybe the issue some of you are having is permissions based.  When you open a command prompt, make sure it says "Administrator: Command Prompt".  If it doesn't say "Administrator", then run Command Prompt by right clicking it and selecting "Run as Administrator".  Then try typing in:
"c:\path\s3rc.exe" -fD "c:\path\whatever.sims3pack" (where path is the full path of where the file is located)

And see if that makes a good .sims3pack.  With Vista, do you also have UAC enabled?  Try disabling it.

Yikes!  That's a lot of work for more than 200 .sims3packs! lol  In the Recompressor thread, Pes said Jfade will be updating his compressorizor tool; 'cause most people are too stupid to use Ye Olde Dosse.  I'll probably just wait for that.

Does anyone know if using my manually created .dbc files is a VBT?


How did you get it to work?  Every time I try, I just get a circle with a diagonal line through it.

Or you could use Copy as Path, which is not quite as simple but can be almost as fast.
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/window-on-windows/?p=586

TashaFaun, you probably have UAC disabled which will allow D&D. However your system is not as safe.

I looked into using Copy as Path last night.  Still seems like a lot of work, unless I'm missing the point.  I might try disabling UAC later.  But I'm beginning to wonder if decrapify is really worth all this trouble, lol.

I've finished the new Compressorizer, but I'm looking for some feedback. Grab it here:

http://www.jfade.com/temp/maty/Compressorizer1.0.zip

Note that you'll probably have to set the file types to include .nhd, .sim, etc if you are decrapifying. Lemme know if something's missing.

Now we're talkin'!  I'll try it out when I'm a little less frustrated. Thanks.

@GnatGoSplat and Simsample:  I disabled UAC and ran the command prompt as Administrator.  Drag and drop *still* doesn't work. ::)

Mainly just looking to rule stuff out.  If that would have worked, that would rule out a problem with the .exe files and possibly indicate an OS security or permissions issue.


Yeah, I've confirmed Drag & Drop into Command Prompt on Vista doesn't work.  It works fine on my Windows 7, but my Vista VM can't do it even with UAC off.

Hopefully jfade's tool works for you.  I see it works on .sim files which is a big plus.  I wasn't able to get decrapify.exe to work on the .sim files in my SavedSims folder, nor did it work on the .package files in my Library folder.  I ended up just re-creating those.

I appreciate everybody's suggestions.  And for not poking me with sharp sticks, of course.  I hope Jfade's tool works, too.  If not, I'll just give it a rest -- as bloody hard as that is for me!

This doesn't work for me any better than the other way, just wonderfully easier to batch them all together.  I still get told I need to update, or it says Installed but it is not.  Would it be helpful for someone to look at the file that my decrap makes and compare it to the original?

The file gets smaller and the time stamp does change.

I turned off UAC and run this program as Admin.  I am running for sure this time 1.10, 2.5, 3.1.  I will post the 2 files if anyone is interested.

You'll have to wait and see if Pescado wants the file, he'd have to debug things. It works flawlessly for me though, aside from like 1 file that I didn't care about anyhow.

May require a reboot after disabling UAC. Also, you cannot drag from one application running with a normal user security to another application running with elevated security. You could test to see if you can drag from one admin window to another admin window.

I decraped the Asian-Fusion set. I shows up in the catalogue, but the furniture in the house is replaced by default furniture. When I used package files the Asian-Fusion furniture wasn't replaced.
I can however select the furniture in the catalogue and put it in the house. I guess this has something to do with the decrap process?

Yays!  Jfade's tool works!  At least, it worked to install one arr'ed store set via the Launcher; I haven't actually tried it in-game yet.  Some thumbnails are blank, but I don't know if that's a problem.

There's something I'm not clear on, though:  Does *all* content need to be decrapified?  Such as a non-arr'ed Riverview and CC from other sites like Mod the Sims?

It's the only way to be sure.

Since you didn't mention the blank thumbnails in the Launcher, is it safe to assume they're nothing to worry about?  (I PM'ed Jfade; he's not sure.)

Haven't figured out what causes it, but thumbnails are superfluous to the functioning of the object anyway.

Oh, good.

Note: If you don't want to end up manually replacing crap in your existing neighborhoods, which may not even be possible, you can decrapify them, too.

Er, do you mean decrapify the huge .package files I created from ripped .sims3packs?  

And I forgot to ask if I should decrapify default replacement skins and hacks (a mod to have 15 fish in the aquarium and AM).  

I think Pes means you should Decrapify your save games.  Try to decrapify all of the files in the save game folder.  I think Jfade's tool lets you do that.  This is just speculation since I haven't had much experience with Decrapification.

Ok so decaprifying new, never-installed-before sims3packs worked but decaprifying my pre-existing dbc files didn't. I guess I have to delete the dbc and reinstall all my sims3packs from scratch?

Yeah, I thought of that later.  I'm sure I read that in the Recompressor thread, too.  Had a blond moment, lol.

ETA:  Read moar in the Recompressor thread about decrapifying skins, but I'm still unclear about hacks.

if this program makes use of the decrapifying feature then why isn't decrapify.exe included in the folder?  i could only see s3rc.exe

Let me clear up what TashFaun meant (look up dimwit)

So far, I've had no luck in getting my arr'ed store content to show up without the .dbc files in the Mods folder. This is what I've tried so far:

First, I deleted the cache files and made a backup of the 'The Sims 3' folder in My Documents\Electronic Arts. I then removed the dbc folder from Mods. After each failed attempt I've restored the original 'The Sims 3' folder from the backup that I made. I've tried the following methods of decrapifying:

• Ran s3rc.exe for all sims3pack, package, nhd, world, sim, and dbc files in the 'The Sims 3' folder and below. I did this using a batch file like the one described in this message:  Re: TOOL: TS3 Recompressor (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,15129.msg523441.html#msg523441).
• Used JFade's updated Compressorizer in Decrapify mode with all file types checked (recursively from 'The Sims 3' folder).
• Deleted the DCCache and DCBackup folders and used JFade's updated Compressorizer like above. After it was finished, I tried to reinstall the store content, which failed.

The result of all of this is that, even after decrapifying all file types (including saves), the store content is not showing up in Build/Buy mode and any store items already used in game have been replaced with defaults. Furthermore, the launcher will not install any decrapified content. In addition to the base game, I have WA and HELS installed. All three are fully patched.

Can anybody tell me what I'm doing wrong? Are there certain files that should be deleted first? Am I decrapifying some files that should not be decrapified?

Any help would be appreciated.

Well it seems that reading through this thread may have solved my problem.
Dragging and dropping sims3packs onto decrapify has never done anything for my files so I've been trying with DOS. This didn't work either to begin with.
Before reading through here I was typing in the file path to get to s3rc followed by -fD name.sims3pack That also resulted in a fail. I got the 'Could not stat' error.
For this last attempt I included the full file path to the sims3 pack as well as s3rc and it appears to have worked.

ETA: Ok so the pack installed but now all of the objects are referred to by number strings instead of the names. I was trying with the 50sFullSet to try and get recolouring counters. That bit worked but as I said, all 50sSet objects are now referred to with names such as **738927768753621096519**

ETA2: Seems that if I convert the sims3pack to packages and then decrapify them the objects keep their names AND the counters recolour properly.

I decrapified the Sims3packs and my saved game files and everything works perfectly.  Big, sloppy, wet kisses to those more awesome than me!

jeromycraig, could you explain to me what you did to make it work?

Good to know. Apparently all store items (and only them) installed is too much for CAW, and EiG takes lots of time to load. I can "package" them again. Have you had any problems with patterns, though? Like, patterns that come with a furniture creating blank slots in the fabric section (when in .package)?

Create-A-Crap doesn't really like massively-installed store content. If you are using Create-A-Crap's Edit-In-Game, you probably want to temporarily move your DCCache someplace else.

The only patterns I think I have in .package format are ones from TSR and they function fine with no blank thumbnails. I don't think I have any official Store patterns in .package..

I would like to know too. I'm also supposing we CAN decrapify skins, right?

That's not what I meant.

Like the tiki set, I believe the sofa and chair include a pattern or two with them. Without decrapifying it, if you package them the pattern would appear in fabric, but also will generate blank spots (that are not patterns, at least they're non-responsive). As far as I'm aware, they don't interfere with anything, but are aesthetically annoying for me.

Well, let's try it, then. After all, I seem to need my store crap to furnish my houses.

Decrapifying skins, hacks, and other unorthodox CC that is not standard objects, clothes, and whatnot is harmless, but produces no useful effect.

Good to know. 

Really, I just followed instructions.  It said in the original post that s3rc.exe and decrapify.exe have to be accessible on the same filepath, so I just put them together in a folder with my sims3pack files and dragged the sims3packs onto "decrapify" (you know it worked if your "modified" date changes) and then moved the decrapified sims3packs into my Electronic Arts/Sims 3/Downloads folder.  Then I just installed them with the launcher.

Afterwards, I followed instructions about decrapifying the files in my saved game and library and when I booted up, all of my Arr'd store content was there.  Some of the in-use items were replaced, but it was pretty simple to change them back to their store versions.  ALL of my Store content is in the game, usable, AND marked with the "custom" symbol.  My load time is halved, and my counters no longer have the bug that makes them switch to non-recolorable defaults in corner mode, etc.