Looking for advice on updating the game

[Spark Plug]

Hi there

I started out playing version 0.22 of KSP and have continued for about half a year and only now am I considering an update.

I'm wondering now whether I should update the files of the mods that I make use of BEFORE updating the game through the launcher, or install the game update patch and update my mod files after that.

I suppose I'm concerned about what happens to the files in the GameData folder when the patch installs. So which of the two is the "better" thing to do?

Edited May 25, 2014 by Spark Plug
original query was answered

[sal_vager]

The launcher/patcher does not touch non-KSP files, so all your addons should be fine unless they either change a stock part cfg (FAR) or have been broken by changes between .22 and .23.5

I guess the best option would be to first backup your saves just in case, then start the update, and while it's updating check for newer versions of your addons.

Update the addons after the KSP update completes

[Taki117]

You should always update the base game first, then update your mods. This way you don't get any conflicts.

[Pecan]

Keep both. Make a new install with 0.23.5 then add the (updated) mods you want. If you want to continue a saved game from the old version in the new game (and have all the required mods for it) just copy its folder in saves\<save name>.

Until recently I had demo 0.18, 0.22, 0.23 and 0.23.5 with and without mods installed. Tidied-up a bit now because I just wasn't using 0.22 and 0.23 any more.

[Red Iron Crown]

I do as Pecan does and do a fresh install with each update. Mods are hit or miss compatibility-wise when a new update comes out, so I like to keep the install of the previous version that was working with everything until all the mods I use are updated. Once the new version is working satisfactorily, I generally delete the old one after saving .craft files, screenshots and savegames (if they're compatible).

[Claw]

Keep both. Make a new install with 0.23.5 then add the (updated) mods you want. If you want to continue a saved game from the old version in the new game (and have all the required mods for it) just copy its folder in saves\<save name>.

Until recently I had demo 0.18, 0.22, 0.23 and 0.23.5 with and without mods installed. Tidied-up a bit now because I just wasn't using 0.22 and 0.23 any more.

Yes, I would highly recommend this route. Don't update your current install but start a new one. Then download and install the updated mods for that version. After that, you can copy your save games from 0.22 into your fresh 0.23.5 install. Doing it this way will prevent a lot of problems with outdated files.

At least two examples of why I suggest this is that sometimes the settings.cfg has weird values in it that have caused problems in 0.23.5. Also, a lot of mods changed install location from the "Plugins" to the "GameData" folder. So it's possible that if you update a mod, there could be big conflicts with old files scattered all over.

You may also wish to look through this thread (shameless self promotion). There are a few things you can do to reduce crashes and problems with 0.23.5 once you download it. (Specifically the new, large decoupler needs a slight modification to its part.cfg file.)

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/77327-20May-0-23-5-Issues-Fix-Crashes-Decoupler-EVA-Career-Save-Won-t-Start-more

By the way, here's a link to another thread listing most of the updated mods for 0.23.5

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/74457-ARM-Pack-0-23-5-Mod-Compatibility-Thread

[Spark Plug]

Alright! I've got my things in working order now.

Thanks to all those who replied with tips and links to further reading!