DAZ 4.11 issues
mcorr
Posts: 1,104
I need our DAZ community's help on this.
I never downloaded and kept a copy of 4.11, but need it to run the latest functioning version of Studio on my rig (higher versions of Studio will NOT run on my rig given it's config, and I don't have thousands of bucks to upgrade my rig just to run the latest beta .... so that is NOT an option and please don't suggest it .... it's a waste of time to do so and wouldn't help me).
The problem is that DAZ tech support won't stop sending me a link to 4.11 MAC version 64bit, which after unwrapping the connected zip file, requires manually installing the app, instead of the experience of an actual installer putting everything into it's proper place. That appears to be causing issues which lead to Studio not launching (presumably because all the necessary components are not where they need to be, or because of system recognition problems with a manual install). Despite my having clearly stated what the problem is and what I need, tech support won't address the issue and provide me with a proper installer.
So, I'd like to now get feed-back from the community here regarding the questions of (1) whether or not others have been provided with a proper installer, (2) if others have had the same problem, and (3) any suggestions of what I can do to solve my problem (for example, is there a problem with getting a copy of 4.11 from somebody else? Are there other work-arounds?).
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Comments
As a rule, Daz only provides the latest version of the beta and of the general release.
No, you can't get an installer for someone else, no one is allowed to send you one as redistribution is against the EULA.
What did support provide you with exactly? You said it's a zip, could it be one meant to be installed with DIM?
"As a rule, Daz only provides the latest version of the beta and of the general release. "
--as I said, they provided me with a copy of 4.11 MAC version 64bit.
"What did support provide you with exactly? "
--as I said, a copy of "4.11 MAC version 64bit, which after unwrapping the connected zip file, requires manually installing the app, instead of the experience of an actual installer putting everything into it's proper place."
"No, you can't get an installer for someone else,"
--So, no copy from others allowed. That's actionable and useful info. Thanks! Given that that option is eliminated, has anybody else had this problem, received a workable installer from DAZ, or have other suggestions?
I sent you a PM
You shoudl be able to install in the usualy way through DIM if you choose the option to Work offlien and drop the zip in the downloads folder - if it's online it will see the newer version and want to install that.
if it's like mine there is no manifest file
Thanks for answering Richard. I work offline and don't use DIM (I thought it was only for those working online). Is there a way to use it when you work offline?
What do I need a "manifest file" for?
Yes, just download the zips however you normally would and place them in the Downloads folder (the Package Archive set in the preferences dialogue, which you can reach via th gear icon at top-right). You can download manually (e.g. using a hot-spot aay from home and use DIM to install, and you can use DIM as a download manager (e.g. to make sure you get updates) and install manually - it's up to you.
The manifest file will be generated if need be, from the one in the zip and other factors, so you don't actually need to get it yourself.
Two follow-up questions: (1) Is the DIM installer the same as the "Install Manager" amd (2) Is the DIm installer built into DAZ Studio, or is it a separate download?
DIM is a shorthand for Daz Install Manager, so yes they mean the same thing.
You should find the Daz Install Manager in your account here: https://www.daz3d.com/downloader/customer/files#prod_50875 (that's the mac64 version),
You may need to download and install these too to get it fully functional: https://www.daz3d.com/downloader/customer/files#prod_14811 - that's a .zip file which DIM will pick up and install if you put it in the Downloads Folder thet Richard mentioned.
It should be possible to edit and use one from another version, I've compared one for 4.11 and one for 4.12 and the only difference is these two fields (whether it's illegal to share the values with someone else I don't know):
InstallerDate VALUE
ProductFileGuid VALUE
Thanks all. I'll follow up on those suggestions and let you know if I've encountered weird stuff due to my lack of familiarity with DIM and how it works.
@MelanieL ... thanks for following up on Richard's incomplete response. Without your input, I would have been lost.
Richard said that DIM will create a manifest file, so it sounds like that won't be necessary, right. Whty is the manifest file so important? what is it's function and while does the info in it need to be version specific?
If you are curious about the details see http://docs.daz3d.com/doku.php/public/software/install_manager/referenceguide/tech_articles/package_supplement_file/start , but you are correct that it is not soemthing you need to worry about as it will be handled for you (and I doubt the prudence of hand-editing the files).
It's easy to test - drop the zip into the Downloads folder, and run DIM in Offline mode. It should then create a .dsx file in the Downloads folder with the same name as the zip.
I can't test it as my database seems to be messed up and mix up the different versions, because I once did some incorrect editing of their .dsx files.
There is also another type of .dsx files which are generated when you install a file and contain info about the file's install path etc., don't get these mixed up with those .dsx files that accompany the zip files in the Downloads folder. They are in a separate ManifestFiles folder which by default is located inside one of the DAZ folders on the system drive (it's called "Manifest Archive" on the Installation tab under DIM settings).
If you do the hand editing correct so the file is identical to the original and has the same name it should work, but if you get it wrong as I did when I experimented with it, it can mess up things yes.
Sounds like promising info ... thanks. I’m eager to give it a try because I really need the extra functionality of 4.11.
One thing that always has me on edge when installing new versions: how do I follow the above instructions while avoiding an overwrite of 4.10 (or is this even an issue)? I do not want to lose the one and only functioning copy of Studio I have while experimenting with installing a new version that might not even work.
Thanks!
If your 4.10 is an official release (not a public build/beta) it will be uninstalled/overwritten if you install another official release like 4.11. You could try a beta instead they can coexist with other versions but the only ones that are availble now is 4.12 I think.
OK, I've followed up on the pointers I was given here.
I've been able to install products using the Install Manager, but it won't recognize the Daz Studio zip file I put into the Downloads folder. It doesn't "see" it, and therefore doesn't offer it up as a file "ready to install". It only seems to see files with the IM000.... numbers in the front.
Anybody have an idea what I am doing wrong?
Which "Daz Studio zip file" are you referring to?
DIM can only install content packaged for it, which means a specific format and included files, it cannot install other files.
My Product library has two download possibilities: DIM ready and Manual. I take it fromm your response that DIm will only read the former (although it will also install my manual downloads if they have the requiste numbering.
About the Dim Ready files, can they only be download via DIM? The DIM Ready download button gets me the response: "that address wasn't understood" .... meaning that I can't seem to be able to download it without using DIM. Is that correct? I'd prefer to download it manually, then put the file into the DIM "download" file on my HD by myself.
You can also start DIM, log-in, and download from the ready To Download tab. It sounds as if the file association for the DIM downloads is no set correctly in your browser for the Download and Install links.
I don't understand the "also" comment. It would appear that there is only one way to get the "DIM Ready" file from my Product Library: by downloading it through DIM. Do I have that right? It won't download through my browser, as I already detailed above. Or will it download through my browser simply if I point the browser download to land in the Download folder of DIM?
I don't understand the "also" comment. It would appear that there is only one way to get the "DIM Ready" file from my Product Library: by downloading it through DIM. Do I have that right? It won't download through my browser, as I already detailed above. Or will it download through my browser simply if I point the browser download to land in the Download folder of DIM?
Yes, you can download and place the zip in the Downloads folder. But the browser should have the file association for daz3dim set so it starts DIM when you click Download And Install, if not you should get a prompt asking which application to use and you would specify the DIM application.
OK, I'll try that, although there would appear to be some strange magic involved if the DAZ download servers would start a download (which they haven't so far, they've failed) simply because I now have the browser pointed to download files into the DIM download folder.
That isn't correct. What I said was that the browser needs to open the daz3dim links on the Download and Install button in DIM, the Download button should work regardless (write-permissions permitting, but that would affect all downloads). A manual download to a different folder would, however, need to be copied/moved to the Package Archive folder ("Downloads") for DIM to see it.
@Richard
That then takes us back to my original observation and puzzlement, namely : pressing the "DIM Ready download button [in my browser] gets me the response: 'that address wasn't understoo'". I can click on the "Manual" download file in my Product Library and download just fine, but the "DIM Ready" file gets me the aforementioned message (and no download). Again, is there something I can do to solve this problem? According to what you said above, I should be able to download either file without any problems. I can't square why the manual file downloads, but the DIM ready one doesn't