The Red Arrow of Doom

[digitalorange 0]

Can anyone tell me how to get rid of the red arrow which prevents certain puzzle pieces from working? I have FINALLY managed to get the NAM to work after the help from people here (and yes - a big thanks to the person who uploaded screen shots!) but i keep getting the red arrow when i am trying to lace certain new pieces. I have read the FAQ which provides no use, can't find the illusive Cleanitol file and as all the NAM plug-ins have cryptic names, i am at a loss. Any help?

[JakeMD 107]

Puzzle pieces can only go in certain places. If you are placing a puzzle piece which requires you to place it directly on a network, you must do so. If you are placing something that must be placed on ground, you must do so.

Maybe you should post a screenshot of what you are trying to accomplish and we can help you further.

[Tarkus 6,932]

SWAT-MEDIC, I believe digitalorange is actually referring to the infamous "red arrow bug", which does not have anything to do with attempting to place a piece somewhere it does not go.

Basically, what the "red arrow bug" signifies is that there is an outdated RUL file sitting in your Plugins somewhere, and it is loading after the updated RUL file in your \Plugins\Network Addon Mod directory.  RUL Files are an internal Maxis file that basically control the game's ability to place network tiles.  They're what make the NAM possible.

The game loads Plugins in alphabetical order, so wherever this RUL file is, it's likely sitting in a folder coming after "Ne" or it's loose in the main Plugins directory. 

The "illusive" Cleanitol file should be included in the main NAM .zip right when you download it.  However, I happened to consult the Mac version of the NAM I have sitting here on my Hard Drive, and it appears to be missing the Cleanitol file.  (The PC/Windows version has it.)  So you don't have to download the PC version just for a few KB text file, I've attached the Cleanitol file below for your convenience.  (I'll attach it to the FAQ as well.)

One other thing I'd also recommend--take the file called "NetworkAddonMod_Controller.dat" and move it into a new folder called "zzz-NAM Controller".  This should make the NAM Controller the last thing to load in your Plugins, and it should override any conflicting files that may be sitting around. 

Hope that helps!

-Tarkus

Cleanitol_NetworkAddonMod_April2008.zip

[Hamish 1,369]

Tarkus: It doesn't have a cleanitol file because macs can't use cleanitol, yet...

I have a version that should work, and will be getting released shortly.

[Tarkus 6,932]

hamish:  That would explain it.  I was kind of wondering, but not being a Mac user, wasn't sure.  At any rate, even if you don't have Cleanitol, you can also try searching your Plugins directory for the files listed in there . . . it's just a text file list, more or less.

And I'm glad to hear you Mac folks will have some sort of Cleanitol functionality here soon.

-Tarkus

[chicagoflo 8]

I always put streets along the sides so that the puzzle peices face the direction I want them too.