Question about the files from the Ultimate Guide

[NeveroddoreveN 67]

Hey everyone!! I am sorry about this, I posted a identical topic in the mods page, but then realized that my question should not go there. I went back and tried to delete that post, but I don't see a selection to do so. So, I apologize that this topic says the same as the one before it. My mistake. Here is what the post said....

Hey everyone!! I wanted to sit down and start installing the mods/files/patches that are listed in the SimCity 4 Ultimate Guide - I finally have time to do this!! So I went to the first set of downloads, labeled "Performance and Graphics List", took a look at what was listed and I don't see a stated folder for these files to go into. Maybe I am missing something, and I do admit that I don't know much about this sort of thing. I am looking in my SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition folder, aside from the shortcut, I see "Documents" and "Tools". Again, I apologize for being naive. Any and all help is appreciated!

Anyway, I think the topic content belongs here, so that is why I am posting it here. Again, I am sorry for the confusion.

[CorinaMarie 29,556]

2 hours ago, NeveroddoreveN said:

I am sorry about this,

Nothing to worry about. It's very easy to believe one place is the right one until suddenly some place else feels better. Staff came along and deleted your first topic so all is well. That's a simple chore and we don't mind it now and then. (We get to feel like superheroes with our magical powers.)

I'll leave the actual answers to your questions to the experts.

[NeveroddoreveN 67]

Thanks so much!!! 

[bhmantan 2,045]

5 hours ago, NeveroddoreveN said:

took a look at what was listed and I don't see a stated folder for these files to go into

hi @NeveroddoreveN, click on each of the items and you'll find out what they are (some are not plugins), and where to put them if they're plugins.

and, as a rule of thumb, if it's a plugin and there's no specific instructions on its page about where to put it,
then you can just put it inside the Documents > SimCity 4 > Plugins folder.

[NeveroddoreveN 67]

I do not see a Plugins folder within the folder that the game is installed into. I see "Tools" and "Documents" folders.  The path for the game is as follows: C>ProgramData>Microsoft>>Windows>Start Menu>Programs>SimCity 4 Deluxe - I assume I should make a Plugins folder there with the application, but I want to confirm that with you before I do anything.

 

[Ulisse Wolf 4,398]

Generally, mods should be installed in this path

Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins

Some mods, on the other hand, must be installed inside the SC4 installation folder, as in the case of DgVoodoo 2

With the exception of dgvoodoo2 which must be installed and configured manually, all mods can be installed using SC4Pac directly that the community mod manager.

This program allows you to simplify all the procedures for installing and updating mods

 

[bhmantan 2,045]

4 hours ago, NeveroddoreveN said:

C>ProgramData>Microsoft>>Windows>Start Menu>Programs>SimCity 4 Deluxe

That's not the path for the game files, but probably just the shortcut to the launcher or something.

If it's not clear enough, the "Documents > SimCity 4 > Plugins" is not the game directory.
The "Documents" (I believe it's called My Documents in the older system) folder is the one inside the C>Users>your username>...
Usually, there's a shortcut to it in your explorer/desktop, that's why people refer to it directly as "Documents" folder, without the "C blahblah" directory.

Also, for the game directory itself, it depends on what you used to install the game.
If you're playing the GOG version, it should be inside the C>GOG Games>SimCity 4
But, if you're on Steam, then you can just right-click the game on your Steam library > Manage > Browse local files, and it should bring you to the game directory

Both inside the Documents and the game directory, there's a folder named "Plugins".
But for mods (also save files and regions), you'll mainly use the one inside the Documents folder,
unless the plugins you download specifically ask to be placed in the one inside the game directory.

[NeveroddoreveN 67]

Ok, I am sorry, but I am a bit lost here. Are you guys saying that, when clicking on a link to any given mod on the Ultimate Guide links, when I open the page, it will be indicated where the download goes? I do thank everyone for the heads up about the plugins folder, I had it completely wrong, so thanks for the clarification!! Also, I had heard from someone - I forget who it was - that if I am downloading SimCity 4 Deluxe from GOG.com, to do a manual install, instead of using GOG Galaxy. Is this a valid notion? Again, I am sorry with all of the questions and confusion, I am not really tech-savvy for the most part, and I really do appreciate everyone's help!!!

[CorinaMarie 29,556]

4 hours ago, NeveroddoreveN said:

I forget who it was - that if I am downloading SimCity 4 Deluxe from GOG.com, to do a manual install, instead of using GOG Galaxy. Is this a valid notion?

Quite likely it was me, and yes for SC4 you absolutely do want to avoid their Galaxy launcher thinger.

[marcio1977 206]

Just a small addendum:
If you use OneDrive backup for the Documents folder, the most common path for custom plugins (with the exception of a few) should be:

C:\Users\<user name>\OneDrive\Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins

I thought it was worth mentioning because this detail has already given me headaches with synchronization problems.

[NeveroddoreveN 67]

Ok, so let me make sure I understand all of this - it's been quite a bit to take in, seeing as how I don't know much about this sort of thing. So, all mods on the Ultimate Guide should be installed into the "plugins folder" - NOT the game directory, but the folder within Documents, unless specified within the Guide and/or when I click on the links inside of it. I assume that when I click on a guide link, I will be shown some sort of commentary on where the downloaded files are to go. As for SC4Pac, how does that program work? Does it make the installation of the Guide download files easier and stream-lined? How do I use that program? Lastly, my PC uses OneDrive, though I am not terribly familiar with it. I will keep in mind what Marcio1977 commented about the plugins path name.