Hi, I've read a few other posts about this, so I understand that SimCity 2000 (and SCURK) runs in an emulated DOS environment. In order to access (or interact) with my outside file system (i.e., to import or export art) then I need to either A) mount another folder from my system in DOSBox as an additional drive, or B) make a subfolder inside whatever folder is already mounting as DOSBox's C: drive.

I'm not sure Option B is a great one, since I think I'd only be able to get files into SCURK, not out. (Although the more I think about it, the more confused I realize I am.) In any case, I can't figure out how to do either. The DOSBox emulator seems completely shut off to me, i.e., I only have mundane menu options, I can't do anything fancy command-line, even though I found the mount code required. On the other hand, I have no idea what folder is being mounted ordinarily. Nothing is apparent; if it has any name resembling "SimCity," "SC2000," etc., then Spotlight seems unable to locate it, and I can't find it either, in all my poking around.

I think the problem must be Apple's "black box" approach to Applications. Mostly I kinda like this -- one program, one file -- but it's a bit more complicated when the SimCity 2000 application has its own internal file system that is inaccessible to the outside OS (as opposed to, you know, e.g., making a "stand-alone" save file next to the otherwise "black box" Application).

So, I'm not really sure how to handle this! I'm interested in computers but have no formal training. I feel like the easiest thing to do would be to somehow change the runtime command, that launches SimCity within DOSBox.... to include code that (first) mounts a "drop box" folder, e.g. "mount Y ~/Documents/SCURK," and then, if I am correct, Documents/SCURK should be accessible within SimCity as the Y: path. But I have no idea how I'd do this!

Do we have thoughts about this? I'd be surprised if I'm the first person to encounter this situation. And, while a solution might be somewhat involved, from what I've read it seems like there ought to be a way to deal with this. Perhaps there are pesky hidden files involved, or some way to reconfigure the DOSBox emulation. At worst, maybe the good people who set up the game for GOG would be so kind as to effect a simple fix. The most exciting part of playing a silly city simulation game from 22 years ago is using modern computing tools to customize the fun retro graphics. My left (mouse-operating) arm is cramping up, just typing this inquiry; I don't self-loath enough to customize graphics pixel by pixel...... I need me some importing & exporting!

It would be so great if someone could help me with this. Meanwhile, I'll work on meticulously researching topographical maps in order to develop the perfect terrain to site my urban utopia.

David

PS I just realized -- it seems pretty important, to be able to save to a "drop box" folder, so that you can backup maps or cities that you've put a lot of work into! Imagine, the devastation of losing your entire city to a glitch or a clumsy key press! I haven't actually begun to build my city yet, but I've put a LOT of thought into it, and it's going to be a pretty great place.

You have sufficiently confused me that I don't know what you want to do. GOG is using Boxer Standalone not DOSBox and saves & the like are shadow written under <i>~/Library/Application Support/Boxer/Gamebox States</i>. You can always access what Boxer/DOSBox "filesystem" sees directly from Finder if you know where to look. Right-Click - Show Package Contents on the .app and a second time on the .boxer may get you where you want to go. Alternatively, you can access it directly via Terminal.

Amazing! I did not see "Boxer" in the Library, but the 2nd approach, using "Show Package Contents," worked perfectly. At least, I see the files there and foresee no further complications in this matter. If I get stalled again, you'll read about it here!

Thank you so much!

For some reason, Spotlight doesn't seem very good at finding things. More like, it doesn't bother trying very hard.

David

Hmmmmmm....

So the "Show Package Contents" method works perfectly for putting files INTO SimCity (specifically, into the Urban Renewal expansion)... which is something...... but files created IN SimCity aren't showing up in Finder, when I go to this exact same place. Weird.

I prefer the ability to import exclusively vs the ability to export exclusively, but hopefully I can figure out a way to do both.

You've given me a lot more I can try. It's too late for me tonight, but tomorrow I'll experiment further, and report my findings be they triumphant or failing.

There's two different locations: 1) in the .app bundle itself [ SimCity 2000.app\Contents\Resources\SimCity 2000.boxer\C.harddisk\ ] and 2) somewhere under ~/Library/Application Support/Boxer/Gamebox States in a .boxerstate bundle. The second will have your save files, but depending on how it's setup it may very well be inconsistent on where it saves the SCURK related files between those two locations.

I don't seem to have a "Boxer" folder in my Library's "Application Support" folder. And this is the kind of thing I was complaining about, about Spotlight, it doesn't like to search places like the System Folder. I couldn't find it on my own.

You kindly provided me a link to the Boxer website, so I figure I will contact them directly and ask what's up, what I can do. I've been a little distracted though, I'll write them eventually but I haven't yet.

Meanwhile, the ability to IMPORT files has been useful. Also: I broke down and I'm using SCURK's built-in image editing application, whatever.... As long as I edit about 1 image per week it won't kill me.

But I will still seek the solution we speak of, primarily as a means of backing up my game and/or artwork, and also because SC2K/SCURK can create files but has no way to delete or move them.... so my virtual hard drive is already beginning to get cluttered and disorganized! :~) (I'm confident I'll find a solution for the 1st issue, I might need to live with the 2nd.)

Thanks!

Wrong Library folder. You want the one under your home folder (that's what the tilde is signifying), /Users/macuser/Library/ on your screenshot based on your screenshot.