I decided to write this after recent discussion with another DAZ Studio user to share it with all DAZ Studio users.

My MOST common problem I have experienced as to why DAZ Studio sometimes has problems to load a Poser figure or clothes is that the CR2 file has the wrong filepath (or folder name) were the OBJ file for the Poser figure or clothes is stored.

The CR2 file can be opened and edited using WORD.

***MPORTANT ***  Make a backup copy of your CR2 file before modifying it.

Example of BAD filepath in the CR2 file.
figureResFile "C:MYFolderMYFileMYContentRuntimeGeometriestentmanAgedSafe.obj"

Example of GOOD filepath in the CR2 file.
figureResFile :Runtime:Geometries:tentman:AgedSafe.obj

Using WORD to edit a CR2 file can be tricky.

Alternatively there is a free CR2 Editor by John Stallings available for the following web site link.

http://www.morphography.uk.vu/dlutility.html

I have used the CR2 Editor and found it is generally OK, but it can have problem loading large CR2 files.

***IMPORTANT *** Make a backup copy of your CR2 file before modifying it.

Note.
This problem of filepath (or folder name) may also apply to other Poser files that load textures.

Personal Note.
I accept that those posting free stuff for Poser may not properly check their CR2 file. They are of course on a tight budget of Zero dollars. However I absolutely cannot accept those products I have to paid for to have this same problem with the CR2 file.

I agree and it really is a problem to have to chase those files down when DS says it can't find them...and it is worse if it's something you paid for....makes you crazy sometimes.

It is not a good idea using Word, WordPad or other wordprocessors to edit a cr2 . Even if you don't accidentally save it as a Word document, they could easily insert unwanted formatting.

Use CR2Editor, NotePad or any other text editor, like NotePad++ http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/

Hi Andrew_C,

You are absolutely correct. WORD does add unwanted formatting. That's why I religiously always backup my CR2 file before modifying it.

Thanks for the link to NotePad++. I'll try this out.

I hope Admin make this post a "sticky" because this loading issue due to the CR2 file is common. I have to modify the CR2 file about 30% of the free stuff  I download and possible 2% of the purchased stuff. It may not sound much but it is time consuming.

Trying to create the correct filepath to the OBJ file (or texture file) really shows how unorganised other peoples filing systems are, even with the purchased stuff, folders are located all over the place.

I really love DAZ Studio. Anyone can pick it up and use it. But it's only drawback is the addons written by others. If they don't load then the casual user won't know what to do and blame DAZ Studio instead of the offending CR2 file written by others.

"and it is worse if it's something you paid for...."

There is no way that should get through testing anywhere...

It can easily get thru if the testing  is done on the same computer that it was created on.
Testing always needs to be done at least once, on a seperate computer so none of the files are in the cache.  Unless, of course, the path is visually checked before the item is released.     :biggrin:

I had done programming in Visual Basic and I can tell you testing / debugging is the pits. I spent about three times as long testing / debugging my programs than actually creating them in the first place. AARGH!  And then there is writing the How To procedures for users of unknown intelligence. Sigh!

Hi, sorry for sounding so abrupt above :) I hope you find NotePad++ useful. I don't do too much CR2 editing, but I find its search and replace a lifesaver for incorrect paths, and it seems faster at it than CR2 Editor, which is a bonus.

NoteTab light, is a very good free text editor. It handles big files well, does not format the files in to something else. It backs up your files too. I even use it for NWN, to edit the 2da's files, faster and saver, than the supplied/Community Utils.

Quote - "and it is worse if it's something you paid for...."

There is no way that should get through testing anywhere...

Yeah, sometimes the cr2 was pointing to a "Ga, Ga" directory! If someone doesn't know what's happening, when all those error messages pops up, YOUR CRULY DAMNED. But, we have paid for the trouble. "Live could be so boring, without those surprises".

Hi Andrew_C,

You didn't sound abrupt to me.

All constructive criticisms are welcomed.

I love Notepad++. Thanks again.

"It can easily get though if the testing  is done on the same computer that it was created on."

If it was payed for it should have been beta tested and separately tested by the site it gets sold on.

The convention ":Runtime:Geometries:tentman:filename.obj" should always be used in any Poser figure, prop etc etc ...

Using direct paths in windows convention is just poor etiquette (or poor knowledge of the contruction of Poser files.. which every merchant and would be merchant needs to take a crash course in if they don't already have that knowledge).

DAZ will not even allow anything into their store with improper paths... they must allways follow ":Runtime:Geometries:tentman:filename.obj"

~Will

I'm not sure about CR2 Editor and why it doesn't handle large files well. I always use CR2 Builder and have never had any problems. I love CR2 Builder because it allows me to open up two files at once. One on the left and one on the right, so I can compare or even copy from one to the other, it has many nice features that I like and some I haven't even used.

Here is a direct link to the file and, if the direct link doesn't work, I'll list the page where you can get it (it is also in FREE STUFF here at Rendo)

CR2 Builder (Direct Download Link)

CR2 Builder (Link Page)

The page link will ask you to install  language set, you can just cancel it (Unless you read Japanese and want it hehe)

Thanks for the link to CR2 Builder, it looks interesting.

CR2 Builder is the only thing I use when I edit Cr2 files.

Editing cr2 files? What for???

No, just a joke.

Try "Komodo" from www.activestate.com. Opens as many instances as you want plus a number of files per instance that is just limited by your 'pooters ressources.  Plus the thing speaks python, has every function an editing tool should have and no, I am not getting any commissions. There should also be a free version downloadable, afaik.
I used about every "tool" in the beginning, always got back to manual editing - 'coz I see what I'm doing... old fashioned craftsman that I am....