Simtropolis Returns!

[Silur 3,302]

The accident (But not a catastrophe) on Simtropolis will live in our hearts for a long time. 
A huge thank you to everyone who is rebuilding this community! 
You are the best! 
I'm at your feet.

[CorinaMarie 29,574]

1 minute ago, AndisArt said:

Only my files were not lost, so there was nothing to restore. 

Your files are preserved under the change log and can be brought back, but it takes a deft hand to do that as there's a little board software bug which deletes pics. CB can do it safely, but he's currently coding a Restoration Tracker page. Also, I feel certain Ullisse will have copies of the updated files.

[Tyberius06 12,184]

42 minutes ago, AndisArt said:

I'm confused that my files didn't survive despite me not having uploaded anything since 2020 or so.

It says they were updated in 2025 by Ulisse Wolf? What does that mean? 

I assume this means former file uploads were not kept? 

31 minutes ago, AndisArt said:

I'm surprised about the amount of changes that were done without consulting me. Was that a side-wide thing that I missed or something?

2 minutes ago, AndisArt said:

Only my files were not lost, so there was nothing to restore. 

Former versions are generally available from the little menu next to the "What's new" clicking onto the "View ChangeLog".
It was actually myself mainly who made the changes and Ulisse Wolf helped me with the uploads, because we started unifying contents between the former LEX (now restored on the SC4Evermore) and STEX versions. As you must be aware of that, that many of these files of yours were also released on the SC4Devotion LEX back in the days. There used to be that practice that CAM contents were added (often running on the same TGI as the non-CAM versions) to the LEX, while the non-CAM versions were kept on the STEX. Well this greatly changed in the past few years and we started merging these separated uploads into ONE pack for both exchanges. Also the CAM contents now generally have their own main/parent folder (CAM/Creator Name) instead of straight to the plugins as loose or under just the creator's name, so people can easily select/deselect the CAM contents whether they wanted to use or not.

The dependenci(es) basically are the models from you into a collective AndisArt Models Mega Pack vol01, that was released on the SC4Evermore and the BSC Essentials due to the CAM UIs. Again this is a consolidation of the different lot versions that were released on the two exchanges. Both the CAM and non-CAM versions are using the same models, and since not necessarily both versions need to be used, to support the separate CAM and non-CAM versions which share on the same model files the common model pack made the most sense so things don't get duplicated unnecessarily. So instead of duplicating the models for each version, they are installed once from the model pack, then either or both of the lot version can be installed from STEX or from the installer (Evermore). 

So since the LEX versions of your contents were LOST and needed to be restored and since we want as less file conflicts and duplications between officially available versions as possible, the decision was made that we were unifying the two versions. Both the SC4Evermore and the STEX versions now have the same files and general folder structure, but the STEX versions are separate entries while the Evermore versions are coming with a cross-platform java installer based compilation. Also all these files were added to SC4Pac which again required some kind of consolidation. 

This has been a general thing in recent years, it is not just with your contents, but the amount you have is relatively small comparing to SimGoober's 200+ uploads where the STEX versions were rendered obsolete, but due to their amount it is time consuming to replace or redirect them all to the most up to date versions. But eventually it's gonna happen. 
Also in this case it was all about restoring the LEX contents, but since they were kind of parallels with the STEX files, they both needed to be brought to the same level.

As for why we did not consult with you. Well, I do apoligize if this was unconfortable for you, I did not mean any harm.
However since many people (including you) are coming and going often skipping years without any activity (think about it, these changes happened in last September - 9 months ago -, and you only noticed it just now that your files were updated) and many people are not even coming back at all nor responding to DMs or emails (if their emails are still existing), sorry, but I personally don't bother asking permission, if a person was absent for months or more than a year prior the updates. Because time is precious and waiting for months or years for a might be response is not viable. There are many files in generaly that are either broken or they have very outdated modding (especially the transportation stuff), where there is no way that I would start chasing the creators for response. Sorry. In your case it was about both restoring the former LEX contents and improving accessibility which is necessary these days, hence the further imporvements like SC4Pac compatibility. 
We have thousands of files over at SC4Devotion LEX that still need to be restored/rehosted (not to mention the SFBT contents, the SimCity Polska contents etc...) and some/many of them need to be updated because they use NOW outdated modding practices that now we know better, and in the most cases the creators are not available anymore at all.
We just go with the flow. 

Kind Regards,

- Tyberius06

[AndisArt 2,066]

20 minutes ago, Tyberius06 said:

Former versions are generally available from the little menu next to the "What's new" clicking onto the "View ChangeLog".
It was actually myself mainly who made the changes and Ulisse Wolf helped me with the uploads, because we started unifying contents between the former LEX (now restored on the SC4Evermore) and STEX versions. As you must be aware of that, that many of these files of yours were also released on the SC4Devotion LEX back in the days. There used to be that practice that CAM contents were added (often running on the same TGI as the non-CAM versions) to the LEX, while the non-CAM versions were kept on the STEX. Well this greatly changed in the past few years and we started merging these separated uploads into ONE pack for both exchanges. Also the CAM contents now generally have their own main/parent folder (CAM/Creator Name) instead of straight to the plugins as loose or under just the creator's name, so people can easily select/deselect the CAM contents whether they wanted to use or not.

The dependenci(es) basically are the models from you into a collective AndisArt Models Mega Pack vol01, that was released on the SC4Evermore and the BSC Essentials due to the CAM UIs. Again this is a consolidation of the different lot versions that were released on the two exchanges. Both the CAM and non-CAM versions are using the same models, and since not necessarily both versions need to be used, to support the separate CAM and non-CAM versions which share on the same model files the common model pack made the most sense so things don't get duplicated unnecessarily. So instead of duplicating the models for each version, they are installed once from the model pack, then either or both of the lot version can be installed from STEX or from the installer (Evermore). 

So since the LEX versions of your contents were LOST and needed to be restored and since we want as less file conflicts and duplications between officially available versions as possible, the decision was made that we were unifying the two versions. Both the SC4Evermore and the STEX versions now have the same files and general folder structure, but the STEX versions are separate entries while the Evermore versions are coming with a cross-platform java installer based compilation. Also all these files were added to SC4Pac which again required some kind of consolidation. 

This has been a general thing in recent years, it is not just with your contents, but the amount you have is relatively small comparing to SimGoober's 200+ uploads where the STEX versions were rendered obsolete, but due to their amount it is time consuming to replace or redirect them all to the most up to date versions. But eventually it's gonna happen. 
Also in this case it was all about restoring the LEX contents, but since they were kind of parallels with the STEX files, they both needed to be brought to the same level.

As for why we did not consult with you. Well, I do apoligize if this was unconfortable for you, I did not mean any harm.
However since many people (including you) are coming and going often skipping years without any activity (think about it, these changes happened in last September - 9 months ago -, and you only noticed it just now that your files were updated) and many people are not even coming back at all nor responding to DMs or emails (if their emails are still existing), sorry, but I personally don't bother asking permission, if a person was absent for months or more than a year prior the updates. Because time is precious and waiting for months or years for a might be response is not viable. There are many files in generaly that are either broken or they have very outdated modding (especially the transportation stuff), where there is no way that I would start chasing the creators for response. Sorry. In your case it was about both restoring the former LEX contents and improving accessibility which is necessary these days, hence the further imporvements like SC4Pac compatibility. 
We have thousands of files over at SC4Devotion LEX that still need to be restored/rehosted (not to mention the SFBT contents, the SimCity Polska contents etc...) and some/many of them need to be updated because they use NOW outdated modding practices that now we know better, and in the most cases the creators are not available anymore at all.
We just go with the flow. 

Kind Regards,

- Tyberius06

Thanks for the explanations. 

Edits of your own uploads do not trigger notifications for yourself, so why would I have noticed it? I do get an email when getting a PM, however. So a message would have been appreciated as personally I don't agree with edits being made without trying to consult a creator. But let's move the further discussion to PM now. 

[Silur 3,302]

You are the best ! 
I'm at your feet.

[Mister J 101]

So glad to have ST back! Thank you to Cori, CB, and Dirk for all that they've done and are still doing. 

[Cyclone Boom 16,852]

@AndisArt

Just a quick FYI...

For now I've restored the original versions of your 4 affected files, which makes them available again (under the main Download button). They were still in the changelog, but not many would check down there. I think you were just a bit surprised what needed updating, but I hope with Tibi's clarification there can be a way forward which works best.

[CaptCity 4,695]

On 5/29/2026 at 10:06 AM, CorinaMarie said:

...And especially for right now as CB has some code running for the past 20-some hours which is restoring images from the Wayback Machine.

Ah, missed this announcement the first time around. Does explain a few things - thought I saw images changing right in front of my eyes while trying to manipulate some things on the homepage. 

Definitely making things easier... Thanks. 

[quizlers 6]

I'm glad our city is back online! 

Thank you to Cori, CB and Dirk and all the staff for their hard work in bringing back the site I love to life again! Been here since almost the beginning of this site and I'll be here for the rest of my days! Love this community and the files are great as well (lol)

Keep up the good work ya'll! Sending love from Texas!

 

MAY IT STAND FOREVER, OUR SIMTROPOLIS!!!!

[Kel9509 1,357]

I've got a question about reuploading my files.  I've held off a bit just to make sure that back-end stuff is ok. 

1. Will a reupload automatically create a new version?  I'd like to avoid that if possible.  I understand older versions will need to be restored on the back-end.

2. Is it possible to fix pictures in the uploads without uploading a new version?

3. For forum attachments, can those also be reuploaded without editing a post or does that need to be edited also?

[serpe 75]

So happy to see Simtropolis back!!

I can only imagine how bad it must have been to the point of having Corina cussing lol

Hope the road to recovery is as painless as possible and if there is anything we could help please let us know.

Personally, I have kept every single .zip file I have ever downloaded since I started playing SimCity 4 but I'm not sure how useful that can be.

Anyway welcome back!!

 

Serpe

[CorinaMarie 29,574]

19 minutes ago, serpe said:

I can only imagine how bad it must have been to the point of having Corina cussing lol

 

 

19 minutes ago, serpe said:

... I have ever downloaded since I started playing SimCity 4 but I'm not sure how useful that can be.

For now, just hang tight.

CB is working on a live feed similar to the All SC4 Files feed he created, but which will only show borked files. Then the peeps who've said they can help with Restoring will pick one at a time and do so and/or peeps can simply reply saying they have it and attach it to a post.

Or such.

We're kind of making this up as we go. CB figured the first major step was to create a self updating list of the damage. (He's been working under the hood for the past 22 hours and I'm going to have to send him to bed.)

After that we'll figure out the logistics of fixing them.

[TheTimvh1 873]

rare_guava's Club Sega appears to be missing.  I have it and if need be can send it to an admin after I get off work 

[Cyclone Boom 16,852]

1 hour ago, Kel9509 said:

I've got a question about reuploading my files.  I've held off a bit just to make sure that back-end stuff is ok. 

1. Will a reupload automatically create a new version?  I'd like to avoid that if possible.  I understand older versions will need to be restored on the back-end.

Yes it will do. Alternatively, Cori or I could manually upload files to the server, or automate the importing of files using a server side script. In that case it wouldn't add a new version, as we'd be simply adding files in place. That method has succeeded with Wayback Machine restorations for some screenshots and attachments.

For versioning, I believe I can run a cleanup on duplicates, while preserving unique older versions (which we can hopefully restore).

 

1 hour ago, Kel9509 said:

2. Is it possible to fix pictures in the uploads without uploading a new version?

Yes, using the Edit Details page (from File Actions), where I added ability to edit/add pics there (without needing a new version).

Ironically, that was something I was going to announce just before we lost the old server.

 

1 hour ago, Kel9509 said:

3. For forum attachments, can those also be reuploaded without editing a post or does that need to be edited also?

Attachments must be re-edited to posts, unless restored server side.

That is unless I develop a way to swap them in via another interface. I've got ideas to add a way to edit back attachments from the index page, but I'll need to develop it. Might be something which can come after we get the STEX file restorations in full swing.

[daxx1999 7]

Wonderful to see Simtropolis back again. Thanks to the Team behind for the hard work. As usual, you recognize how worthful something is, when it is not there. Great effort even there is more to do. 

[Vanasonic 49]

Thanks for all your efforts. I greatly missed this place while it was down. 

[Danny50205 71]

Updated the missing SimCity 3000 Pier 39. 

:D 

[CorinaMarie 29,574]

3 hours ago, Danny50205 said:

Updated the missing SimCity 3000 Pier 39.

I did the Delete My File Message Banner! for you.  

[Atur_Official 19]

And now we wait for everyone to realise that the site if back online

[albireo38 340]

Thank you all for your effort to save Simtropolis. 

[Megamind80 21]

A warm welcome back for all of you.

I hope, i can help you to restore some missing files, when needed. 

Tanti saluti (Happy greetz)

 

 

[simmering 2,607]

On 5/29/2026 at 7:33 PM, Cyclone Boom said:

Speaking of that, there are quite a few image.png being restored, so it's possible yours @simmering might be part of what the Wayback has. Thankfully they allow checking for any files saved within a directory path, so we can iterate through the monthly subfolders.

Sneak peek from the terminal:

I have to set it slowly to go easy on the Wayback's servers, so it's quite a long process. Getting there though...

Could you let us know once the process is completed? Thanks!

[SDEESEE 7]

On 27/05/2026 at 1:42 PM, CorinaMarie said:

As many of y'all know, ST went down on 16 April, 2026 due to a billing error 2 days prior to that. The pathetic host decided to not only suspend the server, but to immediately delete it entirely, including the live site and both daily backups.

F that host 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

[ilikehotdogsalot 307]

Thank you for all your efforts getting the site back online! 

[nightbird615 1,401]

Please release the name of the organization/company so others will know to avoid using them.  Very unprofessional.  Sorry you guys had to go through this.

[simster007 370]

Thx to everybody involved!!!

[CorinaMarie 29,574]

2 hours ago, nightbird615 said:

Please release the name of the organization/company so others will know to avoid using them.

It won't be CB's or my place to do this, but we'll beep @Dirktator. 

[Dirktator 2,310]

Where we've been, what happened, and what's next

Hey everyone,

I owe you all an explanation, and a big thank you first. The patience and the kind messages over the last few weeks have meant a lot to me and the rest of the team. A bunch of you have been asking what actually happened, and who our old host was, so I'm just going to lay it all out.

For 15+ years we ran Simtropolis on a dedicated server over at WHC.ca. They were good to us for a long time. What happened recently is that we missed a renewal payment, and then I missed the warning emails that came after it. By the time I caught it, we were already a day past their cutoff and the server had been pulled offline.

We got in touch right away, paid the invoice, and were told the server would be brought back online. Then came the gut-punch. Instead of restoring it, they wiped the machine and handed it back to us completely blank. Everything was gone.

I won't pretend I wasn't upset. But I also need to be straight with you about our end of it. We didn't have proper off-site backups, and we absolutely should have. That one is on us, and trust me, it's a lesson learned. Thankfully, CB and Cori have been much more diligent with some periodic backups so we weren't completely left in the lurch. Just mostly.

But the better news is where we are now. We've rebuilt everything on a new host, Hetzner, and I have to say we're really happy with them so far. The hardware has been rock solid and their support has been genuinely excellent.

The forum, your accounts, your posts, and the huge majority of our history are all back and running. We've also got automated off-site backups going already, with a more complete system on the way, so we are never doing this dance again.

We've been through rough patches before and come out the other side just fine, and we'll do it again, only a lot better protected this time around.

Thanks for sticking with us, thanks for caring, and thanks for your patience while we got the lights back on.

Anyway. Back to building cities!

 

[Silur 3,302]

You are the best !!!

[Andreas Roth 607]

Seeing Simtropolis disappearing and then reading the news about the server being wiped surely was a blow, so I'm very happy to see it back online. I'm pretty amazed about this community still going strong after so many years, and while I've been out of the loop for so long, SC4 still has a place in my heart, and I will return every now and then and check out what's new. Hopefully, most of the stuff that was lost will be recovered, and while I sent all SFBT content to @Tyberius06 recently, I wonder how feasible it is to update everything to the current standards (such as the Submenu DLL feature etc.) and release it properly at the STEX. I just checked my profile, and it says that I signed up here almost 23 years ago, which means this is basically about one half of my entire life, since I happen to celebrate my 50th birthday today, so seeing it up and running is a nice birthday present alright. 

I'd like to thank everyone who is supporting the community and helping to restore this place. There have been way too many losses over the past few years due to unexpected errors, deprecated software and even tragic losses like the unexpected and way too early death of our good friend Matthias "Spocky" Ludwig about three years ago, who ran the German SimCityKurier. Also, thanks for Dirk for an in-depth explanation about the recent ST billing issue. Sometimes you're just out of luck and miss a deadline by one day, and according to Murphy's Law, things are bound to get messed up the worst possible way. But it's not the end of the world, and I'm positive that most things can be recovered one or another way. Only time will tell if this place will celebrate a 50th birthday some day, too, but I'd say it's not impossible.