DF-21 Forums

[Clonehunter]

Hi, I'm new to DF-21 (Signed up a while ago actually), and so to start things off for me, I have a question about Waxes. Firstly, I downloaded the BMPDF file pack from the downloads section, hoping to use the WAX2.EXE. When I run it though, A box pops up, telling me what to do. (A DOS Box) I can't type commands in it, or really do anything at all. It's all a bit confusing, and the directions in the readme don't help. So can someone, or anyone help me please? (PS: I'm using Windows 98, if that helps. I just thought that using an old computer for an older game would work better, as it already has for Quake and Chasm: The Rift, as well DF as a game.)

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Classic FPS Gaming is what I do best.

[sheepandshepherd]

You need to use the command prompt -- all of those old tools lack a GUI of their own. In case you don't know how those work, this is how:

1. Under Start>Accessories, you'll find Command Prompt (the exact location may be different for Windows 98*)

2. Navigate to the folder that contains WAX2.exe. Again, you may know how to do this, but here's the explanation: type 'cd\' to get out of whatever folder you're in now, and then type 'cd <folder>' until you get to wherever you have WAX2.exe.

3. Type 'WAX2.exe' and it will show you the command switches you can use.

4. Make sure your unconverted files are in the same folder, and then run WAX2.exe again, with all the switches and filenames like in the example it should give you.


* Speaking of Windows 98 . . . you may want to consider playing the game on a newer (XP or later) computer, as DOSBox, the DOS emulator most of us use, requires a newer OS. Dark Forces will actually play better in DOSBox than in Windows 98, unless you get really lucky. The last time I tried to play DF on a Windows 98, I couldn't get sound to work and the HUD flashed on and off. There's a tutorial on this site on how to use it, in case you decide to switch. Some of the older editing programs you're using may, of course, work better in Windows 98, so just try everything out until you're satisfied.

[Clonehunter]

Alright thanks, I'll be sure to do that.

[sheepandshepherd]

Mmm, I can't run the program at all on my computer (Windows 7 64 bit), sorry. I don't remember the more specific details of how to use the program, but I'll go try it in DOSBox.

EDIT: I see the problem, your file must not be in the same ("current") directory. It could be that you need to move the WAX into the folder with WAX2.exe, but more likely it happened because you're not "in" the directory with WAX2 (you're executing the program from outside its folder). Here's a screenshot, try doing it this way:

You should also use the /M switch to make a "makefile" so that you can convert your images back to a new WAX later.

[Clonehunter]

Um, okay... SO I need DOS Box for this? I have already had the wax in the same folder... Hmm... Alright I'll try DOS Box I guess...

_________________
Classic FPS Gaming is what I do best.

[sheepandshepherd]

No, sorry, I didn't mean DOSBox (it works the same way as command prompt). I meant, in command prompt, navigate to the folder you have WAX2 in, like this:
C:\>cd Dark\Tools\Bmpdf\

Then, AFTER you've done that, type in WAX2.exe Bossk.wax.

I figured the problem was because you put them all on the same line -- which doesn't have the same effect in DOS.

[The MAZZTer]

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial76.html

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[sheepandshepherd]

[Clonehunter]

Hmm... Maybe. Um, also, are there any DF editors available that can work for newer PC's like XP, Vista, etc... ?

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Classic FPS Gaming is what I do best.

[Burning Gundam]

I thought someone was working on one that would be like the swiss-army knife for editing things like that. Wasn't that you, MAZZter?

Edit: Nevermind, I looked at the topic immediately bellow this one and realized it was Gez

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I don't think outside the box... I customize it.

[Clonehunter]

Ah yes, Gez. Sent him an email a lil' while ago about Slade. I couldn't get the darn program to work.

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Classic FPS Gaming is what I do best.

[Gez]

[The MAZZTer]

I made a library for converting between normal image files and all the DF image/palette formats but I never finished the UI for it.

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http://www.mzzt.net/ | I am a respectable admin with a respectable sig.

[Clonehunter]

I'd just like to say I've got it figured out now, by following the above diagrams or whatever. DOSBox I guess was the answer

_________________
Classic FPS Gaming is what I do best.