How are you applying the patch? What file size is your ROM? IIRC if it's 32MB I don't know where I got that number from, Zhs2 has it right. And is it the (U) version?
Ok, open up SMILE like you would when looking to edit the ROM and look here:
From here you can add or remove a header to/from the ROM you wish to apply the patch to. This way you will know for certain what kind of ROM you have.
I suggest making a note by either adding something to the name of your ROM like naming it Super Metroid (U) (h).smc for the version you added the header to or copying that one into a folder named something like "Super Metroid - Header"
This way you will know whether you need a version of the IPS patch that requires a header or not. Some patches have only a headered/unheadered version, so keeping a copy of each might not be a bad idea.
Kambeck: The easiest way to patch the hack is to make sure that the hack (.ips) and the ROM (.smc) have the same name - like Metroid.ips and Metroid.smc. Put them both in the same folder and load the ROM normally. Doing it this way means that if the hack is updated, you do not have to patch again, as you can just replace the .ips file.
I think I should add if you used a program (such as Lunar IPS) to patch a rom AND THEN add/remove a header, there'll be problems. Remember to add or remove a header first, THEN patch the rom.
I keep a folder with a headered ROM in it & a folder with an unheadered ROM in it. When I download a patch, I copy and paste whichever ROM I need into the same folder as ZSNES and then use Lunar IPS to patch it. After patching, I put the .ips patch in a separate folder and then rename the ROM I just patched to whatever hack it's supposed to be. So all my games are basically in the same folder as ZSNES, and within that folder is another one which contains all my patches, and also a folder with all my savestates in it.
It's also good to keep a folder for each hack so you don't confuse yourself.
That would mean I would have to type out the name of each folder in zsnes to open each game. It doesnt get confusing to have them all in the same folder at all.
Or you could just double click the game itself instead of wading through ZSNES's annoying selection menu... I create folders for all of the individual hacks too, and I'd say soft patching is better because you can more quickly change to a new version of the patch if corrections are made. I keep the unaltered headered and headerless together though, no real reason why they'd have to be separated. I also keep the clean ones in their own folder because I'm less likely to accidentally mess them up.
I'm an Snes9X user, so I always hard-patch (transfer save-states, not RAM files)
All in short (this may be redundant, but meh):
SM Hard-patching process for dummies (no offense): 1. Copy your ROM (rename it to whatever you want). 2. If you need a header (some people will say whether it's needed or not): Follow tomatobob's post (be in the ROM you want to add it to). 3. Get a patcher (I prefer Lunar IPS, it's only a two-step process). 4. In the patcher: A. Find the IPS file you want. B. Find the ROM you want to patch it to. 5. You should be done, and if it's right: it should run well (sans bugs and other stuff). Mind the bad checksum, that happens with most hacks (Redesign and Legacy excluded, and maybe the case with the upcoming Aegis).
If someone else cares to put a simple soft-patch process, please: share.
After MF RBO is finished, I'm considering making a SM hack but I'm not sure whether to get ZSNES or SNES9x. I am leaning more towards getting ZSNES, however, after seeing all of Smokey's great ZSNES runs.
ZSNES has a more user-friendly interface, making it better for newcomers, although there's not much in it.
If you're likely to make movies at any point, I would go with SNES9X right from the get-go.
Regarding soft patching, I did write a fairly clear guide above, but here goes:
1. Make sure that the ROM and the .ips patch have the same name. e.g. Metroid3Hack.smc and Metroid3Hack.ips 2. Make sure that the ROM and the .ips patch are in the same folder. This can be your normal ROM folder or any other that you create. 3. Load the emulator of your choice. 4. Load the ROM. The emulator will automatically apply the patch for you. 5. If the patch is ever updated with a newer version, simply replace the old one, again making sure it has the same name as the ROM. (In our example Metroid3Hack.ips)
IMO that doesn't really sound any simpler, better, or faster than hard patching. Sure you don't need a separate program to apply the patch, but all this business of putting each game into its own folder and making sure the .smc file has the same name as the .ips file seems like it negates the convenience of not having to use patching software. Neither method seems better than the other, I guess it's just what ever people feel like doing.
You don't need them all in separate folders, as long as each ROM and .ips patch has the same name, such as: Redesign.smc + Redesign.ips or Cliffhanger.smc + Cliffhanger.ips.
The main reason that this is easier is that you only have to do it once, because if a patch gets an update, you just replace the .ips file, whereas if you hard patch, and then the patch gets an update, you have to find the original ROM, maybe add / remove the header, and patch it again.
It's personal preference, that's all. I am just lazy, so I choose this option.