Altering a file without damaging the original

[Michael Hopcroft]

If i wanted to take a particular type of file (like a particular kind of dragon), add to it to make the dragon a specific character, and then save the dragon CHARACTER without affecting the original file, what's the most effective way to do this and when should I first start to save to the new file?

[McCoy]

I would open it, "save as" new name before making any changes.

[Simon]

You can do a "Save As" before or after making changes....so long as you do a "Save As" before you hit the "Save", you won't affect the original file in any way.

[SDK]

That's assuming that Save As works.

Several people in my group have problems with that. It may have something to do with windows XP. When you try to Save As nothing happens.

Until last week we each thought it was just our particular system. Then one of us mentioned it, and we all have this problem. And we all use XP.

[DoctorItron]

Originally posted by dsimon
You can do a "Save As" before or after making changes....so long as you do a "Save As" before you hit the "Save", you won't affect the original file in any way.

Speaking as someone who has overwritten too many original files...

I strongly recommend doing the "Save As" before making changes, rather than after (applies to just about any program, not just Hero Designer). If you plan to do it after and get distracted while making changes, it's very easy to accidentally do a regular "Save" by mistake, destroying the original character.

[Talon]

If you're really worried, create a copy of the original file outside Hero Designer (in Windows Explorer or whatever equivalent your OS has). That way you guarantee the original is safe and sound.

[Bartman]

Originally posted by SDK
That's assuming that Save As works.

Several people in my group have problems with that. It may have something to do with windows XP. When you try to Save As nothing happens.

Until last week we each thought it was just our particular system. Then one of us mentioned it, and we all have this problem. And we all use XP.

Really? I use XP and have never encountered this problem at all. I am really only useing the app for a single character these days and he gets updated at least once a month. I have a string of characters all saved using save as.

[SDK]

It's only been happening recently. Maybe an interaction between XP, Java, and one of the recent updates.

We just create a copy in Windows, so it's not much of a bother.

[Polaris]

That is strange. I use XP, and have never had any problems using the 'save as'. I would join in recommending doing the 'save as' before you make any changes. I make changes to some of the starships from the TE/STK pack, and be sure to do the 'save as' so I don't lose the original version.

Polaris