MSMD: How to Create a Mod (video demo)

[Geghis Khan]

For some reason, there is no xml documents in my folders...

 

[The_J]

Then you're looking at the wrong folder .
You should not look or mod in My Documents, this is wrong.
The real civ folder should be somewhere in the program files.

 

[WhatMeNo]

Where did you get the theme song Kael?
PS: I was thinking of adding Jon Stewart to a "ComedyCentral" civ, which would include Colbert.

 

[arkguy]

I followed the how to make a Mod video and all the folder seems to make but when I tried the shortcut I found out that none of the leaders I added where in it. It doesn’t seem to be connected to the folder for the mode or something isn’t connected right. I tried to redo the short cut in case I missed something and it tells me the .exe file can’t be found. The short cut to my mod I created seems to have replaced the file which seemed to be the .exe file when I tried to browse the files to create a shot cut the first time. Anybody have any ideas on how to fix it? Is there another way to use the ideas found on this web site without me having to create a mod? It seems I’m computer challenged enough to make it an impractical way for me to add ideas to my game myself. Are there modders who make mods or files that can be added to Civ IV Beyond the Sword?

 

[The_J]

Or just ignore it and use this tool here. Way better than a shortcut.

And we have a big download database. Not sure what else you consider "files".

 

[TasmanSeries]

I am attempting to follow the tutorial, but I cannot find 'Firaxis Games' or anything similar in 'Program Files' that might lead me to the XML files for the the regular game, Warlords, or Beyond the Sword. Does this have to do with the fact that I got the game and first expansion in the 'Gold Edition'?

I have also looked in 'My Documents', and there are folders such as 'XML' and 'CustomAssets', but there are no actual XML files.

Thank you in advance.

 

[The_J]

Welcome to CFC .

Do you maybe have bought the game from steam? Then you have to look into the steam subfolders.
If not: Depending on the system, it could be, that the civ is installed into Program Files (x86), or something similar.

 

[TasmanSeries]

Thanks for the answer, but I am still confused. What do you mean by "...bought...from steam?" and "Program Files (x86)"? Once again, thank you for your time.

 

[The_J]

Steam is an online shop where you also can buy games, and if you do so, they will be installed into a different location. But i guess, after this question, it's not the case here .

Program files:
There are several names for that folder, depending on windows version and language.
On XP it has the name "Program files", on Vista "Program Files (x86)", or in the language your computer runs with, so you might want to look around, if something similar is there.

You could maybe also just make a short search on your computer with the windows search, e.g. search for Final Frontier, one of the included mods. It should then show you, where this folder (and so BtS) is located.

 

[TasmanSeries]

Thanks a bunch. I found the actual XML files and can continue with the tutorial....
Buuuuuuuuuuut.....

Apparently the files are 'hidden' somewhere in Program Files, and the only way to get to them is to use the Windows Search for about 5 minutes. Is there a way to make the files unhidden somehow, or at least be able to view them. The full address is C:\Documents and Settings\(my real name)\Application Data\2k Games\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 4 Gold\Beyond the Sword\Mods\..... etc. Is there a way to help me?

 

[The_J]

You can unhide the hidden folders via the explorer.
In the explorer, go to extras -> folder options -> view -> scroll down to the option "hidden files and folders" and change it there.
Under Vista/7 you will probably not have the extras option, because it's hidden too, but should appear again when you hit "alt" or you can activate it via organize -> layout.

When reading this please consider that i'm sitting on a german windows XP, so that not everything might match exactly, so please use your mind when something does not fit 100% .

 

[TasmanSeries]

Thanks!

 

[rocketsfan05]

First of all, thanks for posting the video. But I am having some trouble. I made a folder for my mod and created the shortcut, however when I change the properties of the shortcut so that it loads the mod, my computer tells me that the name I put is not valid, so I can't open the mod. Also, my computer did not create the ini file. My OS is Windows Vista. Please help me!
Thank You

 

[rocketsfan05]

Alright, now I was able to change the properties and start up the mod, but still no ini

 

[The_J]

That sounds, like if you created the folder of your mod in the My Games folder, right?
-> that's wrong, your mod has to go into the same place like all the other mods.
On Vista, it's probably C:\Program Files (x86)\Firaxis Games\Civ4\BtS

 

[Justin 12345]

I have vista as well....it seem vista doesn't like to make a ini right away. Eventually it will, and even when it doesn't the mods will work fine

 

[The_J]

Justin, have you tried to copy a .ini from another mod (e.g. Gods Of Old) over to your mod and rename it properly? That should work.

 

[Justin 12345]

I have a ini for my mod in progress, i was just pointing out that vista does not make a ini at first. It will after 10-20 runs of the mod. Just another flaw in vista.

 

[rocketsfan05]

I created it in C:\Program Files (x86)\Firaxis Games\Civ4\BtS

 

[Justin 12345]

It should be BTS/mods