No duplicate entries or files in my MODS folder.
As to the second major issue, yes, the problem persists! It happened out of the blue, as I had not added anything to the game prior to the event. I suspected W7 updates and I actually removed the last W7 security update, no result!
When I open the task manager and I click on the ilfb shortcut, I can see it "working", then it disappears from the list. As I have been using the task manager quite a lot recently while playing (reduced the game to the lower tray, downloaded stuff from the internet, etc., then returned to the game) I fear I might have *****ed something up there. I can't think of any other reason. Many thanks for your continuous support, it's truly appreciated!
OK, I installed the Matabele into a SAS Modded 4.09m game.
Works perfectly, as stationary and moving ship.
I decided to edit each .ini file one at a time, testing afterwards to see the result of each edit. The SAS Modact did not include all the required files, so stock 4.09m .ini files were downloaded from a link provided in the SAS forum thread for SAS~Sani's [Cruisers]USS Chester,USS Houston,USS Portland
Then extracted the folder "Ship Ashe" to the MODS folder, but did not edit any files. The game loads fine, but of course, there is no HMS Matabele DD in the FMB Object Viewer.
Edit technics_ru.properties:
HMSMatabele HMS Matabele DD
game loads OK, but still no entries appear in either Ships or Stationary Ships for HMS Matabele DD
Edit stationary.ini:
HMSMatabele ships.ShipAshe$HMSMatabele 1
Game loads OK, an entry for HMS Matabele DD appears in Stationary Ships, but there is no image, and it cannot be placed on a map. No entry in Ships.
Edit ships.ini
Now there is picture and the Stationary Ship can be placed on a map, however, there is still no entry in Object Viewer under Ships (moving ship)
Finally edit the chief.ini, in two locations:
HMSMatabele ships.ShipAshe$HMSMatabele 1
icons/shipDestroyer.mat
[Ships.HMSMatabele]
com.maddox.il2.objects.ships.ShipAshe$HMSMatabele
Now there is the HMS Matebele DD in Object Viewer for Ships, and moving ship can be placed on a map.
In your case, is there no entry at all for Ships (moving)?
If so, we should take a closer look at the chief.ini edits.
Yes, the Matabele appears in stationary ships and can be used as such; the same applies for the ship pack 2 and all new additions, including Sani's and Archie's american cruisers. Same also for the armour pack (french and italian tanks, only stationary). I have edited by chief.ini file several times, got nowhere. Especially now, that I am facing this bizarre situation when the game won't load at all I am in the dark. Mnay thanks again for all your efforts...
I have no ideas about the game not starting, except maybe to check that your conf.ini has not become corrupted. You could try renaming it temporarily, then run il2setup, and see if that will at least get it going.
No point in pursuing the ship problem until the game will run.
