Please don't do this. Odds are your filepath is not the same as everyone elses, especially if a file folder must be created in "Program Files." Your wish to be helpful is a real hinderence. Poser files are in Curious labs on some systems and in Metacreations on others. These are registered programs in the Program Files folder and as such cannot be created by the unzip program. Please do put a note in the readme file about where to put the files. Thanks!

Paths are ok if they start in the "Runtime" directory.

I have to disagree with saying files starting in "Runtime" are okay. I, too, tend to put downloaded files in separate folders than are specified by the author's zip file. This is because I may not wish to keep certain files after downloading and it's easier to find a file in a folder >I've< created rather than having to hunt through the Runtime/Geometries/etc... or Runtime/texture/male/etc... (as the case may be). As Macximus said, the Read-me's are invaluable. But the programs that are written to automatically place files in the Poser folders are a real hinderance. Just my 2 pence worth.

the only real problem i've run into with paths being specified in a zip file would have to be the path having the folder called poser4 instead of poser 4.......i don't always notice, then i have to go digging the files out and putting them where they belong........

If you don't like the default extraction path, just extract them to a temp folder, and move or copy them where you like. I never install into the Poser folder if I can help it, too much chance of overwriting or corrupting something inadvertantly. I have a folder called 'install' that I use just for the purpose of unpacking stuff. That way, I can inspect it, read the readme, virus scan it etc., before letting it loose on the system. The thing is, if you're savvy enough to change the default paths the author made for his/her stuff, you're savvy enough to unzip and install the files manually, the 'runtime' path works pretty well for newbies, and can help them get the files in the correct folders. This is one of those 'can't please everybody things' I'm afraid. Regards- Lemurtek

I agree with Jeff to start the path at Runtime. It save a lot of problems. I understand that the textures are often somewhere else.

As I understand it, for the store a vendor has to make the files extract into various directories. I can see both sides, here. Personally, I dislike automatic paths in zips...but I use winzip and just disable that function. -kimmarcus

Also, as I understand it, for the store a vendor has to make the files extract into various directories. I can see both sides, here. Personally, I dislike automatic paths in zips...but I use winzip and just disable that function. I realize you were just talking about freestuff, though. -kimmarcus

just uncheck the "use folder names box" when you unzip......Steve

I am using Win 98. There is a realy simple and very, very useful shell agent called "send to any folder". I am not sure if it came with Microsoft Power Toys or if I got it from somewhere else. Using it is simplicity, I unzip the files to a temp folder, click on the the ones e.g. that are supposed to go in say the Library, Character, Newfigures file, right click, select send to any folder, browse in the exlporer dialogue box until I find the destination folder and click OK. (Similar with Geometry, tex files etc.). Voila, the files sent to the correct folder. The browser window of the shell agent allows you to either move the files or move a copy of the files to the destination folder. This is so easy and fast to use and all the work happens from the temp unzip folder. Everyone using Poser under Windows should have this. I also wish people would just zip the files up in a simple storage folder with a readme to say where the files should go. Regards STORM

I agree with Jeff on this one, leave it to the runtime, I know that sometimes I don't feel like chasing down subdirectories to put the files in. If you don't like them that way then just put them in a subdirectory. Your preferences are respected, but we will be deluged with newbies going crazy trying to figure it out...and...some oldbies too I imagine, me being one of them...lol Marque

heyas; i never used to use paths. but now i've started using them. NOT so people could automatically unzip them with paths turned on (i expect that almost never works), but so people could see at a glance where stuff is supposed to go. i always put it in the txt file.... but then, some people don't read those. i always extract manually, and the path being there in the zip is helpful in telling it where to unzip. er, you ARE using winzip, not the dos command line for pkzip, right? ;)

I have this problem too, many times a zip file has created a new folder named "Program Files" inside my Poser prog. (where I unzipped according to the REad me file) then of course the models don't show up and I have to find and move them. I use Winzip and never realized I could turn off the auto path function. Thanks for the heads up.

Paths are NOT OKAY if they start in the "Runtime" directory. I have had to go through and manually clean up the mess of included directories from all my wife's Poser downloads more times than I care to remember. If certain paths are necessary, explain them in the readme file. Users who can't be bothered to read the instructions get what they deserve.

The only file that HAS to go in particular place is an OBJ file. Everything else can go anywhere you want. I actually like to put my textures in the same folder as the cr2 or prop or hair, simply because Poser is smart enough to locate them that way. My biggest complaint is downloads that have jpg textures but contain cr2's that reference tiff, bmp, or bum files. I usually don't know about it till I've started loading the cr2. I then have to take the next 15 or 20 minutes changing each texture reference one at a time to complete the load. blah! -SMT

I personally LOVE file paths! If you are using winzip all you have to do is click the little radio selector at the bottom that says Use File Paths. If you dont' want to use them, make sure that is NOT checked. File paths save an enormous amount of time, especially when unzipping large files of 10-20 or more files. I wish EVERYONE could include file paths. Unfortunaly you can't use file paths if none are included, but you CAN decide NOT to use them if they ARE included! If everyone includes file paths then anyone who chooses not to use them can just click that one little check box :)

File paths or no File paths...I unzip everything to a temp folder to avoid any hassles. Didn't know about the check box on WinZip either. Thanks:) What I would like....considering I am a complete newbie is that more README files be included explaining what goes where. I have downloaded alot of things that I had to rant and scream and pull my hair out just to figure out where it all goes. Luckily...I am not a total idiot...so I figured it out eventually. But boy was it aggravavting. LOL! BTW: I am new:)

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/index.ez?viewLink=305

We now have a very strick Packaging requirement for all products that enter the MarketPlace. You can find all the information out at the URL provided. Here is a quick overview of what must be in the readme. 1) Product Title, Copyright & Date 2) Author name & E-mail address 3) Files list (what is included in ZIP) 4) Needed Files List (Files/Programs needed that are not in the zip) 5) Detailed Installation Instructions 6) Exact folder names & locations 7) Conversion and/or application instructions 8) Usage Tips/Restrictions All products are tested before they enter the MarketPlace. If they do not conform to the Submission Guidelines they are rejected. We contact the vendor and request they make the needed changes to the product file and reupload before it will go into the store. FYI, Clint

Thanks for the heads up about the 'use file paths' button. I didn't see it before so I'll look extra hard next time. btw don't flame me for the glasses comment. I am the blind one =P