Updating KSP on different locations

[villetuomas]

Hello,

I have a quick question. I am a Steam user, but I play KSP from a non-steam directory, because I want to control the update process better (mods and bugs). I keep the steam directory version stock and have mods on my other KSP install. When I want to update my non-steam directory install, what folders should I copy from the steam-directory?

I have copied the Game Data and the KSP X64 folder (or something like that, I am not at the computer just now). This seems to update the game fine, but I was wondering whether this really is the correct way of updating the game? Should I copy something else as well? Does it depend on the nature of the update (parts update vs. functionality update)?

[4x4cheesecake]

I actually do it differently:

• Load a fresh copy of the updated version
• Copy savegames from the old install into the new one (also the "thumbs" folder to keep the craft preview in the load menu of the editor)
• Reinstall the mods

With some help of CKAN, this take like 5min or so and the game will be updated properly. Also, if it any issues appear, I still have the old install, so I can always go back without any additional work.
 

[villetuomas]

1 hour ago, 4x4cheesecake said:

I actually do it differently:

• Load a fresh copy of the updated version
• Copy savegames from the old install into the new one (also the "thumbs" folder to keep the craft preview in the load menu of the editor)
• Reinstall the mods

With some help of CKAN, this take like 5min or so and the game will be updated properly. Also, if it any issues appear, I still have the old install, so I can always go back without any additional work.
 

I’ve been thinking about this option too. How do you remember all the mods you have? Last time it took me a while to remember to install Precise Node. Because of the load times I usually just think “I’ll install it the next time” in stead of just installing it right then and restarting the game.  Is it possible to have something like a “playlist” of mods for CKAN?

[4x4cheesecake]

1 minute ago, villetuomas said:

Is it possible to have something like a “playlist” of mods for CKAN?

It is

In the "File" menu, you can find the option "export installed mods" and "install from .ckan". The first option will create a .ckan file for you, the latter one installs everything that is listed in the file.

Unfortunately, there is a little bug in the latest version of CKAN (I guess the beta release contains the fix but haven't tried it yet) so this feature need a little manual assistance:
So far, all the mods are listed as "recommends" in the .ckan file but CKAN will not install recommendations. Change this entry to "depends" and it should work just fine (You can find the entry in line 9, right above the list of mods)

For reference: https://github.com/KSP-CKAN/CKAN/issues/2652

[villetuomas]

20 minutes ago, 4x4cheesecake said:

It is

In the "File" menu, you can find the option "export installed mods" and "install from .ckan". The first option will create a .ckan file for you, the latter one installs everything that is listed in the file.

Unfortunately, there is a little bug in the latest version of CKAN (I guess the beta release contains the fix but haven't tried it yet) so this feature need a little manual assistance:
So far, all the mods are listed as "recommends" in the .ckan file but CKAN will not install recommendations. Change this entry to "depends" and it should work just fine (You can find the entry in line 9, right above the list of mods)

For reference: https://github.com/KSP-CKAN/CKAN/issues/2652

Damn! That is nice! I think I’m gonna start updating with this method in the future. Thanks a bunch!