error message entering ROMs-what do I do?

2008-03-30 05:46:56 pm

Hello. I'm VERY new to the use of SMILE, and so if this has been mentioned already I apologize. As I was trying to boot up SMILE, it asked me to input a backup ROM. Having downloaded one, I entered that, and it gave me the whole "unheadered is Clean0000..." thing. However, when I tried to input a ROM to work on, it gave me a message saying my ROM was "cheated" or "protected", and asked me if it should delete it for me (with a sarcastic tone); although it said it had deleted it, I still had the file. I have tried three times and have not been able to run SMILE any of the times.
I have 3 questions:

1) Are there certain ROMs that do not work with SMILE?

2) How do I get past this error message, and what does it mean?

3) Is it workable with SMILE to use the same ROM for backup & working purposes?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thread title:

Black Telomeres

Edit history:

Black Telomeres: 2008-03-30 05:58:39 pm

2008-03-30 05:56:31 pm

That error usually appears when there is some drastic difference between the normal version of the rom and the one you're trying to open. It's actually intended to be a message when the protection bit is set to keep it from being opened in SMILE (try to open Redesign and you'll get it), but the bit can be set by a lot of things - such as adding a header twice or removing it twice, and other odd things that'll shift large amounts of data away from where SMILE expects to find it. Most commonly, it'd happen because of massive corruption, but I assume you're just starting with SMILE, so you hadn't done anything to corrupt it. My only guess is you're using the wrong version of the rom and perhaps that's why. I'm actually not even sure myself whether there are versions of the rom that don't work with SMILE.

Softdrink 117

2008-03-30 05:59:34 pm

How do I know if there has been some drastic difference? I definately have not used SMILE yet, and I don't understand how a change could be possible since-and this may be the problem-I'M FEEDING IT THE SAME ROM. I have also tried duplicating the ROM, but it gives me the same message. (this thing was such a pain to get too...)

Acheron

2008-03-30 06:04:12 pm

Acclaimed Threshold

Constant Sorrows

Here's what I'd do:

-Uninstall SMILE
-Reinstall SMILE
-Find a clean ROM. File name might look like "Super Metroid (JU) [!].smc" Headered or unheadered, shouldn't matter. Size will be 3,072KB (unheadered) or 3,073KB (headered).
-Open SMILE, feed it the clean ROM.
-Keep a backup of the original clean one. It's always handy to have.

If you have problems, you're probably using a bad ROM. I can't tell you where to find a good one, but googling for it isn't terribly hard. Keep searching.

Softdrink 117

Edit history:

Softdrink 117: 2008-03-30 07:09:26 pm

2008-03-30 06:13:17 pm

I had an incredibly difficult time finding the first ROM, so if the are ANY tips you can give (I know it's semi-restricted) on finding a clean, well-dumped ROM, they would be much appreciated.
(Also, I just saw the demo of your hack Acheron; it looks fantastic)

I am very eager to begin working with SMILE (even though I hear it is incredibly temperamental) so any assistance would be great.
Thanks for those who did help.

-Edit- I found a working ROM file- as it so turns out, the SMILE application itself downloaded incorrectly- it was missing 1/2 the files!
I found a ROM at 3,073KB- headered. will this change my ability to use/view/edit any other hacks, or people's ability to do so to my own?

Thanks very much for the help.

Acheron

2008-03-30 07:21:44 pm

Acclaimed Threshold

Constant Sorrows

If you get a version of SMILE that works properly, you should be good to go. Just re-download it if you didn't. SMILE will work fine with a headered or unheadered ROM; you'll just want to keep in mind which you use when patching. If you plan on doing hexwork it'll be easier to use an unheadered, though. SMILE can add/remove headers as well.

playerman1230

2008-03-30 11:43:06 pm

Hated by all

Yeah, the header is probably an unnecessary set of garbagey coding digits that is painful on hex, so unheadered is a safe bet.

Softdrink 117

Edit history:

Softdrink 117: 2008-03-31 06:15:03 pm

2008-03-31 06:06:44 pm

So, if SMILE can add or remove headers, how do I get it to do so? I'm not sure I will be interested in getting into hex-work (I'm assuming this is some sort of re-coding), but if it won't change anything else, I'd like to keep my options open.

Also, another question (though slightly off-topic):

What emulator is recommended for hacks? (testing WIP or playing other people's). I am aware that certain hacks, such as Super Metroid Redesign, can reject some emulators or have problems when being run by them (de-synchronization, etc.) and so am curious as to which emulator comes most recommended.

{ I am aware that there is a FAQ for stuff like this, but I've read it, and it mostly goes into how to use SMILE itself. Most of the problems I have been having are with setup. It would be nice if there were more info on the VERY basics, for total n00bs like me grin new

}

-edit- I was looking around the boards and saw mention of two versions of the ROM (NTSC and PAL). Is there a way to tell if the website you got it from didn't list it? Also, again with references to version differences, I noticed a post about "Unknown Knights from Chrono Trigger". Does it mean anything if you see these where enemies are supposed to be?

So, if SMILE can add or remove headers, how do I get it to do so? I'm not sure I will be interested in getting into hex-work (I'm assuming this is some sort of re-coding), but if it won't change anything else, I'd like to keep my options open.

Also, another question (though slightly off-topic):

What emulator is recommended for hacks? (testing WIP or playing other people's). I am aware that certain hacks, such as Super Metroid Redesign, can reject some emulators or have problems when being run by them (de-synchronization, etc.) and so am curious as to which emulator comes most recommended.

{  I am aware that there is a FAQ for stuff like this, but I've read it, and it mostly goes into how to use SMILE itself. Most of the problems I have been having are with setup. It would be nice if there were more info on the VERY basics, for total n00bs like me  :grinnew: }

-edit- I was looking around the boards and saw mention of two versions of the ROM (NTSC and PAL). Is there a way to tell if the website you got it from didn't list it? Also, again with references to version differences, I noticed a post about "Unknown Knights from Chrono Trigger". Does it mean anything if you see these where enemies are supposed to be?

Acheron

Edit history:

Acheron: 2008-03-31 11:09:36 pm

2008-03-31 06:31:52 pm

Acclaimed Threshold

Constant Sorrows

Quote from Softdrink 117:

So, if SMILE can add or remove headers, how do I get it to do so? I'm not sure I will be interested in getting into hex-work (I'm assuming this is some sort of re-coding), but if it won't change anything else, I'd like to keep my options open.

Also, another question (though slightly off-topic):

What emulator is recommended for hacks? (testing WIP or playing other people's). I am aware that certain hacks, such as Super Metroid Redesign, can reject some emulators or have problems when being run by them (de-synchronization, etc.) and so am curious as to which emulator comes most recommended.

{ I am aware that there is a FAQ for stuff like this, but I've read it, and it mostly goes into how to use SMILE itself. Most of the problems I have been having are with setup. It would be nice if there were more info on the VERY basics, for total n00bs like me grin new

}

-edit- I was looking around the boards and saw mention of two versions of the ROM (NTSC and PAL). Is there a way to tell if the website you got it from didn't list it? Also, again with references to version differences, I noticed a post about "Unknown Knights from Chrono Trigger". Does it mean anything if you see these where enemies are supposed to be?

Honestly, hacking isn't the beast you seem to be afraid of. There's a lot of dangerously complicated things you CAN do, but the basics are the basics, so don't let the easy stuff seem intimidating. :)

SMILE can remove or add a header in the Help option, I believe.

Hex editing is a fairly basic thing to learn and is necessary for adding significant amounts of data to any SM hack (overcoming the limitations in room sizes, for example). Don't worry about that for now, but if you find later on you have a room that you can't design the way you like, hex provides an easy out.

I use ZSNES for my hack tests, and Snes9x for recording videos of my hack. Pick your favorite. You likely won't have any issues unless you're doing some serious reprogramming (ASM work).

If you have a (JU) ROM you have the NTSC version. The (E) ROM is the PAL version.

SMILE displays the sprites of enemies as a bonus, so to speak. It doesn't have everything, though, and some enemies aren't represented by sprites when loaded by SMILE. That doesn't mean they don't work. Now, if NONE of the enemies are displaying, you might have a problem...

[quote="Softdrink 117"]
So, if SMILE can add or remove headers, how do I get it to do so? I'm not sure I will be interested in getting into hex-work (I'm assuming this is some sort of re-coding), but if it won't change anything else, I'd like to keep my options open.

Also, another question (though slightly off-topic):

What emulator is recommended for hacks? (testing WIP or playing other people's). I am aware that certain hacks, such as Super Metroid Redesign, can reject some emulators or have problems when being run by them (de-synchronization, etc.) and so am curious as to which emulator comes most recommended.

{  I am aware that there is a FAQ for stuff like this, but I've read it, and it mostly goes into how to use SMILE itself. Most of the problems I have been having are with setup. It would be nice if there were more info on the VERY basics, for total n00bs like me  :grinnew: }

-edit- I was looking around the boards and saw mention of two versions of the ROM (NTSC and PAL). Is there a way to tell if the website you got it from didn't list it? Also, again with references to version differences, I noticed a post about "Unknown Knights from Chrono Trigger". Does it mean anything if you see these where enemies are supposed to be? 
[/quote]

Honestly, hacking isn't the beast you seem to be afraid of. There's a lot of dangerously complicated things you CAN do, but the basics are the basics, so don't let the easy stuff seem intimidating. :)

SMILE can remove or add a header in the Help option, I believe.

Hex editing is a fairly basic thing to learn and is necessary for adding significant amounts of data to any SM hack (overcoming the limitations in room sizes, for example). Don't worry about that for now, but if you find later on you have a room that you can't design the way you like, hex provides an easy out.

I use ZSNES for my hack tests, and Snes9x for recording videos of my hack. Pick your favorite. You likely won't have any issues unless you're doing some serious reprogramming (ASM work).

If you have a (JU) ROM you have the NTSC version. The (E) ROM is the PAL version.

SMILE displays the sprites of enemies as a bonus, so to speak. It doesn't have everything, though, and some enemies aren't represented by sprites when loaded by SMILE. That doesn't mean they don't work. Now, if NONE of the enemies are displaying, you might have a problem...

playerman1230

2008-03-31 08:47:17 pm

Hated by all

Mainly all the hacks are for the NTSC (JU) version, for a lot of good reasons. I never see any PAL version hack.

Softdrink 117

2008-03-31 10:26:54 pm

Quote from playerman1230:

Mainly all the hacks are for the NTSC (JU) version, for a lot of good reasons. I never see any PAL version hack.

My question here was not which version most hacks are done on, but if there is a way to tell which version you have downloaded and are editing. Sorry for the confusion.
However, I believe Acheron already addressed my issue here...

Quote from Acheron86:

If you have a (JU) ROM you have the NTSC version. The (E) ROM is the PAL version.

Acheron, thank you VERY much for all the help. However, your most recent post gets cut off right before you list which enemies do appear. As for my questions- I'm simply curious if I'm not doing things 'right' for setup.

I have played around with SMILE, and it isn't most of the work that I'm afraid of. It's version differences, ROM types, corruption of files... Everything I can't really prevent.

The only rooms I've been into thus far are the landing site and the room to the top-right of it with the powerbomb expansion (I had to leave my house after only about 15 minutes with the program), and I can't see any foes (or the ship). I believe the things I have had problems with are:
The ship
The little sandworm things (they grab you and pull you into lava, flowers, etc.)

I already have a bunch of ideas for the hack I'd like to create, so as soon as I get back to the house where I can actually work on this stuff I will.

I apologize for any inconvenience I'm causing you guys. I really appreciate the help though.

[quote="playerman1230"]
Mainly all the hacks are for the NTSC (JU) version, for a lot of good reasons. I never see any PAL version hack.
[/quote]
 My question here was not which version most hacks are done on, but if there is a way to tell which version you have downloaded and are editing. Sorry for the confusion.
However, I believe Acheron already addressed my issue here...
 
[quote="Acheron86"]
If you have a (JU) ROM you have the NTSC version. The (E) ROM is the PAL version.
[/quote]

Acheron, thank you VERY much for all the help. However, your most recent post gets cut off right before you list which enemies do appear. As for my questions- I'm simply curious if I'm not doing things 'right' for setup.

I have played around with SMILE, and it isn't most of the work that I'm afraid of. It's version differences, ROM types, corruption of files... Everything I can't really prevent.

The only rooms I've been into thus far are the landing site and the room to the top-right of it with the powerbomb expansion (I had to leave my house after only about 15 minutes with the program), and I can't see any foes (or the ship). I believe the things I have had problems with are:
    The ship
    The little sandworm things (they grab you and pull you into lava, flowers, etc.)

I already have a bunch of ideas for the hack I'd like to create, so as soon as I get back to the house where I [i]can[/i] actually work on this stuff I will.

I apologize for any inconvenience I'm causing you guys. I really appreciate the help though.

Acheron

2008-03-31 11:14:09 pm

Acclaimed Threshold

Constant Sorrows

Quote from Softdrink 117:

your most recent post gets cut off right before you list which enemies do appear.

Durhh. I didn't mean to type that. As long as most enemies are appearing, you're fine. Pretty much everything except for a couple bosses and maybe one or two regular enemies will show up normally.

Quote:

As for my questions- I'm simply curious if I'm not doing things 'right' for setup.

I have played around with SMILE, and it isn't most of the work that I'm afraid of. It's version differences, ROM types, corruption of files... Everything I can't really prevent.

The only rooms I've been into thus far are the landing site and the room to the top-right of it with the powerbomb expansion (I had to leave my house after only about 15 minutes with the program), and I can't see any foes (or the ship). I believe the things I have had problems with are:
The ship
The little sandworm things (they grab you and pull you into lava, flowers, etc.)

I already have a bunch of ideas for the hack I'd like to create, so as soon as I get back to the house where I can actually work on this stuff I will.

I apologize for any inconvenience I'm causing you guys. I really appreciate the help though.

Hmm. Under Preferences -> View -> Tile Size, make sure you're looking at it in 16x16 or 32x32 (16x16 is default, 8x8 is only for scroll editing). Also under Preferences -> View, make sure you've got it all layers displaying. If they still don't show up, chances are you didn't install SMILE correctly. Make sure you're downloading it from Jathy's website (jathys.zophar.net).

[quote="Softdrink 117"]
your most recent post gets cut off right before you list which enemies do appear.[/quote]

Durhh. I didn't mean to type that. As long as most enemies are appearing, you're fine. Pretty much everything except for a couple bosses and maybe one or two regular enemies will show up normally.

[quote]As for my questions- I'm simply curious if I'm not doing things 'right' for setup.

I have played around with SMILE, and it isn't most of the work that I'm afraid of. It's version differences, ROM types, corruption of files... Everything I can't really prevent.

The only rooms I've been into thus far are the landing site and the room to the top-right of it with the powerbomb expansion (I had to leave my house after only about 15 minutes with the program), and I can't see any foes (or the ship). I believe the things I have had problems with are:
    The ship
    The little sandworm things (they grab you and pull you into lava, flowers, etc.)

I already have a bunch of ideas for the hack I'd like to create, so as soon as I get back to the house where I [i]can[/i] actually work on this stuff I will.

I apologize for any inconvenience I'm causing you guys. I really appreciate the help though.
[/quote]

Hmm. Under Preferences -> View -> Tile Size, make sure you're looking at it in 16x16 or 32x32 (16x16 is default, 8x8 is only for scroll editing). Also under Preferences -> View, make sure you've got it all layers displaying. If they still don't show up, chances are you didn't install SMILE correctly. Make sure you're downloading it from Jathy's website (jathys.zophar.net).

playerman1230

2008-03-31 11:56:43 pm

Hated by all

When you have the correct SMILE system, it should have the program, the Read Me files, your extra folders should have all the PLM data, the whole enemies list, your backups, you get the idea.

Softdrink 117

2008-04-01 03:09:42 pm

Well, I'm pretty sure I downloaded SMILE correctly- although it was from JZD. The issue may be the ROM I'm using- it might not be the NTSC version. Unfortunately, I can't use SMILE for the next few days (unless I get a laptop) due to my parents not wanting me to download executable files onto their work computer. )=
Don't expect to see too much more from me in the next few days, at least on the hacks board. Thank you very much for the assistance with the program. Hopefully I won't have more trouble.

(I wish there was a rep function on this board (or is there?), because you two deserve something back for taking the time to help me as you have.)