Ged's Utility Room

Hi All,
Following a suggestion from one of my testers, functions have been added to display the usage of stock folders.  Also, various cosmetic changes have been made to the display and print options.

The new version has been submitted to my testers for their verdicts, but, as everybody's MSTS/ORTS installation is different, one can't have too many testers!  To that end, I have attached it to this post, and invite those interested to try it out.  All comments are welcome
It will install into its own folder, so will not affect any already existing version, except for the use of the Registry entry, used to save the last accessed root folder.  When deleting this test version, the Registry key will NOT be removed.

Cheers,
Ged

EDIT : 8 Aug 2018 - Attachment removed as (i) the version was out of date and (ii) a new version will be uploaded to the library in a few days.

Hi All,
The Open Rails Team are doing a great job, extending MSTS with many enhancements.
One of the most useful is the ability to switch to any other consist and. providing the loco has a cabview, drive it. Many MSTS activities use AI locos in loose and traffic consists which means they cannot be switched to without first of all, going through the consists and manually amending them to use a driveable loco.

A member on the UKTS Open Rails Forum has this problem and asked if it was possible to create a program to do the job. Well.. you know me ... it got my brain cells working overtime!! I have now sent the first version to that user for his views. I think this utility could usefully be made available to the Community at large, but may I, please, have your opinions?

Although primarily for use with OR, it also means that those consists will be available in MSTS for Explore purposes. Obviously, using AI locos reduces the resources required by MSTS and switching to using "full" locos may have a detrimental effect on performance, but, in these days of fast processors and hard drives, it may not be so noticeable on modern Desktop PCs.

I am currently awaiting feedback, but if it's favourable, I'd like one or two more testers, so if you're interested, please let me know.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
Following on from my last post - was it really nearly 2 months ago?? - I have uploaded a new Open Rails only utility to the library - AI2Driver.

In my previous post, I mentioned about modifying the consist files to enable Open Rails "train-hopping" to (some) AI trains. This idea was rejected as it could adversely affect the running of those consists in MSTS. This utility makes use of the OpenRails sub-folder, which can be included in any stock folder within the TRAINSET folder. Obviously, there are some limitations, but full details are included in the readme. Using this method, there is absolutely no effect on MSTS as neither the stock nor consist files are not changed.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
Following Alistair's comment :

Plus, only some Windows 10 operating systems can run MSTS smoothly (mainly upgraded computers)

in his post (https://tsforum.forumotion.net/t1331-sales-of-conbuilder-to-cease#17285), I had the idea for a new project!

Although I can successfully run MSTS under Win 10, he's quite right that the same PCs were originally setup with, and continue to run, Win 7 so I've no way of refuting/confirming that statement! I'm sure it'd be useful to have a definitive answer.
When I've completed the utilities I'm currently updating, I will set up a PC with only Win 10 and report my findings. However, I should point out that my current Win 10 installations are NOT upgraded from Win 7, but completely new installations and I have the option to boot into either OS.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
I have, today, uploaded MSTS_Check v2.0 to this site's library, and those at UKTS, trainsim.com and elvastower.com where it should be available in due course

Full details of the changes are in the readme.txt file which should be read before installing this version.

My testers have done a good job, as usual, but you never know what happens when a program gets into the wide blue yonder, so please let me know of any problems.

Thanks,
Cheers,
Ged

Just to let you know that Norton Antivirus took a dislike to your Installer file and deleted it. I retrieved it and installed anyway.
This was the version downloaded from Trainsim.com rather than that on UK TrainSim.
Jonathan

Hi Jonathan,
Apologies for that, but, although I don't use Norton, my A/V has not reported any problem with the installer (just downloaded from ts.com).

I seem to remember another user (or it might have been yourself!) reported a similar problem with another of my utilities.  

May I ask if any other user has the same problem to report it immediately, please?

Cheers,
Ged

I have used the latest version and my AV - Kaspersky - is fine with it.

I used to have Norton and found that it would "object" on a number of occasions to some files from UKTS for no obvious reason. It was one of the reasons that I changed.

The installer file runs OK with my Norton Security.

Avast popped up and deleted the installer but, by right-clicking the Avast icon on the task bar and disabling it for 10 minutes, the job was done. Avast is extremely neurotic and pops up continually, wanting you to install something extra which costs more money.

The utility itself works very well.

Roderic

Hi All,
v3.0 of MSTS_ActMan has now been uploaded to this site's library, and it will be available from UKTS, trainsim.com and elvastower.com as soon as it's approved.

The main addition to this version is the ability to list the stock folders used for an individual activity, or a route, or an installation. A list of all stock not used within the installation may also be obtained, together with the facility to remove the listed stock folders from the TRAINSET folder.
Also, a few cosmetic changes have been made and some minor bugs squashed.

As usual, if any errors, problems or difficulties are encountered with this version, please let me know

Cheers,
Ged

I have found this very useful and reliable. Roderic

Thanks. Downloaded from Trainsim.com where it is called v2.0 but downloads as v3.0. Just to let you and others know.
Jonathan

Hi Jonathan,
Thanks, mate
I'd already spotted that and sent a note to the librarian - I hope it will be corrected before very long!

Cheers,
Ged

Thanks Ged, your utilities just get better and better - thanks again for your efforts.

Brian

Many thanks, Brian
This latest enhancement to ActMan is a result of feedback from the Community. As I've mentioned before, I'm always willing to listen to any suggestions, be they for any of my existing utilities or for new ones!
I have recently created bespoke utilities for a couple of Community members - currently, I don't intend to release them to the Community at large, but, you never know!!

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
A new version (1.02) has been uploaded to this site's library and will be available from the UKTS, trainsim.com and elvastower.com libraries in due course.

There are no functional changes, but a recently reported bug has been fixed in the RUN option, together with a couple in the Initialisation stage.  Some minor cosmetic changes have also been made.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
A new version of MSTS_Check (v2.0b) has been uploaded to the library today.

A bug in the .sms checking routine, which caused some missing files not to be reported, has been fixed.

It will also be available from the UKTS, trainsim.com and elvastower.com libraries as soon as its approved.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
I've been using the MSTS RE quite extensively recently and have experienced a couple of "funnies" with MSTS_RE_ScrnSizer. These do not cause any problems, but thought I'd mention them here.

The first is that, very occasionally, the screen reverts to its default size. I haven't found what causes this.

The second is that very, very occasionally, the screen expands to completely fill the wide screen (1920x1080). When this happens, the "sub-screens" appear over the right-hand side of the display. If I could discover what triggers it, it might be worth adding to the available screen options!!

Please let me know if you have experienced either (or both) of these conditions, and if you've found any reason/s. I'm using Windows 7 Pro 64bit and an NVIDIA GTX 750ti 2GB graphics card.

Cheers,
Ged

G'day Ged,

Yes, I find this nearly every day - seems to happen about every third / fourth editing session  - I work in RE almost every day (sometimes I have a day or two's break, but generally using RE most days).

Taking them in reverse order, sometimes the RE goes full screen - this mainly happens when I have RE open and then use a SECOND window to go look at either a map or use another program, like TSM. Knowing that if you click the RE header bar it will go full screen, I think it may be a stray keystroke from the second program that somehow gets back into RE underneath and forces RE into full screen. If I don't open a second screen in an editing session, then when I come back to RE, it stays as 1280x1024.

However, once RE does go full screen, then when you close it and reopen it, it ALWAYS reopens in DEFAULT size. Once that happens, I get around this by always remembering to reset MSTS_RE_ScrnSizer to 1280x1024 BEFORE I go into the next editing session.

I'm using Win10 Home and have a dedicated 2GB nVidea 840M card in my laptop.

Regards, Brian

Hi Brian,
Thanks for your reply
I think you're probably right about RE going full screen after opening, and using, another window. I must pay more attention to my sequence of operations!

It's possible that, after switching to full-screen, its Registry entry is set to match, but when RE is restarted, it recognises invalid values in the Registry and reverts to the default size. Next time it happens to me, I'll check the Registry to validate my theory, but why, or what, changes the Registry in the first place?.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi Ged,

I too get the problem of the RE reverting back to the default size after a few times of using 1024x768 but it never goes to full screen.
I'm using Windows7 Home Premium with a NVIDIA GTX 750ti

Regards,

Stephen

Hi Ged,

I have never quite got the hang of this. With Windows 7 it works and then reverts to the default size. In XP the original exe file when used once keeps the size chosen for all time.

Roderic

Hi Roderic and Stephen,
Many thanks for your replies

I haven't yet had chance to investigate this "problem", but it's certainly nothing to do with MSTS_RE_ScrnSizer.  I've a feeling it's the way that MSTS (ie train.exe) accesses and processes the Registry values.  I believe there is a way to make certain Registry subkeys read-only which might solve this problem, but  would, almost certainly, introduce difficulties for users!!

@Roderic : I've no idea why you're having the problem you described. I'm running RE with Windows 7 and, except after it's switched to full screen, whatever resolution I set has been retained through reboots.

Cheers,
Ged

It is working well after one reboot. I will give it more trials and report back when it ceases working.

Roderic

It's working perfectly after many reboots and running trains. I don't know why it was unreliable before and why it is working now. Sorry for being so dense.

Roderic

What I am looking forward to is MSTS_AE_ScrnSizer .....................................

Hi,
@Roderic : No worries, mate - and you're not being dense! Today, I've been able to get RE to full wide screen, but whatever I do, it won't revert to its default size! Having said that, Murphy's Law will probably strike, and it will when I return to it!

@David : Ahh!! If only .... I've not been able to find any Registry entry which controls the AE screen size. I can only think it's hard-coded within train.exe.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi Ged,

It worked perfectly for four days and then failed. It is working again now.

Regards,

Roderic

Hi Roderic,
By 'failed', I assume you mean that it reverted to its default resolution - if it's something else, then please give more details.

Since my last post, I've been using RE with its screen resized, switching between different programs. Although RE goes 'full-screen' after it's been minimised, it has not returned to its default screen size (yet!!).

Cheers,
Ged

Yes, it reverted to the default 640 x 480 size, but it is working again now after one reboot.

All the best,

Roderic

Hi All,
The new version of UKFS-Fix is nearing completion.
My main intentions are to (a) remove the need for MSTS to be available (for FFEDITC_unicode.exe) and (b) improve the user interface, ie be more aware of the program's progress.

Replacing FFEDITC_unicode.exe with Zipper.exe was initially considered, and fully tested, but it made a 'mess' of the Desktop!  Also, its output files overwrote its input files, with no option for reconfiguration.  This posed a potential security problem, so I rejected it.   An upload by Martyn T. Griffin to trainsim.com, recmp119.zip, provides two routines, comp.exe and decomp.exe; I believe these are actually used within Zipper.exe.

There are two drawbacks with the comp.exe/decomp.exe programs. One, which is easily overcome, is that they require an MSTS Registry entry, although they don't read any data from that entry!!  The other is that they are appreciably slower than FFEDITC_unicode.exe at compressing and uncompressing - on my system processing all 1053 UKFS shape files took about 11 mins 30 secs against about 8 minutes.

I am hoping to include comp.exe and decomp.exe, together with their associated .ocx and .dll files, within the UKFS-Fix installer, but have not been able to contact Martyn T. Griffin for permission. Nothing appropriate is contained in the readme file.  I have two email addresses for Martyn, but my messages have been returned as unknown; he is/was? also a member of UKTS but, to date, I've had no answer to a PM.  If anyone has any current contact details, I'd be very grateful.  It's not a deal breaker if I'm not able to include Martyn's programs within my installer; it just means that the user must first install both programs separately.

If you'd like to test (or even just have a look at!) the new version, please let me have your email address (by PM for security) and I'll get a copy to you as soon as I think it's ready

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
The new version (2.2) is now available from the TSSH library.

I was unable to contact Martyn T Griffin so, unfortunately, can't include the compression/decompression programs within my installation. It is necessary to download file recmp119.zip from trainsim.com and install comp.exe and decomp.exe - they may be installed anywhere, - yes, even in C:\Program Files/C:\Program Files (x86)!! Please see the UKFS-Fix readme for specific instructions regarding the comp.exe/decomp.exe Registry entries.

As usual, please report any problems here or by PM.

Thanks,
Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
A corrected version of MSTS_ActMan has now been uploaded to the library here, and at UKTS, TS.com and elvastower,com.

Serious bugs were found in the function when processing consist files, causing a System error, and the "Check all Consists" function didn't check ANY consists!!

Apologies if these caused any problems

Cheers,
Ged

Hi all,
A corrected version of this utility has been uploaded to the library. It will also be available from libraries at UKTS, trainsim.com and elvastower.com as soon as they're approved.

The new version (1.1) corrects a bug which caused a fatal System error to be reported if the PC didn't have MSTS Registry entries. Minor cosmetic changes have also been made.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
David (dforrest) has advised me that Malwarebytes reports this program as malicious and removes it.  I have found that any attempt to run UKFS_Install v1.1 results in both the program and its Desktop icon being quarantined, effectively removing them from use. The same will also apply if Malwarebytes does a scheduled scan or is requested to do a file scan.

The solution is, as soon as UKFS_Install v1.1 has been installed, open Malwarebytes and add its installation folder (currently, by default, this is C:\UKFS_Install v1.1) to its exclusion list.

As I don't know what part of the program Malwarebytes thinks it has recognised as malicious, I'm not able to make any changes, although v1.0 isn't reported as malicious.

I can assure users of my utilities that none of them contain anything 'dangerous'. Some of them make temporary changes to the Registry, which may be what Malwarebytes has spotted in this program.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
WOW!! It's a long time since my last post in this thread - I'd better get my finger out

As most users will be aware, it's not possible to install some MSTS route CDs due to the drivers for the SecuRom/SafeDisc security system being omitted from Windows 10, with no possibility of adding them manually. Copying the contents of the CDs into hard drive folders and attempting to run the installer from there is thwarted by problems being reported accessing the fstype.dll file, included on the CD.

I am finalising the development of a utility which will copy the appropriate InstallShield .cab/.hdr files directly from the CDs on to the user's hard drive and, using a freely available Open Source program unpack them. This utility will also unpack upgrade files.

The products involved are the Severn Valley Railway, West Somerset Railway and TGV Pack, together with the SVR and WSR upgrade files, all from Just Trains. I've not yet gone through all my MSTS CDs, so there may be others which could benefit from this utility.

I'm now at the point of preparing the readme, so am looking for one or two testers to make sure that it doesn't only work properly for me!! Also, please let me know if you know of any other route CDs which cannot be installed under Win 10.

The name of the new utility?? I'd no idea what to call it, so its 'working title' is Utility22 - because I've already written about 21 others, although not all have been published!!

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
I've now been through all my MSTS CDs and not found a single other one which uses the SecuROM/SafeDisc system, but I'm sure there must be many other game CDs which do (did?).

However, I did have another MSTS CD which, when starting the installer (under Win 10 only), gave the message "catastrophic failure"!! This was the Cambrian (1) route from 3DTrainStuff. As it uses the InstallShield installer, Utility22 was able to unpack the files and, so, enable the route to be added into an MSTS installation. This route is not suitable for use in a solely Open Rails installation as it uses the default MSTS sounds.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi Ged,

I'm looking forward to seeing Utility22 when you've finished it. I have a stack of Just Flight scenery add-ons for MS Flight Simulator 2004 which I can't re-install on my Windows 10 PC. I get the same "couldn't load fsdype.dll" error that you've experienced and the install shield crashes out. My guess is that the same copy protection issue that you are battling with in the train sim is the same one I have for the flight sim, so hopefully whatever gets you going down the tracks should get me back in the air! If I could just decompress the CAB files I could copy the content over without too much fuss.

Cheers,

Andy

Hi Andy,
It all depends on if your CDs use the same version of the InstallShield installer as the MSTS CDs. If they do, Utility22 should be able to handle them

The utility is currently with a couple of testers, but first reports are favourable (I'm pleased to say!). Only a couple of cosmetic changes are required, but I'll give you the link to the current version using a PM, which I'll send in a couple of minutes.

For your purposes, please ignore the Route Batch Files folder, included in the installation folder.

I'd be interested to have your comments, be they good or bad (!)

Cheers,
Ged

Hi Ged,

Utility22 worked a treat. Thank you! The only issue is it took a few goes to recognise the CD with the drive tray opening and closing, but it got there eventually. I do have one set of 4 CDs still to try; I note that there is a 2 CD checkbox. I can probably do them one at a time and just copy the decompressed files across to their new locations anyway.

I may have to try out train simming now. I quite fancy 1930s Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads behind a Castle class 4-6-0 and I have plenty of time on my hands to explore how to achieve it!

Regards,

Andy

Hi Andy,
I'm pleased to hear that it worked for you

I don't know why you'd have trouble with the CD tray opening - are you saying that the tray doesn't open, or that there's a delay? I needed to build in a half second delay to ensure that the tray wasn't opened too soon!

The '2CD' option was specifically for the Severn Valley Railway route - data1.cab and data2.cab were on one CD and data3.cab on the second. The option shouldn't be used where 2 CDs use the same file names, for obvious reasons!

I have modified the program to remove specific mention of MSTS on the screens and changed the readme to include MSTS/ORTS-specific details in a separate paragraph.

Please let me know how extracting from your remaining 4 CDs goes.

Regarding train-simming, please be aware that there are two main platforms (pun intended!!). The one we, on this Forum, are primarily associated with is MSTS/ORTS; MSTS was first released in 2001 with ORTS being a more recent program which is able to use all the old MSTS data while improving its performance and appearance. The other is Train Simulator 20xx (various names) which is completely incompatible with MSTS/ORTS. I don't know which the 1930s Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads route runs on, but Train Simulator 20xx has a modern Great Western Lines route which, I believe, covers the same path, and more.

Cheers,
Ged

The only route I can think of in MSTS that covers all of that area is the old GWR Paddington - Penzance route from UKTS, it is an old route and by modern standards is very sparsely populated.

Hi Mark,
Thanks, mate, but Andy mentioned '1930'. I couldn't think of a GWR route of that era except, maybe, somebody may have backdated the TS20xx route, but it was only a guess.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi Ged, I haven't seen a backdated version of the TS2020 (Western mainlines) route, the MSTS route is so sparsely populated it could be used in any era, it uses mostly semaphore signals and the station signs are in GWR colours.

It is an extensive network and all the trackwork, signals and stations are there, it's a pity it couldn't be brought up to a modern  standard of scenery, it would be a mammoth task though.

Hi Andy (aeroplanefan),
I've sent you a PM today, but notice that you haven't yet picked up one I sent on 13 April!!

Cheers,
Ged

Hi Ged,

Got it thank you. I am receiving two copies of each PM for some reason. I did read one of the two from 13th April!

Cheers,

Andy

Hi All,
Utility22 v1.0 is now available from my page in the TSSH library.  It should also be available from the UKTS library in a few days.

@Andy : I sent two PMs on 13 April and you've STILL not picked up the other one!!

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
Helpful Facts and Links - Part 35 has been completely rewritten to reflect the fact that Utility22 can be used under Win 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, so there is no need for the 'manual' procedure!  Also, the Just Trains 'tool' for use with Win 7, 8 and 8.1 seems to be no longer available.

It has been found that a 4th  SecuROM/SafeDisc protected MSTS CD from Just Trains - American Classics - can be unpacked using Utility22.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,
A bug has been reported which results in spurious missing stock messages being shown. I'm surprised that it's taken about a year for this problem to surface and wonder if users have noticed it but decided not to report back to me! It's only v3.1 which has the error so it could be that users reverted to the older version.

May I reiterate that if this, or any of my other utilities, reports errors which clearly aren't, please let me know as soon as possible. This also applies if you have any suggestions for improving and/or enhancing a utility.

See this thread : https://tsforum.forumotion.net/t1412-route-riter-issues for the discussion on this current bug.

Cheers,
Ged