How to?

[Geo]

A thread to ask things I don't know how to do it (if even possible), instead of creating a new thread every time.
Feel free to use it for asking other things. Keeps it on the first page. 


But I deviate...
I saw it mentioned on the forum, but didn't stumble on a post describing how to do it.
Is it possible to have a second installment of SMAX on your computer (the GOG version I mean)? And how if so?

Want to create a modding version of the game.

[Buster's Uncle]

Easy.  During the installation process, a default path for where to install should turn up - make sure the root folder has a different name.  I have four copies of SMAC(X) on my machine.  One is G:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, another, G:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Alpha Centaurii, another G:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\Copy of Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri and the most recent, scientIfficpatched version "C:\Program Files (x86)\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri\terran.exe".

[Geo]

Cheers! Easy indeed. 

[Buster's Uncle]

There used to be some utilities around on 'poly in ancient times to do that with only one copy, too.  Never tried one, and no idea if they run right on current Windows versions - but it was called Mod Buddy, or something like that.

[Geo]

The devil is always in the details. 

So I created a second installment of the game, and enabled the option of placing shortcuts on my desktop. But no new ones (copy of or something like that) appear.
Now I wonder if the existing shortcuts to both the first installments of Alpha Centauri and Alien Crossfire were overwritten or not.

[Buster's Uncle]

You probably need to go into the new folder, right-click on the .exes to create shortcuts, and move those to the desktop.

[Geo]

I've done that already. I just wanted to be sure the GOG shortcuts weren't overwritten.

Found a way to check it, and lo and behold, the pathway was overwritten.
But all is good now. Simply adjusted the pathway.

[Geo]

Okay. Does the GOG patch still need to be applied these days?
And if so, how do it run it through my new version? I only have a popup that says 'patch already applied'.

[Buster's Uncle]

I think the GOG patch installs with the game. 

Petek?  Anyone with the GOG version?

[Geo]

At gamestart, we see this nice view of a landing pod descending to your settling spot.
Does anyone know if these pods are an actual caviar (.cvr) file, or just some sort of tiny movie played out?
And how it is called in the game files?

[Buster's Uncle]

They are a .cvr file.  I don't recall the name.  ISTR that it's not that hard to find with a .cvr viewer.

[Geo]

Well, with the list I once created, I can narrow it down to the eight or so caviar files that crash the workshop.
But my first attempt with the most likely files (ADROPER and Asas) didn't change a thing ingame.


Where can I find a list of the stuff Yitzi's patch do? Can't find it under the modding forum...

[Buster's Uncle]

Wait - I was thinking of the COLONY pod.  I'm pretty sure the lander is just an animation.

[Petek]

Okay. Does the GOG patch still need to be applied these days?
And if so, how do it run it through my new version? I only have a popup that says 'patch already applied'.

What do you mean by the  GOG patch? As I recall, GOG supplies a single installer file that applies all official patches.

[Geo]

Wait - I was thinking of the COLONY pod.  I'm pretty sure the lander is just an animation.

Too bad. No way to switch things over then.

Okay. Does the GOG patch still need to be applied these days?
And if so, how do it run it through my new version? I only have a popup that says 'patch already applied'.

What do you mean by the  GOG patch? As I recall, GOG supplies a single installer file that applies all official patches.

I have a "patch_sid_meiers_alpha_centauri_2.0.2.23" in my SMACX archive. I downloaded it the same day as the GOG installer ("setup_sid_meiers_alpha_centauri_2.0.2.23"), namely April 21st.