[Tool] Pack File Manager 1.12 (w/ integrated .loc editor)

[LtChambers]

NEWEST: Versions 1.12+ disable the db editor to emphasize that it isn't being maintained; it has been superseded by the standalone DBEditor.

I've created a tool for managing ETW pack files. Like some existing tools, it allows you to unpack and repack files, but it goes beyond that. You can create new pack files, replace files within the pack with files from hard disk (which is a lot more convenient than unpacking and then repacking everything!), and change pack types (boot/release/patch/movie). You can do all this from a relatively easy to use GUI:



Consider this tool in beta, it almost certainly has some bugs. But it's already been useful to me in easily changing things in patch.pack. It'll also make it easy to see what happens when additional patch packs are added (i.e. for mods).

The program operates abstractly on the pack files you create and open, which means it doesn't load large files into memory or modify existing pack files until you're sure you have the changes set up the way you want. Changes are color-coded, black for existing files in the pack, green for new files, red for replacement files, and gray for deleted files.

I'm happy to hear feedback on the tool and possibly feature requests as well. I have a SourceForge project so development can continue by the community if CA doesn't release a similar, official tool.

Note that this software requires the .NET Framework 3.5.

Most people will just want to download this first package and extract it wherever as long as you keep all the files in the package together.
Windows executable: https://sourceforge.net/projects/etw-mod-tools/files/PackFileManager/PackFileManager_1-12.zip/download

If you're curious, you can also check out the source code:
Source code: http://etw-mod-tools.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/etw-mod-tools

Changes in 1.12:
- disabled db editor control
- added option to make CA packs read-only to minimize corrupted CA pack files

Changes in 1.11:
- fixed row headers to be shown when not being used as first column in DBFileEditor
- added copy/paste row buttons and keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V) in DBFileEditor
- added rename action (works on both directory and file nodes)
- alpaca made some updates to ReadmeEditor

Changes in 1.10:
- fixed current row cloning bug for optional string columns
- alpaca added a readme.xml editor (will be used to great effect in a later version and also in Mod Manager)

Changes in 1.9.9:
- changed checkbox columns to AutoFilterTextBoxColumns to enable sorting and filtering
- fixed empty line bug for TSV Import
- added support for mod packs
- updated with info from JeromeGrasdyke about db behaviour
- added add/clone/delete row buttons to LocFileEditor
- bug fix for the loc file editor
- added search function for treeview
- changed "Open File" feature to watch temporary file for modifications

Changes in 1.9:
- changed DBFileEditorControl to be instantiated one time and to do its web request at that time (so only one web update per application start)
- fixed delete with non-existent tmp directory
- fixed buggy CheckState assignment by DBFileEditorControl designer
- changed add row feature to an "Add New Row" button
- fixed adding of rows to the complex db files
- added "Clone Current Row" button
- fixed DBFile.GetNewEntry() to provide correct default values
- added support for editing packed .loc files (merged alpaca's locEdit branch)

Changes in 1.8:
- added support for deleting and adding rows in DBFileEditorControl
- added support for adding and deleting optional strings
- changed "n/a" placeholder to empty string
- fixed file type filter on DBFile.Import
- fixed TSV import from Excel

Changes in 1.7.1:
- fixed saving of boolean variables

Changes in 1.7:
- added support for using online definitions
- added "use first column as row header" option
- added auto-filter and sorting for DBFileEditor columns

Changes in 1.6:
- added helpful text message when user attempts to view a non-supported db file
- expanded syntax allowed for DBFileTypes.txt to make it easier to read
- added support for unit_stats_naval
- fixed PackFile.Replace
- added PackFile.IsModified and user prompt for saving a modified pack on close
- optimized refreshing of tree view nodes and colors
- added keyboard shortcuts for tree view
- added version display to About dialog

Changes in 1.5
- added integrated db viewer and editor
- broke the Replace function

Changes in 1.3
- fixed PackType not being read on file open

Changes in 1.2
- added simple binary to repository
- added labels to show current relative path anchor
- fixed auto-detection of ETW install path for 32/64, Retail/Steam, Regular/Special Forces (needs testing)
- added failsafes for when auto-detection fails

[Mythic_Commodore]

This looks really high-quality. Downloading now and +rep.

[Tharros]

Wow nice. What language did you use to code that?

+ rep

Will give it a try when I get back from Uni.

[Robo1992]

hang on is this for modding? or will it enhance my gaming experience??

[Mythic_Commodore]

This is modding-only.

[crazypeon]

Awesome. +rep.

Amazing to get such a program within one week after the release. That's top work.

[puckaroocinni]

After installing i get this error.

[Ataegina]

nice tool

[sage2]

Awesome, I'd rep you, but I don't have enough posts with this account, and I couldn't find my old one.

[Hans Friedman]

Originally Posted by puckaroocinni

After installing i get this error.

me too

[Ibnarabi]

works well, thanks

[SparkTR]

Originally Posted by puckaroocinni

After installing i get this error.

I get the exact same error running Vista 32bit.

[LtChambers]

Yep, it seems the registry key is dependent on 32/64 bit. Can someone who knows how to use Regedit on 32-bit XP/Vista find me the registry key like "Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Steam App 10500"? Then I can support both.

[Centurion1981]

So, what do we do when we open the files? What files do we open, what do we do? LOL, sorry, I'm a little confused about how this unpacker works.

[sage2]

Originally Posted by LtChambers

Yep, it seems the registry key is dependent on 32/64 bit. Can someone who knows how to use Regedit on 32-bit XP/Vista find me the registry key like "Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Steam App 10500"? Then I can support both.

Maybe just have an option to allow the user to point to the necessary file, if it's just a path?

[Agostinos]

Originally Posted by puckaroocinni

After installing i get this error.

got exactly the same error unfortunately
Anyway this tools seems to be very useful

[Welfur]

Thx for the great Tool
Now moddinb becomes 1 step easier
+rep
Thx
Welfur

[Dewy]

Originally Posted by LtChambers

Yep, it seems the registry key is dependent on 32/64 bit. Can someone who knows how to use Regedit on 32-bit XP/Vista find me the registry key like "Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Steam App 10500"? Then I can support both.

Don't have Steam app on my regedit (Vista 32 bit)

Care to share the src?

[djackl]

I have no idea what the registry key is, but this is what my regedit says (Vista 32Bit):

Name = (Default)/Type = REG_SZ/Data = (value not set)
Name = Changed/Type = REG_DWORD/Data = 0x00000000 (0)
Name = SlowInfoCache/Type = REG_BINARY/Data = A ridiculously long number

[JohnHamm]

I hit set up and it begins adding files then it decides it wants to install .net and just sits there...no progress on bar or any thing for a solid 15 minutes. If I hit packFileMan I just get the same error as everyone else can't find the game.... any suggestions

If I move it to the game file it tells me I can't use it there and that it is installed elsewhere, were that is I have no idea damned if I can find it.



P.S. let me add to the fact that I already had 3.5 SP1