SC4Mapper problem

[BC Canuck 207]

Hi All

Using Windows 7 Home Premium have the latest version of SC4Mapper.  Have used it in the past without a problem.

I am trying to render MrBisonm's Grand River Valley map and once SC4Mapper starts, the following happens

Note: the GRV.SC4M file and Config.bmp files were transferred/copied into the SC4 Regions under Grand River Valley.  Followed Mr B's readme instructions while trying to do this.

1- New Horizons splash screen comes up

2- The Create/Load Region screen comes up

3- I click on Create Region

I also tried Load Region but the same blue instructions come up and gets stuck...

Then all I get is the very large Blue instruction screen which I can't delete, move and then I have to log-off.  It pretty much covers the entire desktop and nothing happens.

A screenshot is included here.  What am I doing wrong?  Any help would be appreciated.

 

[twalsh102 1,601]

What you are seeing is an .HTML read me file from the map's creator. 

SC4 Terraformer provides a capability for a content creator to actually embed a read me file (in HTML format) within the SC4M file.  The idea being that when someone opens the SC4M file in Terraformer or SC4 Mapper, the instructions converting the map to a region are there front and center.  This usually isn't an issue when the content creator sticks strictly to text, as the instructions are fairly short and straightforward.  The entire file will fit within the screen area and you can then close it as usual.

The problem you are experiencing is a result of when the content creator tries to be helpful and includes 1 or more pictures of regions he has created from the map and built up.  This can make the HTML file longer than will fit on the screen.  Further, SC4 Mapper doesn't open the read me file in a separate browser, but with a built-in HTML file reader (I'm guessing).  When it opens the file, for whatever reason, it defaults to the bottom of the file instead of the top.  The practical result is you end up with a file that you can't move, or exit from, and you can't use SC4 Mapper until you get it out of the way.

I fought with this problem for a while until I chanced across a fairly simple resolution:

1.  Change your screen resolution to an extremely low setting.  This alone will often cause the top of the HTML file to line up with the top of your screen.  Then you can move it or close it.
2.  Change your screen resolution back to what it was originally.  If you didn't see the top of the HTML file in the lower resolution, you should see it now.

[rsc204 21,804]

The other option I believe is simply to locate the HTML file and move or rename the file. Then it will be ignored upon startup preventing the issue.

[twalsh102 1,601]

Actually I tried that when I ran into the original problem with Republic City by APSMS.    From what I can tell, SC4Terraformer (as well as SC4Mapper) actually embed the entire HTML read-me file in the SC4M, rather than just embedding a link.  I just tried this again and found (again) that with SC4Mapper, deleting the HTML file does not affect the problem.  For whatever reason, the built-in HTML file reader (in SC4Mapper) defaults to the bottom of the HTML file, and doesn't provide any scroll function.

As a minor correction to my previous post, you don't necessarily need to change to a lower resolution, you just need to change to a resolution different that what it was when you told SC4Mapper to create a region with an SC4M file.

Your mileage may vary if you try the same thing (creating a region from an SC4M file) using SC4Terraformer instead of SC4Mapper.  I haven't tried to recreate the problem using SC4Terraformer, so it may not even exist there.

[rsc204 21,804]

I think perhaps I'm confusing the readme for the application with the one for a given map here.

[BC Canuck 207]

Thanks so much twalsh102! (and rsc204 - second time you've helped me out this week). 

Changing my screen resolution and then back to the original resolution did the trick.  That hadn't occurred to me - so simple

I'll be adding that bit of information to the comments section for the map download on the Stex file in case others have the same issue in the future.  I'll cut and paste your instructions with credit to you...if that's alright...

I must say I do appreciate the help you get on this site.  I have what I consider basic computer knowledge but sometimes the obvious isn't obvious to me.