Installing custom components

[ZAPPPZ]

Hi im a newb to modding.  :?  :? someone please tell me how to install components i create.

[Firebeetle]

Have you created any components? All you need is the component, no installation stuff. Components need a .txt file in the Components folder that contains stuff like their power, name, preview picture, etc. data. They also need their own folder in the Components folder that has their .gmf, the skins for it, and the preveiw picture.

[ZAPPPZ]

I know where the files go but whatever happened to cfz files? I have DSL-TC and all the txt. files are in the components folders. I don't have 3DS max but I re-use GMF and TXT files and re-skin the files. but I try to install them and in the botlab the preview shows up but when I click on it the game crashes!

[Clickbeetle]

How are you reskinning the parts?

How NOT to do it: Open up the .gmf file in Notepad, find a .bmp name among all the compiled jargon, and change it.  Save and put in another folder.  This will crash the game because compiled gmf's get corrupted when you open them in any text editing program.

How TO do it: First decompile the gmf using Dummy's gmf compiler/decompiler (available from RFSHQ download database).  Find the map name under the MATERIALS list and change it.  Save, compile it, and put in some folder.

CFZ files aren't necessary.  They're just a way to compress txt files.

[ZAPPPZ]

I just edit the bmp files and change the color.

[ACAMS]

That is not installing components...it is called skinning components.

As long as you leave it a .bmp and leave it the same size it should work and show up in the game.

[ZAPPPZ]

I know that! Its just what I said above. I just reskin and edit the .TXT files.