How To Install STEX BATs, Lots and Maps

[jason leo 485]

Im new to this and not sure how to install the depencies.....at the moment im using the non dependencie lots which are great, but there is some cool ones i want to get my hands on.........help!!

There are several way to install dependencies, it is based on the type of the file.

1. If the rar./zip. file contain an installer, then simply click the installer and the program can be installed automatically.

2. If don't see any installer, but the file instead, then simply extract the file to Documents/Simcity4/Plugins.

what about rendering *.SC4M files without SC4 terraformer

I think a map that should be rendered using SC4 Terraformer shouldn't rendered using any other tool/method.

Obey the creator's note, if they say CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+R, do it, if they say SC4 Terraformer, do it, if they say extract it instantly to your Documents/Simcity4/Region, do it. If you do everything exactly right with the creator's instruction, then I can guarantee you if most problems can be avoided.

[southport1 0]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but what .jpg do you download? Is this just any .jpp file that we have? Thanks a lot!

[Indiana Joe 1,752]

The .JPEG file is the black-and-white picture that looks like a contour map. It's what gives your region its distinctive terrain. There should be one included with the bitmap image in the download. (Only in these types of maps of course. Most maps just use SC4M files.)

[horrorfan24 0]

I have a problem and i don't know if it's becaouse my windows 7 isnt in english but whenever i want to render a map i pres ctrl+alt+shift+r the window pops up but it doesnt allow me to go into documents and settings in order to get to the bmp file, can someone haelp me ?

I'm having the same problem. I'm on windows 7 and I've tried to instal the Eaton map (it's the most popular map in the map download section) When I do the shift+ctrl+alt+r a really wierd windows box appears, but I can't get into my documents and setting folder to get to my simcity regions folders. Therefore, all I have at the moment are plain region tiles. Can you help me, please?

[raggnarok999 0]

Same problem as above - any way to fix that?

[jubs623 0]

I made work....

[SimRico 968]

I am getting back into SC4 after an absence since 2006! I cant recall where and how to fix the big brown boxes that pops up all over the place after ive downloaded a full-grown tree prop into the maxis/plugin folder. I thought I knew what to do with grabbing dependencies and placing these in the same folder but nothing fixed it. ive had to uninstall sc4 and clean my files then reinstall sc4 to get rid of the boxes (reverting back to original sc4). excuse my ignorance.

[jason leo 485]

I am getting back into SC4 after an absence since 2006! I cant recall where and how to fix the big brown boxes that pops up all over the place after ive downloaded a full-grown tree prop into the maxis/plugin folder. I thought I knew what to do with grabbing dependencies and placing these in the same folder but nothing fixed it. ive had to uninstall sc4 and clean my files then reinstall sc4 to get rid of the boxes (reverting back to original sc4). excuse my ignorance.

What you need is actually checking all readmes from all stuffs that you download, then, make sure if you already install all of the files you download correctly and already have all of the dependencies of the file that supposedly, already listed in the readme. If you still unable to get any clue, you can ask the missing dependencies in ' thread or PM the creator if the creator is still active.

[SimRico 968]

I am getting back into SC4 after an absence since 2006! I cant recall where and how to fix the big brown boxes that pops up all over the place after ive downloaded a full-grown tree prop into the maxis/plugin folder. I thought I knew what to do with grabbing dependencies and placing these in the same folder but nothing fixed it. ive had to uninstall sc4 and clean my files then reinstall sc4 to get rid of the boxes (reverting back to original sc4). excuse my ignorance.

What you need is actually checking all readmes from all stuffs that you download, then, make sure if you already install all of the files you download correctly and already have all of the dependencies of the file that supposedly, already listed in the readme. If you still unable to get any clue, you can ask the missing dependencies in ' thread or PM the creator if the creator is still active.

Thanks Jason, I thought I did that for a prop I've installed (but have reset everything and reinstalled sc4 after I couldn't get rid of boxes that started popping up every time I removed a low density road or laid a road (low dens only).

Another related question: Here's' my windows 8 directory for Sc4.

"Program Files(x86)/Maxis/SimCity 4 Deluxe / Plugins"

Does "all" files, including dependencies, install programs, etc goes into the plugin folder (then to subfolders within depending on if the plot is in a subfolder)?

[jason leo 485]

1. I suggest you to not using the Plugins files in the Program Files, but use the Plugins that located in C:\Users\(Your computer name)\SimCity4.

2. Not all types of files must go to your Plugins, files that should be in your Plugins are :

-.SC4Model

-.SC4Desc

-.SC4LOT

-.dat (it may contains everything, like dependencies, mods, and datpacked buildings)

-.DLL (You must read the readme first before installing this one, put it on the wrong place may cause problems)

Another those files, usually, the download also include pictures and readmes, there is no need to put this one to your Plugins and those files will only slowing the game loading speed. There also .exe, there also no need to put this one because this type of file is the installer, not the file itself.

[rafflesnaffle 0]

I have all of the region tiles set and ready to render. BUT when I go to the eaton.jpg file after I hit ctrl shift r, and I hit OK it wont do anything. Nothing starts to render.

Is this a common thing?

[Neijya 0]

I have a problem and i don't know if it's becaouse my windows 7 isnt in english but whenever i want to render a map i pres ctrl+alt+shift+r the window pops up but it doesnt allow me to go into documents and settings in order to get to the bmp file, can someone haelp me ?

I'm having the same problem. I'm on windows 7 and I've tried to instal the Eaton map (it's the most popular map in the map download section) When I do the shift+ctrl+alt+r a really wierd windows box appears, but I can't get into my documents and setting folder to get to my simcity regions folders. Therefore, all I have at the moment are plain region tiles. Can you help me, please?

Same. I seem to have two "my documents" folders, one of which is unattainable (only one displays from the SC4 dialog box, though). Seems to be a common thing with Windows7, but I haven't managed to find a way to fix it.

I made work....

Which problem did you have? If it's the same as us, I'm eager to know how!

[Neijya 0]

I have a problem and i don't know if it's becaouse my windows 7 isnt in english but whenever i want to render a map i pres ctrl+alt+shift+r the window pops up but it doesnt allow me to go into documents and settings in order to get to the bmp file, can someone haelp me ?

I'm having the same problem. I'm on windows 7 and I've tried to instal the Eaton map (it's the most popular map in the map download section) When I do the shift+ctrl+alt+r a really wierd windows box appears, but I can't get into my documents and setting folder to get to my simcity regions folders. Therefore, all I have at the moment are plain region tiles. Can you help me, please?

Same. I seem to have two "my documents" folders, one of which is unattainable (only one displays from the SC4 dialog box, though). Seems to be a common thing with Windows7, but I haven't managed to find a way to fix it.

I made work....

Which problem did you have? If it's the same as us, I'm eager to know how!

Uh, strangely enough, I was able to make it work after a few tries. I still used the region folder in my documents for the config.bmp stuff and to load the new region, but I loaded the grayscale image file from elsewhere entirely (my download folder), using the "type the city name in the box" trick.

I still get some problems, but they pertain to the way the rendering performs - at least I can get it to do its thing.

Hope this helps someone else!

Edited to add: All my rendering problems were solved by using software render instead of hardware. This despite having a very modern machine.

[Ynghston 0]

Ok so I keep trying to render maps. I'm using the Deluxe Edition, and I'm following the method above.

Among others, I tried with these maps:

• 
  
• 
  

I'm always making sure the jpg file and the config file are in the right folder, but it keeps rendering flat regions...

This is what happens all the time:

1. I hold Shift+Alt+Ctrl+R
   
2. I select the right jpg file
   
3. The whole rendering process starts, one city after another...
   
4. ...but all the city maps in the region are just eventually rendered as flat plains!
   

Is this issue familiar to anyone ?

[jason leo 485]

Ok so I keep trying to render maps. I'm using the Deluxe Edition, and I'm following the method above.

Among others, I tried with these maps:

I'm always making sure the jpg file and the config file are in the right folder, but it keeps rendering flat regions...

This is what happens all the time:

• I hold Shift+Alt+Ctrl+R
• I select the right jpg file
• The whole rendering process starts, one city after another...
• ...but all the city maps in the region are just eventually rendered as flat plains!

Is this issue familiar to anyone ?

I suggest you to read this article.

[troyalexandros 0]

i need help on this also it just never works , is there no step by step way online somewhere on how to install a map?

[Indiana Joe 1,752]

i need help on this also it just never works , is there no step by step way online somewhere on how to install a map?

 

There is a link to exactly such a thing in the post above yours.

 

 

 

Ok so I keep trying to render maps. I'm using the Deluxe Edition, and I'm following the method above.

Among others, I tried with these maps:

I'm always making sure the jpg file and the config file are in the right folder, but it keeps rendering flat regions...

This is what happens all the time:

• I hold Shift+Alt+Ctrl+R
• I select the right jpg file
• The whole rendering process starts, one city after another...
• ...but all the city maps in the region are just eventually rendered as flat plains!

Is this issue familiar to anyone ?

 

 

 

Make sure that the .jpg image is the correct size for the .bmp config image (it should be 64 times the size on each side; for example: if the .bmp is 16x16 pixels, the .jpg should be 1024x1024)

[Burromocho 10]

hi guys, i am running the game on a windows 8 platform, all perfect but the game renderer does not allow me to reach into my documents folder so i cannot render any new region. any guessings? thx a lot.

[AkemiAzula 280]

I have digitally downloaded SC4 Deluxe and just installed the Lot Editor successfully on my laptop. However when I tried to install BAT it says 'you do not have SC4 Deluxe installed'.

 

Also more on topic I downloaded the road-top mass transit pack and when I place a bus stop it appears as a paper-wrapped parcel, as one might send in the post at Christmas time! (I.E Not a bus stop) The files are all in the 'Plugins' folder.

[CaptCity 4,915]

Not having used a download version of the game, I'm not too sure what the BAT issue could be. What was the source of the download - Amazon, Steam, etc.?

 

As for the RTMT issue, the boxes appear when you don't have the model file that is required by the lot. These are sometimes included in additional dependency files required by the item - usually listed with the download. What RTMT download are you using? Knowing that will help get more specific assistance.

[AkemiAzula 280]

1. I downloaded the BAT installer that was on the list on the page accessed via the link to downloading the Lot Editor in the OP.

 

2. The road-top-mass-transit download that comes up when you search for 'most popular' STEX downloads

 

()

[CaptCity 4,915]

Sorry, I realize my previous post was a little unclear. I meant to ask where you downloaded the game. I believe I've read where the Steam version uses a different file structure and was thinking that could cause the issue you mentioned. Also, did you download and install gmax before trying to install the BAT. I think that needs to be done first.

 

As for RTMT, your link above is for the manual version of RTMT. Due to its customizing ability, it can be a bit complex to install, and is important to check the Readme to be sure you have the correct file structure and dependencies. Not everything in the download is to be used at the same time. Without knowing how you set it up, it would be difficult to know what dependencies are missing. If you really want to use this version, posting a screenshot of the contents of the RTMT folder might help.

 

If you want to make things a little easier, you could try the This is a simplified version of the same set. If you use the single prop install, it includes everything you'll need and you won't need to worry about dependencies. Once you see how the files are configured, it could guide you in using the manual version if you want. Also, there is an addon, that is available to have the latest version.

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

In the readme file of the RTMT, some of the dependency links are broken.
Just make sure these files are placed in your plugins folder:

 

Note: For the files hosted on the LEX, you'll need to register an account.
 
Ninja Boulevard Station or Ninja Boulevard Kiosk

BSC MEGA Props Gascooker Vol01

 

Antoine Tram Stops TSC

 

 

If might be worth checking your installation, as only one file from each category may be used. As CaptCity mentioned, the installer version is designed to simplify this process. If you wish to try this, just make sure to remove your existing RTMT content from your plugins folder.

[AkemiAzula 280]

Sorry, I realize my previous post was a little unclear. I meant to ask where you downloaded the game. I believe I've read where the Steam version uses a different file structure and was thinking that could cause the issue you mentioned. Also, did you download and install gmax before trying to install the BAT. I think that needs to be done first.

 

As for RTMT, your link above is for the manual version of RTMT. Due to its customizing ability, it can be a bit complex to install, and is important to check the Readme to be sure you have the correct file structure and dependencies. Not everything in the download is to be used at the same time. Without knowing how you set it up, it would be difficult to know what dependencies are missing. If you really want to use this version, posting a screenshot of the contents of the RTMT folder might help.

 

If you want to make things a little easier, you could try the This is a simplified version of the same set. If you use the single prop install, it includes everything you'll need and you won't need to worry about dependencies. Once you see how the files are configured, it could guide you in using the manual version if you want. Also, there is an addon, that is available to have the latest version.

1. I used Origin.

2. I did indeed download and install Gmax first. It was complaining that I didn't have SC4 Deluxe. When I DL'd the SC Launcher it complained similarly but gave me the option to find the exe file which I did, as it appears under Origin Games,Simcity 4 Deluxe Apps.

3.I downloaded another simpler version of RTMT which I have yet to use but which hopefully will work as it had a single data file. The menu options have already appeared at any rate. This may be the Installer version of which you speak.

[Myron0 0]

how to make bats

[Moroten89 0]

i can't seem to get any of the custom regions to work. once i have downloaded it and added into C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Regions everything goes fine. but when i start the game and look in the list of regions, the name/folder doesn't appear at all

 

I have the same problem, can anyone please help?

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

 

i can't seem to get any of the custom regions to work. once i have downloaded it and added into C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Regions everything goes fine. but when i start the game and look in the list of regions, the name/folder doesn't appear at all

 

I have the same problem, can anyone please help?

 

Custom region maps should be placed inside your "Documents\SimCity 4\Regions" folder, not the one in "Program Files".

Depending on the map format (such as greyscale or .SC4M), it will need to be rendered before the game can use it.

 

If you haven't already, please see this Omnibus article for more information. It describes how to convert a greyscale image into a map. In addition, there are links on how to install SC4Mapper and Terraformer maps.

[BayernMunich 3]

how do you access the BAT buildings in-game?

 

 

usually u find them in the monuments menu, but depending on the type of building, it can be found in numerous menus.  sometimes they can only be grown @hudson229

[BLBeck 0]

Please help! I downloaded the BAT (unzipped) and pasted it in the plugins folder. Now how do I use the building in the game? I cant find it. I checked all the menus.

[SimCoug 5,976]

Please help! I downloaded the BAT (unzipped) and pasted it in the plugins folder. Now how do I use the building in the game? I cant find it. I checked all the menus.

 

Which BAT exactly are you talking about?  If it was a growable version, it will not be in your menu - you will have to zone RCI and wait for it to grow (assuming all the requirements are met).