Setting up 3DS Max 5.1 , Help please!

Caseus on 21/1/2006 at 20:24

If anyone has indeed sucessfully set up 3ds 5.1 for working with T3ED I would LOVE a simplified step by step process as to how.

I have tried several times and keep getting errors like "so and so didn't initialise". Its different everytime so I KNOW its all me making mistakes as to what goes where. The readme included is vague at best and I have searched the forums but the few topics that cover setup are not quite clear. More like a few peeps who are talking about somthing in a different language and Im eaves dropping. Its all very confusing to say the least.

I just need some help with what files to copy and where as well as how to set up the various plug-ins to allow me to import the converted meshes.

I would like to get this working and import some old T2 meshes as well as some new models I have and apply materials to them.

any help would be greatly apreciated!

ascottk on 21/1/2006 at 20:48

(http://www.ttlg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=MaxConfig)

Caseus on 21/1/2006 at 20:59

Okay now i feel silly.. Of course i DID search the wikki but did not find this...

Thanks ascottk..

ascottk on 21/1/2006 at 21:02

It is hard to find. It's in categories>CategoryReference>MaxConfig

Caseus on 21/1/2006 at 23:57

Wow, I set up everything as specified in the wikki but its still giving me a big headache. Ionshader not loading, Matexport not loading.. and when I open the .3ds mesh then try to export it i get a simple dialog that say "export module failed". Thats not very helpfull as I see it..

Guess i'll just forget about custom meshes..

ascottk on 22/1/2006 at 00:05

Does your plugin.ini (3ds max root directory) look like this?:

Quote:

[Directories]
Standard MAX plug-ins=H:\3dsmax5\StdPlugs\
Additional MAX plug-ins=H:\3dsmax5\plugins\
T3 Shaders=G:\T3Ed\Utility\Max\Plugins\HardwareShaders\
T3 Std=G:\T3Ed\Utility\Max\Stdplugs\
T3 Plugs=G:\T3Ed\Utility\Max\Plugins\
T3 Matlib=G:\T3Ed\CONTENT\T3\MatLib\
T3 MAT=H:\3dsmax5\matlibs\t3\
[Help]
character studio reference=H:\3dsmax5\help\cstudio.chm
GroundWiz Help=H:\3dsmax5\Help\GroundWiz.chm

Remember they have to be in order.

Caseus on 22/1/2006 at 00:32

Here it is...

Quote:

[Directories]
Standard MAX plug-ins=C:\3dsmax5\StdPlugs\
Additional MAX plug-ins=C:\3dsmax5\plugins\
New Entry=C:\Games\Thief3Edit\Utility\Max\Plugins\HardwareShaders\
New Entry=C:\Games\Thief3Edit\Utility\Max\Stdplugs\
New Entry=C:\Games\Thief3Edit\Utility\Max\Plugins\
New Entry=C:\Games\Thief3Edit\CONTENT\T3\MatLib\
New Entry=C:\Games\Thief3Edit\CONTENT\T3\Textures\
[Help]

Compared to yours I seem to be missing a line "T3 MAT=H:\3dsmax5\matlibs\t3\" of course your paths are different but is THIS causing the matexport.dlu not to initialise?

ascottk on 22/1/2006 at 00:35

Quote Posted by Caseus

Compared to yours I seem to be missing a line "T3 MAT=H:\3dsmax5\matlibs\t3\" of course your paths are different but is THIS causing the matexport.dlu not to initialise?

If max doesn't know if t3's material libraries exist then the t3 material exporter won't work (the matexport.dlu plugin).

Caseus on 22/1/2006 at 00:54

Quote Posted by ascottk

If max doesn't know if t3's material libraries exist then the t3 material exporter won't work (the matexport.dlu plugin).

I didn't see any mention of copying or assigning t3 materials In the wiki. I just double checked and it is not mentioned.

What goes in the "3dsmax5/matlibs/t3" directory? mine is currently empty. Do I copy the "ThiefEdit/Content/t3/matlib" directory contents to that folder?

Please forgive me but my lack of knowledge of 3d rendering and how the programs work is only adding to my current frustration. I apreciate all your help :p

ascottk on 22/1/2006 at 01:01

Quote Posted by Caseus

There's a few times matlibs are mentioned:
(http://www.ttlg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=StaticMeshes)

You don't need to copy the matlibs but you need the path to the t3 matlibs in the plugin.ini.