RHS Feedback - AFRF
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IDProjectCategoryView StatusDate SubmittedLast Update
0002725AFRF[All Projects] Generalpublic2016-10-25 20:062016-10-26 00:23
ReporterKryo 
Assigned ToSoul_Assassin 
PrioritynoneSeverityminorReproducibilityalways
StatusclosedResolutionno change required 
PlatformOSOS Version
Product Version 
Target VersionFixed in Version 
Is it a wish/request?No
RHS version
Arma 3 version1.62
Did you used any other mod when the error occurred?No
Which mods?
Summary0002725: Running install in main arma3 folder will delete all of your builtin .bisign files
DescriptionAll of the updater scripts carelessly run

del /s /f "%~dp0addons\*.build"
del /s /f "%~dp0addons\*.bisign"

on current folder, and when run in Arma 3 root directory this will wipe out all .bisign files for Bohemia's own builtin data files residing in /addons.

This is extremely frustrating given that on the download page (ex. http://www.rhsmods.org/mod/1 [^]), there is no help indicating where you need to place the installer, so it's easy to assume it will detect the folder automatically. Also, there is no confirmation or warning that the installer is going to delete important game files and to make sure it's in the right folder.
Steps To ReproduceDownload any of the installer batch files, copy them into Arma 3 main folder and run the installer.
Additional InformationThis can be rectified by running game integrity verification on steam.
TagsNo tags attached.
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Issue History
Date ModifiedUsernameFieldChange
2016-10-25 20:06KryoNew Issue
2016-10-25 20:26RedPhoenixAssigned To => Soul_Assassin
2016-10-25 20:46Soul_AssassinNote Added: 0005455
2016-10-25 20:46Soul_AssassinStatusnew => closed
2016-10-25 20:46Soul_AssassinResolutionopen => no change required
2016-10-25 23:55KryoNote Added: 0005456
2016-10-25 23:56KryoNote Edited: 0005456bug_revision_view_page.php?bugnote_id=5456#r3560
2016-10-25 23:59KryoNote Edited: 0005456bug_revision_view_page.php?bugnote_id=5456#r3561
2016-10-26 00:23Soul_AssassinNote Added: 0005457

Notes
(0005455)
Soul_Assassin   
2016-10-25 20:46   
1. This will be irrelevant when we move to Steam Workshop next release cycle.
2. The installation instructions clearly state where to put the batch files: http://www.rhsmods.org/page/updaters [^] . Not following the instructions (and in general using the addons) is AT YOUR OWN RISK and all possible combinations cannot be accounted for. The own risk clearly indicated by the EULA as well:

"THEY SHOULD NOT BE RELIED ON FOR SOLVING A PROBLEM WHOSE INCORRECT SOLUTION COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO A PERSON OR LOSS OF PROPERTY. IF YOU DO USE THEM IN SUCH A MANNER, IT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PROGRAMS."

With that being said I do agree that this is rather an obvious oversight and it was simply due to not thinking that anyone still puts addons to the global folder.
(0005456)
Kryo   
2016-10-25 23:55   
(edited on: 2016-10-25 23:59)
> 2. The installation instructions clearly state where to put the batch files: http://www.rhsmods.org/page/updaters [^]

However, a person arriving on the site (http://www.rhsmods.org/ [^]) wanting to download the addons will hit the big download button, getting to http://www.rhsmods.org/mod/1#download [^] and then proceed to download the updater or the addon in some other form. The fact that the user is never even hinted that a help page exists is a big oversight in my opinion. The actual installation instructions are hidden behind documentation > installation, and who would think to look for that in a world where basically every other arma addon has a drag'n'drop'n'forget or workshop installation. The addons do have their own highly visible readme pages, which say nothing about how to use the installers.

> With that being said I do agree that this is rather an obvious oversight and it was simply due to not thinking that anyone still puts addons to the global folder.

Bohemia does. For example, the base game maps, Altis and Stratis reside in the global addons folder, if you were not aware. All of the base game data & and their .bisigns resides in addons!
(0005457)
Soul_Assassin   
2016-10-26 00:23   
I disagree on both your points. It is not at all uncommon to put installation instructions in the documenation. It is also not unreasonable for us to expect the users to read the documentation and not freestyle. Also, even if it is not super obvious it would be logical that if someone has no idea, the Documentation section would be the first place to look. So your assertion that it is somehow "hiding" in there (when its clearely visible with one button click) imho is false. Transfering blame for user lazyness to us is rather not necessary. The very fact that this is the first time that this issue is reported in 2 years rather indicates that the users are duly informed, or if not they have at least always asked and were pointed to the correct information before ruining their files.

As for the second issue. Yes we are aware where BIS files are placed. They have been there for 15 years. Mods however have existed in mod folders for more than 10 years now I think. Again, i agree that it was overlooked that anyone (outside of BIS) would put the files there.

But anyway, the issue is closed as the need for updaters will vanish soon enough.