Sudden Errors Opening DDS Files?

[NS3381]

Hello all, I figured I would give an insight about some of the repainting issues I have come upon lately to see if anyone has had a similar encounter or possibly a fix. I've done several skins this year all without an issue until lately. My main order is as follows: Take TGPCDX file desired and open with RSBinTool -> Convert to DDS -> Open with GIMP, decompose, edit, recompose, & export as DDS again -> Open DDS with RSBinTool once again and convert back to TGPCDX. This process has always worked for me, and I was certain to save my DDS files in the correct compression the PCDX file was in. (DXT3 or DXT5 commonly) Until now I have hit this issue where, (specifically on DTM's UP GP50) when opened in RSBinTool, I noticed the compression is "None"? If I save the texture as a DDS like before and open it with GIMP, I receive the following message:

"Plug-in crashed: "dds.exe"
(C:\Program Files\GIMP 2\lib\gimp\2.0\plug-ins\dds.exe)
The dying plug-in may have messed up GIMP's internal state. You may want to save your images and restart GIMP to be on the safe side."

I noticed other DLCs of rolling stock have this same setup: The BN F45, UP SD45, and SP GP30 are a few others I've encountered this problem with. I have tired re-installing fresh copies of both GIMP and RSBin, also a new DDS plugin as well - all come back with the same error. I have also tried using Photoshop without success too. The only other way I got to open said DDS files was exporting them via the DXT1 Bitmap Manipulator software to GIMP. But once I am done with my edits, RSBin will not let me convert back to TGPCDX even if I leave the file uncompressed like the original. With all of that being said, I have noticed there are existing repaints of these units out there both on RWA and other sites - so clearly it can be done. Finally I ask - what are your methods, and is there a way around all of this?

[QcRail]

Hello all, I figured I would give an insight about some of the repainting issues I have come upon lately to see if anyone has had a similar encounter or possibly a fix. I've done several skins this year all without an issue until lately. My main order is as follows: Take TGPCDX file desired and open with RSBinTool -> Convert to DDS -> Open with GIMP, decompose, edit, recompose, & export as DDS again -> Open DDS with RSBinTool once again and convert back to TGPCDX. This process has always worked for me, and I was certain to save my DDS files in the correct compression the PCDX file was in. (DXT3 or DXT5 commonly) Until now I have hit this issue where, (specifically on DTM's UP GP50) when opened in RSBinTool, I noticed the compression is "None"? If I save the texture as a DDS like before and open it with GIMP, I receive the following message: ...

That is the procedure that I use DAILY with no problems and I use Photoshop. That being said I have not repainted any of the said rolling stock. It could be a corrupt .DDS plugin. NDVIA makes the plugin to use and it was reported that it may have had a problem (forget which). I suggest that you update the plugin and test it. If the situation persist then I am short of a solution. Hope it will resolve your problem.

Another test to see if the plugin is functional is to do a quick conversion of any of GreatNortherner's rolling stock, i.e his 40ft-PS1 boxcar. If OK then forget my previous suggestion.

QcRail

[buzz456]

" But once I am done with my edits, RSBin will not let me convert back to TGPCDX even if I leave the file uncompressed like the original."
What form is the file in at that point?
After you did your edit did you use DXTBmp after opening there (making sure you are opening the bmp not the DDS then saving it as a DDS 888-8 32bit file? I just tested that on the cab01 which is not compressed and it all imported and save with RSBin Tool just fine.

[NS3381]

" But once I am done with my edits, RSBin will not let me convert back to TGPCDX even if I leave the file uncompressed like the original."
What form is the file in at that point?
After you did your edit did you use DXTBmp after opening there (making sure you are opening the bmp not the DDS then saving it as a DDS 888-8 32bit file? I just tested that on the cab01 which is not compressed and it all imported and save with RSBin Tool just fine.

I save the file(s) as DDS when I'm done with the edits and ready to convert. I'll give what you did a shot and see if it will work.

[buzz456]

What I am asking is are you saving these to DDS directly from GIMP?

[NS3381]

What I am asking is are you saving these to DDS directly from GIMP?

Yeah, then converting them to TGPCDX. I tried doing what was said above and RSBinTool let me convert it. Now I put the textures back into the game, and when I load up my Gp50, the textures are still the UP as if they haven't changed... This is the same for the SouPac GP30...

[NS3381]

*UPDATE* Got the textures on the Geep30 working, I'll have to try working with the GP50 next now that I've figured some things out.

[NS3381]

Looks like the things you said above helped me out, I was able to finally save & load my textures in for both the Gp30 and 50 w/o any further conflicts. Thanks for clearing that up for me - and have a happy new year!