TS2/TS3 Tools and Utilities: Solutions for OS X users

[plasticbox]

Everybody, please state what version of the tools you have installed. No one can help if we don't have information!
What version of Mono?
What version of S3PE? S3OC? Dashboard? CUSTARD? Whatever tool you're needing help with, state the version!
What version of Virtualbox? Crossover? Parallels?
What version of Windows?

And for the game: What version of OSX do you have? What version of the base game patch?



Most of the modding tools for TS2 and TS3 are written for Windows, which has often been a source of disappointment for OS X users. However, just because OS X is your system of choice, that doesn’t mean you can’t run anything but native OS X applications. Here's a little overview of the options you have, sorted by "degrees of separation":


1. A Windows box

This is likely the simplest and cheapest solution if all you need Windows for is sim-related activities: most TS2/TS3 modding tools will run on everything that can run Windows, even a very old machine. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get an outdated Windows desktop for free or very cheap (likely for less than a new Windows license alone would cost you), and the only other thing you need is a network cable.

Networking OS X to Windows is very simple: in the Finder menu, select Go > Connect to Server and choose the Windows machine – it’ll mount like an external drive. In my experience (which is limited to TS2 meshes/recolours, fiddling with TS2 lots/neighbourhoods, and a quick look at some TS3 tools), you don’t have to actually install the game on the same machine as SimPE/s3pe – pointing those at a copy of some game files is all that’s needed.


Pro:
– You can work on both machines in parallel, speeding things up quite a bit (and you also have two screens at your disposal, which can be very handy)
– You're not going to break your real computer – whatever happens when you make a mistake, it happens on the other machine.
– Minimal security concerns (unless you do something stupid, like download a questionable exe on your mac and transfer that to the Windows box): since you can continue to work on your OS X machine, you can keep using that for web browsing etc too.

Contra:
– A clunky old desktop machine takes up space and is not very portable (but used laptops aren't all that expensive – the one I have cost EUR 80 which I think is perfectly reasonable).
– The initial setup can be a bit tedious: you will likely need to download a bunch of things to your mac (DirectX, various .NET versions, the tools themselves), then copy them over, then install. However, you only need to do this once (or whenever you get a new toy to play with). I would *not* recommend that longtime OS X users connect a Windows machine to the internet – security under Windows is a can of worms that you don’t want to open. If you absolutely have to, read this (http://www.zisman.ca/Articles/2006/LEM-windowssecurity.html) first.
– Second-hand computers typically come with no warranty and are more likely to pass out than your brand new mac – make backups of what you're working on, and make sure you know where the next recycling ward is.

Price: 0$ if you’re lucky – it depends on what you buy.



2. BootCamp

You can use BootCamp to set aside a partition on your OS X machine, then install Windows on that. BootCamp is included with OS X 10.5 and up, but you will still have to buy Windows (check the requirements on apple.com before you buy). Setup should be uncomplicated – I haven’t done it personally, but it comes with the usual shiny wizard. Tiger users would have to resort to the Beta which is meanwhile discontinued, but I’d strongly recommend upgrading to Leopard instead.

Apple Support: BootCamp Overview (http://apple.com/support/bootcamp/)
Apple Support: BootCamp FAQ (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1656)


Pro:
– You have all the processing power and shinyness of your OS X machine at your disposal. TS3 users could also install the actual game under Windows while you're at it (this will most likely result in improved graphics, and makes it much easier to playtest the content you make).

Contra:
– Requires a reboot every time you want to do anything under OS X or access files on the OS X partition. This can get old very fast, and will be time consuming (don’t expect Windows to boot up as fast as OS X does).
– You need to set aside a considerable chunk of HD space, particularly when you also want to run the game under Windows. Be aware that you cannot easily resize that partition anymore once Windows is installed, so plan accordingly.
– Since you can’t easily switch from one OS to the other, you’re not going to want to reboot every time you want to check mail or google something, so you’ll likely end up connecting to the internet under Windows. Read this guide (http://www.zisman.ca/Articles/2006/LEM-windowssecurity.html) for a quick overview of the risks involved. Also, be aware that Windows may not be as stable as OS X and you may be working with highly experimental / beta tools (not to mention a notoriously buggy game) – save early, save often.

Price: 140$–220$ for a Windows license of your choice – if you buy a used version, it's obviously going to be cheaper. See post #12 of this thread for some info on Windows licensing.

For completeness’ sake: BootCamp is not the only way to set up a multi boot machine, but for OS X/Windows it’s by far the most hassle free and well documented way.



3. Virtual machines (Emulators)

You can install a virtual machine under OS X that simulates a Windows computer. The two major commercial solutions are Parallels Desktop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallels_Desktop_for_Mac) and VMWare Fusion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMware_Fusion) at the moment.

VirtualBox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VirtualBox) is an open-source emulator; binary downloads are available here (http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads). This is very simple to install (just click through the wizard); see post #12 of this thread for a more in-depth review (it seems to kick ass, but possibly not for running TS3). Another open-source emulator would be Q (http://www.kju-app.org/), an OS X port of QEMU. See post #13 of this thread (robotguy) for more info.

Sun: VirtualBox (http://www.virtualbox.org/)
Q: About (http://trac.kju-app.org/wiki/AboutKju)
Q: Main page (http://www.kju-app.org/)

Parallels: Desktop 4.0 for Mac (http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/)
VMWare: Fusion (http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/)
wikipedia: Comparison of VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_VMware_Fusion_and_Parallels_Desktop)
wikipedia: Comparison of Platform Virtual Machines (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_platform_virtual_machines)


Pro/Contra:
LifeHacker: Dual booting vs. virtual machines (http://lifehacker.com/392225/dual-boot-or-run-windows-in-a-virtual-machine) – slightly outdated, but I believe this is quite a good overview nevertheless. You can also do both things at the same time (http://lifehacker.com/software/geek-to-live/virtualize-and-dual+boot-the-same-windows-on-your-mac-267905.php) for additional flexibility.
Stanford Uni: Windows on a Mac (http://www.stanford.edu/services/ess/mac/docs/osxresources/windowsonmac/index.html) – another overview of various options. There's more of these if you google a bit.

Here (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=353773) is a thread (TS3/CAS Parts) where a few people talk about their experience with various emulators as well as BootCamp; a Google search will provide you with many more hours of reading material. Whichever solution you try, be aware that no emulator will run anything with the same speed and performance as it'd run natively (which shouldn't be an issue for most TS3/TS3 tools since they're mostly very small and lightweight to begin with).

Price: VMWare and Parallels are about 80$ for a single user license, VirtualBox is free for personal use, Q is free as well. You will still need to buy and install Windows (140$–220$ new) – an emulator simulates only the machine, not the OS. See post #12 of this thread for some info on Windows licensing.



4. Wine and its relatives

Wine
Wine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_(software)) is a free software that allows Unix-like systems to run Windows programs – instead of emulating the hardware *for* Windows, it is an alternative implementation of Windows itself. Setting it up on vanilla OS X is a rather complex undertaking: the whole thing has to be built from scratch which takes several hours even on a powerful machine, you need to have Apple’s developer tools and some other stuff installed beforehand, and you will need to RTFM quite a bit and be able to use a console with a modicum of confidence. On the other hand, it doesn’t cost anything but time.

Wine/X11 starts within seconds on my MBP; I don’t know how this compares to an emulator – I haven’t tried to run anything big but for small utilities it’s definitely useful. I have seen a Linux user running TS3 in Wine (cary123 in this thread (http://forum.jfade.com/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=466)) – this might work on OS X too, it may or may not circumvent the graphical borkiness of the OS X version (seeing as the EA wrapper is also Wine-based).

WineHQ: OS X FAQ (http://wiki.winehq.org/MacOSX/FAQs)
WineHQ: Installing Wine under OS X (http://wiki.winehq.org/MacOSX/Installing)
WineHQ: Building Wine under OS X (http://wiki.winehq.org/MacOSX/Building)

Some of the caveats in these FAQs are apparently a little outdated (Apple’s X11 works for me; I’m on 10.5.7 with XCode 3.1.2). Parallels Desktop (see above) is partly based on Wine, and so is Cider (the wrapper that the OS X version of TS3 is using). See also post #13 of this thread (robotguy) for some links on how to (possibly/potentially) get cider to run other things than TS3 under OS X.

I haven't gotten any of the TS2/TS3 tools I tested to work in Wine, so far – some will start, but not work as in "actually work". I only tested a fraction of what's available though, and other Windows programs work fine for me.

Milkshape 3D (http://chumbalum.swissquake.ch/) seems to run perfectly fine in Wine; I didn't test it very extensively but it was stable and fast for me. One issue I had was not being able to save with the trial version because the "this is only a trial" popup went into a loop; I'm pretty sure this must be a bug since I've used MS under Windows so I know the trial is full-featured (i.e. you're supposed to be able to save). This was in wine-1.1.24, ms3d185beta1.

You can also get Wine for OS X via Winebottler (http://winebottler.kronenberg.org/); see post #13 of this thread (robotguy) for some info on that.


Pro/Contra:
– Will run Windows programs in parallel to your regular OS X environment, so switching between applications is a non-issue
– Windows programs that rely on proprietary drivers will not run in Wine (see the app database on winehq.org for details)
– Swapping files between OS X and Wine applications may require unhiding invisible files/folders in the Finder – this can be risky (they’re hidden for a reason)
– The developer tools plus X11 plus Wine take up quite a lot of HD space, on the other hand you don’t need a separate partition and the overhead (CPU load, memory) is minimal otherwise

Price: 0$ (and a lot of time)



CrossOver
There is a commercial distribution of Wine called CrossOver (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CrossOver) that is available as a binary download (so installation under OS X is very simple); however, the free trial lasts only 30 days so it may be of limited usefulness for content creators. I haven't tested running any Windows stuff in CrossOver.

CodeWeavers: CrossOver Mac (http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxmac/)
CodeWeavers: CrossOver Games (http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxgames/)


Pro/Contra:
I’ve quickly tested it and personally don’t like it, but YMMV – it can’t hurt to test a free trial. There is a comparison chart (http://www.codeweavers.com/products/differences/) on codeweavers.com with a quick overview/differentiation between dual-booting, emulators, and various Wine-based solutions, but be aware that it is somewhat biased (they want you to buy one of their products, after all). CodeWeavers are actively supporting the Wine project.

Price: 0$ for the trial, 40$–70$ for a license



5. Cross-platform solutions

Mono
Mono (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mono_(software)) is an open-source .NET development framework that's available for several platforms (OS X among others). You can run some TS2/TS3 tools in it, see list below (most likely incomplete).

Installing mono is very simple (download, mount, click through the wizard). You need to have X11 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_Window_System) installed beforehand. Go here (http://xquartz.macosforge.org/landing/) if you want the most current release.

Tiger 10.4.x users could get it from their 10.4 install DVD (but should probably upgrade your OSX instead).
Leopard 10.5.x users should have it already (/Applications/Utilities/X11), last supported version for Leopard 10.5.8 is X11 ver 2.6.3 (http://xquartz.macosforge.org/trac/wiki/X112.6.3)
Snow Leopard 10.6.x machines already have X11 built-in, so there's no additional steps. You'd need version 2.5.0 and higher if you want to update.
Lion 10.7.x machines already have X11 built-in, so there's no additional steps. You'd need version X11 ver 2.7.2 and higher.
:new: Mountain Lion 10.8.x machines do not have this by default as per this article (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5293), you need version 2.7.2 and higher.


Depending on your exact setup, you may have to explicitely tell mono to use X11 for drawing operations (this is not enabled by default), like so:

- open the Terminal (/Applications/Utilities/Terminal.app)
- type export MONO_MWF_MAC_FORCE_X11=1 and hit enter (ella) [eta start]no longer needed for Mono 2.10.8 onwards (I'm not entirely sure the last Mono version that requires this step, but current release version has been confirmed to not need this, so go and update if you have not. The beta 2.10.9 crashed on me, BTW.[eta end]
- type mono /path/to/your/exe (or the easy way: type mono and a space, then drop the exe onto the terminal window) and hit enter

To reset it, type unset MONO_MWF_MAC_FORCE_X11 and hit enter (then it'll use the default driver again).

http://www.mono-project.com/


Tools that run (or should run) in mono:

TS3
s3pe (http://dino.drealm.info/den/denforum/index.php?board=19.0)
(pljones) – requires mono 2.6.1 or later; in 2.6.1/OS X 10.5.7 I need to run it with X11 or it's extremely sluggish; in 2.6.4/OS X 10.5.8 it seems to be working nicely with the Carbon driver (this was a QA version though, not the release)
(ella) [eta start]current .Net 4.x versions don't work, as Mono has limited support for .Net4.x ; use the last non-.net4 version ie: s3pe_11-1216-1651 (http://sourceforge.net/projects/sims3tools/files/s3pe/OldReleases/s3pe/11-1216-1651/s3pe_11-1216-1651.7z/download) [eta end]

s3oc (http://dino.drealm.info/den/denforum/index.php?board=20.0)
(pljones) – seems to work fine in mono 2.6.4/OS X 10.5.8 (as in run) but the file paths popup has issues. These can be circumvented by editing s3oc-ini.ttl manually, says Inge
(ella) [eta start]current .Net 4.x versions don't work, as Mono has limited support for .Net4.x ; use the last non-.net4 version. it is crash-ville though. ie: s3oc_11-1113-1118 (http://sourceforge.net/projects/sims3tools/files/s3oc/OldReleases/s3oc/11-1113-1118/s3oc_11-1113-1118.7z/download) [eta end]

Dashboard Tool (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=387006) (Delphy) – runs only with X11 according to download post
PatternPackager (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=342998) (Delphy) – intermediate build (not published yet)
Neighbourhood Workshop (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=350770) (TigerM)
Smooth Jazz Animation Script Editor (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=365465) (TigerM) untested
Sims3Pack Multi-Extracter (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=364038) (Delphy)
CAS Texture+Unitool (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=364926)
(Delphy) – I need to run this with x11 (OS X 10.5.7), otherwise I'm having redraw issues. YMMV.
(ella) [eta start]Some other info in 470372 [eta end]

Little LOTte Lot editor (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=366436) – "Beautiful Vista" buff adjustment (TigerM) I need to run this with the Carbon driver, top menus won't work right in x11 for me
SimpleDXTCompress (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?p=2770935#post2770935) (TigerM)

TS2:
TS2GridAdjuster (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=327439) (Mootilda)
ConvertiWall (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=327132) (Mootilda)
LotAdjuster 2.7 (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=282409)/LotAdjuster 3.0 (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=384656) (Mootilda)
HoodReplace (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=279992) (Mootilda) untested


This list is not complete, it's only the stuff I tested myself or that other people posted about in this thread. If you've tested anything else, post with specs and I'll edit.

Note that I can't test the output of the TS2 tools, since I don't have TS2 installed anymore. But I can run the tools themselves.

With X11 (OS X 10.5.7), I'm having issues with dropdown menus in mono 2.6.1 (see below). This does not affect any of Mootilda's tools or the Sims3Pack Multi-Extracter, since those do not have any popup menus. The menus *do* work in mono/Linux, so as a workaround one could get a live CD or an image and use that. I believe this may be fixed by upgrading to 10.5.8/X112.4.0 (http://xquartz.macosforge.org/trac/wiki/X112.4.0).

The uninstall script for mono-2.4.2.3 *is not* on the .dmg (like it says on the tin) – you can find it in /Library/Receipts/MonoFramework-2.4.2.3_3.macos10.novell.x86.pkg/Contents/Resources/uninstallMono.sh or copy it from this page (http://www.mono-project.com/Mono:OSX). Copy it to somewhere else, then in Terminal sudo /path/to/your/uninstallMono.sh.

For people who use the Carbon driver: in mono-2.6.1 there is a bug involving System.Windows.Forms.XplatUICarbon.AudibleAlert – see post #32 of this thread for a workaround.

Price: 0$


Java
Some TS3 tools are written in Java (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_(software_platform)), those will work on any platform that has the Java Runtime Environment (http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp) installed. If your OS X is up to date, then you already have that, you just need to make sure it is activated: open /Applications/Utilities/Java Preferences and drag SE 6 to the top of the second list. Here (http://gephi.org/support/install-java-6-mac-os-x-leopard) is a little guide with pretty pictures, as well. Be aware that other Java-based applications may depend on the default settings – make sure you don't forget that this is changed, it'll lead to unnecessary troubleshooting attempts.

Apple: System Updates (Leopard) (http://support.apple.com/downloads/#macosx105)


Tools that are written in Java:

TS3
Postal Package Editor (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=362599) (Echo)
3viewer (http://forum.jfade.com/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=466) (jfade)
TS3 STBL editor (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=350777) (Namethief)

There are probably others as well.

Price: 0$ (payware may also exist, I don’t know)



6. Native OS X tools

Obviously you don't need to do or install anything to run those.

TS3
TS3 Framework Installer (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=349349) – Installs the framework needed to use .package mods (Marhis)


TS2
filenameTooltip (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=321239) – Add tooltips to recolours automatically (CatOfEvilGenius)


3D and image editing
blender (http://www.blender.org/) – a very powerful 3D editor, free/open source
Aorta (http://sourceforge.net/projects/aorta/) – a tool for creating DDS textures
SquishDDS (http://dwjwhatsnew.blogspot.com/2008/08/squishdds-update-dds-converter-for-os-x.html) – another DDS converter
Acorn (http://flyingmeat.com/acorn/) – simple image editor (has a free version with less features, which seems sufficient for simple tasks)
Pixen (http://opensword.org/pixen/) – image editor

emhpb also wrote a tutorial on CAS retexturing specifically for OS X users using Gimp and Aorta, see here (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=385639).



Whatever you do: please do not bitch and whine at the developers of TS2/TS3 tools just because they write stuff for the platform they’re most comfortable with. This is their choice, not yours. Complaining that "nobody thinks of us!" acheives nothing – it only gives OS X users a bad name for acting like incompetent, self-centered asshats.


This overview is most certainly not complete – please post if you have anything to add/correct/clarify, and I'll edit. Just because something isn’t mentioned above, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good solution (I may have forgotten it, never tested it, or just not know about it myself).

If you post in this thread with a technical question/observation, please remember to include the exact version of all software involved. If you post error logs or somesuch, please wrap them in [ spoiler] spoiler tags [ /spoiler].

Do not post here if all you have to say is "i wuv my mac" or "Windows is better" – stuff that adds nothing informative will be deleted.

[TigerM]

Very nice writeup! I've tried to offer people advice on what to do for a mac in the past, but without a list of what works or a way to test it, the best I was able to do was say "Well this should work".

While I develop on and for Windows, it's mainly because that is what I have to work with. However since I am targeting .NET and that can run under mono (With more or less success) I do try to keep cross platform execution in mind, and test it as best I can.

[plasticbox]

It's very considerate that you take other OSes into account (it was kind of obvious given the fact that your tools did run out of the box). If I can help you with testing, please let me know. Also if you don't want the OS X stuff posted in your download thread – to me it looks like the issue with Lotte's file menu has *some*thing to do with the tool itself (and isn't purely a mono problem, seeing as other tools do work for me in mono), but I'm by no means an expert, and it may be confuzzling the Windows users to have mono/OSX posts in there.

I've just realised that your neighbourhood workshop has similar issues with that menu .. it's not the end of the world, as both tools seem to get the job done if the user adheres to protocol and opens a save right away, but it's still funky.

If you want to look into it, I'd be happy to test stuff for you (I'd be *particularly* happy if I could get things to run in Wine as well, but so far, no dice). I'm often in chat, so I could hop over to the modding chat no problem. Note that I am absolutely Windows-incompetent and I know zilch about .NET so all I can do is run tests and forward error reports if I get any, not sure how useful that is .. but I believe the more stuff we get to run on OS X the better, even just so that the crying sounds will stop. I have a feeling that there are more OS X users now that the game ships for OS X with no delays, that's why I think this is important (and interesting).

[plasticbox]

I made *some* progress in figuring out the menu issue, just wanted to let you know:

- firstly, I now properly uninstalled and reinstalled mono just to be safe (I may or may not have buggered this up at some point in the last couple of days -- the uninstall script isn't included where they say it is, and I know i was looking for that before .. I may have borked things by just deleting part of mono, I don't remember. But now I ran the script and then reinstalled from the dmg).

- secondly, I was wrongly assuming that it would be sufficient to export MONO_MWF_MAC_FORCE_X11=0 to make it use that carbon driver again. I have now learned how to properly *unset* an environment variable, i.e. how to make it actually switch between x11 and that driver.

- thirdly, I now know that

1. when Lotte is run in x11, we have the unuseable menu issue

2. when Lotte is run with the Carbon driver:

* we do NOT have the unuseable menu issue

* I do get a small bug, looks like it's this one:

http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg58567.html
https://bugzillafiles.novell.org/attachment.cgi?id=267432

this only appears when I have moved the window, hence why I think it's the exact same bug. I saw this "detached menu" at one point during yesterday's "oh no it's working" phase too. This seems to be a visual glitch only.

* I cannot use the "exit" option in the file menu. I can exit by closing the window *only* after having opened a game save.

Interesting difference, perhaps: in HelloWorld2, I *can* use File > Exit at all times (also running with the carbon driver) -- upon exit, I get an error:


HD:~ User$ mono /Users/User/Desktop/in/untitled\ folder\ 4/HelloWorld2.exe
System.ObjectDisposedException: The object was used after being disposed.
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateHandle () [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.get_Handle () [0x00000]
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:get_Handle ()
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.PointToScreen (Point p) [0x00000]
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:PointToScreen (System.Drawing.Point)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripDropDownMenu.CalculateConnectedArea () [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripDropDownMenu.OnPaintBackground (System.Windows.Forms.PaintEventArgs e) [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmPaint (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripDropDown.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.Control+ControlWindowTarget.OnMessage (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.Control+ControlNativeWindow.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.WndProc (IntPtr hWnd, Msg msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lParam) [0x00000]
HD:~ User$

Don't know if that is to be expected or not. When I close the window to exit (which I can also do at all times, unlike in Lotte), I get no error.

* The "open" button on the open file dialog doesn't always show (but I can still click on the area where it would be, and the file opens). I didn't look at this very closely since it seems to be just a visual glitch, only noticed it twice.

--

This seems to be consistent behaviour - I can switch forth and back between x11 and not, and break/unbreak the menus that way.

I believe I must have been doing something yesterday that made it use the carbon driver without me noticing, and that's why the menu started working.


I'm also getting this warning, unrelated but just fyi:

HD:~ User$ mono /Users/User/Desktop/in/untitled\ folder\ 4/Little\ Lotte.exe
2009-08-27 13:44:59.112 mono[46686:10b] WARNING: CFSTR("Copyright \37777777702\37777777651 Tyger Stripe Software 2009") has non-7 bit chars, interpreting using MacOS Roman encoding for now, but this will change. Please eliminate usages of non-7 bit chars (including escaped characters above \177 octal) in CFSTR().


Since Delphy's CTU has horrifying redraw issues when run with the carbon driver, and developers can test much more easily in linuxmono, the next thing I'll do is to try and figure out whether there's any problems with my x11 that I'm not aware of. Or whether I can install a non-Apple x11 that will perhaps behave more like the rest of the world (without any Apple-exclusive weirdnesses i mean).

I could upgrade to x11 2.4.0 http://xquartz.macosforge.org/trac/wiki/X112.4.0, but that would mean upgrading to 10.5.8 .. not sure whether that's a good idea or not. It does look like 2.4.0 fixes some things that could be related to this ("xserver codebase updated to 1.5 branch", and perhaps also cairo 1.8.8). I'm just not sure whether it would be preferrable that I stay on 10.5.7 for a little while longer, in case some of the issues above are things that you can possibly find and eliminate (that would have to be tested in 10.5.7). I only have one machine to test on, so it's either one or the other.

[blackbird163]

i run simPe in Vmware Fusion windows 7 emulator and i have tried showing it where the game files are but in can't find then so i can't actually do anything much. As far as i know sims will not install in it or crossover games. I am actually planning on borrowing a friend's copy of the windows version again to do some more testing. It is actually quite easy to link the windows and mac parts of the computer so that you can access game files. It does take a little while to start up because it saves it how you left it so it has to reload that.

[jurocha]

I must start saying that the problem I'm about to report has a 90% chance of being caused by dumb user in front of the monitor. I've been using Mac for six months now and I'd like to start creating for TS3. I have none programming experience whatsoever but the tutorials here are quite encouraging... (or I might be just fooling myself).

Well, to the problem itself: I installed mono and Delphy CTU. Then I followed the tutorial for clothes creation and selected my poison (Age, sex, body part). Then a pop-up appeared asking me to locate my TS3 installation (so the program would load the EA meshes). I couldn't find it and since this pop up contained a menu with the folder structure, I couldn't really edit it (like by just typing down the location).

The problem with the menu is that it only show what's below Desktop, and my TS3 is...let's say...above it. I have it installed in Apps, and the Apps folder is just below Macintosh HD and the menu doesn't show the Apps folder. Only My Documents and stuff at this level...

What am I doing wrong? Can you help me, plasticbox?

PS: In fact, it seems you're talking about this same problem in the post above, but I couldn't really understand the fix. (I know: dumb user. Sorry... can you translate it for dumbness? *g)

EDIT: Specs = Macbook running Mac OS X 10.5.8; Intel Core 2 Duo 2Ghz; 2GB RAM DDR3; HD 148 GB (I believe it's a 160 GB, but the info of the mac says... 148... so let it be)

[plasticbox]

jurocha: this issue seems to be somehow inherent to running things under mono, I don't know if it's an issue *with* mono or with the fact that file managemant is different under OS X and not accounted for in these tools .. but I've seen it happen with Delphy's tools as well as with Tiger's.

I think I workarounded it simply by putting a copy of the files I needed on the desktop. If you don't know what those files are, I'd probably just copy the entire game folder (I believe the CTU needs the packages in GameDate/Shared/Packages, but I'm not 100% sure anymore).

[jurocha]

Thanks! I was already looking for a Windows Box. *g I'll try that.

[plasticbox]

mono – Changing the config

I just ran into a little mono issue: I had somehow borked the file browser (the default "Open File" window displayed partly ouside the screen), not sure how, but this is how to reset it:

1. open Terminal and type

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles true (+ hit enter)
killall Finder (+ hit enter)

This makes it so that invisible files are displayed in Finder (otherwise you wouldn't be able to find the config), and restarts the Finder.

2. open Users/User/.mono/mwf_config in a text editor

3. this should have an entry that reads something like

<MWFConfig>
<FileDialog>
<value name="Height" type="int">1462</value>
<value name="Y" type="int">-131</value>
<value name="Width" type="int">962</value>
<value name="X" type="int">479</value>
...
</MWFConfig>

-- change those values to something reasonable (like a height that isn't higher than your screen, and an Y offset that's not negative = outside the screen), save, and restart mono. The file dialog should display nicely now.

4. in Terminal do

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles false (+ hit enter)
killall Finder (+ hit enter)

to restore the default Finder behaviour.

[Araknis]

Thank you plasticbox!

I've been having the exact same problem with the file browser using mono. Seemed to be getting steadily worse too. Guess I can now delete all those empty folders I created to push the stuff I actually needed further down the browser window =)

[plasticbox]

Guess I can now delete all those empty foldersLOL! That's exactly what I did as a workaround at first.

I'm pretty sure there's an easier way too btw (one could just open and edit the config file in bash directly, instead of going through the Finder), in case this is a recurring problem. I'm not sure if it is, since I don't use mono all that often, so I didn't investigate.

[plasticbox]

I gave VirtualBox (http://virtualbox.org/) a little test drive, and thought I'd share what I learned.

VirtualBox is a free, open souce virtual machine by Sun Microsystems (http://www.sun.com/) that you can use (for example) to run Windows on an OS X machine. I wasn't able to test it for very long (and I did *not* get around to try and install the actual game), but to me it looks quite useful.



1. Installing VirtualBox

You can download a dmg here: http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

The install itself is a simple click-through thing; downloading and installing takes about 10 minutes. I don't recall anymore whether it requires registration, it may have been optional, but I registered more than three months ago and never got any spam or marketing emails for that address.

They have forums, too: http://forums.virtualbox.org/ and user-to-user support looks good to me.



2. Setup

Once it's installed you can set up your virtual machines – select which OS you're going to install, how much memory they can use, etc. I like the interface, well-organised and logical:

http://thumbs2.modthesims2.com/img/1/7/8/2/8/2/MTS2_plasticbox_1032613_vbox_setup.jpg

Most of it is already set up by default (the defaults were reasonable for me), and both the live help and the manual are good, so this shouldn't take long – for me it was quite self-explaining, and whatever I didn't know (nested paging? IO APIC?) was easy to find in the manual.

One thing you need to be aware of (but VirtualBox tells you about it, as well): Memory allocation is not dynamic here – whatever you provide to the guest OS will be unavailable for the host while the VM is running. If you have less than 4GB, I think you can forget about playing the game with this – I gave 2.4GB to the Windows VM at first and it *just so* worked out (I have 4GB installed). I have no idea how this compares to other VMs.

Storage allocation, however, is dynamic – you define the maximum that you want the guest OS to use (40GB in the screenshot above), but the actual size of the virtual disk is always just that of the actual content on it.



3. Guest OS installation

Before you install Windows, open the OS X System Preferences > Keyboard and Mouse, and enable "Use all F1, F2 etc. keys as standard function keys". This may be a laptop thing – I don't have a desktop mac to compare –, but the first time around I couldn't install because the Windows installer didn't see my function keys (on my MBP they control the keyboard backlight and screen brightness and so on). This is probably good to have in mind for installation of any other OS that has a non-GUI installer, too.

Next, install Windows (I could only tell you what not do to here, see below), which will be boring and take a while.



4. Configuration: VBox Guest Additions

Then you should do this immediately:

http://thumbs2.modthesims2.com/img/1/7/8/2/8/2/MTS2_plasticbox_1032614_vbox_guest.jpg

Because that's what makes it really cool: Guest Additions need to be installed from within the guest system (the menu option will start the installer), and once that's done, the Windows system can mount OS X folders like external drives (so sharing files is super easy), resizing the VM window will instantly resize the guest screen, mouse and keyboard are filtered automatically, clipboard is shared between guest and host and so on.

Other than that, everything was pretty much automagically seamless for me – I haven't checked ever little detail, but to me it looked like all of the hardware and periphery somehow just worked. The Windows machine had a network, it saw all the BlueTooth and USB and whatever ports, it saw the DVD drive, it automatically time synced with the host .. I didn't install a single driver or anything. On my real Windows computer, I still haven't figured out how to connect to the mac. This is definitely nice for people who just want to run a particular tool and don't care about Windows as an OS.

VirtualBox also has a command line interface that you can use to configure just about anything – you don't need to, but you can.



5. So what about actually *running* stuff in here?

This is as far as I got – Windows runs nicely, integration looks pretty seamless, but the next thing that happened is that I locked myself out (of Windows, not VirtualBox): I didn't get how Windows licenses work – it is really rather obscure for an OS X user –, and of course I have the wrong one, so I need to rebuy it before I can do anything else.

Regarding running the game, there may or may not be hassle to expect when it comes to graphics support and such. From reading the VBox FAQ and forums, it looks like not all guest OSes can make full use of the hardware you have. If you already have Windows and a strong computer, I think it's worth a try – it's free, it doesn't take long to set up, and if the game itself won't work you can always install it on a BootCamp partition instead and keep using VirtualBox for other small tools.

I'm definitely going to keep it – it looks like a nice solution for running other OSes without having to own or set up another physical machine.



6. Windows licensing for dummies (and Germans):

This is not legal advice, it's not complete, and it's not necessarily relevant for any country other than Germany – I just want to share what I know now, since I think most people who read this will want to spend as little as possible on Windows (seeing as we already have a favourite OS), so they may be tempted to do the wrong thing:

- Do not just buy the first Windows you see on ebay or wherever, thinking it's a great deal. Windows licensing isn't like what you're used to (one OS, one version, one license): there are many different flavors and most of them, the cheap ones in particular, will neither work nor be legal to install on your Mac. Also, not every reseller is being very clear about what they are selling, so make sure you're not wasting your money on something you can't use.

- Windows licenses are very often tied to PC hardware. A lot of the cheapo versions I've seen (about 30EUR) were so-called "OEM" or "Recovery" CDs – OEM means "Original Equipment Manufacturer", these are meant to be distributed with PC hardware (and in many countries cannot legally be sold without it); "Recovery" CDs are usually for one specific type of machine (and may not work on anything else). If you buy this kind of thing, it may either turn out it won't work because it's made for a Dell or HP or whatever, or it does work but then you can't activate it, which means you can run it exactly once. 30EUR is very expensive for a one-time use I would think, so if you aren't absolutely sure you're buying the right thing, don't.

- Same for a Windows you may think you already own (this is the mistake that I made): if it came with a Windows computer, it's likely an OEM version, so the license is ONLY valid for that machine and cannot be transferred anywhere else (you may be able to install it, but it won't activate, so you can't run it more than once).

- From what I gather, activation problems seem to be quite common when running Windows in a VM and then transferring the VM to a different physical host or upgrading/changing the host: it may need to be re-activated even though the immediate environment (the virtual machine) hasn't changed, because it's checking for differences in the hardware. Full versions seem to do this too, not only OEM ones. I guess when this happens and one needs to talk to a Microsoft hotline, it would be a good idea to have a bulletproof license.

- I'm told that in Germany (I guess this is similar in the rest of Europe, but I don't know), the cheapest legal way to run Windows on any machine, including a virtual one or a mac, is a so-called "SB" version – this means "System Builder", it's a full license but it has no packaging, no manual, and no support (that's why it's cheaper than the regular consumer version). I have no idea whether this kind of thing even exists outside Germany; however, for XP Pro (which is what I was looking at) it would still be at least EUR70, and the regular boxed version costs about EUR100, so I'm not sure the difference is worth it anyway.

- Also, Windows (at least XP) doesn't seem to be as language-independent as OS X: I don't know how this works exactly, but I've managed to mighty confuse a Windows box when trying to change the system language, and I've seen quite a few offers for versions in a particular language, so I would rather not buy one in anything else but English expecting I can just change it myself with one click.


So, in short: OS X users, or those looking into a VM solution, may be best off with the most expensive option there is: a new, store-bought, boxed and shrinkwrapped end user version in your own language.



Here are three articles (in German) on the differences between OEM and Recovery and all that, and on buying/transferring second-hand software:

http://mediaoffice.net/2007/04/21/oem-recovery-sb-was-ist-das-eigentlich/
http://mediaoffice.net/2007/04/21/verstand-einschalten/
http://mediaoffice.net/2007/04/21/fischen-im-trueben-software-billig-kaufen/

They're written by a law firm specialising in IT law, so this should be as objective and reliable as it gets.

[robotguy4]

Very nice write-up about support for Macs. I especially appreciated the tool lists. A few things you may (or may not) want to add, mention, and/or look into:

1. You can also get Wine for Macs via Winebottler. Its a nice application, and I think one can create easy to use Mac "ports" with it (bottles that are specifically tailored for certain programs... I guess...) I haven't tried your tutorial, but all I did with Winebottler (http://winebottler.kronenberg.org/) was install an application and drag a few things around, no console work needed (that is, if I installed it correctly. I don't always RTFM...) Mind you, its a bit iffy, as it is a BETA... It requires X11 (free off the CD that comes with your Mac... Provided you remember where you put it...) If you want, you can get a better version of X11 here (http://xquartz.macosforge.org/) (also free). I forget if that is just an update...

The older version of Winebottler was Darwine (I think... I'm pretty sure they are somehow connected...), which was for both Intel and PPC Macs (I'm not sure of the functionality of the PPC version, but who uses 'em now days?) I was able to (sort of) use the Intel version of Darwine, but not for the Sims. If you plan to use Darwine, also get TRiX (http://mike.kronenberg.org/?p=69) , Darwine's wine tricks app (which, from what I know, is used for installing system files and important stuff, like Direct X, .NET and fonts). You will, again, need X11 for these.

2. You mentioned Codeweaver's Mac version of Wine called Crossover, however (despite discounts and Lame Duck Presidents (http://lameduck.codeweavers.com/)) Crossover and Crossover games cost money.

Codeweavers created a port of Google Chrome that uses a stripped down version of Crossover, which is called Crossover Chromium (http://www.codeweavers.com/services/ports/chromium). It turns out you can modify it to run other windows programs (I actually looked into this because I noticed that my .exe files listed Crossover Chromium in the "Open With..." menu)

2 words: REALLY. IFFY. 1 more word: FREE. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHxOajoEnDw

3. Some tools may require the Sims to be installed in order to work. An example is the Sims 3 World Builder. (see below for a continuation of this rant)

4. You can hack Cider to run other games. It has been done with much success. Mind you, the legality of this is questionable... Just throwing that out there just in case someone is not satisfied with TS3...


This brings me to the main thing I have been bugging people about:

5. There is one *possible* quasi/il-legal "hack" which I've been trying to do, but have been unsuccessful in:
Hack Cider to run the World Builder tool.

Because people have hacked Cider to run other Windows games on Macs, I think that it might be possible to run the world builder via whatever was included in the Mac version of TS3. It seems simple enough.

Sort of. I'm guessing that the reason it hasn't been done yet is because the WB is still in Beta. At least, I hope so...

I have been having problems installing the **** thing, which will probably require installation on a Windows or via a version of Wine. Because the WB requires TS3 to be installed, one would probably need to make the WB installer recognize the install in the Mac package... I haven't been able to get Cider to run the installer successfully, but I have a few ideas, some which would have to wait (for me, at least) because I don't have access to my Windows computer... I probably got the jargon wrong, sorry.

Mind you, this is mostly theoretical and the end product would have problems. I bet some stuff is missing in Cider that the WB needs (probably .dll files) most of which can probably be taken from a Windows computer.

I have read that doing this mod to run other games might be illegal, but, considering this mod is to increase the functionality of the game (modding TS3's Cider to run WB), I'm guessing it is legal enough for no one to care.

Heck, with enough mucking around, you might be able to run the last few Windows exclusive expansion packs for TS2 work on a mac... Or at least sort of run.

If you want to give it a go, here are some reference materials about modifying Cider for other games. I'm guessing that one could do something similar for the WB:
http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showforum=36
http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-362807.html
http://www.macheist.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=348635


5. Someone needs to mention Qemu (http://www.qemu.org/) , or, more specifically, the Mac version: Q (http://www.kju-app.org/). Basically, Qemu is an open source CPU emulator, which, to the extent of my knowledge, tends to negate Sun Microsystems' claims of being the "only open source emulator". Rule of thumb: most, if not all, emulators will run slower than the actual machine they emulate. This includes Q. I can't remember ever using Q for emulating anything (maybe OLPC's XO-1 OS... If so, I had good results... Or was that Virtualbox? Hmmm...), and I'm not quite sure when it was last updated, but I know it installs and starts up, so go head and try it out.

Or not...

[plasticbox]

Thanks for those links! Particularly the Q one; I'd never heard of it before but it looks really interesting. I've added some pointers from the main post to yours.

I've removed your link to the "cider package to just muck around with" though; firstly because I'm not exactly sure how legal that is (I do realise it's not the actual app, just the cider wrapper, but cider is a commercially distributed application in itself) and secondly because every OS X user of TS3 already has cider – anyone who wants to try and tweak it can just make a copy of that.

[plasticbox]

Hey, why did you delete this? I haven't noticed any ill effects (yet) from letting CAW mess with the regular TS3 prefs, but it's certainly neater to give it its own folder. I only noticed this the second time around.


So for the record, of course I had to try the cider armtwisting right away – the super simple way: I just dumped worldtool.exe into /Applications/The Sims 3/The Sims 3.app/Contents/Resources/transgaming/c_drive/Program Files/Electronic Arts/caw/worldtool.exe and edited info.plist like so:

<key>CedegaGameDir</key>
<string>C:\Program Files/Electronic Arts/caw</string>
<key>CedegaGameName</key>
<string>c:\Program Files/Electronic Arts/caw/worldtool.exe</string>

.. this does work in principle (it starts worldtool.exe which tries to run some sort of setup process) but never actually arrives at anything useful, like starting CAW or throwing an error or something. I guess worldtool.exe is not the actual tool but only an installer? Might it be worth a shot to install under Windows first, then copy over the CAW files (and possibly fiddle with the registry as well)?

I found that this generates a bunch of temp files in /private/tmp/tg-username/ , but I know too little about Windows installation/setup procedures to make any sense of those. Along the lines of
http://thumbs2.modthesims2.com/img/1/7/8/2/8/2/MTS2_plasticbox_1043851_Picture173.png
Do you get these as well?

I tried this with 1.7.11 and 1.8.25, same outcome. Terminal output:


HD:~ user$ /Applications/The\ Sims\ 3.localized/The\ Sims3.app/Contents/MacOS/cider ; exit;
err:reg:Nt_openConfigW could not retrieve the module file name (reason: 'bad module')
err:reg:Nt_openConfigW could not retrieve the module file name (reason: 'bad module')
err:reg:Nt_openConfigW could not retrieve the module file name (reason: 'bad module')
err:wave_audiodevice:audio_device_stereo_channels device 260 failed to get preferred stereo channels (0x77686f3f)
err:wave_audiodevice:audio_device_channel_volume_writable device 260 failed to get volume writable (0x77686f3f)
err:wave_audiodevice:audio_device_format failed to get device 260 format inputChannel: 0 (0x77686f3f)
err:wave_audiodevice:audio_device_stereo_channels device 258 failed to get preferred stereo channels (0x77686f3f)
err:wave_audiodevice:audio_device_channel_volume_writable device 258 failed to get volume writable (0x77686f3f)
err:wave_audiodevice:audio_device_format failed to get device 258 format inputChannel: 0 (0x77686f3f)
err:wave_audiodevice:audio_device_format failed to get device 262 format inputChannel: 1 (0x77686f3f)
err:module:BUILTIN32_dlopen failed to load .so lib for builtin uxtheme.dll: dlopen(/Applications/The Sims 3.localized/The Sims3.app/Contents/Frameworks/libuxtheme.dylib, 2): image not found
Created not existing system directory 'C:\Program Files\Common Files'
err:module:BUILTIN32_dlopen failed to load .so lib for builtin uxtheme.dll: dlopen(/Applications/The Sims 3.localized/The Sims3.app/Contents/Frameworks/libuxtheme.dylib, 2): image not found
err:heap:NewRtlFreeHeap block 0x8b51ec isn't a valid part of heap 0x70470fe0
err:module:BUILTIN32_dlopen failed to load .so lib for builtin uxtheme.dll: dlopen(/Applications/The Sims 3.localized/The Sims3.app/Contents/Frameworks/libuxtheme.dylib, 2): image not found
err:module:BUILTIN32_dlopen failed to load .so lib for builtin apphelp.dll: dlopen(/Applications/The Sims 3.localized/The Sims3.app/Contents/Frameworks/libapphelp.dylib, 2): image not found
err:module:BUILTIN32_dlopen failed to load .so lib for builtin uxtheme.dll: dlopen(/Applications/The Sims 3.localized/The Sims3.app/Contents/Frameworks/libuxtheme.dylib, 2): image not found

I get that sort of audio error things all the time when runnign the game normally (no idea whether they matter at all, I always mute the game so I wouldn't notice audio issues), but the NewRtlFreeHeap one is new to me.


Fake edit: Running it in wine gets me as far as this:
http://thumbs2.modthesims2.com/img/1/7/8/2/8/2/MTS2_plasticbox_1043850_caw-alert-wine.jpg
which looks sort of kind of semi-promising, seeing as I might actually remember where/how wine is installed so that I could copy all the TS3 crap over there (what it says is that CAW requires TS3 to be installed). This seems to have severe display issues though – after switching to Finder and back, it didn't redraw anymore (all I saw was an empty white box in place of the alert).


Edit2: Progress!
http://thumbs2.modthesims2.com/img/1/7/8/2/8/2/MTS2_plasticbox_1043858_wine-caw-install.jpg
This is in wine. What I did was

1. copy the /Applications/The Sims 3/The Sims3.app/Contents/Resources/transgaming/c_drive/Program Files/Electronic Arts folder to /Users/user/.wine/drive_c/Program Files

(at this point it still cried about TS3 not being installed),

2. copy the [Software\\Sims\\The Sims 3] entry from /Users/user/Library/Preferences/The Sims 3 Preferences/system.reg to /Users/user/.wine/system.reg

Now I'm curious whether it'll actually work as in work ...


Edit3: Sniff. After some complaints about missing DLLs that were relatively easy to figure out, I finally got this:
http://thumbs2.modthesims2.com/img/1/7/8/2/8/2/MTS2_plasticbox_1043859_wine-caw-huh.jpg
which goes way over my head. I dunno what a MarshalByRefObject or a StructLayout attribute is, but it sounds complicated. There's probably a reason that EA didn't release this for OS X .. >.<

[robotguy4]

I deleted that post because I thought someone else mentioned that elsewhere...

I may have a few answers to your questions:

First off, you actually got farther than I did... I got up to the point that it mentions that the Sims 3 needed to be installed... Due to memory issues, I didn't try copying TS3 (though, in hindsight, I guess that is the easiest way...)

As you know by now, that file is an installer. Windows creates temp files when installing stuff. So, yes, it is more or less normal. No clue about them other than that. Usually, you can delete them, however, there is a procedure to doing it correctly (http://pcsupport.about.com/od/maintenance/ht/manualtempxp.htm)... Said procedure might not work in Wine/Cider...

Those errors probably indicate file(s) that are needed to run the installer in Cider... Something about libuxtheme.dylib? No clue about NewRtlFreeHeap... Something to do with a dll file?

MarshalByRefObject (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system.marshalbyrefobject.aspx) appears to have something to do with enabling access to objects across application domain boundaries in applications that support remoting...? StructLayoutAttribute (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system.runtime.interopservices.structlayoutattribute.aspx) appears to have something to do with allowing the user to control the physical layout of the data fields of a class or structure. I dunno... Google tends to help on stuff like this...

Any chance you could give a list of what .dll files you added?

Hmmmm... Wait... Both marshalbyrefobject and structlayoutattribute were both mentioned in the .NET Framework Developer Center... Did you try installing .NET via Wine tricks? (and, no, I don't have a clue what .NET does. Something about a framework...)

I may try this out once I find my external hard drive...


EA may have not released a Mac version due to several reasons:
1. Its a BETA. I mean, its not like they said they WOULDN'T release one in the future...
2. Cider isn't owned by EA. I assume that money or something needs to be exchanged...
3. http://www.digital-digest.com/blog/DVDGuy/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/ea_sucks.png

My view point on this is basically: They will probably release it when its convenient for them...

[plasticbox]

I got up to the point that it mentions that the Sims 3 needed to be installed... Due to memory issues, I didn't try copying TS3 (though, in hindsight, I guess that is the easiest way...)Perhaps try to just copy over the registry entry first? Who knows whether it actually checks for the files, maybe the registry thing is all it wants to see .. ?

Did you get to that point in wine or in cider?

Thanks for the link on how to remove those temp things properly – I'll take a look when I get around to cleaning up a bit. Right now I still have plenty of space.

Wait... Both marshalbyrefobject and structlayoutattribute were in the ".NET Framework Class Library..." Did you try installing .NET via Wine tricks?.NET is already installed (I think I did it via winetricks, not sure) – but in case this could be a .NET problem, I don't recall whether or not it all went as smoothly as it should have so it's entirely possible something about .NET is messed up. I know I was somewhat confused as to what needs which version of .NET, and I installed more than once.

Is there any Windows tool that would spit out a report on what frameworks are installed and do a sort of sanity check? Sort of like System Profiler in OS X?

Re. the dlls: I copied over everything from TS3.app/yadda yadda/transgaming/c_drive/windows/system32/ to wine/drive_c/windows/system32/ that wasn't already in there. Plus Sims3Common.dll from wine/drive_c/Program Files/Electronic Arts/Die Sims 3 Erstelle eine Welt-Tool/ to wine/drive_c/windows/system32/.

("Die Sims 3 Erstelle eine Welt-Tool" = the CAW install folder, it installed in German for some silly reason)

[sudaki]

I'm wondering if anyone out there has managed to get s3pe working on a Mac using something like Wine (i.e., a solution that doesn't involve owning a copy of a Windows OS).

I was able to install and open it using Winebottler, but it exits abruptly if I try to open a package file. I suspect this is related to the .NET frameworks -- the version available with Winetricks (3.0) failed to install properly. Or it could just be finicky....

[plasticbox]

Have you tried running it in mono? That's what I'd always try first – it's super simple to install, and it also exists for a lot of other OSes so developers can use it as a base for comparison.

[robotguy4]

Perhaps try to just copy over the registry entry first? Who knows whether it actually checks for the files, maybe the registry thing is all it wants to see .. ?

Did you get to that point in wine or in cider?

Hmmm... I also thought about that... I haven't got to trying it out. It might just work...

I think I got to that point in Wine...



Thanks for the link on how to remove those temp things properly – I'll take a look when I get around to cleaning up a bit. Right now I still have plenty of space.

In that case, I would say just leaving them alone.


.NET is already installed (I think I did it via winetricks, not sure) – but in case this could be a .NET problem, I don't recall whether or not it all went as smoothly as it should have so it's entirely possible something about .NET is messed up. I know I was somewhat confused as to what needs which version of .NET, and I installed more than once.

Is there any Windows tool that would spit out a report on what frameworks are installed and do a sort of sanity check? Sort of like System Profiler in OS X?

Re. the dlls: I copied over everything from TS3.app/yadda yadda/transgaming/c_drive/windows/system32/ to wine/drive_c/windows/system32/ that wasn't already in there. Plus Sims3Common.dll from wine/drive_c/Program Files/Electronic Arts/Die Sims 3 Erstelle eine Welt-Tool/ to wine/drive_c/windows/system32/.


Hmmm... I did some more reading up on DLLs, and I found this out:
http://www.winehq.org/docs/wineusr-guide/config-wine-main
Read 3.1.2.1. DLL Overrides. Note that there are certain dlls that you don't want to replace. These being: kernel32.dll, gdi32.dll, user32.dll, and ntdll.dll

Keep in mind that Wine does things a bit differently than a Windows machine.

As for a sanity check: maybe. Look into something called Winecfg. I'm not sure how you access it on the console installed version of Wine (which is, I assume, is what you are using). In the guide, under 3.1. Using Winecfg, it mentions two commands that may work in the console:
$ /usr/local/bin/winecfg
$ winecfg
Whether or not this works, I dunno. It would appear that most Wine development is for Linux. Actually, under Wine, you should probably post this link:
http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=16664
Probably more of a Linux thing, but whatever.

I'm not sure if it will help, but you may want to also check your version of X11. It is pretty straight forward: start up X11, go to X11 on the menu bar and go to about X11. If your version is below 2.4.0, go here (http://xquartz.macosforge.org/trac/wiki) (unless you use Snow Leopard, apparently... Install it when 2.4.1 comes out...)

Frankly, I'm using Winebottler and some modified Crossover programs (if you know what I mean by "modified" ;) ). Winebottler appears to be a much easier way of dealing with wine in OS X... The possible down side is that it is a BETA...

Also, if you use Crossover or Winebottler there is one more thing you can do that can make everyone's lives easier:
You can make a "standalone" version. One that people can dowload and use without downloading a ton of other stuff (except maybe X11).

I think it is similar to how TS3 installs with Cider.

I mean, someone did it with Steam using Crossover Games... I would, however, question the legality of downloading that...

If, however, you were to use Winebottler to do it, it would (probably. I'm not a lawyer) be perfectly legal, as Winebottler is distributed for free.

[emhpb]

I was wondering how people here who use mono edit dds files? I personally use a file converter program called Aorta that I thought would be helpful to add to this list, as it's hard to find using Google.

[plasticbox]

I've never head of it. If you'd post the link and a short description of what it is and does, I'll happily add it to the list though.

[robotguy4]

I personally use a file converter program called Aorta that I thought would be helpful to add to this list, as it's hard to find using Google.
No its not. You just gotta know what to search (in this case, "Aorta Download .DDs" 2nd link in list. Mind you, I'm a Google Search freak.)

Download area:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/aorta/

Extra Info (AKA: You don't really need to know this stuff):
Actually, it appears to be used for Aleph One (Aorta=Aleph One Replacement Texture Accessory), which is the open source version of Marathon (which, as we all should know, is the game Bungie made before Halo. In fact, there are some easter eggs in Halo that tend to point toward some connection between the two games...) That would probably be the reason why no one has ever heard of this before...

It probably would work for our purposes... Good find!

Source Forge summary:
Aorta (the Aleph One Replacement Texture Accessory) is a tool for creating high quality RGB and S3TC / DXTC (using the Squish library) DDS textures.

[emhpb]

Yeah, that's what I meant when I said it's hard to find. xD I searched "Mac file converter dds" or something to find it. You can't just search Aorta.

I have no idea what you just said there. xD; I do know it definitely works though, all of my stuff is made with it. Mind you, I don't know if it does the different types of DXTC textures, but it will create a dds texture from a png, and generate a mask (alpha channel) for it which you can remove or not, and then create a png from a dds.

I've included some basic instructions on how to use it in my Mac re-texturing tutorial for idiots, which is here: http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=385639 It's pretty straight-forward though.

It also should be noted that sometimes the normals look quite odd when you load a png in Aorta. My educated guess is that this is because the png contains information from the image program on the alpha and the normal, which do not match up exactly as GIMP (and according to someone who followed my tutorial, photoshop) creates them, but the alpha is always perfect, so the resulting texture is the same.

Hope that helps some people!

[plasticbox]

Thank you both for the links, added to post #1.

robotguy, can I ask you to remove the EA pic from post #16? I think it's done its duty =) .. the longer the thread is getting, the more distracting are not-really-on-topic pics (particularly when they're so huge). Thank you!

[emhpb]

Awesome! And I did not know about SquishDDS, I shall check that one out. :)

Edit: SquishDDS does not appear to open DDS textures, so you would still need to use Aorta, but it seems to have a more sophisticated way of creating DDS's, allowing you to pick the DTXC compression you want. :D I may have to add this to my tutorial, as it might help increase the quality of the textures.

[robotguy4]

robotguy, can I ask you to remove the EA pic from post #16?
How 'bout putting it in a spoiler?

Also:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e131/robotguy4/Picture3-1.png
I got it to start up in Winebottler!

Sort of.

It just shows that start up thing and then it shuts off... Unfortunately, I kind of forgot the details what I did to get to this point... :|

I remember that I did basically what pbox said to do, and installed .NET and d3dx9 via wine tricks. I also started up winecfg and checked the box next to "emulate a virtual desktop" (under the graphics tab).

Console errors:
fixme:sync:CreateMemoryResourceNotification (0) stub
err:ole:CoGetContextToken apartment not initialised
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"System.Windows.Forms"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"System"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"System.Drawing"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"ToolUtil"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"DbDataLayer"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"CSHostWrap"
fixme:win:EnumDisplayDevicesW ((null),0,0x32cfcc,0x00000000), stub!
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"SharedDotNet"
fixme:font:WineEngAddFontResourceEx Ignoring flags 10
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:dciman:DCICreatePrimary 0x620 0x51712a4
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"CSHostWrap"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"System.Xml"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"DBDataLib"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"DotNetMagic"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"System.Windows.Forms"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"System.Drawing"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"System"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"SharedDotNet.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"SharedDotNet.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"System.Configuration"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"WorldBuilderCS.resources"
fixme:thread:SetThreadIdealProcessor (0x254): stub
fixme:thread:SetThreadIdealProcessor (0x334): stub
fixme:thread:SetThreadIdealProcessor (0x338): stub
fixme:xinput:XInputGetState (0 0x32e590)
fixme:xinput:XInputGetState (1 0x32e590)
fixme:xinput:XInputGetState (2 0x32e590)
fixme:xinput:XInputGetState (3 0x32e590)
fixme:system:SystemParametersInfoW Unimplemented action: 94 (SPI_GETMOUSETRAILS)
fixme:system:SystemParametersInfoW Unimplemented action: 4124 (SPI_GETMOUSESONAR)
fixme:win:EnumDisplayDevicesW ((null),0,0x32da9c,0x00000000), stub!
path: 46155_0x1401127
set off screen: invalid drawable
err:d3d:context_set_current Failed to make GL context 0x20da08 current on device context 0x758, last error 0.
err:d3d:context_create Cannot activate context to set up defaults
err:d3d:IWineD3DDeviceImpl_CreateSwapChain Failed to create a new context
fixme:d3d9:IDirect3DDevice9Impl_CreateAdditionalSwapChain (0x20ffd0) call to IWineD3DDevice_CreateSwapChain failed
err:d3d9:device_parent_CreateSwapChain (0x20ffd4) CreateAdditionalSwapChain failed, returning 0x8876086a
err:d3d:IWineD3DDeviceImpl_Release Context array not freed!
fixme:shell:URL_ParseUrl failed to parse L"SimIFace"

By the way, here is yet another Wine related program (http://portingteam.com/2009/12/wineskin-rc5-released/) I found, if anyone wants to look into it.

[plasticbox]

Re. SquishDDS: I've used it successfully to make some TS3 wallpapers – I don't really remember what I did, but I believe I just needed to convert something *to* DDS, not open one. So it's entirely possible that they have different features.

Re. the CAW splash screen: hmmmmm .. this reminds me of something. I believe I have a faint memory of having read about problems in wine with programs that have a splash screen, as opposed to opening a window directly. I'll see if I can dig up a bookmark or two about this. Then again, maybe you've already solved this with your "virtual desktop" setting?

ETA, just quickly checked it, the only difference (when I set it to "virtual desktop") is that I now get the above error message on a pretty blue background. Plus the following Terminal output (same as I had before):

fixme:actctx:parse_depend_manifests Could not find dependent assembly L"Microsoft.VC80.CRT" (8.0.50727.762)

which I solved by installing Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86) (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/confirmation.aspx?familyId=200b2fd9-ae1a-4a14-984d-389c36f85647&displayLang=en&pf=true), still no worky. Same error, no terminal output anymore =/.



(Yeah you can put it in a spoiler if you love it so dearly ;) .. I just don't want this thread to become too unwieldy)

[robotguy4]

Re. the CAW splash screen: hmmmmm .. this reminds me of something. I believe I have a faint memory of having read about problems in wine with programs that have a splash screen, as opposed to opening a window directly. I'll see if I can dig up a bookmark or two about this. Then again, maybe you've already solved this with your "virtual desktop" setting?

ETA, just quickly checked it, the only difference (when I set it to "virtual desktop") is that I now get the above error message on a pretty blue background. Plus the following Terminal output (same as I had before):

*shrugs* I have no clue. I'm going to stop fooling around with CAW for a while...

While CAW is a pain, s3oc works like a charm under wine. Heck, you don't even need to copy TS3 folder! You just need to know where to look when you set up the game folder (Z:\Applications\The Sims 3.localized\The Sims3.app\Contents\Resources\transgaming\c_drive\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3)

I might get to the other tools in a bit... In the mean time, try s3oc out (http://rapidshare.com/files/333974120/s3oc_test.zip). Please note that there are probably bugs or something, however, initial testing shows it works.
(X11 required)

[plasticbox]

What's that s3oc_test link in your post? Please don't link to any software without stating what it is .. thanks =).

I also can't access the rapidshare or whatever it was thing right now, I'm told the servers are too busy. For small uploads – in the name of science – you can use http://modyourpanties.com if you want (this is run by Delphy, uploads will only work on mts).

I just now saw your edits in post #20 on winecfg – in a non-bottled wine, you access it by typing winecfg into Terminal, which opens the preference panel in x11.

Also, I guess I am lagging behind in x11 versions .. because I'm still on 10.5.7. There was something about the next version that required 10.5.8. I just never get around to run the upgrade.

Thanks for the heads-up regarding DLL overrides, however I believe I already solved my dll issues (or at least, it all behaves like I solved them). But I found a useful link about the whole registry business while RTFMing:

http://www.winehq.org/docs/wineusr-guide/using-regedit



Re. s3pe and s3oc in wine:

I just installed s3pe_0912-13-1729 in wine (http://winehq.org) (the installation went without a hitch) and attempted to run it, which gave me this:


Unhandled Exception: System.NotImplementedException: The requested feature is not implemented [GDI+ status: NotImplemented]
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus.CheckStatus (Status status) [0x00000]
at System.Drawing.Image.retrieveGDIPalette () [0x00000]
at System.Drawing.Image.get_Palette () [0x00000]
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Drawing.Image:get_Palette ()
at System.Drawing.Icon.BuildBitmapOnWin32 () [0x00000]
at System.Drawing.Icon.GetInternalBitmap () [0x00000]
at System.Drawing.Icon.ToBitmap () [0x00000]
at System.Drawing.Icon.get_Handle () [0x00000]
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Drawing.Icon:get_Handle ()
at System.Windows.Forms.XplatUIWin32.SetIcon (IntPtr hwnd, System.Drawing.Icon icon) [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.XplatUI.SetIcon (IntPtr handle, System.Drawing.Icon icon) [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.CreateHandle () [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.get_Handle () [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.ShowDialog (IWin32Window owner) [0x00000]
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Form:ShowDialog (System.Windows.Forms.IWin32Window)
at System.Windows.Forms.CopyableMessageBox.Show (IWin32Window owner, System.String message, System.String caption, CopyableMessageBoxIcon icon, IList`1 buttons, Int32 defBtn, Int32 cncBtn) [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.CopyableMessageBox.Show (System.String message, System.String caption, CopyableMessageBoxIcon icon, IList`1 buttons, Int32 defBtn, Int32 cncBtn) [0x00000]
at System.Windows.Forms.CopyableMessageBox.Show (System.String message, System.String caption, CopyableMessageBoxButtons buttons, CopyableMessageBoxIcon icon) [0x00000]
at S3PIDemoFE.Program.Main (System.String[] args) [0x00000]

I'm getting no splash screen or anything.

I also tried to run s3oc, same story – installation works fine, but when I try to run it I get


Unhandled Exception: System.InvalidCastException: Cannot cast from source type to destination type.
at ObjectCloner.Properties.Settings.get_ColumnToSort () [0x00000]
at ObjectCloner.TopPanelComponents.ObjectChooser+ListViewColumnSorter.ListViewColumnSorter_LoadSettings () [0x00000]
at ObjectCloner.TopPanelComponents.ObjectChooser+ListViewColumnSorter..ctor () [0x00000]
at ObjectCloner.TopPanelComponents.ObjectChooser..ctor () [0x00000]
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) ObjectCloner.TopPanelComponents.ObjectChooser:.ctor ()
at ObjectCloner.MainForm..ctor () [0x00000]
at ObjectCloner.MainForm..ctor (System.String[] args) [0x00000]
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) ObjectCloner.MainForm:.ctor (string[])
at ObjectCloner.Program.Main (System.String[] args) [0x00000]


This is in wine-1.1.24 with XQuartz 2.1.6 (xorg-server 1.4.2-apple33) on OS X 1.5.7.


I just posted in the s3pe/s3oc forum, maybe Peter or Inge would have an idea what those errors are talking about.

[robotguy4]

What's that s3oc_test link in your post? Please don't link to any software without stating what it is .. thanks =).
I thought I did... Hmmmm... I am sometimes don't make senses, maybe... =P

You know how TS3 installs with Cider, without you having to go through it and modify the DLLs (non-modded TS3, that is), the winecfg, and winetricks?

Yeah, that's what that file is... But for S3OC. It includes a pre-configured version of wine (which, so far, works on my computer). Basically you unzip it and run it. After a few seconds of configuring itself (which, it seems to do every time you start it up), it then starts up. X11 required.

I also can't access the rapidshare or whatever it was thing right now, I'm told the servers are too busy. For small uploads – in the name of science – you can use http://modyourpanties.com if you want (this is run by Delphy, uploads will only work on mts).
Oh... That's useful. Ok. Will do. Its not exactly a "small" download, as it includes Wine, however, I'll see what I can do. I might try a different file site.

UPDATE:
Another user reports they can run s3oc just fine (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=366580&goto=newpost)
If "run s3oc fine" means "it starts up," then yes, its fine...

If you mean, "it works without problems," then no...

Further testing (thanks Flabaliki!) has shown that clones created via S3OC in Wine are not perfect...

A bit of documentation:
the object was invisible
not -all- the time though
http://i46.tinypic.com/34eeo9d.jpg
also, when i cloned it, it cloned as a .world

There may be more to this, however:
i didnt have any patches installed
so i dont know
Frankly, I don't know either...


Probably Wine's fault...

[plasticbox]

For people who get errors in mono that go

Unhandled Exception: System.NotImplementedException: The requested feature is not implemented.
at System.Windows.Forms.XplatUICarbon.AudibleAlert ()
Delphy just pointed me at a possible workaround – get a newer copy of the System.Windows.Forms.dll where the original issue is fixed and use that. See this post at the mono forums (http://old.nabble.com/forum/ViewPost.jtp?post=27031349&framed=y) for pointers.


Re. s3pe/s3oc, have you tried running it in a current mono? That sort-of-works, albeit it is extremely slow and crashy. Might be sufficient for simple tasks though.

[robotguy4]

Re. s3pe/s3oc, have you tried running it in a current mono? That sort-of-works, albeit it is extremely slow and crashy. Might be sufficient for simple tasks though.

I tried that, eventually. It started up fine for me, however, it was buggy and, from what I tried, impossible to set it to recognize the Sims 3 folder without copying the file somewhere else (it wouldn't recognize my Machintosh HD Apps folder for some reason. Anyone know why?)... I might try the thing that you linked to later...

I also tried running TSR's TSRW (RC2) in Wine. It starts up, but the render doesn't work and it crashes whenever I tried to do something in it...

update:
I was able to get Delphy's Dashboard to work via Winebottler. It seems to work fine. My game seems to run faster after using it. I had to install .Net 2.0 and fontfix via Winetricks to get it to work.

[simfan432]

Ok i am a total newbie at this. But for the life of me i can not figure out how to use exe's with mono. most notably i need s3pe to work so i can merge packages.

[plasticbox]

s3pe is extremely slow and crashy under wine/mono (and pjones wasn't the least bit surprised – he actually predicted that –, so I don't think it's an issue with my setup). Can what you need to do be done in Postal as well, perhaps? If so, then I'd recommend using Postal.

If not, please let us know what exactly you're having problems with. Is mono installed already?

[Kitanne]

I tried running several of Delphy's programs under a stripped version of Windows XP in VMware with no luck. No clue why and probably not programming savvy enough to be able to find out. Most likely my version of XP is too stripped.

I have been able to get Delphy's Sims3pack Extractor to run successfully under Wine on my iMac. EDIT: I used WineBottler to package it as an app, very handy that is.

http://i48.tinypic.com/wmmqkk.jpg

Just tried to run the Dashboard with no success, it opened but immediately went error face.

[plasticbox]

I seem to recall that most of Delphy's stuff requires .NET to be installed, do you have that? And you might want to post the errors you're getting, perhaps they provide a clue.

[Kitanne]

When I was running VMWare? Yes, I did. Programs would run for literally a split second and then die.

I got Dashboard running beautifully although only through opening it with Wine without bottling it. I'll try again after work to see if I can figure that out.

Edit: So, I've had no luck getting Dashboard to run after closing it the first time. Still futzing around with it and will post if I find a work around. After playing around in Wine some more and getting a better sense of how it works and how to switch between prefixes, I'm now able to run the following programs in Wine:

The Sims 3 Dashboard
CTU (the OSX version only)
Sims3Pack Multi Extractor

The only thing I notice is that sometimes the Dashboard can run a little slow, specifically right after scanning a folder. The amount of files its scanning doesn't seem to make any noticeable difference. Whether two files or 2000, it takes up to a minute for the list to pop up. I don't know how this compares to running it on Windows. EDIT: This seems to have disappeared when I downloaded the newest release today. Yay!

BTW, I'm running Leopard (10.5.8) on an iMac9,1.

[emmejuice]

A couple things from a non-techy simmer:

1. 3viewer is the only program I could get to work for me. My launcher was broken, and I tried every mac program (except bootcamp etc) to install sims3packs.
2. I have no idea how the conversation about create a world via wine has changed since the other postings on here, but I'm hoping to install bootcamp and use CAW. Very newbie question- will I have to buy the sims 3 for windows to do this? Is there any other way?

[plasticbox]

emmejuice: the game disc is the same for OS X and Windows, so you won't have to rebuy that.

[emmejuice]

emmejuice: the game disc is the same for OS X and Windows, so you won't have to rebuy that.

OH DUH. Thank you...

[plaidgab]

I'm running Delphy's CTU with Mono and I finally got it to run and everything, now the one problem I'm having is that I can only press the "Add New Design" button once each time I run the program. The first few times I ran CTU it worked fine except a couple bugs, but this keeps happening now. I've deleted and re-extracted all the files and restarted my computer and the program repeatedly, and I'm totally out of ideas. Is there anything in the code I can maybe change, or something else I can do?

[luukchin]

Howdy.
I'm going through all of these tools and trying to find the easiest and best way to run them. (Particularly s3pe etc).
You guys were running s3pe in wine under winetricks mono? I was just running it in straight OS/X mono through xquartz terminal. Extremely crashy, but if you go niiiiice and sloooooow and have vodka handy, it will work. Just got to give it time for the screen to refresh properly.

I'm ATTEMPTING to make a cocoa app that will do the same thing, but i'm only a newbie with Xcode, so it's taking some time. The crashiness doesn't bother me as much as the lack of apple key or command key function.

Delphy's multi pack extractor seems to run better straight under mono as well (without wine).

Also, it works best if you get the latest version of xquartz (2.5.0). AND you have to reinstall it whenever you get an apple update, because apple updates revert you back to apple x11!!!
:llama:

[LoofahFlufferduff]

Latest Version of Mono with Xquartz runs most TS3 .NET based programs well. No need for wine.

Oh, and GIMP for MAC includes most of the available plugins and can edit and compress DDS files.

[LoofahFlufferduff]

http://www.mactasticsims3.com/s3pe.html

Ok, to run the Sims 3 Package Editor, the first thing you will need is a copy of ‘Mono’. Mono is a framework developed to run Windows .NET applications on Mac. You can get the latest copy of Mono at http://www.mono-project.com/. Just download and install it like any other Mac app.

Then, download Sims 3 Package Editor from the link provided in the previous post. (Note again: you need the ‘manual install’ .7z file, not the easy install .exe file. If you need a 7z opener, get one from http://7zx.en.softonic.com/mac (that’s just a drag and drop 7z compressor and extractor. Very handy, gives GREAT compression).

It’s probably easier to make a file on your Desktop called something like ‘s3pe’, and move the 7z file into there before you extract it, otherwise it will make a mess of your downloads folder! To make life easier, I also created a folder on my Desktop called ‘Sims3Tools’ and moved the ‘s3pe’ folder in there, along with the folders of the other Sims 3 tools I have.

Now, we get to the tricky part. Open up your Terminal (In your Applications/Utilities) folder. Then you need to navigate to the ‘s3pe’ folder you just made. If you stuck where I told you, this is how you would navigate there:

cd Desktop/Sims3Tools/s3pe

then type in

mono s3pe.exe

and that should run the program. It can be a bit crashy, so you want to be nice and gentle with it. Let it finish what it is doing before you ask it to do something else.

Any problems, please PM me on this site, or through www.mactasticsims3.com

[HugeLunatic]

"File does not contain a valid CIL image."

This seems to be caused by not using the manual install version, but your archive utility may also be an issue. The Unarchiver barfs trying to uncompress the manual version, with errors on each .exe in the 7z archive. It will give the error "Could not extract the file "xxxx.exe": Unknown data format" for each exe in the archive which then causes mono to not be able to read them. I assume they were corrupted. You need an archive utility that will simply ignore file types and unarchive, the one posted above works I have no idea about any others.

A note on 7zx (linked above), I also had that same error if I simply extracted them to my downloads folder and then tried moving them to a folder named s3pe. I know I got all files since my downloads folder was empty except for the dmg for 7zx. So be sure to create the folder for s3pe and move the 7z file into the folder before extracting just in case it wasn't an odd glitch.

[plasticbox]

Now, we get to the tricky part. Open up your Terminal (In your Applications/Utilities) folder. Then you need to navigate to the ‘s3pe’ folder you just made. If you stuck where I told you, this is how you would navigate there:

cd Desktop/Sims3Tools/s3pe

then type in

mono s3pe.exe

Easier way: type mono, then drag and drop the exe onto the Terminal window and hit enter.

[LoofahFlufferduff]

"File does not contain a valid CIL image."

Actually, that is because the 'easy install' version is not a .NET executable - that is, it is not in the 'Common Intermediate Language' (previously known as MSIL). Mono can't open that one.

WINE can. You can use WINE to open it up, and then Mono to run it.

Of course, it is easier just to download all of the 'manual install files' - which is what the 'easy install' exe contains and what WINE would unpack.


OH and PB - yes, that is an easier idea, but on my blog I also have a tutorial for making an automator app that you can use like an 'app icon ' on your desktop, or in your applications folder or wherever... for s3pe or other mono programs. And you need that navigation code for that.
http://www.mactasticsims3.com/mono_runner.html

[robotguy4]

Another program to mention:
Graphic Converter

Its native (e.g. no mucking around required) and can do .dds, apparently. This is convenient as some Macs have it installed as a default.


Also, Skininator seems to start up in WINE. I'm not sure what tricks were used, as I'm dusting things off here... It doesn't seem to be able to save, though...

P.S. BUMP

[plasticbox]

Graphic Converter comes preinstalled? That's new to me .. under what circumstances (I never even bought a mac with anything pre-installed .. it was always just the hardware and the system discs)? Apple don't mention anything about it: http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/imaging_3d/graphicconverter.html

Who or what is Skininator, can you provide a link/description?

[robotguy4]

Graphic Converter comes preinstalled? That's new to me .. under what circumstances (I never even bought a mac with anything pre-installed .. it was always just the hardware and the system discs)? Apple don't mention anything about it: http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/imaging_3d/graphicconverter.html

Who or what is Skininator, can you provide a link/description?

Graphic Converter used to be bundled on Macs (Try your utilities folder under applications)... Apparently its not bundled on the Intel macs, which sucks (I finally find a good use for it, and then they take it off!)

Its shareware though... Apparently they just make you wait for a few seconds when you start it up. No watermarks or anything like that...
http://www.lemkesoft.com/public/content/index._cGlkPTg4_.html
(I suggest the second download link if you understand English. Its a smaller file.)

Skininator is for making non-replacement custom skins for TS3. http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=389488

[GESolar]

Thank you for the sharing of your ideas and thoughts to all of us. http://sunrent.de/smileynormal.ico

[pljones]

...
5. Cross-platform solutions
Mono
...
Tools that run (or should run) in mono:
TS3
s3pe (http://dino.drealm.info/den/denforum/index.php?board=19.0) (pljones) – requires mono 2.6.1 or later; in 2.6.1/OS X 10.5.7 I need to run it with X11 or it's extremely sluggish; in 2.6.4/OS X 10.5.8 it seems to be working nicely with the Carbon driver (this was a QA version though, not the release)I broke compatibility when I added DDS Preview to s3pe. It's a quick hack - I took someone's existing code and just added it in. This code uses "Windows Presentation Framework", which it appears isn't quite there yet in MONO on some distributions at least (I've not checked whether the MONO guys are on the case). It would be feasible to extract the required code and remove the WPF dependency. This would still leave a dependency on DirectX, however... But I have a cunning plan... (seems to work... :) so should be fixed in next QA...)

For the time being, anyone desperate for s3pe should grab the source and rip out the DDS Preview code along with the dependencies on SlimDX and SlimDX.Wpf.

Or stick with a non-QA release of s3pe earlier than 10-1104-1243.

[pljones]

(seems to work... :) so should be fixed in next QA...)
Which is now up for testing in the usual place.
http://dino.drealm.info/den/denforum/index.php?topic=326.0
Constructive feedback appreciated.

[CherriesJubilee15]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place, but I have been EVERYWHERE trying to figure this out, so I'm a tad desperate.

I'm trying to run s3pe with Mono, but its not working (duh). I followed LoofahFlufferduff's instructions, but I get a huge error message when I try to execute it. I have the full install download of sims3pe, extracted it to a folder on my desktop, opened terminal, did both the 'cd Desktop/Sims3PE mono sims3pe.exe' and the 'mono (dragndrop) sims3pe.exe' but I only get the same error message. Mono seemed to install fine. I extracted the 7z file with Ez7z if that makes any difference.

Error message:
Jubilee-Jorgensons-MacBook-Pro:~ cherries_jubileejnj$ mono /Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe

** (/Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe:11253): WARNING **: The following assembly referenced from /Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe could not be loaded:
Assembly: PresentationCore (assemblyref_index=8)
Version: 3.0.0.0
Public Key: 31bf3856ad364e35
The assembly was not found in the Global Assembly Cache, a path listed in the MONO_PATH environment variable, or in the location of the executing assembly (/Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/).


** (/Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe:11253): WARNING **: Could not load file or assembly 'PresentationCore, Version=3.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35' or one of its dependencies.

** (/Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe:11253): WARNING **: Missing method .ctor in assembly /Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe, type System.Windows.Resources.AssemblyAssociatedContentFileAttribute

** (/Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe:11253): WARNING **: Can't find custom attr constructor image: /Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe mtoken: 0x0a000003

Unhandled Exception: System.IO.FileNotFoundException: Could not load file or assembly 'PresentationCore, Version=3.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35' or one of its dependencies.
File name: 'PresentationCore, Version=3.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35'
at (wrapper managed-to-native) System.MonoCustomAttrs:GetCustomAttributesInternal (System.Reflection.ICustomAttributeProvider,System.Type,bool)
at System.MonoCustomAttrs.GetCustomAttributesBase (ICustomAttributeProvider obj, System.Type attributeType) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.MonoCustomAttrs.GetCustomAttributes (ICustomAttributeProvider obj, System.Type attributeType, Boolean inherit) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Reflection.Assembly.GetCustomAttributes (System.Type attributeType, Boolean inherit) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.CustomizableFileSettingsProvider.GetCompanyName () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.CustomizableFileSettingsProvider.CreateUserConfigPath () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.CustomizableFileSettingsProvider.CreateExeMap () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.CustomizableFileSettingsProvider.GetPropertyValues (System.Configuration.SettingsContext context, System.Configuration.SettingsPropertyCollection collection) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.LocalFileSettingsProvider.GetPropertyValues (System.Configuration.SettingsContext context, System.Configuration.SettingsPropertyCollection properties) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.ApplicationSettingsBase.CacheValuesByProvider (System.Configuration.SettingsProvider provider) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.ApplicationSettingsBase.GetPropertyValue (System.String propertyName) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.ApplicationSettingsBase.get_Item (System.String propertyName) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at S3PIDemoFE.Properties.Settings.get_UpgradeRequired () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at S3PIDemoFE.Program.Settings () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at S3PIDemoFE.Program.Main (System.String[] args) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0


Thanks in advance!

[moniquinin]

I'm not sure I understand the last few posts, but since I've been trying to get s3pe to work with mono, I'd like some clarification, especially since it looks like nothing official has been said about this for many months. So, as I understand it, s3pe used to work but compatibility broke on the last update? Can someone please direct me to a version that actually works with mono? All I want to do is combine several package files into one, and perhaps learn how to do the opposite and also generate new and different thumbnails for the content.

Thanks

[jormor1991]

Just wanted to let others know that I have successfully downloaded and used SimPE in Parallels Desktop. After using it for a while now, I can definitely say that I recommend it to EVERYONE. It's the only thing that has worked for me after trying almost all of the methods mentioned in the first post of this thread. I'm not gonna list all the really cool features -- but anyone interested should go to the website and check it out. Also, if anyone wants to see some screenshots, visit my photobucket! http://s69.photobucket.com/albums/i67/jormor1991/screenshots/ Thanks to everyone!

[robotguy4]

Anyone still here? No? Oh well. I guess I'll answer a few questions then...


Sorry if this is in the wrong place, but I have been EVERYWHERE trying to figure this out, so I'm a tad desperate.

I'm trying to run s3pe with Mono, but its not working (duh). I followed LoofahFlufferduff's instructions, but I get a huge error message when I try to execute it. I have the full install download of sims3pe, extracted it to a folder on my desktop, opened terminal, did both the 'cd Desktop/Sims3PE mono sims3pe.exe' and the 'mono (dragndrop) sims3pe.exe' but I only get the same error message. Mono seemed to install fine. I extracted the 7z file with Ez7z if that makes any difference.

Error message:
Jubilee-Jorgensons-MacBook-Pro:~ cherries_jubileejnj$ mono /Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe

** (/Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe:11253): WARNING **: The following assembly referenced from /Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe could not be loaded:
Assembly: PresentationCore (assemblyref_index=8)
Version: 3.0.0.0
Public Key: 31bf3856ad364e35
The assembly was not found in the Global Assembly Cache, a path listed in the MONO_PATH environment variable, or in the location of the executing assembly (/Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/).


** (/Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe:11253): WARNING **: Could not load file or assembly 'PresentationCore, Version=3.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35' or one of its dependencies.

** (/Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe:11253): WARNING **: Missing method .ctor in assembly /Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe, type System.Windows.Resources.AssemblyAssociatedContentFileAttribute

** (/Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe:11253): WARNING **: Can't find custom attr constructor image: /Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe mtoken: 0x0a000003

Unhandled Exception: System.IO.FileNotFoundException: Could not load file or assembly 'PresentationCore, Version=3.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35' or one of its dependencies.
File name: 'PresentationCore, Version=3.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35'
at (wrapper managed-to-native) System.MonoCustomAttrs:GetCustomAttributesInternal (System.Reflection.ICustomAttributeProvider,System.Type,bool)
at System.MonoCustomAttrs.GetCustomAttributesBase (ICustomAttributeProvider obj, System.Type attributeType) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.MonoCustomAttrs.GetCustomAttributes (ICustomAttributeProvider obj, System.Type attributeType, Boolean inherit) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Reflection.Assembly.GetCustomAttributes (System.Type attributeType, Boolean inherit) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.CustomizableFileSettingsProvider.GetCompanyName () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.CustomizableFileSettingsProvider.CreateUserConfigPath () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.CustomizableFileSettingsProvider.CreateExeMap () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.CustomizableFileSettingsProvider.GetPropertyValues (System.Configuration.SettingsContext context, System.Configuration.SettingsPropertyCollection collection) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.LocalFileSettingsProvider.GetPropertyValues (System.Configuration.SettingsContext context, System.Configuration.SettingsPropertyCollection properties) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.ApplicationSettingsBase.CacheValuesByProvider (System.Configuration.SettingsProvider provider) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.ApplicationSettingsBase.GetPropertyValue (System.String propertyName) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Configuration.ApplicationSettingsBase.get_Item (System.String propertyName) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at S3PIDemoFE.Properties.Settings.get_UpgradeRequired () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at S3PIDemoFE.Program.Settings () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at S3PIDemoFE.Program.Main (System.String[] args) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0


Thanks in advance!

You see the part where the error says:
The following assembly referenced from /Users/cherries_jubileejnj/Desktop/Sims3PE/s3pe.exe could not be loaded:
Assembly: PresentationCore (assemblyref_index=8)
PresentationCore. Thats your problem; you are trying to run a newer version of S3PE. According to Pjones:
I broke compatibility when I added DDS Preview to s3pe...This code uses "Windows Presentation Framework", which it appears isn't quite there yet in MONO... For the time being, anyone desperate for s3pe should grab the source and rip out the DDS Preview code along with the dependencies on SlimDX and SlimDX.Wpf.

Or stick with a non-QA release of s3pe earlier than 10-1104-1243.

I suggest the latter. Its simpler.


Can someone please direct me to a version that actually works with mono?
Try this:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/sims3tools/files/s3pe/OldReleases/s3pe/
Pick a version earlier than 10-1104-1243.

Or do what Pjones said and delete the DDS preview from the source code and then compile it...


Just wanted to let others know that I have successfully downloaded and used SimPE in Parallels Desktop. After using it for a while now, I can definitely say that I recommend it to EVERYONE. It's the only thing that has worked for me after trying almost all of the methods mentioned in the first post of this thread. I'm not gonna list all the really cool features -- but anyone interested should go to the website and check it out. Also, if anyone wants to see some screenshots, visit my photobucket! http://s69.photobucket.com/albums/i67/jormor1991/screenshots/ Thanks to everyone!

Parallels is mentioned in the first post.

Parallels Desktop=Virtual Machine. This is one of the best and easy ways to get any Windows software running on a Mac: run Windows on Mac, run Windows software. Done. No mucking about with Mono or Wine.

Its the procedure that requires the least mucking about and dealing with problems not related to the programs you are trying to run.

If you want something simple and have some money, do THIS. Or run Bootcamp.

Problem is: you need to install a copy of Windows. Which usually costs money. Also, to the extent of my knowledge, Parallels isn't free (Bootcamp comes w/ Macs).

You can also run Windows with Bootcamp, but Parallels is able to run Windows and Mac OS simultaneously. Also I think partitioning is easier with Parallels.


Oh, another thing before I switch back to lurk/inactive:

Someone should look into installing WINE, MONO and other things via MacPorts. (http://www.macports.org/)

Basically, you just install MacPorts (http://guide.macports.org/) then you can type:
sudo port install <portname>
to install <portname>.
List of available ports can be found here:
http://www.macports.org/ports.php

Wine, winetricks and Mono are included.

Only one problem: requires some knowledge of terminal and commands associated with it.


For more information, look here: https://trac.macports.org/wiki/howto


Another thought:
Does anyone think it would be possible to make a Linux image that can run all the important Sim modding tools? (see DreamStudio (http://dream.dickmacinnis.com/forum/node/525) for an example)
This might solve many of the compatibility and installation problems.

Or maybe just make them more portable...

[little_cat]

I've been using s3pe and Delphy's Multi Extractor for awhile now with no problems, but after downloading the latest versions of Mono and X11 (both compatible with my version of OSX), I can't. The Hello World test file works just fine, but that's it. I get a very long error message whenever I try to run them:

Last login: Fri May 15 07:36:32 on console
iMac-2:~ se$ mono /Users/se/Desktop/stuff/sims/programs/Sims3Pack\ Multi\ Installer.exe

Unhandled Exception: System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.KnownColors ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.GDIPlus ---> System.DllNotFoundException: /Library/Frameworks/Mono.framework/Versions/2.10.5/lib/libgdiplus.dylib
at (wrapper managed-to-native) System.Drawing.GDIPlus:GdiplusStartup (ulong&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupInput&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupOutput&)
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.KnownColors..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.Color.get_Black () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeVisualStyles..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.SystemInformation.get_MenuAccessKeysUnderlined () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:.ctor ()
at System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at Sims3Pack_Multi_Installer.Form1..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) Sims3Pack_Multi_Installer.Form1:.ctor ()
at Sims3Pack_Multi_Installer.Program.Main () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
[ERROR] FATAL UNHANDLED EXCEPTION: System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.KnownColors ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.GDIPlus ---> System.DllNotFoundException: /Library/Frameworks/Mono.framework/Versions/2.10.5/lib/libgdiplus.dylib
at (wrapper managed-to-native) System.Drawing.GDIPlus:GdiplusStartup (ulong&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupInput&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupOutput&)
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.KnownColors..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.Color.get_Black () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeVisualStyles..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.SystemInformation.get_MenuAccessKeysUnderlined () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:.ctor ()
at System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at Sims3Pack_Multi_Installer.Form1..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) Sims3Pack_Multi_Installer.Form1:.ctor ()
at Sims3Pack_Multi_Installer.Program.Main () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
iMac-2:~ se$


Any clue about what I messed up?

[ellacharmed]

They worked fine in older version of Mono you had before? Which version was that?
What versions of Mono and X11 are you using now?

What OSX and S3PE version?
Did anything else on the Mac OS side changed? You ran some updates recently, things like that...

[little_cat]

Oh my gosh! I am so embarrassed. I had tried several earlier versions of X11, but I didn't think to check with earlier versions of Mono. I went back to 2.6 and everything works. I can't believe I didn't check that. Thank you.

[chinchu88]

I've tried to use s3pe on mono but I got this message from the terminal:
mono /Users/gime/Downloads/s3pe_11-1001-1447.exe
Cannot open assembly '/Users/gime/Downloads/s3pe_11-1001-1447.exe': File does not contain a valid CIL image.

The s3pe version is 11-1001-1447. I am on Lion if that helps..

thanks!!!

[pljones]

I've tried to use s3pe on mono but I got this message from the terminal:
mono /Users/gime/Downloads/s3pe_11-1001-1447.exe
Cannot open assembly '/Users/gime/Downloads/s3pe_11-1001-1447.exe': File does not contain a valid CIL image.

The s3pe version is 11-1001-1447. I am on Lion if that helps..

thanks!!!That's the windows installer. Don't run that. Get the .7z.

[cyanidefirefly]

Sorry if I'm the only one confused by this, but I am having issues running mono with X11. Really, I just don't understand this direction:
"or the easy way: type mono and a space, then drop the exe onto the terminal window"

I don't know what dropping the exe onto the terminal window is exactly and nor do I know what or where to find said exe. Can someone please help?

[Robodl95]

Sorry if I'm the only one confused by this, but I am having issues running mono with X11. Really, I just don't understand this direction:
"or the easy way: type mono and a space, then drop the exe onto the terminal window"

I don't know what dropping the exe onto the terminal window is exactly and nor do I know what or where to find said exe. Can someone please help?
It's actually really simple, when you have the terminal open just type mono then a space and then drag and drop the .exe. The .exe will be found in the folder of the program.

I'm trying to run CTU and S3PE in mono. Mono is working but the programs are extremely unstable. They crash all the time and a lot of menus don't work. Does anyone have suggestions to improve this or is everyone's acting the same way?

[ellacharmed]

Posting to inform the Original Post has some notes from me for Mono.
And sorry, guys! Didn't notice this thread even had new posts! :)

@cyanidefirefly,
it is steps 6 & 7 in the thread I linked below.

@Paul,
if the programs have paths to be set, you need to set them manually in a Text Editor -- externally while the program's not running -- otherwise the applications cannot locate the data files it needs to load.

The concept is the same in all applications. I have had to answer one thread recently, so use this as an example: 470372

[robotguy4]

I'm trying to run CTU and S3PE in mono. Mono is working but the programs are extremely unstable. They crash all the time and a lot of menus don't work. Does anyone have suggestions to improve this or is everyone's acting the same way?

All the tests I've done have been fairly unstable. Somebody who has done further tinkering may have had more success.

[slhancox]

Ok, not sure if I'll get a reply so here it goes. Installed Mono 2.10.9, have latest x11 (i think) running it on Snow Leopard.

I try to run sp3e and i get the following error:

Last login: Wed May 23 22:09:12 on ttys000
new-host-2:~ XXXX$ mono /Users/XXXX/Desktop/s3pe_10-1031-1514.7z\ Folder/s3pe.exe
Missing method .ctor in assembly /Users/XXXX/Desktop/s3pe_10-1031-1514.7z Folder/s3pe.exe, type System.Windows.Resources.AssemblyAssociatedContentFileAttribute
Can't find custom attr constructor image: /Users/XXXXX/Desktop/s3pe_10-1031-1514.7z Folder/s3pe.exe mtoken: 0x0a000003

Unhandled Exception: System.IO.FileNotFoundException: Could not load file or assembly 'PresentationCore, Version=3.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35' or one of its dependencies.
File name: 'PresentationCore, Version=3.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35'
[ERROR] FATAL UNHANDLED EXCEPTION: System.IO.FileNotFoundException: Could not load file or assembly 'PresentationCore, Version=3.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35' or one of its dependencies.
File name: 'PresentationCore, Version=3.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35'


Generally having trouble running anything in mono. I have some C++ and Java experience but I'm a total terminal noob.

[jonghyun]

Google-d my way here, 2 years late. Damn.
I'm trying to get my windows box to work with my mac. being such a non-techy person, someone help!!!

[frenchie38]

Hi, I have been trying unsucessfully for hours to find a way to run TS3 tools on my mac. I have tried using mono, but without sucesss (file does not contain a valid CIL image error, which no amount of internet trawling seems to resolve).

I would like to be able to use Delphy's Dashboard to check through my 2GB of package files and s3pe to reduce them to 200mb manageable sections. Is there a way that I can do this using virtual box? I have it installed and running windows but transferring all my .package files to windows and then using Delphy's Dashboard is beyond me. I am not a programmer, I have only a hazy idea what mono even is and I certainly can't work out how to use it. If virtual box will allow me to manage my .package files and then use them on my mac (not using virtual box) I would be so so grateful for any help.

I hope that makes sense - I am so out of my depth here!


3. Virtual machines (Emulators)

You can install a virtual machine under OS X that simulates a Windows computer. The two major commercial solutions are Parallels Desktop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallels_Desktop_for_Mac) and VMWare Fusion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMware_Fusion) at the moment.

VirtualBox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VirtualBox) is an open-source emulator; binary downloads are available here (http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads). This is very simple to install (just click through the wizard); see post #12 of this thread for a more in-depth review (it seems to kick ass, but possibly not for running TS3). Another open-source emulator would be Q (http://www.kju-app.org/), an OS X port of QEMU. See post #13 of this thread (robotguy) for more info.

Sun: VirtualBox (http://www.virtualbox.org/)

[ellacharmed]

Everybody, please state what version of the tools you have installed. No one can help if we don't have information!
What version of Mono?
What version of S3PE?
What version of Virtualbox?
What version of Windows?

And for the game: What version of OSX do you have? What version of the base game patch?

@slhancox,
That version may be too old for the latest updates/addons. Try the last version before the Net4 version was released, maybe the 11-1216-1651 release. http://sourceforge.net/projects/sims3tools/files/s3pe/OldReleases/s3pe/

@jonghyun,
We need more info than that. What are you trying to do?

@frenchie38,
if you have successfully setup a virtual environment with Virtualbox, what version of Windows are you using? You might need to install your base game and patch to the same version as in the Mac, and setup the Framework. For Dashboard to be able to run and check for .package corruption.
To Transfer files back and forth, either use an intermediary FileSystem that both OSX and NTFS can recognize (like ext3 format), or install another tool to allow OSX to read and write to NTFS drives.
Once you get the Windows environment up, you can even use CC Magic, not just Dashboard.

[TammyLin Saphir]

Everybody, please state what version of the tools you have installed. No one can help if we don't have information!
What version of Mono?
What version of S3PE?
What version of Virtualbox?
What version of Windows?

And for the game: What version of OSX do you have? What version of the base game patch?

@slhancox,
That version may be too old for the latest updates/addons. Try the last version before the Net4 version was released, maybe the 11-1216-1651 release. http://sourceforge.net/projects/sims3tools/files/s3pe/OldReleases/s3pe/


Hello !
I am having issues with S3PE: I wanted to create my own career file, so I am following the Nraas tutorial here : http://nraas.wikispaces.com/Careers+Tutorial
I can open the career file in S3PE, but when I want to rename the _xml the program doesn't change the names ! And it doesn't save my modifications too...so I can't continue :/
Why does it do that ? How can I solve this issue?

I have Mac OSX 10.6.8 ; I am running Mono version 2.10.9, S3PE is version 11-1216-1651 (the only version I could open) and my game is patched to 1.38.

[ellacharmed]

Which Saving step is this at?
What's the error when the Save failed? That would give a clue of what went wrong.

And, you have the correct version of the Career mod for this patch version?

Also, where is your Project workspace? on the Desktop or User Documents folder? Somewhere you have permissions to write and save files to?

That is the correct s3pe version to use with Mono. It must be the last non-.Net version as Mono still has no support for .Net 4.0.

[TammyLin Saphir]

Which Saving step is this at?
What's the error when the Save failed? That would give a clue of what went wrong.
And, you have the correct version of the Career mod for this patch version?
Also, where is your Project workspace? on the Desktop or User Documents folder? Somewhere you have permissions to write and save files to?
That is the correct s3pe version to use with Mono. It must be the last non-.Net version as Mono still has no support for .Net 4.0.

Well, I want to do the first saving at the step 5 of the Nraas career tutorial, but when I do so nothing changes, the title of the _xml file I just modified stays the same. But there is no error text shown, I just see no change at all, even if I wait. I tried several times.

I have put the career file on the Desktop and the S3PE folder is on Desktop as well, and yes I can write and save files on there.

So this is not a version issue, good to know! :)

[ellacharmed]

Why don't you write down here the steps you did in your own words?

I no longer have access to my Mac partition as the new GPU I have is not yet supported in a Hackintosh, and my HDDs have run out of space for me to fit and redo my virtual machines (getting a new HDD is not in the budget for the moment). So, carrying out the steps to test on a Windows machine myself would totally be inconclusive, in order for me to help you.

[TammyLin Saphir]

Why don't you write down here the steps you did in your own words?

I no longer have access to my Mac partition as the new GPU I have is not yet supported in a Hackintosh, and my HDDs have run out of space for me to fit and redo my virtual machines (getting a new HDD is not in the budget for the moment). So, carrying out the steps to test on a Windows machine myself would totally be inconclusive, in order for me to help you.

Okay, thank you anyway for trying to help me !
So here is what I did: first I opened S3PE with Mono. Then I choose the NraasCareerData file from Nraas site to open with S3PE (I renamed this particular file to whatever I wanted to call my new career).
Then when the file is opened in S3PE, I click on, say, "Nraas.Careers" xml file, then on "Details" (but not by right-clicking on the line, because right-click doesn't work). Then I change the title of the xml file to "Nameofmynewcareer.Careers" for example, then I save.
But the title of the "Nraas.Careers" file that I see in the list didn't change, in fact.

That's it ! Did I miss something ?

[ellacharmed]

You still have not inform me of the Save error...

I think I need to see the folder and files setup. Can you post a screenshot of the folder's contents? And a screenshot of how the s3pe screen looks like during this step, please.

Also, take a screenshot of the Terminal window after you've attempted to Save in s3pe. It should show the Save error in there.

[TammyLin Saphir]

You still have not inform me of the Save error...

I think I need to see the folder and files setup. Can you post a screenshot of the folder's contents? And a screenshot of how the s3pe screen looks like during this step, please.

Also, take a screenshot of the Terminal window after you've attempted to Save in s3pe. It should show the Save error in there.

I'll do that !

[ellacharmed]

I figured it out.
I've been doing housekeeping of my HDDs past few days. And today re-installed Mountain Lion and managed to see the differences missing in the Tutorial.

As Twallan mentioned, he used Packer. Which would auto-update the Instance field whenever you edit the name.
However, in s3pe, you need to explicitly click on the FNV64 button, for the Instance to be updated as per the Name field.

If you're lost, let me know and I'll put together some screencaps. :)

[TammyLin Saphir]

I figured it out.
I've been doing housekeeping of my HDDs past few days. And today re-installed Mountain Lion and managed to see the differences missing in the Tutorial.

As Twallan mentioned, he used Packer. Which would auto-update the Instance field whenever you edit the name.
However, in s3pe, you need to explicitly click on the FNV64 button, for the Instance to be updated as per the Name field.

If you're lost, let me know and I'll put together some screencaps. :)

Thanks for keeping trying to help me \o/ I would like those screencaps if you can, please :D It is great if you have found the solution ! I hope it'll work !

[ellacharmed]

http://thumbs2.modthesims2.com/img/1/5/1/5/0/0/2/MTS_ellacharmed-1331722-s3peedits.jpg

Alrighty.
So, based on the Packer program, I was able to determine that Packer would auto-hash the name on the fly when you edit it. Notice how typing the letter "m" has changed the Instance ID value, well instantly (pun intended :) ). Previously it was the same as the one shown in s3pe (the 0x771DAblabla string).

In s3pe, you need to manually click on the FNV64 button. (blue arrow)
First, edit the name as how you want it, then click that FNV64 button, and you should see the Instance field change values.
After that, when you click OK, you should be able to Save the file.

[ooh_gucci]

Hi,

I hope I'm posting in the right place... I'm sorry, but I was wondering if anyone could help me with using Custard to check through my sims3pack files... Ive been checking through every post and other forums and can't seem to find anyone who has the same problem as I do.

MacBook Pro: 2.8GHz Intel Core i7 with 8GBRAM, Mac OS X Lion (10.7.5)
XQuartz 2.6.4
MonoFramework-MRE-2.10.9
Sims3PackCleaner_1180750 + Sims3PackCleaner_1137490 (I tried both versions and both have the same problem)

I run Custard through mono it opens fine, however when I try to open a Sims3Pack file... I go to the folder (where I have specifically placed a few different types of Sims3Pack files for testing), they don't show... The folder is there and everything, but custard reads it as empty. I then check other folders that contained Sims3Pack seeing that most of my 'organized' folders appeared empty. However my old unorganized folder which has like over 1000 Sims3Pack items (It was back when I first discovered CC and went crazy =_="), seemed to show up with a few items.

Can someone please help me fix this problem? I have no idea what I did wrong and I'm really bad when it comes to these things so please dumb it down for me on the tech side! Thankss!!!

ooh and I get this msg in terminal every time I run the mono/custard program

Nov 2 19:46:07 LEs-MacBook-Pro.local mono[919] <Error>: kCGErrorInvalidConnection: CGSGetWindowTags: Invalid connection
Nov 2 19:46:07 LEs-MacBook-Pro.local mono[919] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
Nov 2 19:46:22 LEs-MacBook-Pro.local mono[919] <Error>: kCGErrorInvalidConnection: CGSGetWindowTags: Invalid connection


I have provide some SS as well if that helps. Thanks again and sorry for the long post >_<

[ellacharmed]

If you give me links to these Sim3Pack files, I could test on my machine and verify if it is the files themselves or Custard not working right on Mono.
They're free stuff? And I'm always on the lookout for borked files to see what makes them "borked". :)
If not free, and you're willing to let me take a look anyway, you can PM me and we can arrange something. And, don't worry, I won't share them. I don't have anyplace to upload them to anyways; my Box account is reserved for my world fixes.

Also, please answer these:
- what patch version are you on?
- have you opened these Sims3Packs in Custard before the game was on this patch version? And did it work then, or failed, too?
- have you used Custard in previous patch versions, too? Or is this the first time?

Grant (maker of CC Magic) has a new tool to check for and fix bork Pattern Sims3Packs. I've no idea though if they would run under Mono, but you could give it a whirl? A negative outcome is still feedback. ;)

[ooh_gucci]

Hi!!

I'm not 100 percent sure what version my Sims3 is, it says that it has been updated and all however its says its updated to Version: 13.0.62.019001. (Pls see ss below because I'm really bad at explaining >_<)

Yeah I only download free items for now, I still don't fully understand how to use cc yet so don't want spend money on it. >_<

I provided a few example of items that I just downloaded today to test out again. I have provided links of some items that do appear and items that don't, maybe that might help as well.

These items don't appear in my folders when I try to open them in Custard.

http://anubis360.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/peggy-hair-7662-converted-for-teen-to.html (EA Textured)

http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_63e832e00100kjpn.html (I downloaded from the 4Shared Link)

Plus most stuff from Simcredible
http://sims3.simcredibledesigns.com/

These download files did manage to appear in the folders when I tried to open them in Custard...

http://sclub.mktm.co.uk/2012/10/ts3-hair-n3/

http://simphonies.tumblr.com/post/9093840935/alix

http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_63e832e0010181ic.html (DLed from the Upload link)

Also all of the patterns that I download from Simcredible seem to show up fine as well.

This is my first time using Custard so I haven't tried it with any other patch version or anything... :S

I will try out the new tool that you recommended see how that goes and if nothing is possible to get it working, do you think I could use a windows computer just to scan the files first for corruption and if they're all fine then I will xfer back to my laptop? Or could the files possibly not work if i transfer them from a Windows to a Mac?

Thanks for helping me through this!!!!! I've been trying to figure this out for 3 days now, I was soooo happy to see someone reply kehe >_< Thank you thank you!!!


If you give me links to these Sim3Pack files, I could test on my machine and verify if it is the files themselves or Custard not working right on Mono.
They're free stuff? And I'm always on the lookout for borked files to see what makes them "borked". :)
If not free, and you're willing to let me take a look anyway, you can PM me and we can arrange something. And, don't worry, I won't share them. I don't have anyplace to upload them to anyways; my Box account is reserved for my world fixes.

Also, please answer these:
- what patch version are you on?
- have you opened these Sims3Packs in Custard before the game was on this patch version? And did it work then, or failed, too?
- have you used Custard in previous patch versions, too? Or is this the first time?

Grant (maker of CC Magic) has a new tool to check for and fix bork Pattern Sims3Packs. I've no idea though if they would run under Mono, but you could give it a whirl? A negative outcome is still feedback. ;)

[TammyLin Saphir]

ellacharmed, your trick worked like a charm ! Thank you very much ! Now I can begin to work on my mod... EDIT: or not. I think I will try again when my pc computer will be repaired... I am blocked once again, too bad.

Thank you anyway for your patience and your help ! Mac is definitely not Sims-friendly (or is it the Sims that's not Mac-friendly? more plausible...)

[Pipvlll]

I'm using mono on my mac, s3pe is working fine but when I try to open s3oc it says:
System.ArgumentException: A null reference or invalid value was found [GDI+ status: InvalidParameter]
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus.CheckStatus (Status status) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Drawing.Drawing2D.LinearGradientBrush..ctor (Rectangle rect, Color color1, Color color2, LinearGradientMode linearGradientMode) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Drawing.Drawing2D.LinearGradientBrush:.ctor (System.Drawing.Rectangle,System.Drawing.Color,System.Drawing.Color,System.Drawing.Drawing2D.LinearGradientMode)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripProfessionalRenderer.OnRenderToolStripPanelBackground (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanelRenderEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripRenderer.DrawToolStripPanelBackground (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanelRenderEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanel.OnPaintBackground (System.Windows.Forms.PaintEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmPaint (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control+ControlWindowTarget.OnMessage (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control+ControlNativeWindow.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.WndProc (IntPtr hWnd, Msg msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lParam) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0

Unhandled Exception:
System.ArgumentNullException: Argument cannot be null.
Parameter name: path
at System.IO.Path.Validate (System.String path, System.String parameterName) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.IO.Path.Validate (System.String path) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.IO.Directory.EnumerateCheck (System.String path, System.String searchPattern, SearchOption searchOption) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.IO.Directory.EnumerateFiles (System.String path, System.String searchPattern) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at ObjectCloner.MainForm.MainForm_FormClosing (System.Object sender, System.Windows.Forms.FormClosingEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnFormClosing (System.Windows.Forms.FormClosingEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.FireClosingEvents (CloseReason reason, Boolean cancel) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Form:FireClosingEvents (System.Windows.Forms.CloseReason,bool)
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.Exit (System.ComponentModel.CancelEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.Exit () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.OnThreadException (System.Exception t) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.OnThreadException (System.Exception e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.WndProc (IntPtr hWnd, Msg msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lParam) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.XplatUICarbon.DispatchMessage (System.Windows.Forms.MSG& msg) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.XplatUICarbon.WaitForHwndMessage (System.Windows.Forms.Hwnd hwnd, Msg message) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.XplatUICarbon.CreateWindow (System.Windows.Forms.CreateParams cp) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.XplatUI.CreateWindow (System.Windows.Forms.CreateParams cp) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.CreateHandle (System.Windows.Forms.CreateParams cp) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateHandle () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.CreateHandle () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateControl () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.SetVisibleCore (Boolean value) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.SetVisibleCore (Boolean value) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.set_Visible (Boolean value) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:set_Visible (bool)
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.RunLoop (Boolean Modal, System.Windows.Forms.ApplicationContext context) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.Run (System.Windows.Forms.ApplicationContext context) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.Run (System.Windows.Forms.Form mainForm) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at ObjectCloner.Program.Main (System.String[] args) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
[ERROR] FATAL UNHANDLED EXCEPTION: System.ArgumentNullException: Argument cannot be null.
Parameter name: path
at System.IO.Path.Validate (System.String path, System.String parameterName) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.IO.Path.Validate (System.String path) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.IO.Directory.EnumerateCheck (System.String path, System.String searchPattern, SearchOption searchOption) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.IO.Directory.EnumerateFiles (System.String path, System.String searchPattern) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at ObjectCloner.MainForm.MainForm_FormClosing (System.Object sender, System.Windows.Forms.FormClosingEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnFormClosing (System.Windows.Forms.FormClosingEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.FireClosingEvents (CloseReason reason, Boolean cancel) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Form:FireClosingEvents (System.Windows.Forms.CloseReason,bool)
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.Exit (System.ComponentModel.CancelEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.Exit () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.OnThreadException (System.Exception t) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.OnThreadException (System.Exception e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.WndProc (IntPtr hWnd, Msg msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lParam) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.XplatUICarbon.DispatchMessage (System.Windows.Forms.MSG& msg) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.XplatUICarbon.WaitForHwndMessage (System.Windows.Forms.Hwnd hwnd, Msg message) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.XplatUICarbon.CreateWindow (System.Windows.Forms.CreateParams cp) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.XplatUI.CreateWindow (System.Windows.Forms.CreateParams cp) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.CreateHandle (System.Windows.Forms.CreateParams cp) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateHandle () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.CreateHandle () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateControl () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.SetVisibleCore (Boolean value) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.SetVisibleCore (Boolean value) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.set_Visible (Boolean value) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:set_Visible (bool)
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.RunLoop (Boolean Modal, System.Windows.Forms.ApplicationContext context) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.Run (System.Windows.Forms.ApplicationContext context) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.Run (System.Windows.Forms.Form mainForm) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at ObjectCloner.Program.Main (System.String[] args) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0

[MoxyCrimefighter]

Hey, I'm currently trying to run the s3oc Cloner through mono on my Mac OS X Lion 10.7.5
An at first it seemed pretty great, but then a teeny, tiny pop-up appeared from s3oc telling me about a patch to install, I clicked cancel (just because the pop-up also told me I could install later, in hindsight this was stupid) and now it won't run at all.

This is the error I recieve after i try running the program:


System.Windows.Forms.SplitContainer doesn't implement interface System.ComponentModel.ISupportInitialize

Stacktrace:

at ObjectCloner.MainForm.InitializeComponent () <IL 0x005ab, 0x01852>
at ObjectCloner.MainForm..ctor () <IL 0x00043, 0x000fb>
at ObjectCloner.MainForm..ctor (string[]) <IL 0x00001, 0x00013>
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) ObjectCloner.MainForm..ctor (string[]) <IL 0x00020, 0xffffffff>
at ObjectCloner.Program.Main (string[]) <IL 0x00016, 0x0004b>
at (wrapper runtime-invoke) <Module>.runtime_invoke_int_object (object,intptr,intptr,intptr) <IL 0x0005c, 0xffffffff>

Native stacktrace:

0 mono 0x0009fdbf mono_handle_native_sigsegv + 287
1 libsystem_c.dylib 0x956f159b _sigtramp + 43
2 ??? 0xffffffff 0x0 + 4294967295
3 libsystem_c.dylib 0x9568cbdd abort + 167
4 mono 0x0020172f monoeg_g_logv + 159
5 mono 0x00201789 monoeg_g_log + 41
6 mono 0x000a1eb2 mono_convert_imt_slot_to_vtable_slot + 450
7 mono 0x000a2e39 common_call_trampoline + 185
8 ??? 0x003cdc74 0x0 + 3988596
9 ??? 0x03b2a73c 0x0 + 62039868
10 ??? 0x03b2a604 0x0 + 62039556
11 ??? 0x03b2a238 0x0 + 62038584
12 ??? 0x005a7f74 0x0 + 5930868
13 ??? 0x005a8076 0x0 + 5931126
14 mono 0x0000ecf4 mono_jit_runtime_invoke + 164
15 mono 0x00184354 mono_runtime_invoke + 68
16 mono 0x0018a4a1 mono_runtime_exec_main + 369
17 mono 0x0007464d mono_main + 6797
18 mono 0x00001fd6 start + 54
19 ??? 0x00000003 0x0 + 3

Debug info from gdb:

[TheEmoticat]

Hi. I'm trying to run s3pe version 12-0317-0944 on OS X 10.6.8 using mono. I've done it before a few months ago and it worked fine. Now, when I try to open it, I get an error and mono crashes:

System.Windows.Forms.SplitContainer doesn't implement interface System.ComponentModel.ISupportInitialize

Stacktrace:

at S3PIDemoFE.MainForm.InitializeComponent () <0x0044e>
at S3PIDemoFE.MainForm..ctor () <0x000b3>
at S3PIDemoFE.MainForm..ctor (string[]) <0x00013>
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) S3PIDemoFE.MainForm..ctor (string[]) <0xffffffff>
at S3PIDemoFE.Program.Main (string[]) <0x00063>
at (wrapper runtime-invoke) <Module>.runtime_invoke_int_object (object,intptr,intptr,intptr) <0xffffffff>

Native stacktrace:

0 mono 0x00094efc mono_handle_native_sigsegv + 284
1 mono 0x000dab4d sigabrt_signal_handler + 109
2 libSystem.B.dylib 0x9a9e305b _sigtramp + 43
3 ??? 0xffffffff 0x0 + 4294967295
4 libSystem.B.dylib 0x9aa705a5 raise + 26
5 libSystem.B.dylib 0x9aa866e4 abort + 93
6 mono 0x0024af03 monoeg_g_logv + 243
7 mono 0x0024af71 monoeg_g_log + 65
8 mono 0x00097b76 mono_convert_imt_slot_to_vtable_slot + 198
9 mono 0x00098339 common_call_trampoline + 233
10 mono 0x000964fa mono_vcall_trampoline + 202
11 ??? 0x0041fc74 0x0 + 4324468
12 ??? 0x14e01bcc 0x0 + 350231500
13 ??? 0x14e01acc 0x0 + 350231244
14 ??? 0x14e01a90 0x0 + 350231184
15 ??? 0x00700fbc 0x0 + 7344060
16 ??? 0x00701126 0x0 + 7344422
17 mono 0x0000d282 mono_jit_runtime_invoke + 722
18 mono 0x001a436a mono_runtime_invoke + 170
19 mono 0x001a6eac mono_runtime_exec_main + 620
20 mono 0x001a6111 mono_runtime_run_main + 929
21 mono 0x00069995 mono_jit_exec + 149
22 mono 0x0006bf13 mono_main + 9587
23 mono 0x00002299 main + 441
24 mono 0x000020a6 start + 54

Debug info from gdb:


=================================================================
Got a SIGABRT while executing native code. This usually indicates
a fatal error in the mono runtime or one of the native libraries
used by your application.
=================================================================

Abort trap

I can open Dashboard and Custard just fine. I updated mono to its latest version, but it still crashes. I tried the latest test version of s3pe, and the one before that, but it still didn't work.

Sorry the post is so long! Please and thanks for your help :)

[alexpilgrim]

Errr... I have a question, hope it hasn't been asked/answered before but couldn't find anything. As for now I'm sticking to a disk partition, mainly because I'm a fashion designer and not a programming expert and it all sounds verrrrry complicated. I made my partition 32 GB to be able to access my windows desktop but now I don't have enough space to install all the EPs on windows (I installed up to Showtime and Pets already gave a "not enough free space" message). Do I really need to have the full games installed or just some files the creating programs need to point to (FullBuild or whatever)? Or are there parts in the program files I can get rid of, since I don't actually play the game in windows? For creating I use mostly s3pe, s3oc and CAW.

[ellacharmed]

:turtle: I know I'm late to the party, but if you need help, please, please, please supply the following information! I've added this to the first post.Everybody, please state what version of the tools you have installed. No one can help if we don't have information!
What version of Mono?
What version of S3PE? S3OC? Dashboard? CUSTARD? Whatever tool you're needing help with, state the version!
What version of Virtualbox?
What version of Windows?

And for the game: What version of OSX do you have? What version of the base game patch?

@ooh_gucci, sorry I got caught up in some RL stuff. Plus, my HDDs need some housekeeping - no more space for the VirtualMachines. I'll slot this into the Todo list. :) Or budget for a new HDD...

@TammyLin Saphir, great that it help. Though bummer about the PC being on the fritz. The closed nature of Mac OSX has always meant it is great for users, but not so much when you need to do any Tech stuff.

@Pipvlll, @MoxyCrimefighter, what s3oc version?

@TheEmoticat, what is the error in Mono? In the Terminal window? When it worked fine, what version did you have? Is it the same, or did an update run?

Oh! Hang on!
@Pipvlll, @MoxyCrimefighter, @TheEmoticat, are you guys using s3pe/s3oc of the last non-.Net4-version? And you should all disable the program from auto-updating. There's no newer update for OSX users than that last non-.Net4-version. In order to get the game to recognize newer packs, you need to manipulate the GameFolders.xml as shown by Inge @simlogical.

Reminder:Tools that run (or should run) in mono:

TS3
s3pe (http://dino.drealm.info/den/denforum/index.php?board=19.0)
(pljones) – requires mono 2.6.1 or later; in 2.6.1/OS X 10.5.7 I need to run it with X11 or it's extremely sluggish; in 2.6.4/OS X 10.5.8 it seems to be working nicely with the Carbon driver (this was a QA version though, not the release)
(ella) [eta start]current .Net 4.x versions don't work, as Mono has limited support for .Net4.x ; use the last non-.net4 version[eta end]

s3oc (http://dino.drealm.info/den/denforum/index.php?board=20.0)
(pljones) – seems to work fine in mono 2.6.4/OS X 10.5.8 (as in run) but the file paths popup has issues. These can be circumvented by editing s3oc-ini.ttl manually, says Inge
(ella) [eta start]current .Net 4.x versions don't work, as Mono has limited support for .Net4.x ; use the last non-.net4 version. it is crash-ville though.[eta end]



@alexpilgrim, it is the biggest files that needs to be retain anyway (yes, the Gameplay/FullBuilds/DeltaBuilds/Thumbnails, depending on what sort of mods you're creating), so I doubt there's anyway to reduce the space. Removing the Help/Support and other files would be insignificant size-wise. Can't DiskUtil expand a Windows Bootcamp partition without destroying it totally to a blank slate? Or does that only work on OSX Journaled filesystems?

[marmobee]

Is anyone successfully running s3oc with mono? If so, what version are you using? s3pe, CTU, and Delphy's Dashboard run fine, but when I tried running s3oc_11-1113-1118 on my Mac (with Lion and the latest beta version of mono, 3.0.3), I got the following error:

System.ArgumentException: A null reference or invalid value was found [GDI+ status: InvalidParameter] at System.Drawing.GDIPlus.CheckStatus (Status status) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Drawing.Drawing2D.LinearGradientBrush..ctor (Rectangle rect, Color color1, Color color2, LinearGradientMode linearGradientMode) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Drawing.Drawing2D.LinearGradientBrush:.ctor (System.Drawing.Rectangle,System.Drawing.Color,System.Drawing.Color,System.Drawing.Drawing2D.LinearGradientMode) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripProfessionalRenderer.OnRenderToolStripPanelBackground (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanelRenderEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripRenderer.DrawToolStripPanelBackground (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanelRenderEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanel.OnPaintBackground (System.Windows.Forms.PaintEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmPaint (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.Control+ControlWindowTarget.OnMessage (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.Control+ControlNativeWindow.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.WndProc (IntPtr hWnd, Msg msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lParam) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 Unhandled Exception: System.ArgumentException: A null reference or invalid value was found [GDI+ status: InvalidParameter] at System.Drawing.GDIPlus.CheckStatus (Status status) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Drawing.Graphics.GdipMeasureString (IntPtr graphics, System.String text, System.Drawing.Font font, System.Drawing.RectangleF& layoutRect, IntPtr stringFormat) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Drawing.Graphics.MeasureString (System.String text, System.Drawing.Font font, Int32 width, System.Drawing.StringFormat format) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Drawing.Graphics:MeasureString (string,System.Drawing.Font,int,System.Drawing.StringFormat) at System.Windows.Forms.TextRenderer.MeasureTextInternal (IDeviceContext dc, System.String text, System.Drawing.Font font, Size proposedSize, TextFormatFlags flags, Boolean useMeasureString) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.TextRenderer.MeasureText (System.String text, System.Drawing.Font font) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem.CalculatePreferredSize (Size constrainingSize) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.GetPreferredSize (Size constrainingSize) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripDropDownMenu.OnLayout (System.Windows.Forms.LayoutEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.Control.PerformLayout (System.Windows.Forms.Control affectedControl, System.String affectedProperty) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.Control.PerformLayout () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:PerformLayout () at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.OnParentChanged (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip oldParent, System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip newParent) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.set_Parent (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip value) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem:set_Parent (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItemCollection.Remove (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem value) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.Dispose (Boolean disposing) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripDropDownItem.Dispose (Boolean disposing) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem.Dispose (Boolean disposing) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0 at System.ComponentModel.Component.Finalize () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0

Looks to be the same problem PipvIII is having.

I would really appreciate any suggestions!

[redout9122]

I'm having an issue working with Mono on OS 10.5. I found a version that works, and I'm trying to use the most current version of Delphy's Dashboard. Here's the message I get when I try to run in Mono 2.8.6.5:

Unhandled Exception:
System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.KnownColors ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.GDIPlus ---> System.DllNotFoundException: /Library/Frameworks/Mono.framework/Versions/2.10.10/lib/libgdiplus.dylib
at (wrapper managed-to-native) System.Drawing.GDIPlus:GdiplusStartup (ulong&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupInput&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupOutput&)
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.KnownColors..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.Color.get_Black () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeVisualStyles..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.SystemInformation.get_MenuAccessKeysUnderlined () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:.ctor ()
at System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at Sims3Dashboard.Form1..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) Sims3Dashboard.Form1:.ctor ()
at Sims3Dashboard.Program.Main () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
[ERROR] FATAL UNHANDLED EXCEPTION: System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.KnownColors ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.GDIPlus ---> System.DllNotFoundException: /Library/Frameworks/Mono.framework/Versions/2.10.10/lib/libgdiplus.dylib
at (wrapper managed-to-native) System.Drawing.GDIPlus:GdiplusStartup (ulong&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupInput&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupOutput&)
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.KnownColors..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.Color.get_Black () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeVisualStyles..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.SystemInformation.get_MenuAccessKeysUnderlined () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:.ctor ()
at System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at Sims3Dashboard.Form1..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) Sims3Dashboard.Form1:.ctor ()
at Sims3Dashboard.Program.Main () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
Neils-Macbook:~ Indigo$ mono /Users/Indigo/Desktop/Dashboard/Sims3Dashboard.exe
Unhandled Exception:
System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.KnownColors ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.GDIPlus ---> System.DllNotFoundException: /Library/Frameworks/Mono.framework/Versions/2.10.10/lib/libgdiplus.dylib
at (wrapper managed-to-native) System.Drawing.GDIPlus:GdiplusStartup (ulong&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupInput&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupOutput&)
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.KnownColors..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.Color.get_Black () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeVisualStyles..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.SystemInformation.get_MenuAccessKeysUnderlined () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:.ctor ()
at System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at Sims3Dashboard.Form1..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) Sims3Dashboard.Form1:.ctor ()
at Sims3Dashboard.Program.Main () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
[ERROR] FATAL UNHANDLED EXCEPTION: System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.KnownColors ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.GDIPlus ---> System.DllNotFoundException: /Library/Frameworks/Mono.framework/Versions/2.10.10/lib/libgdiplus.dylib
at (wrapper managed-to-native) System.Drawing.GDIPlus:GdiplusStartup (ulong&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupInput&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupOutput&)
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.KnownColors..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.Color.get_Black () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeVisualStyles..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.SystemInformation.get_MenuAccessKeysUnderlined () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:.ctor ()
at System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at Sims3Dashboard.Form1..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) Sims3Dashboard.Form1:.ctor ()
at Sims3Dashboard.Program.Main () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0

Anyone have an idea on how to get Mono and/or the Dashboard to work?

[marmobee]

I'm having an issue working with Mono on OS 10.5. I found a version that works, and I'm trying to use the most current version of Delphy's Dashboard. Here's the message I get when I try to run in Mono 2.8.6.5:

Unhandled Exception:
System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.KnownColors ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.GDIPlus ---> System.DllNotFoundException: /Library/Frameworks/Mono.framework/Versions/2.10.10/lib/libgdiplus.dylib
at (wrapper managed-to-native) System.Drawing.GDIPlus:GdiplusStartup (ulong&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupInput&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupOutput&)
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.KnownColors..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.Color.get_Black () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeVisualStyles..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.SystemInformation.get_MenuAccessKeysUnderlined () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:.ctor ()
at System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at Sims3Dashboard.Form1..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) Sims3Dashboard.Form1:.ctor ()
at Sims3Dashboard.Program.Main () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
[ERROR] FATAL UNHANDLED EXCEPTION: System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.KnownColors ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.GDIPlus ---> System.DllNotFoundException: /Library/Frameworks/Mono.framework/Versions/2.10.10/lib/libgdiplus.dylib
at (wrapper managed-to-native) System.Drawing.GDIPlus:GdiplusStartup (ulong&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupInput&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupOutput&)
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.KnownColors..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.Color.get_Black () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeVisualStyles..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.SystemInformation.get_MenuAccessKeysUnderlined () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:.ctor ()
at System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at Sims3Dashboard.Form1..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) Sims3Dashboard.Form1:.ctor ()
at Sims3Dashboard.Program.Main () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
Neils-Macbook:~ Indigo$ mono /Users/Indigo/Desktop/Dashboard/Sims3Dashboard.exe
Unhandled Exception:
System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.KnownColors ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.GDIPlus ---> System.DllNotFoundException: /Library/Frameworks/Mono.framework/Versions/2.10.10/lib/libgdiplus.dylib
at (wrapper managed-to-native) System.Drawing.GDIPlus:GdiplusStartup (ulong&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupInput&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupOutput&)
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.KnownColors..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.Color.get_Black () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeVisualStyles..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.SystemInformation.get_MenuAccessKeysUnderlined () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:.ctor ()
at System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at Sims3Dashboard.Form1..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) Sims3Dashboard.Form1:.ctor ()
at Sims3Dashboard.Program.Main () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
[ERROR] FATAL UNHANDLED EXCEPTION: System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.KnownColors ---> System.TypeInitializationException: An exception was thrown by the type initializer for System.Drawing.GDIPlus ---> System.DllNotFoundException: /Library/Frameworks/Mono.framework/Versions/2.10.10/lib/libgdiplus.dylib
at (wrapper managed-to-native) System.Drawing.GDIPlus:GdiplusStartup (ulong&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupInput&,System.Drawing.GdiplusStartupOutput&)
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.KnownColors..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Drawing.Color.get_Black () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeWin32Classic..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeVisualStyles..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ThemeEngine..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.SystemInformation.get_MenuAccessKeysUnderlined () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:.ctor ()
at System.Windows.Forms.WindowsFormsSynchronizationContext..cctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at System.Windows.Forms.Control..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Form..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at Sims3Dashboard.Form1..ctor () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) Sims3Dashboard.Form1:.ctor ()
at Sims3Dashboard.Program.Main () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0

Anyone have an idea on how to get Mono and/or the Dashboard to work?

Dashboard runs for me with Mono 3.0.6 in Lion. I'm not sure about your specific problem, but I was getting an error at first because I moved the .exe out of its folder. The .exe needs the other stuff in that folder to run, so make sure you don't move it out after you unzip. Hope this helps!

[redout9122]

Dashboard runs for me with Mono 3.0.6 in Lion. I'm not sure about your specific problem, but I was getting an error at first because I moved the .exe out of its folder. The .exe needs the other stuff in that folder to run, so make sure you don't move it out after you unzip. Hope this helps!
I moved the .exe file and the .dlls into the same folder and had the same issue. Is it possible that I'm missing files? There's a bunch of “missing files” in the error log with the extension “.ctor” and I was wondering if maybe I need to figure out what those are to solve the problem.

[ellacharmed]

@ooh_gucci,
I've had a chance to look into your issue, beyond that initial cursory glance I did back then. And I apologize for missing the most fundamental thing on OSX, from the images you posted! The issues you had with CUSTARD not seeing some Sims3Packs is because OSX is case-sensitive. All those files that CUSTARD does not recognize has ".sims3pack" as the extension in their filenames. Whereas the ones CUSTARD is able to recognize have ".Sims3Pack". Rename the files with UpperCase "S" and "P" and you should be good to go. Again, I apologize for the delay in this response and looking into it.

@redout9122,
I look into the X11 requirements, and it may be that you're using a version that is too "new" for a Leopard 10.5 system. What exact version of Leopard do you have by the way? If I'm not mistaken and not got my numbers crossed, Leopard users can only use up to version 2.6.3 of X11.
But you may encounter the issue that the .NET programs written after that Mono and X11 versions, as the programs may be too "new", with components of .NET that those older versions of X11 have no support for when the X11 program was written at that time.

I've clarified this section of the post#1 based on your difficulties.
Installing mono is very simple (download, mount, click through the wizard). You need to have X11 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_Window_System) installed beforehand. Go here (http://xquartz.macosforge.org/landing/) if you want the most current release.

Tiger 10.4.x users could get it from their 10.4 install DVD (but should probably upgrade your OSX instead).
Leopard 10.5.x users should have it already (/Applications/Utilities/X11), last supported version for Leopard 10.5.8 is X11 ver 2.6.3 (http://xquartz.macosforge.org/trac/wiki/X112.6.3)
Snow Leopard 10.6.x machines already have X11 built-in, so there's no additional steps. You'd need version 2.5.0 and higher if you want to update.
Lion 10.7.x machines already have X11 built-in, so there's no additional steps. You'd need version X11 ver 2.7.0 and higher.
:new: Mountain Lion 10.8.x machines do not have this by default as per this article (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5293), you need version 2.7.2 and higher.




Is anyone successfully running S3OC with mono? If so, what version are you using?
As with regards to this question, @marmobee, I'm still looking into it. You're right that both the latest stable Mono 2.10.10 version and Beta 3.0.3 can no longer open the last non.NET s3oc_11-1113-1118.
I can no longer remember, and I cannot find the installer files to confirm, but the last time I could open s3oc without crashing right away may have been on Snow Leopard 10.6.8 with Mono 2.10.6 or 2.10.8. But even then, it was crashing a lot!

I've managed to Build the last s3oc QA 13-0105-1939 without errors in MonoDevelop under Mountain Lion 10.8.2 with Mono 3.0.3. But it still refuses to run. That tells me the code is compatible, but there's just something on the s3oc UserInterface that OSX cannot render properly. I get Graphics and ToolStrip references in the error code. When I have more time to dig into this, I have to ask Peter to take a look at the error to see if he understands the error log better than I do.

[TheEmoticat]

Oh! Hang on!
@Pipvlll, @MoxyCrimefighter, @TheEmoticat, are you guys using s3pe/s3oc of the last non-.Net4-version? And you should all disable the program from auto-updating. There's no newer update for OSX users than that last non-.Net4-version. In order to get the game to recognize newer packs, you need to manipulate the GameFolders.xml as shown by Inge @simlogical.


It worked! Thank you!

[Pipvlll]

It won't work for me even he last non-.Net4 version won't work.
s3pe is working fine for me, but s3oc not

It says the following...

Feb 23 15:38:22 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorCannotComplete: CGSDeviceGetGeometry: Invalid device window
Feb 23 15:38:22 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
Feb 23 15:38:22 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorCannotComplete: CGSDeviceSynchronize: Invalid device window
Feb 23 15:38:23 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorCannotComplete: CGSDeviceGetGeometry: Invalid device window
Feb 23 15:38:23 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorCannotComplete: CGSDeviceSynchronize: Invalid device window
Feb 23 15:38:23 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorCannotComplete: CGSDeviceGetGeometry: Invalid device window
Feb 23 15:38:23 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorCannotComplete: CGSDeviceSynchronize: Invalid device window
Feb 23 15:38:23 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorCannotComplete: CGSDeviceGetGeometry: Invalid device window
Feb 23 15:38:23 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorCannotComplete: CGSDeviceSynchronize: Invalid device window
Feb 23 15:38:23 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorCannotComplete: CGSDeviceGetGeometry: Invalid device window
Feb 23 15:38:23 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorCannotComplete: CGSDeviceSynchronize: Invalid device window
Feb 23 15:38:23 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorCannotComplete: CGSDeviceGetGeometry: Invalid device window
Feb 23 15:38:23 iMac-van-IS-van-Uchelen-3.local mono[4312] <Error>: kCGErrorCannotComplete: CGSDeviceSynchronize: Invalid device window
System.ArgumentException: A null reference or invalid value was found [GDI+ status: InvalidParameter]
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus.CheckStatus (Status status) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Drawing.Drawing2D.LinearGradientBrush..ctor (Rectangle rect, Color color1, Color color2, LinearGradientMode linearGradientMode) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Drawing.Drawing2D.LinearGradientBrush:.ctor (System.Drawing.Rectangle,System.Drawing.Color,System.Drawing.Color,System.Drawing.Drawing2D.LinearGradientMode)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripProfessionalRenderer.OnRenderToolStripPanelBackground (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanelRenderEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripRenderer.DrawToolStripPanelBackground (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanelRenderEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanel.OnPaintBackground (System.Windows.Forms.PaintEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmPaint (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control+ControlWindowTarget.OnMessage (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control+ControlNativeWindow.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.WndProc (IntPtr hWnd, Msg msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lParam) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0

Unhandled Exception:
System.ArgumentException: A null reference or invalid value was found [GDI+ status: InvalidParameter]
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus.CheckStatus (Status status) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Drawing.Graphics.GdipMeasureString (IntPtr graphics, System.String text, System.Drawing.Font font, System.Drawing.RectangleF& layoutRect, IntPtr stringFormat) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Drawing.Graphics.MeasureString (System.String text, System.Drawing.Font font, Int32 width, System.Drawing.StringFormat format) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Drawing.Graphics:MeasureString (string,System.Drawing.Font,int,System.Drawing.StringFormat)
at System.Windows.Forms.TextRenderer.MeasureTextInternal (IDeviceContext dc, System.String text, System.Drawing.Font font, Size proposedSize, TextFormatFlags flags, Boolean useMeasureString) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.TextRenderer.MeasureText (System.String text, System.Drawing.Font font) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem.CalculatePreferredSize (Size constrainingSize) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.GetPreferredSize (Size constrainingSize) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripDropDownMenu.OnLayout (System.Windows.Forms.LayoutEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.PerformLayout (System.Windows.Forms.Control affectedControl, System.String affectedProperty) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.PerformLayout () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.Control:PerformLayout ()
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.OnParentChanged (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip oldParent, System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip newParent) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.set_Parent (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip value) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem:set_Parent (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItemCollection.Remove (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem value) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.Dispose (Boolean disposing) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripDropDownItem.Dispose (Boolean disposing) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem.Dispose (Boolean disposing) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.ComponentModel.Component.Finalize () [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0

[Ingridtk]

Hi, I am having problems getting s3oc to run as well. I have installed the versions recommended on the front page, but it still isn't working for me. Here are my specs:

-OSX Mountain Lion 10.8.2
-Mono 2.10.10
-S3pe 1-1216-1651 (working fine)
-S3oc 11-1113-1118 (when I open, I get two pop-up messages asking if I want to allow updates [I selected 'no' to the first then 'ok' to the second] then the program promptly crashes before I can open it properly)

Here is the error info from terminal:
System.ArgumentException: A null reference or invalid value was found [GDI+ status: InvalidParameter]
at System.Drawing.GDIPlus.CheckStatus (Status status) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Drawing.Drawing2D.LinearGradientBrush..ctor (Rectangle rect, Color color1, Color color2, LinearGradientMode linearGradientMode) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at (wrapper remoting-invoke-with-check) System.Drawing.Drawing2D.LinearGradientBrush:.ctor (System.Drawing.Rectangle,System.Drawing.Color,System.Drawing.Color,System.Drawing.Drawing2D.LinearGradientMode)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripProfessionalRenderer.OnRenderToolStripPanelBackground (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanelRenderEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripRenderer.DrawToolStripPanelBackground (System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanelRenderEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanel.OnPaintBackground (System.Windows.Forms.PaintEventArgs e) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmPaint (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control+ControlWindowTarget.OnMessage (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.Control+ControlNativeWindow.WndProc (System.Windows.Forms.Message& m) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.WndProc (IntPtr hWnd, Msg msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lParam) [0x00000] in <filename unknown>:0

[rocketsunshine]

I ran Dashboard & CUSTARD on Mono before and it worked perfectly (this was several months ago), but now it doesn't work and I really can't figure out why. What comes out is 'cannot execute binary file'. I did not drag any of the files outside of the folder; I just dragged the extracted folder (complete with all four files inside) to my desktop for easy access. I tried downloading the latest version of Dashboard, CUSTARD and MonoDevelop–but instead of a .dmg from Mono, I get a whole bunch of files with nothing to mount. What do I do?

I work on a MacBook Pro OSX Mountain Lion 10.8.2, 2.7 GHz Intel Core i7, 16 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 of RAM. All help is greatly appreciated!

[IndianQueen]

[edited, unnecessary quote removed]
~ella


Hello everyone,


I am having trouble understanding what to do for my situation. I am computer illiterate when it comes to technology. I have a MAC OS X (version 10.6.8) and I want to learn how to detect corrupted CC files in my Sims 3 game. I am constantly downloading CC for Sims and for the past three days I have been struggling to figure out what is causing this issue. Could you please help me out. Below this message I listed as much I can (to my knowledge) about my computer and the Sims 3 game I have. Thank you so much. :call:


Computer: MAC OS X 10.6.8
Custard: No Custard downloaded
Currently installed: NRASS Mastercontroller (1.50 update)
Issue: Sims 3 CC corrupted files shuts down game
+ Not sure which CC content shuts down game
Base game patch: 1.50

[Ingridtk]

@ IndianQueen, The Dashboard tool works great for corrupt & duplicate CC: http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=387006
You can get it to run using X11+mono (+ terminal).

[Ingridtk]

I've managed to Build the last s3oc QA 13-0105-1939 without errors in MonoDevelop under Mountain Lion 10.8.2 with Mono 3.0.3. But it still refuses to run. That tells me the code is compatible, but there's just something on the s3oc UserInterface that OSX cannot render properly. I get Graphics and ToolStrip references in the error code. When I have more time to dig into this, I have to ask Peter to take a look at the error to see if he understands the error log better than I do.

Hi ella, just wondering has any more progress been made with getting S3OC to run in Mountain Lion?

[IndianQueen]

@ IndianQueen, The Dashboard tool works great for corrupt & duplicate CC: http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=387006
You can get it to run using X11+mono (+ terminal).

Thank you! I really appreciate your help. As I was going through the steps I got this message in my terminal:

unknownd49a20dd2174:~ rythmn2beat$ x11+mono(+terminal) /Users/rythmn2beat/Desktop/Sims3Dashboard.exe
-bash: syntax error near unexpected token `+terminal'
unknownd49a20dd2174:~ rythmn2beat$

What did I do wrong?

[Ingridtk]

Thank you! I really appreciate your help. As I was going through the steps I got this message in my terminal:

unknownd49a20dd2174:~ rythmn2beat$ x11+mono(+terminal) /Users/rythmn2beat/Desktop/Sims3Dashboard.exe
-bash: syntax error near unexpected token `+terminal'
unknownd49a20dd2174:~ rythmn2beat$

What did I do wrong?

Hmm, I'm a bit confused by that error message (I'm not very technical myself) but this is what you do to get a program to run in terminal:

1. Open terminal, type "mono" [then space once]
2. Open a new finder window find where the .exe is located and literally drag n' drop it into terminal, and this will automatically generate a file path.
3. press return/enter.
4. the program should open.

[IndianQueen]

Hmm, I'm a bit confused by that error message (I'm not very technical myself) but this is what you do to get a program to run in terminal:

1. Open terminal, type "mono" [then space once]
2. Open a new finder window find where the .exe is located and literally drag n' drop it into terminal, and this will automatically generate a file path.
3. press return/enter.
4. the program should open.

:cry: Yikes! It didn't work. I'm not sure what step I'm missing. I'm going to reinstall everything I downloaded from Delphy. Is there something else I am suppose to download that wasn't mentioned on Delphy's page besides the .Net 2.0 and Custard? I really appreciate your help Ingridtk :)

[Ingridtk]

:cry: Yikes! It didn't work. I'm not sure what step I'm missing. I'm going to reinstall everything I downloaded from Delphy. Is there something else I am suppose to download that wasn't mentioned on Delphy's page besides the .Net 2.0 and Custard? I really appreciate your help Ingridtk :)

No probs, All the info on getting programs to run in mono is described under #5 "Cross-Platform solutions" on the front page.

There is also this handy blog post which describes step-by-step how to get dashboard running on a mac (and other stuff):
http://arisily.livejournal.com/17175.html

[IndianQueen]

Thanks! I have never been so frustrated in my life!

[IndianQueen]

Is there a new Resource.cfg file online for Sims 3 CC? My MAC crashed as I was playing Sims and MAC informed me that the Resource file I have is corrupted. How is that?


Process: cider [1237]
Path: /Applications/The Sims 3.localized/The Sims3.app/Contents/Resources/AddOns/The Sims 3 University Life.app/Contents/MacOS/cider
Identifier: com.transgaming.thesims3ep09
Version: 1.0. (1.0)
Code Type: X86 (Native)
Parent Process: ??? [1]

Date/Time: 2013-03-31 16:43:42.398 -0700
OS Version: Mac OS X 10.6.8 (10K549)
Report Version: 6

Interval Since Last Report: 280594 sec
Crashes Since Last Report: 2
Per-App Interval Since Last Report: 143995 sec
Per-App Crashes Since Last Report: 2
Anonymous UUID: E2718C76-2F7B-4AB5-B926-078EE8F8B9A0

Exception Type: EXC_CRASH (SIGILL)
Exception Codes: 0x0000000000000000, 0x0000000000000000

[ellacharmed]

I want to learn how to detect corrupted CC files in my Sims 3 game. You don't need any tools to do this. The manual way works fine, and in most cases would have been faster and easier to do than trying to figure out Tools out of your expertise/comfort level. Game Help:TS3 Finding Problem Custom Content

Hi ella, just wondering has any more progress been made with getting S3OC to run in Mountain Lion?Nope. Just got my system back up when I got my GPU returned yesterday. And still battling HDD space issues - well, the fact that I've run out, mainly. :)
The issue is, it is not going to be easy to port it over as the code is not natively written to support cross-platform compatibility, as Peter never aimed for it to be such. It was just mainly to test out the s3pi library, which then grew.

Is there a new Resource.cfg file online for Sims 3 CC? My MAC crashed as I was playing Sims and MAC informed me that the Resource file I have is corrupted. How is that? No new Resource.cfg version; the one in the Install Package Wiki page still applies. You first need to determine if the crash is due to the User folder contents or the game folder contents by doing the holy grail FAQs of all FAQs when it comes to Sims - Game Help:Sims 3 Game Problem - ie remove stuff from or the Sims 3 User folder itself. That would help determine if the crash is due to the User folder contents or the game folder contents, and/or patch 1.50.

And the bold parts that I quoted - how exactly did the MAC accomplish that? What is the error message, and in what context did the system inform you of this? ie what were you doing at the time? Loading the game (initial screen with green loading bar), loading a Save game/loading a chosen world, already playing, in Live mode, in CAS, in Buy/Build mode, in Edit Town, etc etc?

As you can see, troubleshooting for your issue is outside the scope of using Tools listed here, so may I suggest you create your own Help thread?

[IndianQueen]

You don't need any tools to do this. The manual way works fine, and in most cases would have been faster and easier to do than trying to figure out Tools out of your expertise/comfort level. Game Help:TS3 Finding Problem Custom Content

Nope. Just got my system back up when I got my GPU returned yesterday. And still battling HDD space issues - well, the fact that I've run out, mainly. :)
The issue is, it is not going to be easy to port it over as the code is not natively written to support cross-platform compatibility, as Peter never aimed for it to be such. It was just mainly to test out the s3pi library, which then grew.

No new Resource.cfg version; the one in the Install Package Wiki page still applies. You first need to determine if the crash is due to the User folder contents or the game folder contents by doing the holy grail FAQs of all FAQs when it comes to Sims - Game Help:Sims 3 Game Problem - ie remove stuff from or the Sims 3 User folder itself. That would help determine if the crash is due to the User folder contents or the game folder contents, and/or patch 1.50.

And the bold parts that I quoted - how exactly did the MAC accomplish that? What is the error message, and in what context did the system inform you of this? ie what were you doing at the time? Loading the game (initial screen with green loading bar), loading a Save game/loading a chosen world, already playing, in Live mode, in CAS, in Buy/Build mode, in Edit Town, etc etc?

As you can see, troubleshooting for your issue is outside the scope of using Tools listed here, so may I suggest you create your own Help thread?


Hey! Thank you for the help. My game crashes because of my CC, but I don't know which files are corrupted. I have over 100 items in my Mods and Download folders. When MAC shuts my game down a report on the crash appears and states, "EA/ The Sims 3/ MODS/ Resource." I thought it was my resource file that was outdated.