Converting DMGs to r/w
Here is a basic walk-through on how to convert a Mac DMG file from read only format to a read/write format.
This is not recommended as it can make any piece of software unstable or unusable, but in certain cases it is useful to let you modify the software. The original software developer and or publisher will not support you doing this.
This is written with the intention of allowing files within Rome: Total War on the Mac to be modified, although it is equally valid for other read only DMGs which you need/want to convert to read/write format.
It is always recommended that you make a backup of the original DMG file in case something should go wrong and you need to reinstate it.
First, locate the Rome Total War folder, which by default you would have copied to your Applications folder on your Macintosh HD. Next, open Disk Utility, found in the Applications > Utility folder. Drag the RomeData DMG file into the left pane of Disk Utility.
It should then appear in the list of drives & images, as follows:
Select RomeData in the list and click Convert.
You will be presented with some options. Select read/write from the drop down menu and Save it to your Desktop.
A panel showing you the progress should then appear.
Once it is complete the new DMG should have appeared on your Desktop – it will be called either RomeData or RomeData.dmg. Drag the file from your Desktop into the Rome Total War folder.
You will be prompted to replace the existing file. If you haven’t already made a backup of the original DMG, you should Stop and do that beforehand. If you have already made a backup, choose Replace.
Once the file has finished moving, you have successfully converted and replaced the read only DMG with a read/write version.
You can then double click on the RomeData DMG file to mount it and subsequently make any alterations you wish. If you find you’ve managed to break something, simply replace the DMG with the original from your backup.
Let me know if I’ve made any mistakes, if you’ve found this useful, or if you’re having problems. I’ll do my best to help!
Tags: feral
May 10th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Hi Doug
How will this actually make the SPQR mod, for example, work?
Maybe I just dont understand it fully, but I dont see how a mod is installed this way.
Help is much appreciated,:)
Erik
May 10th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Hi Erik – This is merely a guide on how to make a DMG read/write which I understand is necessary for applying some of the mods available to RTW and/or edit some of the files. I personally haven’t tried any mods with the game so can’t offer you advice beyond this I’m afraid. If I do find anything that I think might be useful to you, I’ll be sure to let you know though.
Thanks for commenting!
May 17th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Hi Doug
Followed the instructions but the Disk Utility Progress is stuck on Savings: 0.0%.
Hope you can help
Matt
June 2nd, 2010 at 10:57 am
Hi Matt – sorry for the delayed response!
I’ve followed through my guide several times to try and replicate your problem, but I’m afraid I can’t. So I’m at a bit of a loss as to what’s happening. All I can think of is to check you have enough disk space, make sure you’re not trying to save it on a read only drive like a DVD Rom, and check you’re following the steps correctly. Or I guess that you’re system is doing something screwy. Have you tried it with any other DMGs?
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:13 pm
I have 40GB of HD space remaining, I was saving to the desktop. To be honest my macbook is being screwy recently so this is most likely the problem, so I will try it on the imac.
Cheers Matt
August 15th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
is did all as shown on the left, but when i try to start a campaign with a new faction the game goes back to singleplayer screen! pls help!!
August 16th, 2010 at 11:05 am
Hi Joey – Sorry you’re having problems… It sounds like you’ve done something dodgy to the file you’ve edited. I guess the game worked fine before you started fiddling? Have you but the original back in place to check that still works?