How do I run Lem2Zip and PCL2ED?

[Dullstar]

I can't get either one to run (I am using Windows right now), any help please?

[Dullstar]

Could I possibly at least get me some that are already decompressed?  The tool...  doesn't do anything.

[ccexplore]

For now, you need to run the programs on a command line prompt (not DOSBox, but the DOS-like thing in Windows call "command prompt" under "Accessories").

Depending on version of Windows, you can drag and drop files from a folder window onto the command prompt to avoid typing in a full path to the file.  With that in mind, you'd run LEM2ZIP like this:

LEM2ZIP -d <file to decompress>

You can try dragging the program file for LEM2ZIP onto the command prompt, then type a space, hyphen, the letter d, and a space again, then drag the level or style file onto the command prompt.  That will complete the command line, so click on the command prompt window and press ENTER to run the command.

LEM2ZIP should take the file you picked and decompress it.  You'll need to decompress both level and style files for PCL2ED to work.  I suggest starting with the 12 style files.

Once the relevant files are decompressed, you can now open the level in PCL2ED using this command line:

PCL2ED <level file>

So again, just drag PCL2ED's program file onto the command prompt, type a space, and drag the level file onto the command prompt, and finally press ENTER.

[Dullstar]

I think I found part of the problem here.  Thanks for the help, I shall now test my theory I have produced [it wouldn't have worked without your help].

[Dullstar]

Tried it.  Doesn't work.

[weirdybeardy]

Personally, I haven't been using command prompts at all. Instead I've been using shortcuts. You can access the "Properties" of a shortcut and stick in all the command line stuff there. For example, my PCL2ED shortcut's address is H:\Games\Lemmings\Lemm2\PCL2ED.exe levels\level000.dat (or whatever)

That said, I did have geoo's help to get it sorted. He helped me by providing the most up-to-date downloads that included all the decompressed levels and styles so that I didn't have to do it myself. Perhaps you should give him a friendly prod...? Or if that doesn't work out, I could post a couple of attachments on here?

Hope this helps. Let me know.

[Dullstar]

Can you post the attachments?  That way, everyone can benefit.

[geoo]

Actually, there's an archive up that already contains everything: http://geoo.digibase.ca/PCL2ED/
Just choose http://geoo.digibase.ca/PCL2ED/PCL2ED_win32_full.zip

The one I sent weirdy still contains some unused stuff, while this archive is clean.
Click PCL2ED.bat to open the first Classic level; you can edit PCL2ED.bat to open any other level you want.

If this doesn't work, then the issue is likely to be within the program (or a missing DLL or something).

[Dullstar]

Hey, it's working now, but is there a way to erase tiles?

[geoo]

Either select the first sprite from the sprite window, or pick an empty tile in the level (double-right-click to select it), and then you can draw with it on the level.

[weirdybeardy]

It took me a while to get used to not being able to move terrain once you've placed it.  The blank-sprite erase came in very handy indeed. 

By the way, do you have PCL2STAT also...?

[geoo]

Not sure what you mean, ccexplore posted it in the thread: http://www.lemmingsforums.com/index.php?topic=176.msg6859#msg6859

But if ccexplore doesn't mind, I can host it as well and include it in the _full archive.

[Dullstar]

I don't think I have PC2LSTAT yet, but first let me figure out how L2ED works!

[Dullstar]

Hey, I just finished a custom - how do I save it?

[geoo]

Press F3.

Read the accompanying text file for more info on functionality - I know, it's horribly structured as it's just a C&P of the original release post - but it should be complete.

[Dullstar]

Okay, I'm going to (eventually) test the level I just made and decide what to change with STAT.  If anyone wants the level (I think I'm going to do nothing but change the name to Cascade II), I'll upload it when done.

[ccexplore]

Not sure what you mean, ccexplore posted it in the thread: http://www.lemmingsforums.com/index.php?topic=176.msg6859#msg6859

But if ccexplore doesn't mind, I can host it as well and include it in the _full archive.

Sure, no problem!

[weirdybeardy]

Just to quickly mention: although GuyPerfect has been kind enough to let me download his excellent L2 editor, I still keep copies of PCL2ED and PCL2STAT in reserve, because of their functions with objects like cannons and swingchains, etc. Also, PCL2STAT allows longer level names. On the other hand, GP's editor is much better at handling terrain.

So, personally, I find it useful to use both pieces of software. In other words, I believe that there's still room for PCL2ED in the embryonic Lemmings 2 customisation community. 

[Dullstar]

PCL2ED has terrain functions already, but GP's editor is WAAAAAY better.