Verifying Routes/Activities Are Complete

[cjkawt]

@geepster775,
It's because of all the other "initial entry" opportunities I have taken in the past I don't have much of a "wallet" at present. LOL

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@Charles,
Yes the batch file readout did tell me. Every line reported "0 files copied." But, that was my fault. I thought since my OS was Win10-64 I would need to "Run as Administrator." Not so, I guess. Anyway I tried the Installme.bat without admin and it worked. I have been running Hereford for several minutes and no errors! This problem is solved AFAICT. I will test on my next install, Surfliner2, but I expect it to go swimmingly.

Thanks everyone,
Calvin

[geepster775]

When you get the freeware routes debugged and working, zip each route up and store them in a safe place (external drive, etc). Then if you ever need to reinstall, use your zips and you won't need to run the batch files for that route ever again.

[cjkawt]

When you get the freeware routes debugged and working, zip each route up and store them in a safe place (external drive, etc). Then if you ever need to reinstall, use your zips and you won't need to run the batch files for that route ever again.

Thank you very much! So, if I understand you correctly I need the zip up my ATSFHS (Hereford) folder? Also, if I ever have to reinstall is all I am supposed to do is copy/paste the whole folder into the ROUTES folder? I'm pretty sure this is the case, but I don't want to be presumptuous.

Calvin

[geepster775]

Yes, that is what I'm saying.

When the early freeware routes were released, they borrowed scenery items from the default routes supplied on the MSTS discs. Batch files were used to copy those items over to make the downloaded route complete. Once you make them complete, and they test okay, then zip them up individually and keep THAT zip file in a safe place. Then you don't have to worry about making them whole again should the need arise.

New users who rely on Open Rails only and don't own the MSTS discs can only basically run freestanding freeware routes or payware routes.

Some day, those MSTS discs are going to fail, or Microsoft is going to further restrict re-installation of software via old installers as a security precaution on Win 10. Those zip files of routes that you made whole and stored off-line will be the only way you will be able to recover those routes for use with Open Rails.

[cjkawt]

@geepster775,
Okay, now I think I understand and it sounds like a good plan. Is there anything I need to do to "debug" besides just run through each scenario and make sure it works and looks right before I archive the folder?

[crstagg]

Thank you very much! So, if I understand you correctly I need the zip up my ATSFHS (Hereford) folder? Also, if I ever have to reinstall is all I am supposed to do is copy/paste the whole folder into the ROUTES folder? I'm pretty sure this is the case, but I don't want to be presumptuous.

Calvin

Not exactly. With the example of Hereford. The Zip you saved would get unzipped into the …\1MSTS\Routes folder. That would not get the files Hereford need in the …\1MSTS\Global folder or the …\1MSTS\Trains folder. You would also need to install Xtracks and newroads into your reinstall of MSTS. Also you would some how need to reinstall the consists that came with the Hereford.

[geepster775]

MSTS will 'boink' and seize when it stumbles upon something missing. Or you could simply check the box for logging in open rails, run from end to end, and then read the log to find any minor missing things. There are other tools out there, developed by a whole cottage industry, but I don't use them so I best not comment on them.

As you install and debug each freeware route, each installation may (or may not) add material to your GLOBAL, TRAINS or SOUND folders. After you finish installing all the freeware routes you want, debugging them, and zipping each up, then zip up one copy of your GLOBAL, TRAINS and SOUND folders. Do it only at or near the end of your desired route installation exercises.

In all honesty, since most of the contributed activities from that era are pretty lame, if these three folders were simply missed, it would be no big deal to reinstall track systems, or re-create (better) activities. No great loss (if lost) in my book.

When it comes to creating an open rails installation in the post-MSTS disc world, all you need are a GLOBAL, TRAINS, SOUND, and ROUTES folder. Now how cool is that, having everything needed already in zipped storage?

[cjkawt]

That's pretty cool geepser775! Thanks again to you and all you others for your generous and astute guidance. I (and probably a whole lot of other folks) couln't have done it without you!

Now, I am going to take what I have learned and spend some time enjoying the fruits of all our collective labors, but I'm guessing I may be back.

FYI - I ahe soe other questions, but they will need their own thread to keep things coherent, at least for me.

Take care,
Calvin