The DCS Updater / Launcher GUI Utility Version 2.0 (2023+)

[SkateZilla]

Great utility, many thanks for making it! The VR/Non Vr switch and being able to easily update to any version from an intuitive GUI is super useful.

 

I've also got one problem: I've updated via this utility to Open Beta 2.5 and everything works perfect there. But, the separate 1.58 install can not run at all and gives this error message

 

Using the repair function in the Utility always repairs the 2.5 despite me choosing the "Custom Build" in the drop menu. Any ideas as to what may have gone wrong with the 1.58?

 

What Folder is the Utility's EXE in?

[Katmandu]

What Folder is the Utility's EXE in?

Yep, you rock and I suck :) The utility's exe was in DCS folder, in direct contradiction to the explicit instructions in your original post! Maaan... Everything's working great now, thank you again! :thumbup:

[dmwierz]

SkateZilla

I have been using your program since it came out without any issues. Now, for some reason, the "Select Build to Manage" is blank and I do not get the little dialog box that I used to get when the program is first opened. This issue occurs in 1.5 and 2.0. What am I doing wrong?

 

I am having this exact problem. I input the path "C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World OpenBeta\bin" under Open Beta, and continue to get the dreaded "Not Detected", which of course leads to nothing in the "Select Build to Manage" drop down menu.

 

Help?

[Dingo_Bob]

drop the \bin, it only needs the main install folder to work

[dmwierz]

drop the \bin, it only needs the main install folder to work

 

Yeah, tried that, too. No joy.

[dmwierz]

Yeah, tried that, too. No joy.

 

 

Ok, as we used to say in the Navy, "TAMO" (Then A Miracle Occurred). Tried closing down Skatezilla's app (like I'd done a half dozen times before), reopened it, and voila! Success.

 

Thanks for the help, Don.

[Dingo_Bob]

check the user config file in your app data folder has updated the path correctly

 

C:\Users\*username*\AppData\Local\Skate_Zilla_Graphics_Stud\DCS_Updater_Utility.exe_StrongName_???????????\1.1.0.0\user.config

 

open it in notepad++ look for the Build_beta or Build release lines and check the the paths are correct

Edited February 24, 2018 by Dingo_Bob

[SkateZilla]

When you change or edit the folders,

 

You must click "VERIFY DCS INSTALLS" Button,

 

This button will scan all folders entered and populate the build list for detected builds.

 

Closing and Opening app does same thing (Scans and Populates Build List).

[Katmandu]

My 2.5 and 1.5.8 are both linked to "DCS" folder in "Saved Games" (and not "DCS.openbeta" for 2.5 and "DCS" for 1.5.8 ). Is this OK? Or will there be a problem with e.g. "metashaders" subfolder populating with conflicting files for each version?

[SkateZilla]

you might want to have 2.5 and 1.5 have separate Saved Games folders..

 

In notepad,

Type:

LEGACY

 

Save as dcs_variant.txt in your 1.5 /DCS World/ Folder.

 

All 1.5 Saved Games/ items will now be in /Saved Games/DCS.LEGACY/

[Katmandu]

You really know your stuff, SkateZilla! Very neat trick and it works too. Thank you again!

[RogCamp]

Select Open Alpha Build to Manage, Click Adv. Update Options, then Click Update to Latest Open Beta

 

I did as you instructed.

Clicked on Update to latest open Beta.

 

I had 2.2.0.12343.297 installed.

Your updater tells me I now have 2.5.0.14304.321 OPEN ALPHA installed?

 

I do not understand why I ended up with Open Alpha instead of Open Beta

 

I do not understand the difference between Open Alpha and Open Beta.

 

Will I still be able to update to the 2.5 Release version?

 

Thanks

[RogCamp]

Just opened the autoupdate_log.txt file in DCS 2.5 folder and near the bottom it says

 

STATUS:Successfully updated to 'openbeta' 2.5.0.14304.321.

 

So I take it that all is well.

 

I just don't understand why it is being referred to as open alpha in your updater app?

 

The folder in Windows is still being called Eagle Dynamics/DCSWorld 2 OpenAlpha

 

When I update to the release version will it change the folder name in Windows to DCSWorld 2.5

 

Thanks again

[SkateZilla]

I did as you instructed.

Clicked on Update to latest open Beta.

 

I had 2.2.0.12343.297 installed.

Your updater tells me I now have 2.5.0.14304.321 OPEN ALPHA installed?

 

I do not understand why I ended up with Open Alpha instead of Open Beta

 

I do not understand the difference between Open Alpha and Open Beta.

 

Will I still be able to update to the 2.5 Release version?

 

Thanks

 

Just opened the autoupdate_log.txt file in DCS 2.5 folder and near the bottom it says

 

STATUS:Successfully updated to 'openbeta' 2.5.0.14304.321.

 

So I take it that all is well.

 

I just don't understand why it is being referred to as open alpha in your updater app?

 

The folder in Windows is still being called Eagle Dynamics/DCSWorld 2 OpenAlpha

 

When I update to the release version will it change the folder name in Windows to DCSWorld 2.5

 

Thanks again

 

The App does not know if your install is Release, Open Beta, or Open Alpha.

 

The Name is given in the App based on which folder you set,

 

*(ie, you can set the path to Open Alpha in Open Beta or Release Slot).

 

You converted your Open Alpha to Open Beta, you can cut/paste the path from the Open Alpha text box to the Open Beta text box.

 

The App also does not change folder names, that was the folder created by the Original ED Installer, all the App Did was assist you in changing the branch of the game from Open Alpha to Open Beta.

[SkateZilla]

Latest Prelim Changelog of next Version:

 

-Art / Layout Adjustments

-Added PDF Buttons for All Modules

-Adjusted some more Detection Code

-Pre-coding for future expansion ideas

-Changed Background Graphics

-Adjusted Module Detection to Auto-Run on launch

-Adjusted Module Detection to Auto-Run when switching builds

-Moved Folders/Paths/Language Settings to a Separate Unified Settings Screen

-Moved Oculus Mirror Settings to Unified Settings Screen

-Re-Coded Arrays to Allow Custom Names to be Set for each Build,

(Custom Name will show on the Builds Panel to the Left and in the Drop down Menu)

 

(*Note in this preview shows, the background was removed, Also entire Version number will be displayed, I had changed it to only Show major and Major Subversions, But changed it back to show entire Version number.)

Edited March 7, 2018 by SkateZilla

[SkateZilla]

Addition to Previous Changes above, I've also integrated and tested:

-Set Limit of 20 Characters for Custom Build Names.

-Re-coded Detection and Auto-Scan Functions During Launch/Build Switching

-Update Button will automatically scan/refresh version numbers displayed when Update is complete.

-Module Install/Uninstall Buttons will automatically scan/refresh modules when install is complete

-All Launch/Model Viewer Buttons Updated As well.

-Added Status Line

 

I Plan to make some adjustments to font / sizes on some sections, and some minor alignment changes.

 

 

Spot the New Stuff:

Edited March 22, 2018 by SkateZilla

[Backdraft]

How do I back date to a previous version?? It just went to the final 1.5.6.please help been trying 3 hrs

Edited March 27, 2018 by Backdraft

[SkateZilla]

Another feature being integrated and tested is Saved Games Folder Paths,

Which will Allow Users to Launch VR and NonVR with Separate Settings Automatically.

 

Originally I was going to Parse the LUA and allow users to set every value in the options.lua w/ a GUI, but this is simply too complicated and would be several pages of values to edit and save,

 

Instead, Allowing a User to have separate VR/NonVR Options Files and allow the user to set VR/NonVR Options within the DCSWorld GUI Path was chosen.

 

So After Setting your Saved Games Folders for Each Build.

When Launching w/ VR On, you will have separate settings than VR Off.

And they will be persistent.

 

Basically, On first launch, if the VR Options File isn't already present/detected, it will copy your Default Options.lua and create it.

Launch DCS w/ VR, Set your settings as you wish, Close DCS.

A Separate VR File will be Generated, this VR File will replace the normal Options.lua when a VR Launch Button is clicked on the App.

When the App Closes, the VR Options File Be Renamed and the non-vr Options File will be restored.

 

When a Non VR Button is clicked DCS Will Launch w/ the Normal Options.lua as it should.

Edited March 28, 2018 by SkateZilla

[SkateZilla]

On Top of VR having Separate Settings,

 

I am also Integrating a PRESET 1, PRESET 2, PRESET 3, PRESET 4 System.

 

Which will allow a user to select from Drop Down Menu the 4 Presets, Default, or VR HEADSET Presets.

VR Headset Profile is Usable in launching in NonVR Modes for users that are using VR w/ Google Carboard solutions.

 

When Launching w/ VR On or SteamVR Button, the VR Headset profile will automatically be used.

 

if no Option is Set or if DEFAULT is selected it will use the Options.lua as is.

 

PRESET x will have a separate file for each preset and will load those when DCS is launched, and restore the default Options.lua when DCS is closed.

 

All the presets will be generated from the default options.lua, then the user will be able to launch DCS and configure each individually.

Edited April 1, 2018 by SkateZilla

[SkateZilla]

To add more features to the app, I've expanded the "status bar" a little bit

-Network check during startup and specific button clicks integrated,

-App will now Auto Check for App Update, and DCS Version Numbers if network is detected on startup,

-App will Display network status (Connected, Local Only, Offline),

-App will Display Application Status (Update Available, Up to Date, Offline),

-App will Display DCS Status (IDLE, DCS WORLD RUNNING, DCS_UPDATER RUNNING, DCS MODEL VIEWER RUNNING, DCS WORLD VR RUNNING)

-App will Display Elapse Time DCS/VR/MV/Updater Runs.

-App will run in elevated permissions mode.

-If DCS.EXE Process is Running, BUILD and PRESET Options Will be Disable to Avoid User Changing While DCS is Running

 

-Major Background Graphics Changes to UI

-Cleaning up/re-positioning of UI Elements.

-Updated Icon File

 

-Added DCS Update Server Check / Status to Top Status Bar

-Added Lower Status Bar for Application Status And Versions

-Added Application Log to Lower Left, Will Update by Line Activity

-Application will Create a /Saved Games/DCS Updater Utility/ Folder

-Application will save a copy of the log to /DCS Updater Utility/Log.txt

-Revised Object Index Numbers to Allow Using TAB to cycle through objects in order

 

 

As said before, due to the vast changes in under the hood coding and in general functions, it's being more extensively tested w/ a wider pool of hardware profiles.

 

I hope to have all features solidified and locked in so I can start working on a Help file or Video Tutorial for Setup and common problems.

Some small changes to text or font may occur as I continue to develop

 

The next Public Release will be HUGE, Features wise, and increases to about 9mb of file size.. the change log spans several posts over the last few months.

 

Edited April 18, 2018 by SkateZilla

[rick66]

@SkateZilla. I was reading on DCS FB group that we can use your app to swap the beta over to the release without down loading another 100Gig and having 2 identical files? is this indeed possible and how would i complete this..!

 

Thanks

[SkateZilla]

@SkateZilla. I was reading on DCS FB group that we can use your app to swap the beta over to the release without down loading another 100Gig and having 2 identical files? is this indeed possible and how would i complete this..!

 

Thanks

 

Click Advanced Update Options, Click Update to the Latest Release Version.

 

But if they are the same version it will not update and change the branch.

[SkateZilla]

While myself and a few others extensively test the function and I expand on it in phases, I would like the share some details how the App Function will work

 

Details about Presets Function:

 

After Setting the Saved Games Folder and Clicking Verify.

 

The App will Copy Options.lua within each Saved Games Folder and make the following files:

Options.lua.Backup (Used for Backup Purposes)

Options.lua.Preset01 (Used for Preset 1)

Options.lua.Preset02 (Used for Preset 2)

Options.lua.Preset03 (Used for Preset 3)

Options.lua.Preset04 (Used for Preset 4)

Options.lua.VR (Used for Preset VR)

 

Usage

Note:

The VR Preset is NOT Set for VR on First Launch, User must launch DCS, Goto Options, Set VR Settings, then click OK and go from there.

I cannot include any presets, as they would be different depending on build and installed modules, the safest option is to generate all presets from the default Options.lua.

 

When Selecting a Preset, the App will rename the default Options.lua to Optional.lua.Default And rename the preset to Options.lua and then Launch DCS.

 

User can Change the settings as they like and exit DCS. (Note: Some Options will re-launch DCS's UI, the DCS.exe Process will not close, So it will not effect the App)

 

The App will detect when DCS.exe Process Ends, and Rename Options.lua back to the Preset Name and rename Options.lua.Default back to Options.lua

 

For Example:

I Have Presets 1-2 for 1080P Detailed and FPS modes, and 3-4 For 4K Detailed and FPS Modes.

That way I dont have to constantly have to modify/edit the Options.lua or boot DCS and switch it back and forth between 1080P/4K when I use my 4K Screen.

 

VR Preset

Launching SteamVR Mode or VR On, will force the VR Preset Automatically, Originally VR Preset wasn't going to be select-able,

But I changed it to select-able for users that have Google Cardboard and other DIY VR Devices that use Custom Tracking and Screen Configurations.

 

 

Default Preset

If no Preset or the "Default" Preset is selected, DCS will Launch with the normal un-touched Options.lua

On First Launch, the App Will Load up w/ Default preset selected, after 1st launch and exit, the app will save the selected preset and when app is re-launched will load w/ last preset selected.

 

Recovery of Preset

Currently, In the event that the App is Closed Before DCS or Crashes, then The Options.lua Files will need to be manually renamed back (Options.lua.Default -> Options.lua etc).

I'm working on detection code that will attempt to do this automatically, using the last selected profile to rename them back, but it's currently not functioning correctly.

 

So it's being re-written,

The New Code will detect if DCS is Running on Startup, Scan all Saved Games Folders for Options.lua.Default And Preset LUAs and Select Proper Preset and Build and re-enable the DCS.exe Process Close Routine, so when DCS Closes it Does what it would normally do in renaming files.

 

If the DCS.exe process is not running, it will scan for which preset is missing from which Build and rename the Options.lua / Options.lua.Default Appropriately.

 

Unified Settings Across Multiple Builds

It's not really recommended at all, I originally was going to have the App create a /Saved Games/DCS Updater Utility/ Folder and Place the Preset Files there and copy from that location to the DCS Saved Games when Launch Buttons are clicked; However this proved to be problematic as 1.5, 2.1/2.2 and 2.5 all have changes to the Options.lua that tend to mess up DCS.

 

If you have multiple builds of the same type (2.5 Clean, 2.5 Modded) etc, you can copy/paste the preset files if you want after you set them).

 

 

If Folders are Set Wrong or No Preset is Set

 

If A Preset is selected and it attempts to copy the Preset Options File and it's not found, a Msg Box will Come Up and Prompt that Default Settings were used because of a Mis-Configured Saved Games Folder.

 

if A User doesn't set any saved games folders, Leave it on the Default Preset and It will launch DCS w/ the default Options.lua

Edited April 9, 2018 by SkateZilla

[SkateZilla]

Prelim Changelog for Next Version as of 5-30-2018

Additional Items maybe added before the next build goes public, it's currently in expanded testing.

 

General Changes

-App will run in Admin/Elevated permissions mode.

-Moved to .NET 4.6 Framework

-My.Settings Changes (Will have to re-enter build paths to DCS World)

 

UI/Art Changes

-Several Art / Layout Adjustments

-Added PDF Buttons for All Modules

-Changed Background Graphics

-Lower Section Removed, App Reduced to 835px Height from 900px

-Cleaning up/re-positioning of UI Elements.

-Added Application Log to Lower Left,

Log will display status and update line by line w/ Application Activity

-Major Background Graphics Changes to UI

-Updated Icon(s) File

-Added Assets for F-15C Aggressors BFM Campaign

-Added Assets for L-39C/ZA Kursant Campaign

-Added Assets for Persian Gulf

-Added Assets for F/A-18C Lot 20

-DRM/PDF Buttons Merged to Smaller Button w/ Context Menu

 

Major Code Changes

-Adjusted Build Detection Code

App will Scan for DCS.exe Primarily now and Enable Builds (Change was made to allow Steam users to use App to launch VR On/Off etc)

If DCS.exe is detected, App will scan for DCS_Updater.exe and ModelViewer.exe and Display Versions for Each in Log,

-Adjusted Build Switching Logic

When switching between builds in the dropdown menu, it will scan for the 3 main EXEs and Enable/Disable Buttons Automatically

-Adjusted Module Detection Code

-Adjusted DRM Detection Code for Disabling Starforce box if using ED DRM

-Pre-coding for future expansion

-Adjusted Module Detection to Auto-Run on launch

-Adjusted Module Detection to Auto-Run when switching builds

-Adjusted for Module Detection and DCS Installs Scan after Update/Module Install/Un-Install Process

-All Launch/Model Viewer Buttons Updated For Detection as well.

-Integrated Saved Games Folder Paths Settings

-Integrated use of Unique Settings Presets (DEFAULT, PRESET 1, PRESET 2, PRESET 3, PRESET 4, VR HEADSET)

(VR and SteamVR Launch will automatically use VR Preset)

-Integrated Scan and Recovery of Presets/Options.lua if App Crashes/Closes Prematurely

-App Will Scan for DCS, DCS Updater, DCS ModelViewer Processes During Startup

-If DCS.EXE Process is Running, BUILD and PRESET Options Will be Disabled to Avoid User Changing While DCS is Running

-Ability to Copy Config Folder from One Build to Another or to /DCS Updater Utility/ Folder (for Backup etc)

-Changed Build Names from Release, OB, OA, Custom1, Custom2, Legacy to Slot #1 Build, Slot #2 Build Etc

-Revised Internal Clocks and Timers

-Revised .LOG Function

-Revised App Update Versions and Builds and Check for Updates Code

-Added Code to Disable Video Training on DCS Versions Above 2.2 (No Longer Valid IDs)

-Re-coded Individual Buttons for Module, PDF and DRM (Condenses Code, 6237 -> 567 Lines)

-Added Minimum Build Code to Disable Buttons For Modules if Below the Minimum Version Number, As well as VR On/Off/SteamVR Buttons, ModelViewer and Clean Functions.

-Revised DCS Server Check Code, Added More Exception Catches.

-Fixed Broken Command Line to Launch SteamVR Mode on Oculus Devices.

 

 

General Purpose Code Clean Up and Condensing

-Removed Old Redundant Code

-Removed Unused WIP/Future Use Code

-Re-Organized Code into cleaner and defined sections

-Removed/Merged Duplicate Code into new Combination/Unified Functions

-Main Code condensed from 19,454 to 10,735 Lines (With more condensing and merging to come)

(This doesnt really change the final compiled size, but it does allow the app to load and functions a little bit cleaner/faster.)

 

Integrated Unified Settings Screen

-Moved Folders/Paths/Language Settings to a Separate Unified Settings Screen

-Moved Oculus Mirror Settings to Unified Settings Screen

-Re-Coded Arrays to Allow Custom Names to be Set for each Build, and Preset

(Custom Name will show on the Builds Panel to the Left and in the Drop down Menu)

-Set Limit of 15 Characters for Custom Build Names.

-Added Saved Games Text Boxes and Browse Buttons

-Added PRESET Custom Name Boxes

-Sorted Settings Screen, Added Separating Lines.

 

Upper Status Bar Integrated

-App will Display DCS Status (IDLE, DCS WORLD RUNNING, DCS_UPDATER RUNNING, DCS MODEL VIEWER RUNNING, DCS WORLD VR RUNNING)

-App will Display Elapsed Time an Item is Running (DCS, ModelViewer, Updater, etc)

-App will Display Network status (Connected, Local Only, Offline),

-App will Display DCS Update Server Status (Online / Offline)

 

Lower Status Bar Integrated

-App will Display Application Status (Update Available, Up to Date, Offline),

-App will Display Current Version, Current Build, Link to Download Latest Version (if Update is Available)

-App will Display Copyright

 

Network check during startup and specific functions integrated

-App will First Detect if a Network Connection is Enabled

-App will Ping Google to Test External Network or Local Only

-App will Ping DCS Update Servers for Update Server Status

-App will Auto Check for App Update, During Startup, If External Connection

-App will Auto Check DCS Version Numbers, During Startup, If External Connection

 

Added Log.txt Export Function

-Application will Create a /Saved Games/DCS Updater Utility/ Folder

-Application will save a copy of the log to /DCS Updater Utility/Log.txt

 

Revised Object Index Numbers to Allow Using TAB to cycle through objects in order

-When Using Tab, Each Object (Button/Textbox/Checkbox) will Cycle Top to Bottom, Left to Right in Order.

 

Preview (Background Image still WIP):

Edited May 31, 2018 by SkateZilla

[joey45]

Awesome work.

 

on ma mobile