Bug: Toolset loses M2DA dropdown selection, resets to default
- Version found: 1.0.1008.0
- Status: Open
Description
The toolset will from time to time report it can no longer find name of ... , referring to a selection defined in a M2DA and previously selected, saved and exported. On the next export in which the affected object is also exported as a dependent resource, it will have reverted to whatever the default is in the main 2DA. This has affected new placeables, appearances, tints and tint overrides, and alternative variable tables that I have noticed so far, but the spread indicates any M2DA can be effected. The bug is particularly toxic because several hundred exports may occur when, for instance, an area is exported and the warning is then very easy to miss. Needless to say, the effects can be quite drastic ingame, with placeables disappearing, tints non-existent, scripts unable to get variables, etc, and of course it is not always clear what the source of perceived problem is, since the damage may have been done many days before ingame testing discovers there is a problem. The phenomenon is random, and varies in frequency to several times an hour for a particular table to no problems for days on end for the same table.
The Tint Override bug is a specific example of this more general problem.
Workarounds
Once discovered, closing and reopening the toolset will set the correct option without further intervention, and the object can be re-exported successfully. In general, keeping a weather eye on the log is a good idea, since the toolset will repeatedly complain whenever anything affecting the damaged resource is worked on, eg when scripts are compiled that reference the resource. If you see such a warning, call up the object and verify it has reverted to default for relevant field. Close the toolset immediately, and on reopening export the resource.
The bug occurs somewhere in the save/export functions of the toolset. So, when you need to set values from a custom drop-down, reopen the toolset, then set all the values you need without saving or exporting. Finally, save and export as necessary.
