Replacing models for 4.0.3.13329

[VX2]

As Xel asked, I started new thread.

I don't want to say that this is the only one and absolutely correct method. I may have made a mistake or it's not completely accurate, but it's works. Anyway if you interested in "model replacing" you can take some useful information from my thoughts and little practice.

About archives (basic)
At first I thought I must describe basic about new archive system. Now your client files not completely already patched. you have basic files as "art.MPQ" "expansion1.MPQ" "world.MPQ" etc. (it's contain full files), and patches named as "wow-update-xxxxx.MPQ". Unlike of basic archives, it's may contain as full files and only patch-data for this files (you can distinguish it by specific header "PTCH"). also now patch archives have another folder structure - as patches. i.e. in root folder must be "base" or name of locale ("enGB", "ruRU" for sample), and only in this folders are standard folder structure (as in basic archives).

about archives (loading & caching)
not all archives loaded immediately as you start client. at first loading "art.MPQ", "sound.MPQ", "world.MPQ" and latest "expansionX.MPQ" (for full CC only "expansion3.MPQ", just believe me) include locale analogs. then load patch-archives, and if contain not full files (only path data), then this files patch basic files and repack it as patched in "cache" folder. full files non repack in cache. remaining "expansionX.MPQ" loaded only on "characterselect" screen. loaded patch-archives must be named only as "wow-update-xxxxx.MPQ" where "xxxxx" is a number equal or less then your client version (i.e. 13329) archives with more number will be ignored.

about protection
first protection is "wow.mfil". it's check hashes of all "official" archives, and if hash of any of it is does not match, when this file should be completely re-downloaded. this check starts before display anything.
another what I know is a file "signaturefile" it's contain list of some files with it's hashes. at the end of this file present digital signature i.e. if you try to modify any part of this file, signature at the end will no correct. it means, what you can replace without error of this protection only files not contain in "signaturefile", or you must fake it anyway.
I don't tell about additional GlueXML/FrameXML protection, because it's not completely for this aspect.
I think it's all what I know at this time.

ok. now about replacing models.
if you want replace models safe:
at first - you must be sure what your files (replaced models) not described in "signaturefile"
at second - you must be sure what your files not contain in latest patch, or it be replaced, or you can get error, because if client try to patch your file it may make anything unworkable.
if you do not care about safe, you may not pay attention to the above.
now you must put it in appropriate folder and your root folder must be placed in "base" folder (for sample "\baseCharacterTaurenMaleTaurenMale.m2") now you must pack "base" folder as MPQ archive.
for "safe" method, you must rename your archive as prelast (for sample 13328 ). for nonsafe, at firs you must rename latest patch as prelast, and yours as latest (13329). when add your file in "Data" folder.
for safe sample you can download this archive (wow-update-13328.MPQ) use it and you can see a result:

it's replace default cc scene by worgen scene without any modification of "wow.exe" file/memory or any another intrusion.

for non safe method, where you can replace anything with anything you must fake all of described protections.
I make quick patch for "wow.exe" for this, but you must keep in mind, what all similar methods are bannable, and I'm strongly recommend you do not use it for official servers. only for private.
wow_unsig(13329)ssd.zip
it's disable all at once:
- GlueXML/FrameXML folder checks and renaming;
- first online archives check ("mfile");
- "signaturefile" check (at least on glue screens);
- second socket connection (for private servers).
it's temporary, and I make self patch with separated fixes at next week.
once again: I strongly recommend you do not try to use it for official servers.

screens for sample (TaM replaced by NEF without textures):

you can read some more here:
[Announce] Model Edits 4.0.3a (#162)
[Announce] Model Edits 4.0.3a (#167)

p.s. may be some late I append this post.

uvc video sample - model_replacing.exe


some more about files/archives in post #25

[Xel]

Approved thread!

It will be interesting to see if others will be able to get this working as well.
Good job on finding this! +Rep

[Garneth]

Is there a "(This Guide) for dummies" please? hah

[Xel]

Fixing some more or less minor spelling/grammar mistakes for you (Spell Check | Online Spellchecker is a nice site )

[Zeliek]

So basically when I make a new MPQ I just name it wow-update-xxxxx(<13329)?

[VX2]

yes, or your archive will be ignored. you can check it by test with my sample cc-worgen. with original name, scene will be as worgen, and if you rename it's as > 13329 (for sample wow-update-13330.MPQ) it will be ignored, and scene still be as cc.

and files in your archive must not contain files from latest patch (i.e. wow-update-13329.MPQ)

[Xel]

Ran the unsig, renamed patch as you told and it works ingame. Awesome.

[serania]

So...how do i check out if my mpq interferes with the wow-update-13329.MPQ and the signature file?
could someone point me the right direction?

or can I assume that race swaps aren't in the signature nor the update?

love serania

[EnArt]

Awesome, can't wait untill the race to race model edits. I think I gave rep.
^^,

[Xel]

I haven't checked yet but in theory if there aren't any changes to races in the newest update race changes should be quite easy to perform.

[serania]

If I understood vx2 correctly it would just be to rename an allready existing mpq and then run it?

Then again his text is quite hard to interpret. (no offense)

[VX2]

If I understood vx2 correctly it would just be to rename an allready existing mpq and then run it?...

not quite. it depends on the content of latest patch... ok. I try to try to tell some another. look at this:

from up till down is sequence of archives loading.
upper scheme is schematic structure of "how client view data from archives".
lower scheme:
you insert data for sample like I draw - between latest and prelast patches. of course, your files never contain "patch-data", only full files. i.e. when client load your files, it load it "as is". but if any of your file overcrossed by file from next from official patch (2-d block on scheme), you may have two ways of result:
- 1. latest patch contain full file: your file would be ignored.
- 2. latest patch contain patch-data: your file wold be patched by this patch-data, and finally, client have not what you want, but something else. it may pass with not correct result, or recognize it as damaged or unreadable.

i.e. for safe method, you must always check in latest patch existence of files what you try to insert as previous patch.
for non safe method, you may just rename last patch as prelast, and insert your patch as latest.

...Then again his text is quite hard to interpret. (no offense)

sorry, my english very bad. I really try to write my thought maximum correctly, expansive and accessibly without distortion of the meaning. but it's hard for me and translators can't give the desired result.

[serania]

Yes I think I understood that.
What I meant was if that's the case then we could take f.x an race model edit from 4.0 and rename it wow-update-xxxxx.MPQ and then just go? or am being a retard? do we need a new way to make these "hax" mpqs

btw what program do you use to check in the wow-update-13329.MPQ to see if your desired subject of change is in there or not?

It's fine just takes some time to read. I think that if you were to use simpler words it would be easier to read.

love serania

[VX2]

...btw what program do you use to check in the wow-update-13329.MPQ to see if your desired subject of change is in there or not?...

total commander is completely enough:

left panel with inserted archive, right with latest patch. just look for all folders and compare. right panel not contain folder from left - that's enough.
I don't try to switch races and not work with model replacing/editing, only with GlueXML code. but it's anyway only modifying of same files.

[Oneshotxn]

Yes, I am completely retarded, and i'm admitting it, so please do not flame me.

I do not understand any of this. Normally I catch on immediately but this is not making sense to me, any of it...

Is there a way anyone can make a more simple laid out guide, or am I one of the only ones who does not understand this? I know nothing about model editing, so I wouldn't doubt it if i'm the only one.

No flames please!