Pat in the back, my Man
You even made whole tutorial in pictures above. Way to go.

Yeah, but I haven't written a lick of Help yet! I haven't even done the startup Tips yet.

Ok, are you guys ready to beta test? I'm about to upload the setup and post a link. Please keep in mind that the program won't be very functional until you have a listing of mods. I have only one mod so far that I've been using for testing, and I'll provide it too in a moment.

Even you have no interest in disabling or messing with your padlock views, please go ahead and give it a try if you will to see if the program works properly. My mod includes the original file so you can easily put your game back if you don't like it.

Even without any mods, you can still explore the program and try the Game Options features.

I'll post a link in just a moment. .
--


Mark

TAW Configurator...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAWC_Setup.exe

TAW Configurator Mods...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAW_Mods.zip

Please go through the Setup Program Wizard (not very long) to set everything up. You may have to turn your Tips box off twice in the process as you reset settings in the Wizard, but it shouldn't pop up after that (unless you want it to, I haven't done any Tips yet).

To test the mod you'll have to put...

Disable Padlock Toggle.tcm
Disable Padlock Toggle folder

...into your mods folder.

for example...

C:\TAW Mods\Disable Padlock Toggle.tcm
C:\TAW Mods\Disable Padlock Toggle

Every mod will be a single file and folder, even if the folder contains many files and subfolders.

Good luck.
--


Mark

Well done Mark.

A quick question...do we use this on a 'clean patched' TAW with no extractor files or does it matter?
TIA

Decca

Well, it's installed and running on my PC. It's going to be a while before I'm up to speed with it, but it looks impressive so far!

Many Thanks.

Decca, yes the files have to already be extracted for the Mods part to work. I don't do anything with actually extracting the files, I just copy over existing files with modded ones.

The Game Options feature will work on any game though (I think), something I plan to explore myself by bumping those settings up beyond what's possible by the in-game Options dialog box. That could be a dead end for improvements but I figured it was worth a try.
--


Mark

Thanks for the compliments guys. I hope this will be a WIP for a long long time so don't hesitate to give suggestions for improvements and such. Some documentation might be a good start.
--


Mark

<Fixed>
--


Mark

This deserves a sticky.

Miao, Cat

<Fixed>
--


Mark

Thanks, Cat.
--


Mark

<Fixed>
--


Mark

Well done,
really well done!
Thamk you.

It would be BETTER if DID or somone else, who KNOWS to make a combat sim to REMAKe the f-22ADF/f-22TAW!..It is the best simulation EVER but...lacks of nowaday graphics;)...In fact F-22 ADF/TAW is so good that it would be enough to remake its graphic and it will beat with one hand all other sims on the market.

Thanks, Long John Silver.

Gigi Kent, I agree. What you suggested would be better but it ain't happening, as far as I know. So hopefully we'll continue to press on with what we can do.
--


Mark

This program can no longer be found at the given link. Does anyone know where we can get it?

My apologies, my new hosting account should be activated by tomorrow and I can start putting stuff back, along with some new stuff (what a freggin' mess!).
--


Mark

waiting in anticipation

same here ......

Uploading everything now, will make a new post with links when done (at least the links I can post publicly).
--


Mark

Hi all,

I'm french, so excuse me for my bad english !

Is there any link that works to download the TAW Configurator ?

Thank you for your answer. Phenix.

If you cant find the link, send me PM with your e-mail address.

Hi Polak, i sent you my email by PM. Thank you for your help !

Phenix.

Hi I got, I am still lookin for it. I thought I had it on my jhome computer will keep looking , but somehow not finding it yet. Stand by please or else someone else try to help him.

Polak, there's no problem, i will wait for you when you will find the files at your home.

Do you want me to give you the address of a personal server where you can transfer the files ? Or you can send them to my mail box ?

Hey guys, I made a post about a month ago with new active links...

http://www.simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2162323&page=1#Post2162323

Does this have what everyone is looking for?
--


Mark

Thank you Gonzales for these links ! And thank you Polak for your help too.

Thank a lot. Phenix.

I still haven't got my server stuff completely straightened out but when I do, I'll put the pics back up and fix all the broken links in my posts.

Meanwhile, the links here will remain good...
http://www.simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2162323&page=1#Post2162323

...and the website is still coming which will have everything.

I hate that I had so many pics on this board that don't show now, and unfortunately after downloading my entire old webiste before it was closed, I later found that many of my pics were corrupted and are now gone forever. My new website will make up for it though, but I'll still fix my posts as much as I can.
--


Mark

Pics redone above, I tried to keep them like the last ones. Hopefully they explain a little what the program does for anyone who doesn't know.

Online Help and video / voice tutorials underway. I have only two mods so far, if just to be used as an example of what I'm trying to accomplish...make life easier with creating and sharing mods.

The example above (see second pic) is a mod which changes the loadout to a clean jet for the non-combat training missions. The loadout can also be changed back to default. Both the mission description and loadout are changed in this example (there's no limit on the number of files in a mod). It's easy for a modder to setup a mod once they know how, for the end-user it's as simple as making selections and choosing Apply (see first pic).

Current links...

TAW Configurator...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAWC_Setup.exe

TAW Configurator Mods...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAW_Mods.zip
--


Mark

Some new features coming in 1.1...





I'll post the update later today.
--


Mark

Ok, 1.1 is ready for download...

TAW Configurator...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAWC_Setup.exe

If you've already installed 1.0, all you need to do is replace the executable...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAWC.exe

Online help is still pending, but I will finish all of these projects one day.
--


Mark

Anything else you have to do with it besides installing and setup? Cause I can't update the HUD changes - it says "This path as specified as the Path on the TAW tab does not exist. Please verify the correct path was given". But I gave the correct path (for me it's C:\_TAW\PROGRAM\), and I can update the config file changes, start the game and all, just can't update the HUD.

Malleus, select Export > Settings and save your settings to a file. Can you email me those settings at markgonzales@comcast.net?

Wait, before you do, try this... Don't specify a path, clear it and then select the TAW executable File Name above Path instead. The path will automatically be entered when you do. What's the "_" for, BTW? "C:\_TAW\PROGRAM\),"
--


Mark

Malleus, I see now my idea shouldn't matter. But if you can give me your settings (it's a text-based file), I'll setup my program like yours and move my TAW to where yours is and see what happens.
--


Mark

I fixed it now, by extracting the did.dat file. Anyway I put the "_" before every game directory I install so they show up at the top of the list in Total Commander

OT: this links thread should be sticky:
http://www.simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2162323&page=1#Post2162323

EDIT: okay I may send the setting for you, but mind that it's now set to use extracted files, and it now works that way. But I guess you can figure something by setting it back to DAT mode.

You know what, I sure did. That was meant to be a new "feature" (see pic above). I need it the other way around, defaulting to Use Extracted Files.

Glad it's working <wipes brow>. The error you got was in error though, I need to look into that. You don't need to send your settings now, but remember the feature is there if you want to save your own settings. Oh man, this feature has helped my customer support tremendously with my work software, which is a whole lot bigger and more complex than TAWC.
--


Mark

Malleus, I pulled up your settings, I see you already have those bars streamlined.

If I missed anything let me know.
--


Mark

Okay, I managed to reproduce the error. I reistalled TAW, to the C:\_TAW directory, custom install (though everything selected), D3D, no music, joystick as controller. Then I started the game once to create a pilot. Then I applied the english D3D patch. Then I installed TAW configurator, and went throught the wizard. I selected the path first manually, and then the file name manually (not sure if it counts - EDIT: it doesn't). The game started fine. Now I set up the config things - all were fine. Once the wizard was finished, I exported the settings* and I tried to customize the HUD. I changed the bars from default to streamlined, tried to upgrade, but got the error message I posted on the previous page.
The did.dat file was not extracted.

*here's the file
http://rapidshare.com/files/63671944/1.tcs.html

Man, this one is tough as I can't seem to be able to reproduce the error, even with your settings files. I'm going to restore a fresh partition on a test PC and try again.

I did intentionally put in a bad path name to see how the error message displays. Do you get the path name on top?



And do you have to exit the error dialog box three times (as it's trying to save to three separate files)?

Also, just to verify, Game Options works and doesn't give you the error, only HUD Options? I copied the error trapping (Err 76) from the Game Options dialog box, they should be working the same. That's what has me stumped.

Waiting to see how mikew or anyone else fares.
--


Mark

Yes I got my correct path name (C:\_TAW\PROGRAM\) on the top of the message, and yes I have to click it three times. Game config update works fine, HUD doesn't.

You tried it in a TAW install that doesn't have did.dat extracted right? Cause if I extract the DAT file, the error is gone, no matter what settings I use...

It'll be a while before I get a chance to try it, but isn't Malleus trying to run it without extracting did.dat? Surely that's necessary to create the 'huddle' folder?

Ok, so maybe I do need a nap.

I was thinking my new Use Extracted Files / Use DAT File feature was messing up somehow, but that only renames the DAT back and forth (DID.dat / DID_.dat) and now I realize there's no default, it initially reads your current setup. mikew is correct, your game has to be extracted for any mods to work, and probably for any HUD files to be created (as is this case). Without extraction you can do nothing, except update your game.cfg, because that never needed to be extracted.

TAWC can't extract files, only Krus' extractor can do this. I can provide you with a link of the files already extracted and patched though. Just let me know, I have your email.

It never even occurred to me your game wasn't extracted already (even after you said so...d'oh!), that's why it's bedtime for me in just a bit. But I do need to add a way to inform that your game needs to be extracted other than giving you a generic message about the path (it's actually the missing ...PROGRAM\huddle\ path that's probably triggering the error, as mikew noted).

So I'll fix that as far as proper error trapping, but you'll still need an extracted game for any of this to work.
--


Mark

Malleus, I didn't think I was THAT tired but after re-reading your posts maybe I am. Your game is extracted now, yes? And your HUD reflects the changes you make in HUD Options?

Something just occurred to me, I haven't CTD'd in a long time from a missing file, I don't remember the last time. Awesome...thanks again Krus for making this all possible.
--


Mark

Lol, you must be tired, man.
Yes, I fixed the problem by extracting the files, and now it works fine, I can save every HUD change and all. You just have to mention in some documentation that the user have to have the DAT file extracted. (for n00bs like me )

That's why I suggested to have the "Links" thread as a sticky, cause there was where I found Krus' extractor.

Will do.

I do need to write some documentation and I think I have a couple tutorials on this board somewhere that I can start with. Ok, going catch some Zzzz's...
--


Mark

Error trapping fixed, recognizing the difference between a legitimate TAW path error and a missing extracted folder. Also you'll get only one, not three messages.

Full install...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAWC_Setup.zip

If already installed, you can just replace the executable...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAWC.exe
--


Mark

Hi - downloaded this configurator and the mods listed earlier in the post.

However, I cannot load any of the mods as those destination directories and files do not exist under my setup.
I have the patch loaded and went through the (excellent) picture tutorial in the first post to set up the program.

Example (from one of the logs):
"
Source: F:\games\DID\TAW\PROGRAM\MODS\Clean Jet Training\Clean\SIM6A.txt
Target: F:\games\DID\TAW\PROGRAM\briefing\SIM6A.txt


Source: F:\games\DID\TAW\PROGRAM\MODS\Clean Jet Training\Clean\sim6a.mdl
Target: F:\games\DID\TAW\PROGRAM\MDL\sim6a.mdl
"

Those target directories (MDL, briefing) and files are not on my TAW setup so nothing is copied.
Is there some preliminary "extraction" that has to be done before installing these mods?
I ask because i tried the HUD changes as well and got a message that i have to extract files from DID.DAT.

Help.

Yes, you have to do some file extraction. Check out the 3rd post in this thread, where MGonzales explains it nicely:

http://www.simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2365419#Post2365419

Just a quick note, I updated the readme's for the extracted files about a month or so ago...

http://198.65.10.229/DID/Ext_Readme.txt
http://198.65.10.229/DID/Gra_Readme.txt

EDIT: "TAW Configurator also includes detailed information about TAW setup and file extraction." is what I'm working on now and I'll post it with an updated TAWC as soon as I'm done.
--


Mark

Just a glimpse of one of the things I've been working on (already outdated)...

http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAWC_HT.pdf

I was using this copy to test Word -> PDF some time ago, I'm a lot further along but still have a bit more to go. Of course I'll have a finished TOC with a side reference.

Anyway, I'll be around all weekend.
--


Mark

Quick update...

TAW Configurator has been reworked to make it easier to use...

Gone is the Setup Program Wizard as it's no longer needed, everything is now setup automatically the first time it's started and you're ready to start applying mods.

The automation helped reduce the size of the User Manual, further reduced by my wife's proofreading (she's very good at catching redundancy [both words and thoughts]). Also some grammer and spelling corrected. And most importantly, just as with my real work, she did the first beta testing. If she can do it...

Along with a new comprehensive User Manual, there's also context sensitive Help now...sort of. It's not fancy, you don't choose a Help button to access an area of a large HTML file. Nor have I included "What's This?" help for every part of the GUI. But all the Help buttons do something now, a message pops up with basic instructions, also noting what each main button does (some people understandably confused Update with OK [the first updates your game and the second saves your settings])...



EDIT: Poor example above, most people won't need to setup a mod, only apply them...



Bottom line is that this update will be more user friendly and professional, almost like a work program. It's what I wanted in the first place, a better base to start with. The fun part will be adding a buttload of mods.
--


Mark

Looking good.

Great work Mark,

Really appreciate your efforts.

Thank you both, and a little update...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAWC_HT2.pdf

Still have some editing to do (obviously) besides the Mrs.' mark-ups, and to add a couple other docs to this, add a side reference, etc. but I may finish this thing tonight! I love writing code but I HATE writing Help!

Anyway, when this is done I'm going to recheck the content help in the program to make sure it jives and then I'll get the mods together (i.e. DrKevDog's Egyptian skins). Just another day or two (I know, I said that over a month ago...lol). I'm just ready to get this out and move on to a new project.
--


Mark

Hi Mark,

Looks very good, but the configurator seems to be x64 incompatible?
It's a pity, I don't have any 32-bit-environments any more

Chris

Hmm, I had no idea. TAWC is just a basic VB 6.0 program (no 3rd-party add-ons, uses just standard VB/Windows files)...

http://198.65.10.229/DID/System_Files.txt

I have no idea why Microsoft would make the two incompatible.

Maybe someone can look at my file listing and tell me if I need to do anything differently for a x64 environment?

So TAW runs fine with x64?
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Mark

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vbrun/ms788708.aspx

"The Visual Basic 6.0 IDE has never been offered in a native 64-bit version, nor has the 32-bit IDE been supported on 64-bit Windows. VB6 development on 64-bit Windows is not and will not be supported."

I'll check if i find all of the files you listed on my system.


Edit: TabCtl32.ocx is missing, but this is no problem. When I start SETUP.EXE from DISK1 in my temp dir, I receive a message that this program was incompatible with my 64-Bit-Edition of windows and I am advised to call the manufacturer... the message occurs even before the exe itself is being started, before any depending DLL is loaded.

The problem occurs with many old installers (so with TAW's), maybe it would work if I could copy the program files manually? (With TAW, it did.)

Chris

Thanks for checking, Stoepsel.

I'll look more closely at your link later, and thanks for posting it. But I believe your quote above is regarding the IDE and that's ok, I don't plan to install and program in VB6 on a 64-bit OS.

It's runtime support that matters, if the VB6 runtime is supported (and it looks like it should be for another 10 years, unless I read it wrong), my VB6 program should work I would think.

Or is it the installation that's the problem? I use an older version of InstallShield, same one as TAW I believe. I do check the OS on install as one file (Scrrun.dll, I believe) has a unique version for NT4.0 (not that anyone is still using Win NT but if the other verion of this file gets installed in NT it kills the OS).
--


Mark

I posted during your edit.

Looks to be the install, I can probably fix it if you're willing to give it a try. Might take a day, and I have no way of testing it first. If that makes you nervous I wouldn't try it.
--


Mark

I'm a geek, so I'm always looking forward to new betas I can test
Thx for your efford!

Ok, I'll whip something up.

The good news is that according to that link all the system files I use are supported (no surprise there as I'm not using anything exotic).

The bad news is that on first glance my version of InstallShield won't install to 64-bit. In my installation I'm telling it to install to all Windows OS's except NT4.0, “all” being what was supported by InstallShield v2.12 (Win95, 98, NT3.51, NT4.0, 2000). This was before XP but apparently that doesn’t matter as it installs fine in XP. I forgot to test in Vista, I need to load it back on my laptop and try it.

Anyway, I own a newer version of InstallShield (not very new anymore) and that may support 64-bit, although the install size (thus download size) would be larger and I like the consistency with TAW in the old version. But I won't rule it out as an option.

I think I'm going to try something else, like you said just copying the files over. You'll still need the system files installed and registered though (i.e. without TabCtl32.ocx the tabs won't work! ). I'm going to first try and use VB6.0's built-in installer (keeping it all Microsoft) to install the required system files, and then you can just unzip the TAWC program folder wherever (i.e. ...\Program Files\TAW Configurator). I know Vista changes the rules regarding "Program Files", not sure how that'll work out yet.

Anyway, the TAWC executable is self-contained (no DLLs) and no Registry settings are set until it’s run, so as long as the system files are properly installed it should run fine. I can check this all on a clean partition, except of course for the 64-bit test. I'll get back to you.
--


Thanks,
Mark

Last update on the Help...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAWC_HT1.pdf

Pure torture.

I'll finish it tonight (~2 pages left plus a thorough proofreading and side bookmarks), the program itself is ready, and tomorrow I'll collect whatever mods together and release. Then I'll make a setup for 64-bit before starting a new project.

It's going to be a productive TAW weekend, I hope everyone check in.
--


Mark

Man,
I briefly previewed and browsed through this documentation pdf. Very elegant work. Big thanks. This proves that in order to get it something right , more work than forum is required. I need to take my time to get some items out on my end.
When ready ....

Thanks, Polak. I just wanted to post something to show I'm still on it. I realized I hadn't yet even spellchecked the last couple of pages, oh well...it's just a progress update.

No rush on anything (if you have anything to share), I've just added another day or two until release with a new (optional) mod distribution method I’m working on. The current method is to provide mods in a zipped folder, you unzip and put the TCM files and accompanying folders in your "mods folder". That still works and you get the same end result.

The new method is to provide a single Mods.dat file that you simply overwrite in your TAWC folder (regardless where your mods are). Works like a TAW patch, just copy over the newest DAT file. Every time you start TAWC it looks at this file and knows if it needs to update your mods, add new mods, etc (all contained in the DAT file). And this puts us one step away from a future auto-update option, but even with a manual download and copy it just makes adding mods easier, IMO.

I may not be around too much this weekend but I'm still "here".
--


Mark

It's nice to see someone actually taking the trouble to complete something. Well done.

So many little things added...

For example, per jureidini's post above, TAWC now checks that your game is extracted before doing anything which requires extraction and tells you so versus saying only, "Target file not found".

Choosing Update on HUD Options, the process takes a few seconds, so what's going on? Is it done (so asked my wife, bless her for beta testing)? Now when you choose Update your mouse pointer becomes an hourglass to indicate activity and then you get a simple confirmation message that your game has been updated. Lots of little things like this have been added.

Simplification in the Help Instructions...

i.e. Dialog box as shown above...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/CSH_EXP1.jpg
=========================
"Buttons:"
"Apply: Copies files into your TAW game folder as defined by the TCM file."
...to...
"Apply: Copy files into your TAW game folder."

The first message is too much info, that stuff is covered in detail in the reference part of the manual, instructions should be as simple and straightforward as possible (my project today, especially with the last several pages of the PDF which explain setup and extraction).

BTW, the Mods.DAT method for updating mods is finished and works great!

Ok, I'm back to work...
--


Mark

Quick Question, Mark - which link for the Configurator is the up to date, latest? I see one on the first page of this thread, but also a couple of others within the thread. At least one of the deeper into the thread links is larger than the one linked from the first page. Is 1.1 the latest? What about that error correction version - a new full install along with just the .exe?

Sorry for any confusion, and thanks for all your good work.

Eugene, my links on this board are a jumbled mess!

Links was the last section of my PDF Help I had to finish, and tonight I've been reorganizing my website (also a jumbled mess) to match a much better organized listing of links in my PDF. When I'm done with that (sometime tonight) I'll update my "Links" thread here which will be much simpler (no more linked threads to follow just real links). I took the informational threads [with pics] and cleaned them up for my PDF.

I think I'm less than 24 hours of having it all posted, and I think the confusion I created will disappear.
--


Mark

Thanks, Mark! It's such a valuable tool, I want to make sure I've got the proper version. Also, is the mods zip file current, or are there new ones that are outside of the file?

One other question on usage - using the extracted files version of TAW, is there a way to not enable the enhanced HUD/HMD - in the Configurator? I'm not liking the appearance of the HMD graphics overlaying the HUD itself. Might be a simple toggle in-game? I'm just getting back into TAW after a period away.

Everything is done, still organizing the website links (website itself is not viewable yet). Also updating a few downloads.

Check it out...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAWC.pdf

I just have to clean up the last page "Links" a little and make sure all the links in the PDF work. Note that you can download directly from the PDF links (i.e. go to the Installing and Extracting Total Air War bookmark to the left and click a link on the page). The links should be working by this evening.

The Configurator update was thoroughly tested again last night. Again, no new big features in this update, just many enhancements to make it easier to use. This update is meant to be a better and polished base to continue with, not an end to anything. I have lots of ideas for the future though...

Anyway, just the User Manual PDF includes most everything anyone needs to get TAW up and running (the most important thing right now). I really think I'll be releasing the program tonight and all links will have been thoroughly tested when I do.

EDIT: Eugene, I'll get back to you with details, but you won't have to reinstall and the update includes new HUD display options that address your HUD issues.
--


Mark

Not yet tested in Vista and not yet 64-bit compatible!

TAW Configurator 1.2 is released:
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAW/TAWC.zip

Without re-installing (see the Readme.txt, very simple):
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAW/TAWC_Files.zip

Note that mods haven't been updated completely, new mods include a TAW Patch mod (to easily switch between D3D and Glide) and a HUD display mod (resets the HUD back to stock while using extracted files). More are coming...

++++++++++

Eugene, I think I better understand your question about the HUD/HMD now and I don't think we can change the way the game displays the HMD on the HUD glass.

From the Strategy Guide...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/HUD_SG.jpg

The best I think you can do is to turn some HUD objects off if you want, just select the object and change Style to No Display. So you don't have to have two compass ribbons, for example.

Not much more we can do with the couple of extracted HUD text files, things like having the ladder bars float like in Falcon 4, or even raising the weapon range bar higher in the HUD is all in the executable. At least that's how it seems so far.
--



Mark

Splendid! I'll be trying it out later, when I get home.

I appreciate your dedication. It must be about 5AM there.

Nice work MG. Thank you.

Thanks, Mark! Always great work on your part.

I realize my HUD question has been unclear. Perhaps I'm confused - I had thought the community HUD modifications altered the appearance of the HUD from the stock version (or maybe the HMD?). My sense when initially using the extracted version of the sim was that, differently from the stock cockpit, the HMD or the HUD graphics were now overlapped at different image scales, making the whole thing hard to sue when looking straight forward. I don't recall this being the case in the stock sim. So my original question was about whether the entire HUD community modifications could be turned off, as can the other mods, from within Configurator.

Sorry if this is still clear as mud! And if I'm misunderstanding or misperceiving the cockpit situation.

Hey Mark,

I just tested your new release on my Vista x64 by downloading the raw files without any installation.

The configurator does not run natively because tabctl32.ocx is missing. I don't know if it is included in Vista x86, but either way I found a valid version and a way of installing it successfully, now the configurator runs perfect

You should include the file in your installer or append the download link. If you need any further information, just ask me.

Thanks, guys. I won't pretend it was fun, who likes writing support docs? But it's over (at least the bulk of it, I won't mind adding a page or two for a new feature, etc.) and that feels good. BTW, if you see an error or if you think something's missing or could be written more clearly, please don't hesitate to say so! I'm my own worse critic and nit-picker, I just want it right and the best I can make it.

Eugene, I may not be understanding you but I'm going to use this opportunity to show a couple new features in the upgrade...

First let me say that the extracted download is a completely unaltered game that's never even been run. I did notice I was using a game.cfg file from another install to get the patch settings included, but even that's been replaced by the freshly installed stock game.cfg as I wanted it to be a completely "virgin" game. So the HUD in the extracted download is stock, regardless if you're running extracted or not.

And that may be the answer to something you didn't ask but the following should clarify things...

If Use DAT File is checked in the File pull-down menu, you're not running extracted, thus you'll always have the stock HUD...




TAW Configurator monitors your DID.DAT file and knows if you have a DID.DAT or not, which of course determines if you're running extracted or not. BTW, the Warning in the status bar is telling you that you're not running extracted so that after applying a mod, you're not going to see the effects until you choose Use Extracted Files.

So select Use Extracted Files from the File pull-down menu and notice the Options with the HUD Display mod:

Default: Gives you the same HUD as the default settings when using the HUD Options feature (see pic below).
Original: Gives you back the stock HUD, even when running extracted.

I think you wanted to run extracted but with the stock HUD, the Original option gives you this. Try it, your HUD should look exactly the same as using the DAT file (stock game).

++++++++++

I remember some time ago you asked about removing the duplicate compass ribbon (Heading Bar). Here's how...



Select it (in the pic it's selected at top, highlighted in yellow) and set Style to No Display, which will turn it off in the HMD. Alternately, you can move it to a more inconspicuous location and even shrink the width (looks cool IMO, the numbers are tighter, although not shown on display), even move it to the side text area.

I hope this answers your questions and if not, please give me one more chance, we'll take it to video.
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Mark

Sweet!

I was going to check Vista Premium tonight, I shouldn't have a problem then.

So of the files needed...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/System_Files.txt

...tabctl32.ocx was the only one?

BTW, I made the TAWC_Files download for two reasons, so you wouldn't have to reinstall, and to be used as a 64-bit install to be included with a primary installer (built-in VB6 package and deployment) just to install the system files. I'm surprised just copying that file worked, but I won't complain.

Thanks for checking this, this is all part of the polished "base" that I wanted to build on.

Now, after I update the Mods.dat file (i.e. DrKevDog's Egyptian skins), you'll stick the file in your ...\TAW Configurator folder and your mods will be automatically updated /added the first time you start the program, that'll be the next check.
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Mark

BTW, it was a pleasant surprise that the links work right from the PDF!

I still need to update my Links thread, will do so tonight.
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Mark

Yes, all listed files are installed by default but tabctl32.

Will you check Vista Home Premium x86 or x64? I'm curious if the in-game voices are also disabled on x86. On x64, they are

P.S.: Really like your configurator, good work

My Vista Premium came with my new laptop...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8661897&type=product&id=1196470790599

$599.99...damn, I bought the exact same model from BB on sale for $450.00!

Anyway, it has to be the cheaper x86, I'll check the voices when I get Vista reloaded. All I know is that TAW kept crashing in Vista and there's no way I can run a Wrapper with onboard video. My only other choice would have been Software mode. I'll try that too, though.

I'm a partition / image freak and there's no way I'm gonna put up with Vista's image sizes. XP is already a hog compared to Win 2000, I can fit a Win2K image with all my programs on a single CD, a streamlined XP by itself hardly fits, and Vista is 10x bigger than XP!
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Mark

Good work, as usual.

I'm a bit overwhelmed with it to give much feedback right now.

What I'd like to to do is make more use of TAWC in my activities since things are getting a bit out of hand with my extracted files. Here's Luxor airbase after weeks of fiddling around with various stuff:

Not good...so it would be useful to have a set of 'clean' extracted files and then just apply mods one at a time with each mod isolated in its own directory.
As I understand it, TAWC should allow me to that? It probably allowed me to do that before, but I'm not very good at bothering to RTFM...the new manual looks worth reading though.

mikew, I think it'll help with your organization, especially if you have to keep manually copying flies over. Note that you can stretch any dialog box that might contain a long path to display (for example) and that File Name text boxes support drag-and-drop from Windows Explorer.

EDIT: <removed rest of my comments>
Ah, too much nonsense, I'm trying to scale it back a bit.
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Mark

Thanks, it should definitely help. It's up to me to learn how to use it.

I have 2 questions. First, I am running the game on an old PC with Win98se and a voodoo 4500 card. The manual says that TAW Conf extractor does not run on win98. Does that mean I can still use TAW Conf if I download the easy method? Second, on my newer computer, I am using Win XP with a current video card. If I want to use a glide wrapper, do I use the direct 3d patch then the glide wrapper?
thanks
PS what is the site for the latest download of the Conf utility?

1. Yes, everything should work fine in Win98SE using the easy method.

2. When using the Glide Wrapper you want to use f22.dat for Glide which you can apply with TAW Configurator's "Patch Total Air War" mod with the "Glide" option...



You can also go back and forth to D3D, the dgVoodoo files you copied into your ...\TAW\PROGRAM folder just won't be used in D3D.

3. Check back at the top of this thread in just a moment...
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Mark

For some reason I can't edit my top posts! So here ya go...

==========
TAW Configurator install:
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAW/TAWC.zip

Optional, if you have the previous version and you don't want to reinstall:
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAW/TAWC_Files.zip
(copy files into your ...\TAW Configurator folder).

++++++++++

TAW Configurator Mods:
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAW/TAWC_Mods.zip
(copy and overwrite Mods.dat file in your ...\TAW Configurator folder).

Optional, if you're using a 64-bit OS:
http://198.65.10.229/DID/TAW/TAWC_Mods_Files.zip
(copy files into your ...\TAW Configurator\Mods folder).
==========
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Mark