HCDB2

[cdcool]

Question: If you install this Database does it screw anything else up (Other Databases) or you can switch back and forth.

I know it stalls a new Common file, what does that affect?

Thanks

[broncepulido]

I simply keep the other DB files in appropiate, separated and clearly labeled folders (As "WWII", "Cold War" ...), and replace it in the main HCE folder when need it. If not is a nightmare.

[cdcool]

What does changing the common file do?

[broncepulido]

All the databases files are named commondb.res , indepedently of its content, because that the possible confusion.

The file only contains and change the aircrafts, installations (bases), submarines, loadouts, mounts (of weapons), sensors, weapons and text descripitions (of the platforms), rest of the game doesn't change. But some legacy scenarios included in the game keep its own databases (as in the originally supplied GIUK and NACV groups of scenarios, to name only two).

[TonyE]

6 hours ago, cdcool said:

What does changing the common file do?

The EC2000 and older BattleSets each have a database of platforms embedded right in the BattleSet files (i.e. hdsh.res has map, scenarios, database, ...).  The CommonDB BattleSets are EC2003 and newer with the exception of the re-done USNI BattleSet (the USNI with the pretty map), and any BS Builder created BattleSet that has an embedded DB.  

It is called Commondb since that commondb.res and commondb.rsr pair applies to more than one BattleSet.  In practice that means you want to make sure to match up the scenario with the BattleSet.  For any of the stock scenarios, use HCDB (not HCDB2).  You can always find it in the commondb.bak directory.  There are lots of ways for you to juggle the various CommonDB databases.  You can save them to sub-folders and swap the correct one into the main game folder before you start the game or you can use the HC Launcher and point it to the correct DB or you can download the right DB each time you play.  Etc. Etc. Etc.

[TonyE]

Here is a related video that I recorded a while back.  I'm hoping to record some updated ones soon.

 

[Tony]

Use the HC Launcher it is awesome when jumping around scenarios with different DBs use to create it. After downloading HC Launcher and learning what I needed can scenario, db and save game option of 

 a game in seconds and even start it as paused.

[cdcool]

On 12/2/2020 at 9:56 PM, TonyE said:

The EC2000 and older BattleSets each have a database of platforms embedded right in the BattleSet files (i.e. hdsh.res has map, scenarios, database, ...).  The CommonDB BattleSets are EC2003 and newer with the exception of the re-done USNI BattleSet (the USNI with the pretty map), and any BS Builder created BattleSet that has an embedded DB.  

It is called Commondb since that commondb.res and commondb.rsr pair applies to more than one BattleSet.  In practice that means you want to make sure to match up the scenario with the BattleSet.  For any of the stock scenarios, use HCDB (not HCDB2).  You can always find it in the commondb.bak directory.  There are lots of ways for you to juggle the various CommonDB databases.  You can save them to sub-folders and swap the correct one into the main game folder before you start the game or you can use the HC Launcher and point it to the correct DB or you can download the right DB each time you play.  Etc. Etc. Etc.

It's confusing, It's asking to overwrite the commonb.res

There needs to a guide for newcomers with an explanation for each Database and how to switch between them.

I'll take a look at the video

[Tony]

You just need to accept writing over the commondb.res. Then the game will accept the DB you want to use.

Tell me which scenario you want to play and I will walk you through it.

 

[TonyE]

9 hours ago, cdcool said:

There needs to a guide for newcomers with an explanation for each Database and how to switch between them.

As you learn the ins and outs, please write that guide.  Like many volunteer efforts, those who do dig in learn how to accomplish something then don't turn back and document it for the next newcomer.  Be the one who breaks that chain for managing databases.

[cdcool]

I'm trying not to screw up the scenarios that came with the game in reference to the common files when adding user made stuff.

[TonyE]

54 minutes ago, cdcool said:

I'm trying not to screw up the scenarios that came with the game in reference to the common files when adding user made stuff.

You can't screw it up badly enough that doing a download of HCDB from HarpGamer here won't fix it.  Usually you can just run rest_cdb.bat in your game directory with the game closed.