Processor HQ: File Processing Info & Discussion

[Cyclone Boom 16,903]

  Processor HQ

File Processing Info & Discussion

Hi all!

As part of your ST Recovery Team privileges, you have editing access to all STEX files which were lost. By now a number of these have already been restored, but there are still numerous which we need help to restore. Additionally, there might be some existing restorations which need an extra file, or more images, etc. For any file which has been restored and yet to be verified, you're most welcome to edit.

I'll walk you through a series of steps to help with editing STEX files...

Stage A: Preliminary Check

1) First determine what needs restoring:

• One or more downloadable files
• Any files and images
• Only images (no files)

Note: You can use the Restoration Tracker to identify this per file (using the "All Missing" filter).

 

Stage B: For Files (to be downloaded)

1) On a file entry, inside the "File Actions" menu, choose Upload New Version.

2) Keep the checkbox checked for saving the previous version.

3) Add a brief note into the changelog such as: Restored file entry for the Simtropolis Recovery Project.

4) Click Delete on any "0 bytes" files shown attached to the file. These would be old entries representing missing files. By deleting them from there, this ensures broken files won't appear under the Download button.
Important Note: Keep any files which are intact and still worth being available.

5) If needing to restore images as well as files, proceed to Stage C below.

6) Otherwise, click Save to process the new version.

 

Stage C: For Screenshots (images on the file entry)

1) Since you are uploading a new version, you can add images on the same upload page.

2) Click to Delete any images which have a missing main pic (thumbnail only), or for any images not displaying entirely.

3) Upload the new images in place. These can be originals from the upload, or ones you've gathered in game showing the item of content.

4) Once everything is uploaded, click Save to finalise the new version.

 

Stage D: File Description Details

1) This won't always be necessary, but what we're looking for here are major oversights or omissions in a file's description.

2) Click Edit Details and open the editor, which allows you to edit the description.

3) Make any amendments as needed to the description text.

4) You may also replace attachments in this step, by deleting them at the bottom of the editor, and then re-uploading and inserting them in place.

5) Usually there won't be need to correct the title, but the option is there if necessary. Also you may add/remove tags too.

6) Once everything is finalised, click Save to confirm. You can repeat this process as needed, if worth editing again afterwards.

 

Quick-ish Questions

I want to add/replace images on a STEX file. Do I choose to Edit Details or Upload New Version?

If only images are missing, Edit Details is the best option. A few weeks before we lost the old server, I added a new feature which allows managing images via the Edit Details page. This allows replacing images, and adding new ones, without needing the updated timestamp to change.

The advantage of edit details is it becomes a silent edit, which is desirable unless we need to add a physical update to the files available to download.

 

What's the difference between a thumbnail and a main image?

Thumbnails show in the square boxes above a file's description. Main images appear when clicking a thumbnail, where they load in larger form. If a thumbnail only exists on a STEX file, it'll initially look fine. However, the placeholder image will show in place once viewing the main pic.

 

I accidently created a duplicated version. What should I do?

Yikes! That would be an absolute utter disaster.

So in this scenario, there is only one option...
You must quickly panic by running around in circles. Then as fast as you can, flee for the hills!

Spoiler

No worries! Post below in this thread and I (or another staff member) will help tidy it up for you.

 

I might not have much time to help due to RL stuff, but I can upload a few files now and then. Is this acceptable?

Yes, that's completely fine!

In fact, we imagine it's the case for many of you. There is no obligation of minimum needed to help out at all with anything. We appreciate every individual effort, which collectively will combine to completing the overall jigsaw puzzle. Even if you only want to post and discuss the logistics, that's fine too.

 

Is there a timescale for when files must be restored by?

No, there aren't any deadlines here. We also emphasise how speed isn't essential with the restoration process. It's more important to do an accurate job than a fast job, even though we've been amazed at the rapid process already from staff and file authors combined.

So consider this a relaxed do-it-at-your-own-pace type project.

 

Is there any limit to how many files I can restore?

Yes, the exact limit precisely corresponds to the total files which need restoring.

In other words, of the total available, there is no limit at all. The more the merrier.

 

What about elsewhere than the STEX? Is there a way to restore forum image attachments for instance?

There will be in a subsequent phase in the project.

For now our focus is primarily on STEX files, to restore as many as we can within the next few months.

However, attachment images and files will be a key priority. Any of your own attachments you're welcome to individually restore (see your list here). Understandably though, this process would be very tedious to do. As such in due course, my hope is to add controls onto the attachments list which allow you to easily replace files and images, without needing to individually edit items of content (e.g. forum posts or CJs).

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I'll stop rambling now. I think that's about everything.

Do reply if you've any questions about the above (or anything related to uploading content).

Thanks!