Can't unpack modded .cat files

[Zarryc]

I want to modify a mod. Specifically - Classic Mode on steam. I want to remove all the changes it does to economy and only keep ship and module changes. This is for personal use only.

However, I can't extract the modded ext_01.cat files no matter what I try.

Trying to extract the files with XRCatTool.exe by using a .bat files. Here's the bat I use:

Code: Select all

C:
cd "C:\Users\-\Desktop\unpack"
XRCatTool.exe -in ext_01.cat -out "C:\Users\-\Desktop\unpack\output"
pause

It gives this error:

Code: Select all

[Load] Failed to open file C:\Users\-\Desktop\unpack\ext_01.dat
Failed reading file assets/fx/weapon/fx/macros/bullet_arg_l_laser_01_mk1_macro.xml from C:\Users\-\Desktop\unpack\ext_01.dat

Same error for each file in the .cat file. The console fills with errors like that for each file, I just didn't want to type everything.

I also tried extracting using the XRCatToolGUI.exe. It opens the file, but when I try to extract an entry simply gives a generic error: "An error occurred while extracting to folder: C:\..."

I tried the XRCatTool both from the X Rebirth website and from steam. I also tried to extract with the tool that comes with X4 Customizer.
I could try to use X4 Editor, but it requires me to extract all game files. Since I don't need them, I'm trying to troubleshoot before I attempt it.

If someone could pinpoint what I'm doing wrong it would be highly appreciated.

[Baconnaise]

mods/extensions need to have the "extension_" prefix from what I recall last time. Drag the file onto the executable and it should unpack into the folder with it's steamid or whatever. I bought the game on GoG initially but ended up buying it again on Steam with KE DLC since it was like 40 bucks. It's a PITA to deal with Steam Workshop heh.

[Dj_FRedy]

Don't complicate things. Create a folder, run 'XRCatToolGUI', drag 'ext_01.cat' to the content window, press the 'Extract all' button, select the previously created output folder, done.

EDIT: Maybe you need the latest version of the tool? just in case ...
https://www.egosoft.com/download/x4/bonus_en.php

[SirNukes]

"[Load] Failed to open file C:\Users\-\Desktop\unpack\ext_01.dat"
Cat file is just content definitions; all the actual content data is in the dat.

[euclid]

Desktop\unpack and Desktop\unpack\output looks suspicious to me. What I'm doing without any problems (see the sticky here on top of the forum) for example, to unpack the Boron DLC files:

• In the DLC extension folder (ego_dlc_boron), create a new folder called unpacked.
• Copy the XRCatTool.exe to the ego_dlc_boron folder.
• Make a bat file with the following contents in the same folder (i.e. in ego_dlc_boron):

  Code: Select all

  C:
  cd "Games\Steam\SteamApps\common\X4 Foundations\extensions\ego_dlc_boron"
  XRCatTool.exe -in ext_01.cat -in ext_02.cat -in ext_03.cat -out "E:\Games\Steam\SteamApps\common\X4 Foundations\extensions\ego_dlc_boron\unpacked"
  pause
  

• Run the bat, sit back and relax

Cheers Euclid

[Baconnaise]

"[Load] Failed to open file C:\Users\-\Desktop\unpack\ext_01.dat"
Cat file is just content definitions; all the actual content data is in the dat.

Yea workshop stuff for mods is all in the dat file. I'm lost. I guess I gave bad advice.

[Zarryc]

"[Load] Failed to open file C:\Users\-\Desktop\unpack\ext_01.dat"
Cat file is just content definitions; all the actual content data is in the dat.

This was it!

I only copied the .cat file to my desktop folder and tried to unpack it. I needed to copy .dat file as well. Having both files in the folder worked and unpacked the files!

I was confused, because in the .bat file I wrote I only needed to write "-in ext_01.cat", not "-in ext_01.dat", so I assumed .dat file is not needed lol.

Thank you