Instructions for Custom Portraits Don't Seem to Work For Me

Discussion in 'Arcanum Hints & Tips' started by DivisMa1, Jul 12, 2004.

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  1. DivisMa1

    DivisMa1 New Member

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    I'm working off of Windows XP Pro, and I have version 1.4.0.7 of the game, if I recall correctly (whatever the latest patch is). I've created the file named portait in the appropriate subdirectory, and put the 256-colour bitmaps named HUM01 and HUM01_b of the appropriate dimensions (64x64 pixels, and a 128x128 pixel one for the larger version). I created the "useredit.mes" MES file with the contents:

    {1}{HUM01}
    {2}{HUM01_b}

    The file seems to want to run in WordPad, which I created it with, no matter how much I scream and curse at the little bugger. Not to mention attempt to change the settings, only to be foiled by a lack of anything better to open it with. When I go to create a new character, it doesn't appear in the selections. I tried creating one anyway, and running the game to see if it'd just pop up (ah, the foolish optimism of youth), but no dice. When I use the World Editor, and attempt to look at Portaits, it just tells me the file can't be indexed, or something along those lines.

    I've used the Search function to re-read all previous posts on this matter, and tried anything I could, but to no avail. I also looked up the instructions posted on the support site, which were even more useless (well, useless to me, since I seem to be doing something wrong that no amount of effort or thought will fix).

    Anyone got a clue how to get this little problem fixed? Or even what the problem -is-? I've followed the instructions to the letter, and tried everything I can think of to work out the kinks on my own, but this is just confounding me. It's even stumped my 9 year old brother, who has an eerie apititude for computers, yet cannot comprehend even the most fundamental of social graces (not unlike the more immature users of weblogs), a la' "Rain Man"

    A pity he can't play cards.

    --B
     
  2. Canis

    Canis New Member

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    1. Right click -> Open With -> Choose Program -> Select Notepad or other text editor of your choice, and check the "Always use selected program with this type of file" box. I would personally be happy if WordPad disappeared forever. I personally like Notetab and EditPad.

    2. When selecting a custom portrait in the game, they only appeat when scrolling forward (right), not back.

    3. Make sure your portrait is in RGB and not Indexed mode. I've found the latter doesn't work at all.

    4. Make sure everything is in the correct directory, and that userport.mes has a blank line at the end. I have a feeling it is important though I couldn't tell you why.

    5. You don't need to use WorldEd; you should be able to do it all with a text editor and your graphics program.
     
  3. DivisMa1

    DivisMa1 New Member

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    Thanks, I Think

    Hopefully, this will help, I'll need to get back to my own computer to give it a run. I mentioned the trouble with World Ed, actually, because I get the feeling it's a seperate problem. Whenever I tried to edit Portaits, Equipment, or anything else of that nature, WordPad would pop up, and claim it couldn't access the file... which was a bit odd. When I, on impulse, set MES files to open with Arcanum, then tried editing Portraits or Equipment with them, it caused Arcanum to boot up and begin running.

    Somehow... I get the very distinct notion that Windows has gotten the idea into its head to always open those damned files with the same application, no matter what. And I can't seem to change it's mind about that. When I click on Properties, it has that bit about "Opens With..", and whatever program is selected to open it with. Unfortunately, while I can change this to be whatever may strike my fancy, I cannot seem to convince Windows to just -not- have a default application that makes this bugger work (or not work, as the case may be).

    Very frustrating, I've been on it for about 6 hours trying to fix the glitch, which is roughly five hours and fifty five minutes longer than I feel like dealing with this sort of tripe.

    Thanks for your advice nonetheless, hopefully I shall be back to report success within the next day or so. Or teach everyone a few Welsh curse words, depending.

    --B
     
  4. Settler

    Settler Member

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    Re: Thanks, I Think

    Ooh! Ooh! Me!

    Ahem.

    In my experience, I've found that custom Arcanum portraits are EXTREMELY temperamental...it's totally random whether some will work or not. Forget about the portraits, save your sanity : ).
     
  5. Settler

    Settler Member

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    Re: Thanks, I Think

    Ooh! Ooh! Me!

    Ahem.

    In my experience, I've found that custom Arcanum portraits are EXTREMELY temperamental...it's totally random whether some will work or not. Forget about the portraits, save your sanity : ).
     
  6. DEATH AT THE DOOR

    DEATH AT THE DOOR New Member

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    There are rules:
    - The portraits should be 256 colours.
    - They should be of the correct size.
    - They should be BMP.
    - They should be in the right directory.

    Works 100% of times here.
     
  7. DivisMa1

    DivisMa1 New Member

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    Blargh

    They're 256 colours, 64x64 pixels, in the proper directory, and named properly. As far as I can tell, the bugger just hates me.

    And so, as promised....

    Malu cachu, twll din pop Saes! Mae dy fam yn llyfu cociau mul! Dos i chwarae efo dy nain! Sugno fy nhi'n i cachwr! Dos i chwarae gyda'r traffig y'r ast hyll! Ma bys bach fi yn fwy na esgys ti am goc! Mae gen ti cont mawr drewllyd a fronnau flewog!!

    [Disclaimer: You probably shouldn't translate any of this. And if you do, relax... it's all aimed at this Infernal Machine upon my desk]
     
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