How to import a 0.23.5 Career save into 0.24 Science Mode

[AlexinTokyo]

It can be a bit disconcerting to have Funds and Reputation suddenly imported into a 'Classic Science Mode' save.

And it seems that the contracts may be set way above the ability of the available starting funds to complete.

So here's how to import your 0.23.5 save into 0.24 in the new Science^TM mode:

If you haven't ever loaded the save in 0.24:

1. Make a backup of the persistent.sfs file in the save folder (that has the same name as your save).
   
2. Open the original persistent.sfs file.
   This is a text file, and can be opened in your text editor of choice. In Windows, Notepad is fine.
   
3. The beginning of the file will look something like:
   

   GAME
   {
   	version = 0.23.5
   	Title = YourSave (CAREER)
   	Description = No description available.
   	linkURL = 
   	linkCaption = 
   	Mode = 1
   	Status = 1
   	scene = 5
   	flag = Squad/Flags/YourFlag

   
   

4. Change this to:
   

   GAME
   {
   	version = 0.23.5
   	Title = YourSave (SCIENCE_SANDBOX)
   	Description = No description available.
   	linkURL = 
   	linkCaption = 
   	Mode = SCIENCE_SANDBOX
   	Status = 1
   	scene = 5
   	flag = Squad/Flags/YourFlag

   
   

5. Start KSP and load the save - it should appear as a science mode save (a beaker in a sandbox) rather than a career save (the familiar line graph)
   
6. Go to the RnD center and check that all parts are unlocked in all nodes. If an unlocked node has locked parts, click on them to unlock them. This costs nothing.
   
7. This should allow you to play on as normal.
   

If you have loaded the save in 0.24

1. Make a backup of the persistent.sfs file in the save folder (that has the same name as your save).
   
2. Open the original persistent.sfs file.
   This is a text file, and can be opened in your text editor of choice. In Windows, Notepad is fine.
   
3. The beginning of the file will look something like:
   

   GAME
   {
   	version = 0.24.0
   	Title = YourSave (CAREER)
   	Description = No description available.
   	linkURL = 
   	linkCaption = 
   	Mode = CAREER
   	Status = 1
   	scene = 5
   	flag = Squad/Flags/YourFlag
   	launchID = 1

   
   

4. Change this to:
   

   GAME
   {
   	version = 0.24.0
   	Title = YourSave (SCIENCE_SANDBOX)
   	Description = No description available.
   	linkURL = 
   	linkCaption = 
   	Mode = SCIENCE_SANDBOX
   	Status = 1
   	scene = 5
   	flag = Squad/Flags/YourFlag
   	launchID = 1

   
   

5. Find the section of the file that starts:
   

   	SCENARIO
   	{
   		name = ContractSystem
   		scene = 7, 8, 5, 6, 9

   
   

6. Delete this section down to the final closing brace (}) before the next SCENARIO
   
7. Find the section of the file that reads:
   

   	SCENARIO
   	{
   		name = Funding
   		scene = 7, 8, 5, 6, 9
   		funds = 10000
   	}

   
   

8. Delete this section down to the final closing brace (}) before the next SCENARIO
   
9. Find the section of the file that reads:
   

   	SCENARIO
   	{
   		name = Reputation
   		scene = 7, 8, 5, 6, 9
   		rep = 0
   	}

   
   

10. Delete this section down to the final closing brace (}) before the next SCENARIO
    
11. Start KSP and load the save - it should appear as a science mode save (a beaker in a sandbox) rather than a career save (the familiar line graph)
    
12. Go to the RnD center and check that all parts are unlocked in all nodes. If an unlocked node has locked parts, click on them to unlock them. This costs nothing.
    
13. This should allow you to play on as normal.
    

I will update this if I discover any other tricks needed. Please feel free to ask for assistance if this doesn't work 100%.

Edited July 24, 2014 by AlexinTokyo

[KerbMav]

One probably would want to do this before ever loading the save in .24 I guess.

[AlexinTokyo]

That's certainly how I did it. I will add how to do it if you loaded it first, but I needed something to eat before writing it.

OP updated to include how to port a 0.24 Career save into a Science Mode save.

Again, please let me know if this isn't 100% effective.

Edited July 18, 2014 by AlexinTokyo

[jBeta]

Someone should sticky this, I would suggest. I saw at least two other posts asking this question already.

I want to tie up some loose ends in my 23.5 save, and just start over in contract/career mode. It seems nothing I have been doing can be afforded in the new version. I would guess this might have been normal upgrade behavior, but my understanding is that the science sandbox was added back later in the process. So that's probably why it converts to new career.

[technicalfool]

This thread is now sticky.

Edited July 19, 2014 by technicalfool

[Claw]

Nice job. I will add this to my 0.24 common issues thread.

[Specialist290]

While I'm at it, I've also taken the liberty of adding this one to the Drawing Board

[Aragosnat]

You might want to add one should either then change the end extention to .txt or open with notepad. As not everyone looks up how to open said file.

Edited July 24, 2014 by Aragosnat

[AlexinTokyo]

Good point, Aragosnat.

OP updated.

[gilbmj]

Will you be forever stuck with the money and reputation counters showing up if you do this after loading it?

Aside from unlocking parts for no cost, are there any other ways to tell if it worked correctly?

[RedsBone]

Haha, I figured all of this out on my own, then saw your post.