Dragging files to view port issues

[Anonymous]

I am trying to install a few specific scripts, like mzp.run and/or .ms files. I know that I should be able to just drag the file into the view port of 3ds max, as I have already done it on my work computer. However, when I try to do this on my home computer, it just will not work. Any Ideas?

[RobH2]

You have to turn OFF 'Run as Administrator' and drag and drop will work. Right-click on the .exe for Max, go to Properties and then Compatibility. Uncheck ' Run as Administrator.' 

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @Anonymous and welcome to the community,

Are these the same scripts you're using at work?  Some .mzp and script files will make categories in the Customize User Interface menu, a new categories of object or helper, or make a new modifier in the modifier list, but they won't necessarily give you any indication they have done so.  Are these all scripts and .mzp's that you've used before and know should have a window or dialog letting you know they've worked?  

I would try with Run as Admin on to see if that helps.  (Since Rob suggested off, we cover both bases.)  Is this a particular script?  Some scripts are not compatible with some versions of 3ds Max, so scripts that worked in 2013 for example may not work in 2015.  If you could link to the page for one of the scripts I can look more into it for you.  

Additionally there are some windows features that if disabled will prevent this from working.  Drag and Drop for example.  These settings don't usually just get turned off by something, a user has to manually turn them off.  One thing worth trying might be to create a new user in Windows at home and try with that new user login, perhaps your windows profile has been corrupted.  Please keep me posted!  

Best Regards,

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys, I ended up just manually installing all the files that I needed. However, when I find another script I need, I will certainly try it out! 🙂

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Thanks for the update @Anonymous, if you have issues with it in the future please post back into this thread and I'll be happy to help.

Best Regards,

[night_daimon]

I have been having the same issues when I drag and drop an .mzp file into my 3ds Max 16 viewport, even after turning off administration permissions. I'm not sure how to manually install the file, which you'll find here on the Gumroads page (the file is free; just type in two $0's). I really don't know what the workaround could be. Thank you.

[RobH2]

Go to the 'Scripting' menu and use 'Run Script...' to manually run it. See if it succeeds that way. 

[night_daimon]

Forgive my ineptitude, but I'm not certain which MaxScript (see attachments) to copy and place in the Scripts folder, before I on click on Run Scripts. Moreover, in the Choose Editor File I'm not sure if the copied file should appear the four folders or within one of them. 

Image List:

1) Winwar File

2) Inside Unfold3Bridge Folder

3) Inside the Macro Folder

4) Run Scripts Choose Editor File

[RobH2]

I'm guessing you and open the 'install.ms' file in Notepad or some text editor and look through it to see where it installs the other elements. 

I'd say merge the 'Macro' and 'Icons' folders into your Max root folder. I'm not sure where the 'Unfold3dBridge' would go {maybe in 'plugins') but the 'install.ms' might show you. 

You might also get some ideas from opening 'Titus_Scripts-RizomUV_Bridge.mcr' in a text editor to see where things get installed. 

You could also write the developer and tell them you are having issues dragging the file in and ask where to put things. I've had good luck doing this with other developers. They are generally pretty friendly and helpful, especially if they have a "Donate" section and you give them $5. Even if software is offered as free, let's face it, anything that saves you time and is cool is worth $5, right?

[night_daimon]

I did try contacting the original author of the script, but to no avail. I assume you mean by merging both folders that would include all their contents - does the name of the folder matter? - and placing it into the scripts folder (Program Files>Autodesk>3ds Max 2016>scripts).

As stated in my initial query, here is the link to downloading the file: https://gumroad.com/l/Unfold3dMax_Bridge

Just enter two zeros into the amount since that version is for free. Maybe you or someone else could give it a go to see where the problem my lie.

[RobH2]

I downloaded the program and found some info that might help you install it. 

I'm not a coder. I'm a Frankensteiner when it comes to code. But, over the years I have solved many program issues by doing some investigation of the code to see where things go. I'll post what I found and you can decide if you want to try it. 

"DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. I'M JUST MAKING A SUGGESTION. IT MAY CAUSE ISSUES."

1. Merge the folder 'Icons' into the same folder in the Max root. You can drag it in and when asked if you want to merge, say "yes" and it will just add the contents of the folder to what's already there. It won't erase anything. 

2. Put the folder 'Unfold3dBridge' in the 'userscripts' folder in the Max root but most likely it should go in the Max 'ENU' folder that is here:  'C:\Users\%YourUserName%\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\2016 - 64bit\ENU' 

3. It looks like the file 'Titus_Scripts-UnFold3D_Bridge.mcr' goes in the 'usermacro' folder. It's in that same 'ENU' folder above. Just copy it out of the 'Macro' folder and paste it into 'usermacro'. 

I'm not sure if all of this will work. It does appear as if the installer uses DotNet or something to write some XML files or something. I'm not sure as again, I'm not a coder. The developer's installer may also make some connections that you can't recreate by just placing files in folders. 

You also can't fault the developer for not getting back to you in a short few hours. It may take a few days. Many times these small developers are 3d artists like you and I and they are busy. They'll need some time to get around to your email. That's where my suggestion to pay them $5 came from. 100's of people download the free stuff and then write for help for something that was FREE. I'm sure it's daunting for the developer. But, if someone gives you money, you are more likely to try to help them. Did you donate? If not, don't be surprised if you don't hear from them. I had a friend once who used to snag hacked software all the time and then bitch that it didn't work well. I told him to stop stealing software, pay for it, get support and get back to work. I'm not suggesting you snagged hacked software as this is FREE as you said. But, still, money talks and if you want help, $5 can go a long way. 

Lastly, have you reset your 'ENU'? That path I gave you above is the ENU. Close Max and rename it to something like 'ORIGINAL_ENU' so Max can't find it. Then launch Max. Max will recreate that entire folder and its subfolders. Now drag the program in and see if it installs. It's likely it will. Then you'll just have to rebuild some of your Max customizations. There are ways to save that and you can search for help on that. But I'd try the renaming the ENU trick. If it doesn't help or work, just close Max, delete the new ENU that was created and remove the 'ORIGINAL_' from your original ENU and relaunch Max. You'll be right where you left off. 

This is a good trick anytime Max is being funky. 

Anyway, I hope this helps. 

[night_daimon]

I did donate a small sum for the extended version and did contact him privately and on another forum he frequents a few days ago, but your point is taken well.  My last effort in trying to purge my 3ds Max of some pesky plugin resulted in having to do a reinstall. I think I'll heed your warning and forego the file shuffling - for now - and simply wait for his response.

I cannot thank you enough for the time and effort you put into your thorough responses.

[RobH2]

Ok, sorry I couldn't provide a solution.  Do post back if you resolve it. I'd like to know what the issue was.

I feel your pain on reinstalling. I'll tell you one thing I do that is helpful for the future. When Max is running well and you know that you have no issues with all of your scripts and plugins working well, do an 'image' of your Max Root folder and ENU Folder and name it "Max Working Well" or something. Then, if things go sideways, just restore the folders from the image, for me it only takes about 15-minutes, and then you are running again without too much effort.