Hi there!
I got 3DsMax 9. Now I want to install BATforMax [v.2]. Following the introductions I had some problems.
1) Theres no 3dsmax.ini in my 3DsMax root direction.
2) Opening the Max I get an error message:
-- Runtime error: fileIn: can't open file - "C:\Programme\Autodesk\3ds Max 9\"
Of course it can not open C:\Programme\Autodesk\3ds Max 9\ because thats not a file but a direction. But I guess I gotta change these settings in my not-existing 3dsmax.ini, right?
Well these are the problems I got so far. I believe there will be many more later :D Would be great If somebode could try to help me in that case.
Cheers
FTA
The 3dsmax.ini file is located in the following folder:
C:\Documents and Settings\<localuser>\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\3dsmax\9 - 32bit\enu (or similar). Substitute your user account for <localuser>
You will need to change your view preferences to show all hidden files and folders for it to be seen.
If after changing this the second problem still occurs, post back
Works very fine now, thank you! :thumbsup:
Btw, where do you get your knowledge from? $%Grinno$%
thousands of years of walking this planet among you humans :D :D :D :D
Ohhh my god thats it, you're from mars :D That declares alot...
Well, ok, I'll stop spamming right now. Thread can be closed if mods like to.
Hi, can you please tell me where I can download BAT for max? I just downloaded a trial version of 3ds max 9 and I want to try BATing with it
Here. (http://www.simtropolis.com/modding/index.cfm?page=1&keyword=batformax)
Have fun with it. But be warned: It's not that easy to install and use.
Thankyou very much! Im going to try and install it tomorrow morning
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Edit.
I just tried installing bat for max and when I run 3ds max it says "Runtime error: fileIn: can't open file - "C:\Programme\Autodesk\3ds Max 9\""
Im pretty sure I followed the installation instructions to the the letter, but I had to use the "Deltree.exe" file supplied with the file, which can apparently cause problems.
Any ideas as to what the problem may be?
If anyone is using Vista, finding the 3dmax.ini file is not that straight forward as in XP. First you have to set on your folder options, to show hidden files.
Then look for something like this - C:\Users\Silvio\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsmax\9 - 32bit\enu
Of course you won't find Silvio on the path unless you have my name as well ;)
Hi cameron1991. The problem you are talking about is the same one which I opened this thread for :D
Look. The introductions says:
In the 3dsmax root directory, find the 3dsmax.ini file again and open in notepad. In the Directories section, edit the PlugCFG line to point to the location of the \gamepacks\BAT directory on your computer. For example, PlugCFG=C:\Program Files\3dsmax42\gamepacks\BAT
And this is exactly what you have to do. Find the file in
C:\Documents and Settings\<localuser>\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\3dsmax\9 - 32bit\enu, open it with notepad and change the PlugCFG so that it's pointing to the BAT-direction. For example: C:\Programs\Autodesk\3Ds Max 9\gamepacks\BAT
It's that easy ;)
I don't think it's the same error...Check that the paths you have edited have trailing backslashes ( \ ). One big problem you are going to have is the space in the folder name "3DS Max 9"...FSHTool will not run with spaces in file or path names.
Also, avoid Deltree if at all possible...the dangers outweigh the benefits.
My problem is this
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi158.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft101%2Fcameronpapps%2Fproblem-2.jpg&hash=861a410c31ac4997e97b7724e69eb9b2acf375a9)
I have that file in the correct directory, but when I start up 3dsmax it says there is an exception
One more thing I found that I'm not sure if it's a general thing or just particular to Vista OS, the "SC4PluginPath" in the BATFORMAX.ini must have the left slash "\" at the end to function properly. This is the path I had SC4PluginPath=C:\Users\Silvio\Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins and 3DMax couldn't see the SC4Model file in the plugins folder, and as soon as I add that slash, it functioned.
This is the path now SC4PluginPath=C:\Users\Silvio\Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins\
I also added that slash to the end of the path lines "TempPath" and "DestPath" just in case.
One more thing to enrich this thread, that would be nice if someone could add in here the basic settings for 3D Max like the Snap to Grid and other preferences/options that must be applied for this program to be fully compatible with the BAT.
I recommend you uninstall 3DSMax and re-install to c:\3dsmax9 (you need to change the path manually in the install window when it asks what you would like to install) otherwise you will not be able to apply the renders to the model file.
As for the startup error, a clean re-install may solve this problem. Make sure the paths all have \ at the end when you edit the 3dsmax.ini and bat4max.ini files.
I reinstalled 3ds max to c:\3dsmax9 and tried to install bat for max but it still says there is a script error. I think im just going to have to give up on trying to install it :'(
Did you really try to do what I said? I think this should work, because before doing this step I had EXACTLY the same error message.
I did what you said FromTheAshes but it didnt make a difference, I also tried moving CPTB2Startup.ms and I no-longer get that message, but I still only get these menus
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi158.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft101%2Fcameronpapps%2Fmenu.jpg&hash=9394458c96286edd9c86c9d5d5371e5ee4f3d921)
Are these all the menus I should see?
You're mising all the BAT buttons, just above "Randomize Night Windows"
I've got another problem now: I did everything as the introductions says. Unfortunatly my model (a prop) is not shown in LE. It's in the list, but when I place it on a LOT, it's just blank. Any ideas what I could do?
I'm not really sure if that is the reason, but it worked with yesterday. I also had an empty model exported and after a couple of tries, I tried before hitting the export, to select the complete model (h key), select all... after the first export, I've run the FSH build and then the DAT FSH insert, and then again the export button. It did render well like that.
Ok, I'll try. Is it ok to render 20 views? Or rather unusual?
I really don't know, but I said yes, and no probs. ;)
4 rotations, 5 zoom levels = 20 renders :thumbsup: (40 if you have nitelites).
@Cameron: Your problem is definitely related to the 3dsmax.ini file and the PlugCFG line. You have to change it to PlugCFG=C:\3dsmax9\gamepacks\BAT\. The file you removed initialises the BAT gamepack and tells Max to run the necessary scripts (such as the UI script).
I still got that problem, model is not shown on the LOT :( Is there nothing I can do?
In Bat4Max with night lights it is 60 renders at least!! And that if you have very small model that fit entirely into 256x256pix slab. If it is bigger there will be one additional render pass at each zoom/rotation until the entire model will fit in that basic 256x256pix slab.
From ashes can you list (precisely) what you do after you get message that export was finished successfully?
Ok
1. I make my model including LODs (in 3ds Max).
2. I export the LODs using "export selection" and safe my model.
3. I open GMAX, import the LODs and render them.
4. I open 3ds Max again, merge my model, enter the name of the rendered LODs in the input field and hit "render BAT".
5. It says
Export successful.
Processing time was : 0.1711 minutes
6. I open SC4 Plugin Manager, save my model as a prop.
7. In the LE I can find my new prop on the list. But when I place it on my LOT, it's just blank and the model isn't shown.
Missing out two very crucial steps. Once the model has rendered, after your step 5, you have to process the renders to FSH files. To do this, click on the BATCH CMD rolldown and then click on FSH Batch Build. when that has completed click on DAT FSH insert...it then adds the FSH files to the model file. Once this has been done, make a building using PIM as normal.
I've done this, but got still the same problem. Maybe there's a problem with my LET? Because there are many other props that were not made by me and show the same problem. But not every, that's what makes me confused.
spaces in the filenames?
None.
kanal1x1LODs-0x5ad0e817_0x33294e90_0x550000.SC4Model < LODs
kanalCALdiagonal1.max < model
When you imported the LODs, did you make sure the convert units box was checked off? It maybe the model LODs are rendering tiny.
Can you attach the model file here as well so we can have a look to see if the FSH files are missing or whether something's gone a bit nuts with your system.
Yep, "converting units" was checked off. Which file do you exactly need?
the completed .sc4model file.
Well, I've got the .sc4model of the LODs. When I hit "Render BAT", it doesn't create a new .sc4model file. I guess that's the mistake, I can only open the LOD file in PIM. Sorry that I never noticed but now :bomb: Why could that be?
This is what happens...
The reason for exporting the LODs is that Max cannot create the .sc4model file format, so we have to export the LODs through BAT to get the skeleton model. BAT4Max then uses this .sc4model file as the reference for the FSH files it creates (with the FSH Build tool), that is why we have to paste the model name into the export window. DAT FSH Insert adds these converted FSH files into the .sc4model file that was created by BAT.
Ahhh I understand now!!! Wow, I allways took the same model file when I rendered a model, sure that couldn't work :D But with a complete new model file it doesn't work either.
Here it is.
Had a look at the model and judging by the FSH files inside and the filesize, it looks as if the FSH Insert has not worked. Check in the outputfiles of the 3dsmax9\gamepacks\BAT folder and see if there is a folder inside with the filename of the sc4model. If there is, make sure there are FSH files inside this folder (ignore the .TGI files). If there are, then these files have not successfully inserted. You can manually insert them and the method is in the bat4max instructions.
Both export time and blackness of the FSH suggest that there is something wrong with export (lights are missing??)
BTW what is going on in step #4? What is htat murging? WHy? what with?
Simfox..calm down and wipe the rabid foam from your lips... he's merging the model into a new scene to get rid of any discrepancies between my setup and his...especially the xrefs. It's the safest way of opening up someone elses model. It has nothing to do with lighting as there is none on the model...it's black because they are blank renders from GMAX. Check the file size, it's 11kb. A fully rendered straight 1x1 tile piece with FSH correctly placed weighs in at 66kb. The DAT FSH insert or the FSH Batch build has failed.
There are a lot of folders. In each one there's 2 bmp files and a index.fsh. This should be correct or not?
EDIT: Ah wait, I found the .bat file. Now I'll try the methode.
EDIT2: Hm, doesn't work either. I made the following:
1. Rendered my model as usual.
2. Hit the FSH Batch Build button.
3. Exit the Max and startet the .bat file belowing to my new model. Theres a lot of text in the DOS window. I can't read it, because it stays for max. 1 second. Afterwards there are still the .fsh files in the folder.
Start everything from scratch...
1) Clear out the outputfiles folder
2) Delete the batch files in the BAT folder
3) Delete any sc4model files that you have created from BAT
4) Close down 3DSMax 9 and BAT
5) Re-open BAT and open the LOD file. Export this again to give it a new name.
6) Copy the sc4model name of the file.
7) Open Max9. Merge the model into a new scene.
8) Save the model.
9) Paste in the name into the render box and click Export. Ignore any save warnings (say NO) and click OK when the dialog asks you.
10) After the render, click on the Batch CMD rolldown and click on FSH Batch Build. There should be a DOS window with a load of text rapidly scrolling.
11) After this has completed, click on DAT FSH Insert. Another DOS window will appear plus a small progress window. This process should take around 10-15 secs to complete.
12) Check the size of the model in the plugins folder (should be around 66kb).
That should do it.
May I leave the LODs in the 3ds Max scene? Or cut them out?
Point 11: NO! There is no new DOS window, neither a progress window. Theres only this massage appearing:
Quote from: callagrafx on July 07, 2007, 10:07:12 AM
Simfox..calm down and wipe the rabid foam from your lips...
WHAT!?!
FTA, is there a folder in the outputfiles folder with all the render files? Can you check the path to this folder in the BAT4MAX.ini file.
There is a subfolder for each as well. The BAT4MAX.ini says
DestPath=C:\Programme\Autodesk\3ds Max 9\gamepacks\BAT\Outputfiles\
And that's the exact direction of my outputs folder. For example the new model's foder:
C:\Programme\Autodesk\3ds Max 9\gamepacks\BAT\Outputfiles\KanalRemasteredDiag-0x5ad0e817_0x33294e90_0x580000 +20 subfolders for each zoom stage.
QuoteC:\Programme\Autodesk\3ds Max 9\gamepacks\BAT\Outputfiles\KanalRemasteredDiag-0x5ad0e817_0x33294e90_0x580000
Look at the path...there are spaces in the
3ds Max 9 folder. Is this where the application is installed to? If so, that's where the problem is.
So? Do I have to reinstall it?
Yep...there must be NO spaces whatsoever in the filepath to the output files. When you reinstall, install it to c:\3dsmax9
Ok, I've installed it to C:\3dsMax9 now. Aaaand what did I wrong now? I can't render in Max. I allways get a error code 6 -massage.
I assume you can install it in "C:\Programme\3DSMax9" ("Programme" is the regular "Program Files" folder in a German Windows installation - luckily without spaces), but unfortunately, I can't help regarding the error messages.
try merging the Max model with a new scene to wipe out any old xrefs & model names.
Yippieeeh it works very fine now! :thumbsup:
I'll send you the files when I'm finished (need at least 10 files), so you can see how they fit.
Nice one :thumbsup:
Have you guys ever seen a Error code like this?
Location=6
Code=410
I was following the steps in the instructions (Number 13) and can't seem to render the model without this code appearing?
I appreciate your help.
Neal.
I've got a question about 3dsMax: How many free trials can you get?
I think I can deal if all I have to is generate a new email address every month... And heck, if it's registered by IP I can call call Comcast and force them to reset that for me, too. :)
Quote from: schm0 on January 23, 2008, 10:19:38 AM
I've got a question about 3dsMax: How many free trials can you get?
I think I can deal if all I have to is generate a new email address every month... And heck, if it's registered by IP I can call call Comcast and force them to reset that for me, too. :)
That's flying close to talking about piracy of the software...a no-go area on this board.
Quote from: callagrafx on January 23, 2008, 10:34:25 AM
That's flying close to talking about piracy of the software...a no-go area on this board.
Yikes.
READ: I DO NOT WANT TO PIRATE 3DSMAX.
I'm not talking about hacking into the program and altering the EXE to override the registration process. I'm talking about using this product without taking out a major financial loan. I don't know about you, but I can think of a lot of things that are worth $4000. 3dsMax is not one of them. As far as legality is concerned, it would be an issue if i were making money off of my creations, but the reason for the steep price and registration is
not the hordes of SC4 modders out there.
Vote: How many of you paid the full market price for this program and are currently using it?
Either everyone in this board is a professional modeler, engineer or CAD artist, or they know something I don't. It would be nice to play with a product that offers better results from textures, lighting and rendering than the BAT/GMax does and offers the same compatibility.
If the only answer is "Tough!" and my only option is to pass my creations off to someone with 3dsMax to render, I can deal with that.
However, if I can use this program for recreational use, then why not?
Autodesk has great student deals for MAX.
You can buy the program for couple of hundreds $, or better still rent it for a year for about 150$. A year is all you need, more or less as there will be new version available by then. Ask your school about it.. (btw sometimes schools try to push students to byuy older versions because that what school itself is running)
Are there any other FREE programs out there that can somehow be programmed to render models for SC4? I refuse to pay more than $40 for a program that I use recreationally.