ini and upk files not being created

[Bantis]

I have searched google and these boards and have not been able to find an answer to this problem. When I publish my maps the ini and upk files do not get created. I have tried messing around with every setting I know of and still no luck.

To get it ready to publish I have been following this thread (http://utforums.epicgames.com/showpost.php?p=25152296&postcount=1) which is pretty detailed. I have followed this to the letter and have checked my spelling where the map's name needs to be.

Does anyone have an idea as to what could be happening? I must have something set wrong. This map cooks and builds just fine. I just can't make the ini and upk files get created.

Thanks.

[apophis3d]

You are looking in the UT folder in my doc folder right?

[Bantis]

You are looking in the UT folder in my doc folder right?

Yeah, the map gets placed in there ok. It's just that the ini and upk files aren't placed/created there as well.

[Odedge]

Hmm, never had this happen to me before. Out of curiosity, are you useing the editor or Frontend to cook the map?

[Cr4zy]

ini files are NOT created by the editor, they have to be created by you, or are generated as soon as you load the map ingame.

Along with that not EVERY map will generate a .upk file.

Does it play in game? If so there's no problems, if it doesn't then i'm not sure, sorry

[Spoondog]

Yea, as Cr4zy says, some maps just don't seem to get a .upk when you cook, but they should still work fine.

[Bantis]

ini files are NOT created by the editor, they have to be created by you, or are generated as soon as you load the map ingame.

Along with that not EVERY map will generate a .upk file.

Does it play in game? If so there's no problems, if it doesn't then i'm not sure, sorry


Yea, as Cr4zy says, some maps just don't seem to get a .upk when you cook, but they should still work fine.

Thanks.

But if that is the case what ini file (or the like) do you edit to add the map friendly name, its decription and the location of the map thumbnail? I have heard of cases where the upk file is not created but I haven't heard of a situation where the ini file is not created.

According to this thread (http://utforums.epicgames.com/showpost.php?p=25152296&postcount=1) you need an ini file and that publishing the map shound create one. I have cooked/published a map before and it made the ini file. I am just trying to figure out why this one is not.

Thanks guys, it seems I am just confused then.

I just want it polished with all that stuff included.

[Nawrot]

Just copy ini file from another map. Replace map name to match your map, and add correct name for preview texture.

[Bantis]

Just copy ini file from another map. Replace map name to match your map, and add correct name for preview texture.

Ah, yeah, that is a good idea. It's a good quick fix. Thanks. I will give that a shot today. :)

I hate to be a nag but I still need to know why mine wasn't created just in case I need to change something on/in a map later on down the road.:p

[Odedge]

I hate to be a nag but I still need to know why mine wasn't created just in case I need to change something on/in a map later on down the road.:p

To the best of my memory, I have always had one of each file created when I cook it, but take that with a grain of salt. Can you try cooking the exact same unpublished file on another computer? That's usually the first step in trouble shooting.

[DGUnreal]

According to this thread (http://utforums.epicgames.com/showpost.php?p=25152296&postcount=1) you need an ini file and that publishing the map shound create one. I have cooked/published a map before and it made the ini file. I am just trying to figure out why this one is not.


See point 6 in that thread:

"6. After publishing a map multiple times you may not get a new .ini file ..."
"The content of an .ini file should be similar to this ..."

So just copy and paste that text in that thread into a new ini file and modify the text where applicable.

[Bantis]

To the best of my memory, I have always had one of each file created when I cook it, but take that with a grain of salt. Can you try cooking the exact same unpublished file on another computer? That's usually the first step in trouble shooting.

Thanks much.

I tried it on my second machine but its still a no go.

I am going to reinstall everything and apply the patches in increments and see if maybe one of them (especially the last one) is the problem. Maybe the last one moved some things around and the way I installed the game lost some settings. I did not install the game in the default directory and maybe that is it. I have heard that can cause some problems. However that didn't affect the builds of my previous maps so maybe an re-install will shed some light on this.

Thanks again for the replies. I will update this thread if I find the problem so maybe it will help someone else down the road.

EDIT:


See point 6 in that thread:

"6. After publishing a map multiple times you may not get a new .ini file ..."
"The content of an .ini file should be similar to this ..."

So just copy and paste that text in that thread into a new ini file and modify the text where applicable.

Ah, ok I just saw this. The map never made an ini though even when I published it the first time. I made a new simple map and followed those instructions again and still no ini. Even first go round. So something just must be set wrong. That is the only thing I can think of. Don't you think that is just to "off" that it is worth exploring? There is a part of me that just wants it to "work" from the get go and not have to copy/paste and create from scratch the ini file.

As I stated above I am going to try the ole' reinstall method making maps for each patch. This all worked fine before when I started making my first maps. I was just learning the editor and am continuing to learn it more and more but when I started it made the ini file.

[mslaf]

I use the localized version and the UPK file associated with the map package is never created as it is on the US version.

Also, there's no way I could make the map description appear in the game. That's a bit strange because information like the the map title, number of players etc work fine. Not, really a big issue as usually nobody cares about it;)

[Bantis]

Also, there's no way I could make the map description appear in the game. That's a bit strange because information like the the map title, number of players etc work fine. Not, really a big issue as usually nobody cares about it;)

True, I rarely read it myself but for complete-ness and polish sake I want it in there and working. :p

[DGUnreal]

Ah, ok I just saw this. The map never made an ini though even when I published it the first time. I made a new simple map and followed those instructions again and still no ini. Even first go round.


To clarify #6, it relates to creating all maps.
Once you have cooked even one map, on some setups you may not get any ini's for any cooking of any maps after that. Make sure you have the latest patches.
Ini's are easy to create, there is no reason to assume that there is any fault with the install if you have to manually create it yourself.




Also, there's no way I could make the map description appear in the game. That's a bit strange because information like the the map title, number of players etc work fine. Not, really a big issue as usually nobody cares about it;)


See the linked Publish topic.
See the section under The MapName and FriendlyName:

"The MapName= line in the ini file will normally be the full name of your map such as DM-MyMap. This must be the same as what is in the map's WorldInfo.Title property or the map Description will not be displayed in-game."

[mslaf]

"The MapName= line in the ini file will normally be the full name of your map such as DM-MyMap. This must be the same as what is in the map's WorldInfo.Title property or the map Description will not be displayed in-game."

I had to miss that, thanks for the tip.

[Bantis]

Thanks all for the answers and advice. I did as you guys suggested and made the ini file myself and it worked great. I'm still working on the music part of that thead but that is for another discussion.;)

It's still not making the upk file though. Is that going to be a problem? The maps that I have downloaded all have one. In looking at them they seem to be a number of MBs in size.

[Odedge]

Is that going to be a problem? The maps that I have downloaded all have one. In looking at them they seem to be a number of MBs in size.

I don't think so. To tell you the truth, I don't even know what it does. :o

[DGUnreal]

It's still not making the upk file though. Is that going to be a problem?


It shouldn't, but it is odd that the file isn't being created. Make sure that it isn't being created in another folder or that you don't have a similarly named file elsewhere or are using a non-standard map file name. If you have an illegal map name it may not be cooking properly. Use <prefix>-<mapname> only, such as DM-MyMap, with only alpha characters and stay away from other punctuation as it may be causing issues, don't use DM-My[l33t]Map@zap! for example.
Have you tried using the UnrealFrontEnd to cook and see if that makes a difference.
If you are using Vista, make sure that you are an Administrator-level account and run UT3.exe as an Administrator.



I don't think so. To tell you the truth, I don't even know what it does. :o


The <mapname>_LOC_Int.upk package contains the default localization content for the map. Default as in, if there were assets that are localized for multiple regions, they would be in different _LOC_<language> packages, such as _LOC_DEU, _LOC_FRA, etc. Essentially all game assets that are implementing IsLocalizedResource or marked as RF_LocalizedResource will end up in specific localized packages. This is for management of region and ratings (gore, etc.).
An example would be red blood textures and materials in the default _LOC_Int package and green blood textures and materials in the localized region packages for those countries that have restrictions on gore.

[Bantis]

It shouldn't, but it is odd that the file isn't being created. Make sure that it isn't being created in another folder or that you don't have a similarly named file elsewhere or are using a non-standard map file name. If you have an illegal map name it may not be cooking properly. Use <prefix>-<mapname> only, such as DM-MyMap, with only alpha characters and stay away from other punctuation as it may be causing issues, don't use DM-My[l33t]Map@zap! for example.
Have you tried using the UnrealFrontEnd to cook and see if that makes a difference.
If you are using Vista, make sure that you are an Administrator-level account and run UT3.exe as an Administrator.

I am running XP Pro SP2. Here are my specs just so it is out there:


Intel Core Duo 2.6
2GB RAM
GeForce 8800GTX 762RAM
SoundBlaster XiFi
2 WD Hard drives


Here is the info on my map as per the ini I made.

[DM-SkyDomeTest UTUIDataProvider_MapInfo]
MapName=DM-SkyDomeTest
FriendlyName=Sky Dome Test
PreviewImageMarkup=<Images:DM-SkyDomeTest.MapPic.map-pic-dm-SkyDomeTest>
Description=This is a test for the description.
NumPlayers=8 to 16 players

To be complete here is the map itself.

DM-SkyDomeTest (http://www.umbralheights.com/files/misc/DM-SkyDomeTest.zip)

If any one has time to run it to see if there it anything obvious that is wrong I would appreciate it.

I will try the UnrealFrontEnd.

EDIT:

Obviously that smilely is just a case of the formatting of that line. No, it is not really in my ini.;)

EDITEDIT:

Just so it is clear, the sky is one hourences made and had it available for people to download from his site. It's been a while since I grabbed it so I think that is where it came from. Regardless I didn't make it. It's just cool so I used that one instead of a stock one.

[Bantis]

Just a little bump. Wondering if anyone has thought of anything new on this upk not being created problem.

I won't continue to bump it of course just thought I would ask again to anyone who might have missed the post or thought of anything.

Thanks.

[DGUnreal]

No sky dome here... just four CSG brushes.
If you are placing the sky custom content into a separate package, don't, put it into the map file itself.

[Bantis]

No sky dome here... just four CSG brushes.
If you are placing the sky custom content into a separate package, don't, put it into the map file itself.

Don't really understand this answer. Maybe you meant to reply in another thread?:)

[DGUnreal]

Correct thread.

I downloaded your zip to look at it.
All that is in it is a playerstart, light and four brushes. Plus the screenshot texture and material.
There is no skydome mesh or sky texture, so the map isn't playable due to open HOM issues.

[Bantis]

Correct thread.

I downloaded your zip to look at it.
All that is in it is a playerstart, light and four brushes. Plus the screenshot texture and material.
There is no skydome mesh or sky texture, so the map isn't playable due to open HOM issues.

I think (just think:)) that I am starting to get what you are saying. After your reply I went back and changed some of the skydomes for my maps and a few times it asked me for the name and placement of a upk file. I wasn't sure where to put it or what to call it but I was pleased that it asked me as that was the first time.

I still am not sure what you mean by the map not having a skydome as it had the one horences' made. Is that what the problem is? I am using that skydome instead of a stock one? I went back through a number of my maps and added stock skydomes and a few asked me for a upk name but some did not. They just built the maps as they were with no ini or upk file. The ini I have been making.

I apogize for beating a dead horse with this I just want to get it right and have things built correcly so when I do try and release a map.

Yeah despite being a n00b now everyone needs goals.:)

Lastly for future reference could you tell me what HOM stands for? I googled it but that came up with no results.

Thanks.

[DGUnreal]

Sorry, I tend to talk technical since I am a developer. :)


There is no skydome in the file I downloaded.
A HOM or "hall of mirrors" occurs when the game engine renderer has nothing to render in a location so it causes a visual feedback similar to holding a mirror facing another mirror.


When you import custom content into UnrealEd for use in your map, you should always specify the map's name for the Package on the import dialog, eg. DM-SkyDomeTest in this case, you can also simply scroll down the Package drop-down list and choose your map's name if you don't want to type it in. Also make good use of the Group name so that your custom content is nicely organized.

If you import into a different package name, such as MyPackage, then you must also cook and distribute that "external" package with the map file.

External packages should only be used for "mods" or "total conversions", and should never be used for regular maps.
Using external packages can run into all sorts of versioning issues, asset redirectors, and other hassles that you want to stay away from.

[Odedge]

Sorry, I tend to talk technical since I am a developer. :)

We forgive you! ;)



There is no skydome in the file I downloaded.

I checked out the file too and there is no visible sky mesh, though I think the map thinks there is.

[TheAgent]

I just place the map in the published folder, play the map ingame for the first time and it creates a ini file in the published folder with the maps name. Then i edit to my liking

[Bantis]

Ok, I understand where you guys are coming from now.

I have continued to work with this just to make sure everything is building right and have had some success. I now have a ton of tutorial maps. And just as an experiment I published all them last night. None asked me the name of a upk file and most did not make one however for the first time some did. The only commonality between the ones that did is that they all were tutorials having to do with terrain editing. I built these maps a number of times just to make sure it wasn't a fluke and sure enough they made the upk files everytime.

That leaves me wondering why it is just these. Some of my other maps have much more custom (from me that is) content as these through tutorial textures and what not. So I am not sure what separates these 4 maps that had upk files created.

I have also noticed these maps that are building (all the maps that is) they skip the shader upk files. I don't know if that means anything.

So any reason why the terrain maps would be making these upk files and not the others?

Thanks.

[Odedge]

So any reason why the terrain maps would be making these upk files and not the others?

Thanks.

Sorry if I am repeating anything that's been said.

The only 2 things I can think of that might effect this is that you don't have a new file name when cooking (though you should save multiple copies of your map, each with a unique file name. I use this format... DM-mapname_001, DM-mapname_002, and so on).

The other one would be not having a correct formated file name, especially with the game's prefix (ex: DM-Mapname vs Mapname)

If you want, send me a map that has been cooked and one that hasn't. I will do the same for each and see what I get.

[Bantis]

If you want, send me a map that has been cooked and one that hasn't. I will do the same for each and see what I get.

Thanks much.

Here are two maps (http://www.umbralheights.com/files/misc/bantis_cooked_uncooked.zip) one that has been cooked and one that has not. They are named accordingly. Just to be complete in info I made the ini from scratch. It didn't make one when I cooked it.

[Odedge]

Thanks much.

Here are two maps (http://www.umbralheights.com/files/misc/bantis_cooked_uncooked.zip) one that has been cooked and one that has not. They are named accordingly. Just to be complete in info I made the ini from scratch. It didn't make one when I cooked it.

Well I cooked the uncooked one and no .ini or LOC file was created. I also tried it with a practice map I had, same thing. I wouldn't sweat it. The only thing you really need to be concerned about is having a properly filled out .ini file when cooking a PS3, just so you have the information handy.

[Bantis]

Well I cooked the uncooked one and no .ini or LOC file was created. I also tried it with a practice map I had, same thing. I wouldn't sweat it. The only thing you really need to be concerned about is having a properly filled out .ini file when cooking a PS3, just so you have the information handy.

Thanks alot for taking a look at them. I appreciate it.

Ok, I will just focus on getting the ini right. I'll still keep my eye out for the upk file just to see when it shows up and when it doesn't. The fact that terrain maps make one and non-terrain maps don't makes me think there is some thing I am not doing (or including in some of the maps). For instance maybe the light maps and terrain maps when there is a terrain makes something happen that the other maps don't.

Regardless thanks again for taking a look. I will press on. :)