Safely Moving DS & Library - an *.ini file Issue?

Tynkere

Hi Everyone,

I know this question has probably been asked before, but have just spent 4 hours repairing self inflicted damage.  : /

How do you move DS & runtime library from default drive “C:” to a larger HDD “E:”  (screenshot)

I went through the DIM and did *not* change any PostSQL CMS.

Result in DS was “error” message & no content except assets I had installed myself.

1.) If I paid for products, can I manually install them so I won’t lose access if error with PostSQL CMS?

a.) While I understand anti-piracy, may need to re-evaluate paying money for products I cannot use if error with DRM app.

2.) Safest, most *reliable* way to move content?  Time isn’t an issue if I need to uninstall/reinstall.

a.) the ini file in screenshot has a date of Sept 24th 2017 and not December 28th.  Artifact from install & delete it, or I need to manually specify a different path as seems to be the case with older versions & same question.

I appreciate members being patient with me.  PostSQL CMS error is not something I care to repeat.

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info if helps:
DIM v.1.1.0.72
DS v.4.10.0.123

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Edit: weeding out old imgur files.  PM broken links.

Richard Haseltine

Did you update the content paths in DS as well as DIM?

hctilghman

I have this problem as well. My wife got me an awesome gaming PC for Christmas (well she let me get one anyway). I have a lot of content on my old PC and have downloaded through DIM the content onto my new PC. I quickly ran out of room on my SSD and tried moving my files to the larger SATA drive. BUT now DAZ Studio cant find ANYTHING. I kept all the download files from DIM on file so I wouldn't have to download them again (rural AT&T U-verse SUX y'all - took FOREVER). I have uninstalled and reinstalled several times now using DIM and DAZ Studio can't find even a few of the files that I've paid for. I am getting more than a little frustrated. If there is a program or utility out there that will help DAZ build a directory or whatever it is failing to do, I'd happilly purchase said software! As it is now, I can't see myself spending another dime shopping on the DAZ website. PLEASE someone help.

Richard Haseltine

Download this script, open Daz Studio, and drag the script into the viewport: http://docs.daz3d.com/doku.php/public/software/dazstudio/4/referenceguide/scripting/api_reference/samples/file_io/install_manager_config_import/start

fastbike1

You have to tell DIM where to download the files AND where to install them. If moving the files from one place to another you also have to move the DIM manifest files so it knows what is installed.

In addition, you have to tell Studio where the content is located.

People get frustrated because they think they have to reinstall content when they just have to move the files and update the paths.

Tynkere

Thanks for replies.  Richard, you must be very patient since I didn’t know about content manager.  Hopefully I got it right by copying:

“My DAZ 3D Library” to drive “E” and moving the one on “C” which is nearly full.  (If no major errors can delete later)

1.) Can you have >1 directory via content manager, or is there a file I need to edit?  (What file keeps my user preferences for example?)  No luck adding a second location in Content Manager.  Test “A Curious Chapel” with new path.  Worked but everything else was invalid path.  Copying entire “My DAZ 3D Library” seems to be working with odd exception.  (More on that later)

2.) Have I always had Poser11 library & just didn’t notice?

In DS, made sure it 'knew' path for 'Poser Content' while I was at it.  Didn’t know I could place ‘Pauline’ for example, into DS.  (Handy if want to compare renders & maybe worth this headache )

3.) What might be causing occasional error?  "FastBike1" this is the manifest you were telling me about? 

a.) Classics Cats 1 = “file ‘Gray Tabby does not exist”  What?  Of course it exists; I’m looking at it in File Manager...
 
b.) Classic Cats 2 ---> Works fine; they were both installed at the same time!

Uninstall/Reinstall Classic Cats 1 via DIM.  Delete it in DS.  Close/Reopen.  Install ‘Classic Cats 1’ from DS.  Suddenly the files “exist” now.

More efficient way to handle this kind of error?

Richard this is where the script you gave us might help 'repair' these things?

If it's in my download folder, I just drag it into DS?

It is that easy?

Can it be reversed? 

While I've built computers since 1990's never learned much beyond VB5  ; )  Sorry if I sound jumpy.  Repairing my own mistake was *not* fun.

Thank you again for your time in reading & hope this made sense. O_o

--Bruce 

Richard Haseltine

The script adds the current installation paths from Install Manager to the list of content directories in DS. Yes, just drag it in and drop it in the viewport.

Which answers 1) - yes, you can have more than one directory - except for the Daz Connect data directory, which is unique. If you want to chnage the Connect folder, without moving the existing content, set the old Daz Connect data directory as a regular Daz Studio Format and/or Poser Format directory and the content will still work.

 

Tynkere

Better ask before I do this...

"My DAZ 3D Library" folder on drive "C" is empty.  

The folder that has all the content in it has been renamed in preparation for delete when safe to do so.

Check only the new locations or check the default path also? (attachment)

Richard Haseltine

You don't need the default path if you don't use it. Having the content in a folder called programfiles is a bit odd - and if it actually is the folder the operating system uses for applications it will cause problems (because the operating system will make it harder for data to be written to the location, unless the application is running as adminsitrator - which it shouldn't be).

Tynkere

Thanks for your time and the heads up.  Moved out of "programfiles."

Amazing how much space this stuff starts taking up.  Glad I was forced to do this sooner rather than later.

Enjoy your new years  : )