newbie questions on modding

[zhire]

When you draw out a file for example the orion.def files for the fix to the crashing can you recompile that file to just include the orion.def as a mod file called like fighter.dat and include it in the mod list to fix the problem or do I have to reintergrate the whole shatter.dat file with the proper data?

Simple question with so much to work with once I know what I can add and not add to the files. Thanks guys

[wdboyd]

Hi,
 
Do as you wish. Create your new .dat with the corrected craft .def. [:'(]
 
Place it in you Mods folder. Attempt to enable it in the simulation. It will either work or it will conflict with the simulations original in the shatter.dat and not work.
 
It is probably safer to adjust the crafts .def in the shatter.dat and then rebuild the shatter.dat with the new information. [;)]
 
This may cause problems if you ever go multiplayer online, unless the other commanders have the exact modifictions. [:-]
 
I recommend that you insure you save a copy of the original shatter.dat beforehand. You can't really hurt anything. [:D]

[zhire]

Well I have made the fix to the one part and I have to ask this because it doesn't seem to work right.  Everytime I load up the game I have to enable all the mods I want or why is it showing mods disabled when I come in ?