TS 2017 Update (Free Version)

[ZekTheKid]

I know all addons for the sim are re-installed to default when each new update comes out. But I want to have the new update with some of the new stuff such as the new menu picture and music, while keeping my assets the same. I'm not sure what folder these files are located in, or if they even have a location.

Should I make a backup of all my assets for easy re-installation after the update?

[jalsina]

..........
Should I make a backup of all my assets for easy re-installation after the update?

You should backup the entire Railworks folder no matter what, just in case TS2017 comes with some unwanted issues.

[ZekTheKid]

..........
Should I make a backup of all my assets for easy re-installation after the update?

You should backup the entire Railworks folder no matter what, just in case TS2017 comes with some unwanted issues.

Ok, but will my backup replace some of the update's features? Why I'm asking is because TS 2017 comes out tomorrow, and I don't want to go and find all the addons I installed and re-install them.

[Ericmopar]

You want to backup the whole Railworks folder then...
If you like the new game characteristics, you can just replace the "Assets" folder and maybe the "Content" folder.

Unless you use RW_Tools to make the files Read Write, you won't be able to just copy your assets backup over. If the folders weren't made read write, you will have to rename or delete the new assets folder before copying the backup over.

[buzz456]

Be aware that the update will not change any third party stuff just any modified DTG stuff. Additionally anything that you have outside of the .ap files for the stuff that lives in there will not be changed. What these guys suggested is the way to go at it. I know Tony that you would hate to spend fifteen minutes restoring anything but there is no other way to do it if you never set up the 2-click restore or maybe it will be two hours.

[ZekTheKid]

Be aware that the update will not change any third party stuff just any modified DTG stuff. Additionally anything that you have outside of the .ap files for the stuff that lives in there will not be changed. What these guys suggested is the way to go at it. I know Tony that you would hate to spend fifteen minutes restoring anything but there is no other way to do it if you never set up the 2-click restore or maybe it will be two hours.

You're right. I just installed my last official TS 2016 mod. Now time to make a backup of my asset folder.....

If I'm correct the game will read what's outside of the ap files if there are any, right?

[Chacal]

I know all addons for the sim are re-installed to default when each new update comes out.

You know that? Strange that I do not.

[buzz456]

"What's dangerous is not that what a man doesn't know but that that he thinks he knows which he doesn't."

[ZekTheKid]

I know all addons for the sim are re-installed to default when each new update comes out.

You know that? Strange that I do not.

Happened to me when I upgraded to the free TS 2015 and the paid TS 2016. I still have a bunch of default horns that I haven't bothered to put better horns on.

[Chacal]

This hasn't been widespread, cause there sure would have been a shiatstorm in these here forums.

"What's dangerous is not that what a man doesn't know but that that he thinks he knows which he doesn't."

Agreed, Socrates. :)

[jalsina]

Ok, but will my backup replace some of the update's features? Why I'm asking is because TS 2017 comes out tomorrow, and I don't want to go and find all the addons I installed and re-install them.

Zek,
My advise is that you backup the full Railworks folder in another drive or in some cloud service.
Last year there was that Big Boy issue. This time nobody knows what is coming.

About your mods. What I am about to say is only based in past facts, but any upgrade has a risk content.

All DLC with . AP packed files will probably be replaced and all files at the side of that .ap will not be touched, so your mods in those DLC are pretty safe.
However it is not the case of mods in those DLC without .AP. In some cases the upgrade may overwrite your modded files. In other cases it will not.

Only in my RSC folder I have 27 DLC without .AP file.
I expect problems there.
For example where you have a horn sound file calling the proxys with an alias to another horn (I have several), that file will be overwritten by the upgrade.
If you don't have a backup for that one you will need to either remake the file or reinstall. The other option is restoring the files from your backup.

It is also possible that some of these non-ap folders may be deleted and replaced by a single ap, loosing any mod you may have there.

You have only a few hours to do your backup

[ZekTheKid]

I'm doing it right now. It is taking a lot of time, but it will be worth it.

Backup my entire railworks folder? I sorted out my DLC, because the freeware won't be touched. However, are you saying I should backup my content folder and many others as well?