Transfer Scripts to New Versions

[FredericoCM]

When installing a new version, that would be great if we could transfer all third-party scripts, plugins, and modifiers to the new version, without having to manually install them.

I use lots of third-party scripts and plugins, and they take up to one day of work to be re-installed and all set, with buttons and icons. Saving the UI and the hotkeys do help, but it doesn't prevent me from having to re-install everything.

[darawork]

Hi,

I've been using this for a few years now. I keep all my scripts outside the 3DSMax installation directory in a sperate folder. This little script can show them all in a handy little list. You can load up to four folders.

http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/list-scripts-in-folder

You have to edit .mcr and .mse scripts slightly; Remove the code above where the first "(" open bracket starts. And save the script as .ms

Also make sure a copy of "bip_mixerio_i.bmp" is in your chosen scripts folder.

After that, it's pretty easy.

To make a button out of the script; open the Maxscript editor and open scriptlist.ms

Go to Customise UI in the menu bar, then toolbars. Create a new toolbar called scriptlist.

Highlight all the code in the Maxscript editor and drag it onto the button. You can right-click the button and change its appearance afterwards.

[darawork]

There is also this one I just found, but not tested yet. The advantage of this one seems to be that it can list .mcr and .mse scripts without you having to modify any code yourself.

http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/scripts-list

[FredericoCM]

@darawork thanks! I'm planning on upgrading to Max 2022 this Sunday, and I will try your suggestions.

Now, some of the scripts I use require me to manually copy and paste some files to the ENU folder. So, for these ones, I assume I would still have to install them apart, am I right?

[darawork]

Hi,

Yup, I'd say unfortunately you still have to. Same with .Dlt files for any
additional shaders you might have.

Good luck, and me me know know if you need any further info or help.

[FredericoCM]

Thank you, @darawork! I installed Max 2022, and I went for the second script you suggested (Scripts List), as it didn't require me to mess up with codes. The script worked pretty well, and I was able to quickly install both .ms and .mcr scripts. It didn't recognize .mzp though.

I still had plenty of manual work to do, as at least half of the scripts I use demand a more complex installation (such as copying and paste files into Max's folders), and a few others were .mzp files. So, the script won't do all the job, but it definitely helps 🙂

Side note: if you try this script, make sure to run 3DS Max as administrator. Otherwise, 3DS Max won't manage to copy the script's files into max's folders. At least, that was what happened to me.

[darawork]

Cool, glad to hear it worked. Btw with mzp files you can usually just extract them with winrar and use the ms file inside, along with whatever else the mzp contains. Or just drag and drop them into the scene as you did. The first way bypasses the need for Admin mode if the .mzp is set to extract to a location the user does not have write access to.

Regards, 

[FredericoCM]

Cool! Thanks for the tip 🙂

[darawork]

I have been looking into saving ADSK customisations in the cloud, that are tied to an individual users log-in credentials. So, upon each new installation we don't have to go through a whole day of customisations. This idea is gaining momentum behind the scenes. At the end of the day it is only mere KBs of data that needs to be tied to a users account that will deploy upon reinstallation or upgrading to a new version. I feel that the hassle felt by users across the globe when reinstalling or upgrading to the latest version of their ADSK software is actually prohibiting users from staying up to date with their software. Some people are still running very old versions of ADSK software because of 'the fear' of losing customisations, which they have every right to fear, because as we know it does happen. I'll keep you posted if any headway is made into this progression of 'Ease of Upgrades or Reinstallation'.

If anyone specificially working for ADSK is on board with this idea, and wants to share some insider info, please feel free. Thanks 🙂

Best Regards,

[FredericoCM]

That would be something really nice to have. I was avoiding moving from Max 2021 to Max 2022, mostly because of the time it would take to reinstall everything back again.

I've also posted this suggestion on 3DS Max's Idea board, and I've received some interesting input from Autodesk staff: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/3ds-max-ideas/transfer-scripts-to-new-versions/idc-p/10525036#M9313

They pointed out a relatively new feature, which is the Autodesk Application Plug-in Package format. So, after writing an XLM document, I should be able to pack all my scripts and plug-ins together. Then, future versions of Max would automatically install everything. I quickly went through the documentation and tried to do that by myself. But as I  have no scripting skills, it has shown to be a bit challenging to me, even though that XML document looks to be something simple. But I'll give it another try this Sunday, doing things more carefully, and hopefully, I will come back with good news 😄

[darawork]

Voted 🙂

I used to rely on this heavily before when reinstalling windows, would be great if something like this existed for Max alright. https://ninite.com/

[FredericoCM]

I still use Ninite, and it's a time-saver. Their Pro version even allows us to add other pieces of software of our choice, but I've never tried it before.

[darawork]

The pro version sounds like it could be handy for full package installations like vray, corona, forestpack, railclone etc. Even up to Full Autodesk installations. Hrmm. Although perhaps it would not be possible to bypass entering serial numbers and things like that.

There's probably full deployment software solutions out there too. I used to use Faronics Deep Freeze and Acronis True Image for workstations before. Could be worth looking into them again. 

[FredericoCM]

Well, if Ninite Pro could at least install everything that requires a serial number as a trial version, that would be already pretty handy, as we would just need to enter the serial numbers/login info again. Maybe Ninite Pro already does it, but as I've never tested it, I can just wonder.

I didn't know those workstation applications you mentioned. They seem to be very helpful for easily set things up on a new computer. It may be worth a try next time I need to do that. But anyway, I would still lose all my scripts when upgrading Max to a newer version 😐