Guide to installing two versions of the same Mod

[[Celtíbero]Mencey]

...without having to install MTW2 twice!


The example shown here uses Stainless Steel mod, but it works with any mod that uses MTWII Mod folder.
Let’s suppose we want to have 2 different versions of this Mod. Maybe one 6.2 and other 6.3.
6 steps


1.- Install the mod

2.- Go to Mods folder. There we will find a folder named Stainless_Steel_6 There should be all files of this mod.
Rename this folder. For example:


Stainless_Steel_6_HOTSEAT1

Warning: All separate words must be united with an underline. NEVER a blank space

If we try to lauch the mod now, we would get an error. That’s why we need to continue:
3.- Inside the folder named "Stainless_Steel_6_HOTSEAT1" search the following file: Stainless_Steel_Kingdoms.cfg (maybe the extension .cfg is not shown, then you should change the windows view to show Details)
Right click on it an go to Properties: it is is marked as “Read only” uncheck it and save changes.

Right click on int and select “Edit”. Use MSWord, Notepad, Wordpad, etc. Once opened, look for:


[features]
mod = mods/Stainless_Steel_6

Replace it with the name you have given to the folder:

[features]
mod = mods/Stainless_Steel_6_HOTSEAT1

Save and close the .cfg file.
4.- Inside the same folder, search for the file named

Stainless_Steel_Kingdoms.bat (maybe .bat extension is not showed, but it is a Windows Batch File type- change the windows view to show Details).

Right click on int and select “Edit”. Use MSWord, Notepad, Wordpad, etc. Once opened, look for:


del Data\text\*.bin /S /Q
cd ..\..
start kingdoms.exe @mods\Stainless_Steel_6\Stainless_Steel_Kingdoms.cfg

As before, change it to show the new name of the folder

del Data\text\*.bin /S /Q
cd ..\..
start kingdoms.exe @mods\Stainless_Steel_6_HOTSEAT1\Stainless_Steel_Kingdoms.cfg

Close the file saving the changes.

5.- Right click over the bat file and select “Send to”, creating a new icon on the desktop (and delete the original icon that was installed with the mod in the desktop). Launch the mod. It should work!!
6.- Install again the mod without fear. It will not overwrite the previous installed version, and you will have two different icons to launch them. If you want a 3rd version installed... change again the folders and files as explained before!

Courtesy of Hermandad de la Guardia Clan

[Desley]

Or you could just rename the folder into SS6.3hotseat and then install the mod a second time and let that 1 be called 6.3

It works aswell

[goro]

my kgcm didnt work with what you said desley.the shortcut kept leading to the new installed version

[decimator22]

my kgcm didnt work with what you said desley.the shortcut kept leading to the new installed version

That's because you have to change the shortcut route as well.

By the way nice thread Mencey.

[Swarbs]

That's because you have to change the shortcut route as well.

By the way nice thread Mencey.

Actually I think it'll probably be not changing the .cfg file. Cos that's the file that determines what mod folder gets accessed, and is usually the biggest problem for people trying to install two copies.

But yeah, nice idea Mencey, +rep.

[Visorslash]

Gave you rep.

I think this should have it's own sticky.

[IZob]

You dont need to reinstall. You could just copy the modgame folder, paste it in the medieval/mods folder and re-title the names in those files (the name of the modgame folder aswell). No need to touch the installer (if the mod has one).

So theres one way to do it if there isnt a installer for the mod around.

[[Celtíbero]Mencey]

You dont need to reinstall. You could just copy the modgame folder, paste it in the medieval/mods folder and re-title the names in those files (the name of the modgame folder aswell). No need to touch the installer (if the mod has one).

So theres one way to do it if there isnt a installer for the mod around.

If the mod is the same you are right , but, as in the example, if you need SS 6.2 and 6.3 you need to reinstall, I think.

[Visorslash]

No you don't.

[[Celtíbero]Mencey]

You can not copy SS 6.2 and paste it changing the names, and then get 6.3 with this proccess, I think.

[IZob]

Well SS runs on a few updates. Depending on what version you are playing will give you the required updates you will need. Just copying the entire mod folder will insure you that, what ever was in the original mod will also be in your copy of that mod.

If you want to update the original, its very simple. Members of mods will help you with that (their own install guides). But you couldn't use the same updates for the original mod for your copied mod. Unless you knew what files you were updating. A installer may not recognise a copy of SS for example. The origional mod update may also not recognies your own mod (deppends how much your cutting and pasting, if you'v edited the mod yourself etc).

Think of mods as castle (stupid Idea ). You can copy the castle but you'll have to rename it (you dont have two castles called the same name). So then only the origional will get the upgrade, since the upgrade was made for the castle name (and its contents).

[[Celtíbero]Mencey]

It may be I have never updated a mod succesfully... always had to install whole new version.

[Swarbs]

SS6.3 installs separately from SS6.2 so you wouldn't need to move the mod folder to get both of those running. I think a better example is if you are already running SS6.2 and want to add SS6.2 RR/RC as well. You can't just copy the 6.2 folder and rename it, as the RR/RC compilation only installs from SS 6.1. But in most cases you will be fine to copy and paste, particularly if you want to keep all your configs and preferences.

Btw, that is a very abstract similie IZob!

[Incontinenta Buttox]

Well I am none the wiser after reading this thread. I must be a bit thick, because every attempt I have made at a second copy of a mod always goes tits up.

[Visorslash]

It's not to hard. Basically you need to rename the folder, edit the .cfg to change where the cd checks for the mod and edit the .bat file and change the shortcut as well. Then you can install another version.

[[Celtíbero]Mencey]

Well I am none the wiser after reading this thread. I must be a bit thick, because every attempt I have made at a second copy of a mod always goes tits up.

Then don't copy. Install as I explained.