Because I see so much (mis) information about verifying TS game files I publish the following interim report on what I see that the verification process actually does. My challenge is that someone from DTG looks at it (they never answer my posts so I won't hold my breath) to correct and edit any misinformation. Any edits from simmers would also be welcome! What will Game File Verification in TS 20XX do or not do Game File Verification basically uses algorithmic type of verification, and checks the TS20XX game files on your PC against a master database held on Steam: It is not perfect. · Will check all ".ap" files in Assets (usually DTG/RSC) and Content (DTG DLC only) folders and will reacquire them if they are changed in any way, including date and time and attributes. It will also check Assets files that are associated with official DLC, e.g. BMG, Oovee, etc especially where there is an ".ap" file structure. · Will reacquire any .ap file that has been altered/edited in any way. · Will reacquire any file on your PC that just has a different, DATE, TIME, ATTRIBUTE to the Master Steam Database. (if you have made all files read and write for example then file verification will reacquire those files) · Will NOT check or modify or replace/delete any third party addon, Assets, Content, route, scenarios, reskins, sounds, (unless changes are made to base files) etc, e.g., purchased directly from BMG, JT, AP, DPS, etc. If subsequently purchased from Steam those versions will be checked. · Will NOT check or modify or replace/delete SCENARIO outside the ".ap" file structure. · Will NOT check or modify or replace/delete ASSET(s) outside the ".ap" file structure. · Will NOT check or modify or replace/delete any Workshop Scenario, route, etc · Will NOT fix any errors that are not directly attributable to the running/operation of TS 20XX. · Will NOT delete any file in TS20xx In "Pre-.ap" Routes and Assets files RSC/DTG (and others sold via Steam) game file verification may reacquire any/all default base file(s) that has/have been changed. Hence, some (a few) AP (early) enhancements may be affected, but not usually Sound Files, etc. Some UKTS add-ons may be affected. It just depends on whether a base file was altered or not. It will not check or modify or replace/delete addon SCENARIOS in these older items. Game File verification does NOT DELETE any TS file it only reacquires files associated with official DTG (RSC in the old days) DLC, and probably includes TS Marketplace items in some instances. In other words, reacquiring a file means overwriting a file on your PC that is different to the master database, but no file is deleted. Game File Verification modifies/reacquires base default files that have been edited including edited and recompiled '".ap" files. I have no knowledge of ".ap" files that have been extracted and modified but common sense would dictate that these extracted files would not be affected. Game File verification will not fix any errors due to "corrupt" WS/3rd Party Scenarios (unless they modify base files) or to a "corrupt" scenario database. These errors will only be apparent when you start or run TS20XX, and it initially halts and/or crashes. Game File Verification will NOT check those routes/Assets that were purchased as 3rd party routes but if they are subsequently re-marketed by DTG vis Steam from, Just Trains BMG, DTG DLC (Wherry Lines, Malmesbury, 3 Corner Route, IHH add-ons etc), and use the same GUID reference number then they will possibly be checked, but as there are NO .ap files – nothing will change. However, if these items were purchased later solely via DTG/Steam they will be checked. This would probably apply to the "pro-versions" introduced by DTG. The golden rule if it has an .ap file structure it will be checked when you verify the game files. pH March 2021
I wonder, could that be one of the rationales for the introduction of .ap files - it keeps DTG stuff separate from Third Party DLC?
Nothing to do with that it is just an easy way for DTG and Steam to distribute the files Have a look at the Class 24 folder, inside the Audio folder are 463 files in 40 sub folders For a loco/unit add-on you only need One file of One size of *ap file
