To install Shape File Manager (SFM) v2.5 for Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS)
, follow these steps based on community documentation from Elvas Tower and Swindon & Highworth Light Railway: Installation Steps
Download and Extract: Unzip the downloaded file into any directory of your choice. A common practice is to create a dedicated folder like C:\SFM25 or place it within your MSTS tools directory.
Required Files: Ensure that FFEDITC_UNICODE.EXE and its associated DLLs (from the MSTS FFEDIT folder) are copied into the same folder as SFM. This is necessary for the program to correctly compress and uncompress shape (.s) files.
Run the Program: Double-click the sfm25.hta file to start the application. Troubleshooting Common Issues
"Not a valid Win32 application" Error: This often happens if Windows tries to open the .hta file with the wrong program. It should be opened with the Microsoft (R) HTML Application host (mshta.exe), not a web browser like Internet Explorer or Chrome.
File Permissions: If you are using Windows 7 or newer, avoid installing the tool directly inside C:\Program Files (x86) to prevent permission issues. Use a separate drive or a folder like C:\MSTS_Tools instead.
Scaling/Editing: Once open, select your .s file, uncompress it using the interface, and then you can use the "Options" and "Scale" buttons to modify the model.
For the most reliable download and support, visit the MSTS Download Library at Elvas Tower.
Are you having trouble with a specific error message while trying to launch the .hta file? Elvas Tower: Shape File Manager 25
Installing Shape File Manager v2.5 (SFM25) for Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) is a straightforward process that modernizes the classic utility used for editing and compressing .s shape files. This updated version, a revision of Paul Gausden’s SFM v2.4a, adds features like MIP Map level adjustment and 90-degree object rotation. Key Features of SFM v2.5
SFM25 provides a graphical user interface for several critical MSTS file operations:
Compression/Uncompression: Converts binary .s files into editable text and back using FFEDITC_UNICODE.EXE.
Scaling and Shifting: Allows you to resize objects or move them relative to their origin point.
Visual Adjustments: Edit distance levels and texture modes (e.g., specular fixes for shiny locomotives).
Object Manipulation: Features for reversing objects or rotating them by 90-degree increments. Installation Guide for SFM25 1. Preparation and Download
Download: The SFM25 package is available for download at Elvas Tower and other simulation community libraries.
Dependencies: The utility requires Internet Explorer (or a system that can process .hta files) to run the interface. You must also have the FFEDITC_UNICODE.EXE utility, typically found in your MSTS UTILS/FFEDIT folder. 2. "Super Simple" Installation Steps
Follow these steps for a clean setup or to upgrade from version 2.4a:
Extract Files: Unzip the SFM25.zip file into a dedicated folder (e.g., C:\Shape File Mgr) or directly into your existing SFM folder.
Add FFEDIT: Copy FFEDITC_UNICODE.EXE into the same folder as sfm25.hta if it isn't already there. SFM25 searches this local directory for the compression tool by default. Create Shortcut:
Right-click sfm25.hta and select Send to -> Desktop (create shortcut).
Right-click your new shortcut, select Properties, and ensure the target line points exactly to the file location (e.g., "C:\Shape File Mgr\sfm25.hta"). Launch: Double-click the shortcut to open the interface. Common Troubleshooting Tips "Not a valid Win32 application"
This error often occurs if you try to open the .hta file directly with a standard browser. Right-click and ensure it opens with the Microsoft (R) HTML Application Host. Compress/Uncompress Failed
Ensure FFEDITC_UNICODE.EXE is in the SFM folder or that the path is correctly configured within the SFM "Options" menu. Windows 11 Compatibility
Some users report issues with the compression feature on Windows 11. If SFM fails, alternative tools like Zipper can be used to handle .s files without the FFEDIT dependency. Antivirus Warnings
Because SFM uses .hta files, some security software may flag it as a threat. Users at Swindon & Highworth Light Railway note this is a false positive based on the file format.
Are you planning to use SFM25 for scaling objects or editing texture modes for your routes? Elvas Tower: Shape File Manager v2.5
Feature: Shape File Manager 2.5 Installation
Description: This feature allows users to easily install and manage shape files for Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) using the Shape File Manager 2.5 tool.
Key Benefits:
- Simplified Shape File Management: The Shape File Manager 2.5 provides an intuitive interface for installing, updating, and managing shape files, making it easier for users to customize their MSTS experience.
- Large Library of Shapes: The tool comes with a large library of shapes, including locomotives, rolling stock, and infrastructure, allowing users to expand their MSTS library with ease.
- Easy Installation: The installation process is straightforward, with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface that guides users through the process.
- Shape File Validation: The tool validates shape files to ensure they are correct and compatible with MSTS, reducing the risk of errors or crashes.
Key Features:
- Shape File Library: A comprehensive library of shape files, including locomotives, rolling stock, and infrastructure.
- Installation Wizard: A step-by-step installation wizard that guides users through the installation process.
- Shape File Validator: A built-in validator that checks shape files for errors and compatibility with MSTS.
- User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive interface that makes it easy to manage shape files and perform installations.
System Requirements:
- Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) installed on the user's computer.
- Windows operating system (XP or later).
Installation Steps:
- Download the Shape File Manager 2.5 installation package.
- Run the installation package and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Launch the Shape File Manager 2.5 tool and select the shapes to install.
- The tool will validate the shape files and install them to the correct location.
Troubleshooting:
- If the installation process encounters errors, the user can refer to the built-in help documentation or seek support from the developer's website.
4. Step-by-Step Installation
-
Extract the ZIP using 7-Zip or Windows’ built-in extractor.
- Right-click → Extract All → Choose destination (e.g.,
C:\MSTS\UTILITIES\SFM25).
-
Verify all files are present – especially ShapeFileManager.exe.
-
Create a desktop shortcut (optional but recommended):
- Right-click
ShapeFileManager.exe → Send to → Desktop (create shortcut).
-
Set compatibility mode (for Windows 10/11):
- Right-click
ShapeFileManager.exe → Properties → Compatibility tab.
- Check “Run this program as an administrator”.
- Set compatibility mode to Windows 7 (or Windows XP SP3 if issues arise).
- Click OK.
Step 2: Extract the Archive
Right-click the sfm25.zip file and select Extract All.
- Destination suggestion:
C:\1-TS\Tools\ShapeFileManager
- Why? Keeping the path short and avoiding spaces prevents legacy software errors.
Setting Default Textures Folder
Go to Tools > Options > Texture Paths. Add your global textures folder (MSTS\GLOBAL\TEXTURES) and your route-specific texture folders. This allows SFM to automatically find and convert .ace files when you modify a shape.