Extracting .DTA

Last modified: February 24 2014 12:52:45.        
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Download the extractor from the software page and unzip it into a directory of you choice. Take a .dta file from H&D2 main directory and copy it into the new folder.
Notice that the extractor only works with Hidden & Dangerous 2 files, and won't work with Sabre Squadron files. Valid files are:

  • Maps.dta
  • Missions.dta
  • Models.dta
  • Others.dta
  • Sounds.dta
  • Scripts.dta
For SabreSquadron files, you can ask to hdmaster on http://www.hidden-and-dangerous.net or searching for the topic dedicated to them.

Open a "cmd" shell and move to the new folder. Execute "DTAUnpacker.exe" without arguments. You'll see a list of H&D2 files (along with Mafia files) and two keys each: image
Choose a file and execute "DTAUnpacker.exe FILE.DTA key1 key2". In this example, I'm gonna to extract Missions.dta. When done, you'll find a new folder created inside the current directory, named as the .dta chosen: image. This is the content of the .DTA just extracted.

Extract all .dta files and put the new folders aside. Do not put the whole new folders inside the H&D2 directories! Just have an archive. You'll draw and copy to H&D2 directories only the files you need to modify.