Lots of noob questions on private server

[Lothiriel]

I set up a server to play solo (server + client on same PC) and I have a lot of questions - it's hard to find a good source of info on google. If anyone has any links I would appreciate it, or if someone could answer some of these questions. Thanks!

(1) When starting up the server, the "loading zones..." step takes a LONG time, like 15+ minutes - is there a way to speed this up?
(2) I assume any modifications that aren't in the map_darkstar.conf or settings.lua file require a recompile to take effect, is that true?
(3) If I recompile the source code, do I have to re-link the database or does that stick?
(4) If I recompile the source code and create new .exe files, will character data be erased/reset? If so, how do I prevent that?
(5) How can I set it up so there are no limits on how many crafts a character can level? (i.e. if I want to get 100 on every craft on one character)
(6) Where do I mess with NM pop rates?

[whasf]

I set up a server to play solo (server + client on same PC) and I have a lot of questions - it's hard to find a good source of info on google. If anyone has any links I would appreciate it, or if someone could answer some of these questions. Thanks!

(1) When starting up the server, the "loading zones..." step takes a LONG time, like 15+ minutes - is there a way to speed this up?

Compile it in release mode and/or don't use the navmeshes

(2) I assume any modifications that aren't in the map_darkstar.conf or settings.lua file require a recompile to take effect, is that true?

Not necessarily, some scripts don't

(3) If I recompile the source code, do I have to re-link the database or does that stick?

Source code has nothing to do with the database, so the answer is no

(4) If I recompile the source code and create new .exe files, will character data be erased/reset? If so, how do I prevent that?

No

(5) How can I set it up so there are no limits on how many crafts a character can level? (i.e. if I want to get 100 on every craft on one character)

No idea, I think it's db changes

(6) Where do I mess with NM pop rates?

Depends on the NM. Either their script or mob_pools table

[Lothiriel]

Thanks for the answers! Is this the best place to ask questions or is there a more active forum somewhere?

Switching to release mode made the server start up in 3 minutes instead of 10 so that's awesome. How do you turn off navmeshes?

[whasf]

Just delete the "navmeshes" folder, then restart the server
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