Help, please.

[jonasboi 2]

I bought Simcity4 deluxe last year have recently started playing again, when I first tried to install custom content (last year) I was given some amazing help from amazing people.

Sadly I can't find all my old files and updates, I would like some help getting my game updated so that the custom content I download will actually work. the files are blank and when I try to open them it asks me if I want to look online for the appropriate program...

Please Help Me.

[jonasboi 2]

update * I am playing on Windows Vista

[The Avatar 1,089]

In order to install custom content, you need to place the files in your plugins folder, found in the SC4 folder. Some downloads (mostly from the LEX) will come as an installer that does this for you, while most of the STEX files must be manually placed in your SC4 plugins. Also, in order to use custom content and mods, you must download the official patch for the game, found here. Choose the one for your country/region, run the exe, and voila! You can now mod SC4. 

 

Hope this helps.

[infamousjbe 592]

Start here: https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?page=6  to make sure your SC4 game is up to date with the patches that allow you to use all the custom content and night lighting in the game.

 

You'll definitely want this after you've patched the game:  This also fixes a huge part of SC4 that was broke and didn't allow the game to really run the way it should have.

 

 

And you'll find some useful info here: https://www.simtropolis.com/omnibus/

 

Once you've patched the game up, it's then time to dive into the SC4 forums for more content.

 

Few key rules to adhere to:

 

1. Read all the Read Me's entirely

2. Keep your downloaded content stored in a folder structure that'll make it easy for you to find stuff if need be. 

3. 99% of the time everything will be saved to the <you>/Doc/SC4/Plugins folder. Not the C:/Programs/../../Plugins (Unless stated in the Read Me, but it's rare occasion)

4. Keep all your content saved/stored in a back-up folder somewhere outside the game related folders.

5. Do NOT get overwhelmed with too much content at first. Take it bit by bit. Advice, just bookmark everything you eventually want, as you're browsing the various forums, then dl' & install a little at a time. 

6. Test your new toys (dl'ed content) in a sand-box city before just jumping into your already built city, or you might have undesirable results. There are A LOT of dependencies for everything when you first start up again.

7. Always try and keep a back up of all your cities as well. Just copy/paste the file from the Doc/SC4/Regions/<CityName> folder.

 

Don't forget, there is 10yrs worth of content to browse, it's finding the time to actually play the game that's difficult. hahaha

 

I'm sure there is stuff I'm missing but someone else will be along to fill in what I've missed. Simtropolis is filled with very friendly and helpful mayors. 

 

Welcome back. & good luck with everything.

 

Lol.. Luigi beat me too it by meer minutes..

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Do you have the game on CD or did you download the digital version?  There are some differences to consider.

[CaptCity 4,787]

... the files are blank and when I try to open them it asks me if I want to look online for the appropriate program...

 

In addition to all the above mentioned, it sounds like you may be trying to open files (dat, desc, lot, and model files) that are used by the game. That is not necessary. These types of files are simply placed into the Plugins folder as is.

[jonasboi 2]

I have the game discs (I have the deluxe edition)

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

There are two updates published by Maxis for your game.  Start here by accepting the agreement, then proceed to find the ones you need.  The update for custom content nightlights is on the BAT page.