PoorJack - Comments

Just tried to apply a skin and restore to the default skin with the program, and things work well as usual.

After all, "FM Skins Manager is a standalone utility application designed to help you...", so it's independent to FM. From my understanding, it's main feature is to copy files out from the game folder as backup, and copy skin files to there and install it. Don't see how a patch would break this program… 

The program copies whatever files in a skin folder to the game folder, so if things don't work, it's more likely about the skin. Or, a possible reason is that the program doesn't have the right to access the game folder, so nothing is updated after applying a skin. However, if things were working for you before, then it's probably not the case. 

Anyway: 

1. What exactly do you mean by "nothing changes"? Were the files copied to the game folder?
2. Is the game working properly with the default skin after the patch?
3. Are you using skins that are compatible with 26.3.1?
4. If you manually apply the skin, does everything work?

May try to reset and return to the default skin first, then start over. For reference: https://support.sega.com/hc/en-gb/articles/29454156611985-How-to-verify-the-integrity-of-Football-Manager-s-files 

A possible “nothing changes” scenario: 

If you click on the “Apply Selected Skins” button without enabling a skin (i.e. toggle its switch to “green”) first: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqGY8JT37dI 

If I'm not mistaken, do you mean you released players one by one? Can't imagine how much work there's… 

Suppose the pre-game editor can edit multiple players at once? 

https://community.sports-interactive.com/forums/topic/466012-pre-game-mass-edit/ 

OR, may try: https://www.fmrte.com/forums/topic/12203-mass-edit-players-to-be-free-agents/

Never use either, so not familiar with them, but hopefully, they can do the job and save you some time… 

It's not necessarily helpful to post the details of the tactics and expect to find a solution. 

There's not a single way to win games. This is no right or wrong in any tactics… not as simple as spotting errors here or there from some screenshots. For example, one can score goals with a long-ball tactic. However, if your strikers aren't tall, or/and you're facing big defenders, then it's just not effective or even struggling… however, we can't see all these from the tactic or instructions. 

>"What should i do?" 

Watch the gameplay and observe, study the statistics and analyze… Then, try to figure out any possible reason(s), for example: 

• Many mistakes when in possession… (Players not skillful enough? Anyone always struggles in the process?)
• Conceding goals from through balls… (Defense line too high? Slow defenders?)
• Missing passes a lot… (Players too far from each other? Tempo too fast?)
• Conceding goals late in the game… (Low stamina? Getting tired due to high intensity?)

It's the manager's job to identify the problems and then fix them. Yes, it's a lot of trials and errors, and will surely take some time, but this is also the fun of this game. 

>“as you know the faces and iconfaces cartel already exist”

No, not necessarily… this is all about how you organize your stuff. 

Anyway, it's nothing complicated or technical. Let's have a look at others' graphics folder… it's time to get some ideas about managing add-ons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQa7BI7jCGg 

1

>"replace fake player names"

Real Name Fix:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uPK-BW9HwE 

>“I wish to play with maximum possible realism” 

For example… 

Data Update: 

https://sortitoutsi.net/football-manager-data-update

Logos: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmuj16QxMBg 

Kits: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1Lmg0aL5gc 

Faces: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQa7BI7jCGg 

Others: 

https://sortitoutsi.net/content/75819/fm26-stadium-megapack 

https://sortitoutsi.net/content/76922/fm26-nations-update

https://sortitoutsi.net/content/75040/fm26-2025-26-real-fixture-results-6-11-2025

https://www.fmscout.com/a-increase-realism-megapack-fm26.html 

2 

May try Pre-Game Editor: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJSDa67QTMA 

However: https://www.fmscout.com/q-24297-Russia-unban-European-Football.html 

3 

English Lower League Database: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ene3SkCn9rc 

>"should i just stay in fm24 or can i do something about this?"  

Well, you can give up if you don't want to bother. However, you're likely the person who messed things up… should you stay and help fix it? 

Anyway, let's start investigating… 

Not sure about the hardware, we don't have the same stuff to test anyway. Also, suppose things were working well before with the same spec, right? 

Next is the mods or add-ons, and you may do a forward or backward test: 

Forward: 

You may remove all the 3rd-party stuff first, and test if the game still crashes. Then, add the mods/add-ons one by one (you may test two by two or even more, if you've plenty of them and want to speed up a bit) to test which may have caused the issue. 

OR

Backward: 

Start with what you've now, then remove mods/add-ons one by one, and run the game. Let's see which one(s) causes the crash. 

(Hint: May try the most “intrusive” (naturally, the likeliest to cause instability on the game system), or the newest added mods/add-ons (assume that everything was alright not long ago) first...)

Nothing complicated… it just takes time and patience to test which one(s) is the problem. 

In case you may want to reset the game: 

https://support.sega.com/hc/en-gb/articles/29425337798673-How-to-remove-caches-and-or-preferences-folders-in-Football-Manager 

https://support.sega.com/hc/en-gb/articles/29454156611985-How-to-verify-the-integrity-of-Football-Manager-s-files

The simplest explanation is: 

Some files from the skin are updated after the patch. This breaks the skin… as the new files are basically for the default skin, not other skins. 

Then, if you “tried the skin last night twice”… assume that you meant you applied the skin files again, then this could break the game. Think about it: You're replacing 26.3.1 files with some 26.3.0 files from your skin. 

If you need any rescue: 

https://support.sega.com/hc/en-gb/articles/29454156611985-How-to-verify-the-integrity-of-Football-Manager-s-files

==============================================================================================================

To whom it may concern: 

Anyone bothers to back up or/and learns how to fix the problem first? 

Anyone bothers to understand what's going on when you replace the game files with some 3rd-party skin files? 

Anyone is aware that this is high-risk? 

If it's no for the above questions, then you may not be ready to use a 3rd-party skin. Sure if you're brave and like gambling, go ahead… it's your choice. However, at least, you need to understand what you're doing… 

Suppose these kind of posts will show up again anyway, when the next patch arrives… 

>“any quick fix bar verifying files?”

https://support.sega.com/hc/en-gb/articles/29454156611985-How-to-verify-the-integrity-of-Football-Manager-s-files

>“i tried using fm skin manager to restore the default but i think it made things worse.”

The question is: When did you create the backup using the program? 

If your backup is from 26.3.0 or earlier, and you restored those files after updating the game to 26.3.1, then of course, things don't work. 

>"where the files should actually go"

Since you said “the game does seem to recognise some update files”… if editor data files are available when loading up the database, then you're at the right folder. Be more confident to yourself… it may not be related to Mac, since you've actually got things work. 

Anyway, please refer to "How to install a Football Manager Data Update": 

https://sortitoutsi.net/football-manager-data-update 

Notes on Mac: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/footballmanagergames/comments/1r5y6ci/cannot_locate_the_folder_that_saves_games_on_mac/

https://www.reddit.com/r/footballmanagergames/comments/18nxu5d/how_to_add_a_custom_database_on_mac/

>"whether the current SortitoutSI update includes the 2026/27 England structure yet" 

Normally, the data update creators won't update promotions and relegations until everything is settled. 

Every division connects to others, and if you update everything immediately after what's going on in real life, then you could mess up the entire structure. For example, you may move 3 teams down but only 2 teams up… while waiting for the last team after an upcoming playoff final. So, what happens now? You've a wrong number of teams in some divisions… 

The fact is that English League Two playoff final was just finished yesterday (25 May). 

Anyway, you may simply edit the promotions and relegations with the editor… if you can't wait. Just a few clicks and you've it instantly… nice and easy! 

This is likely what YouTubers are doing… They're shooting videos about specific scenarios, e.g. swapping teams. So, what's the best thing to prepare the database? DIY, so they can have it exactly the way they want and have it right away. 

You'd be an absolute legend… if you take action and try first. This is the best way to learn… let us know in case you face any issues. 

All the information is already there, and here's where you may start from: 

There's a section named “How to install a Football Manager Data Update” on the Data Update page: 

https://sortitoutsi.net/football-manager-data-update/fm24-transfer-update 

Also, a video tutorial: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOVxHJa2AjI 

Notes on Mac: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/footballmanagergames/comments/1fs5t7k/latest_transfer_wont_update_on_my_macbook/ 

https://www.reddit.com/r/footballmanagergames/comments/18nxu5d/how_to_add_a_custom_database_on_mac/ 

P.S. 

Before asking for help, help yourself first. 

May add some keywords in the subject of the post, e.g. “data update”… So, people, who have relevant knowledge and experience, would take notice and help you. “Help please” is just too general, and doesn't provide any information… it's easily neglected among other posts in the forum.  

For reference: https://community.sports-interactive.com/forums/topic/595560-sheffield-wednesday-administration-and-points-deduction/ 

Let's have a look at each scenario together, shall we? 

Replace the config.xml file

As you said, the Wonderkid config.xml “shouldn't overwrite the larger ‘config.xml’' file" (from the Cut-Out Face Pack). The standard Cut-Out config.xml file is larger as it contains more data. 

The difference in file sizes is a good observation, however the bottom line is: The Wonderkid Face Pack isn't an update of the Cut-Out Face Pack. They've their own data, and don't include each other's data… well, why should they? 

So, if you replace the Cut-Out config.xml file with the Wonderkid's, what will happen? You simply kill the Cut-Out Face Pack, and its pictures aren't going to show. Make sense? 

Merge the config.xml files into one 

If you prefer having both packs in the same folder, then you need to merge both config.xml files into a single file (sure you know it only allows one config.xml file in a folder). As you can imagine, it's going to take some time and effort to do this operation, and be very careful not to mess up anything. 

Next, the question is: What happens when there's a new update for the Cut-Out Face Pack? Since you'll have a new config.xml file then, you're going to do the merging work again. 

Also, in case one of the packs hits some issues and requires a complete reset (remove the current pack and download a new one), then it'd become a big headache… since you've mixed multiple packs together. 

It's not a problem… if you don't mind the hassle. For reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diHN8TU_a94 

>“Should these go into a separate folder of their own?”

The reasons are as above. So, it's up to you… obviously, some options may make your life easier. 

Extract the Wonderkids Face Pack into a separate folder 

Seems to be the easiest and most convenient way, agree? 

>"Where do I install the Wonderkids cut-out faces?"

If you can set up the Cut-Out Face Pack, sure you can do it with the Wonderkids Face Pack, or any graphics add-ons. 

Put it another way: If it's so strict that it needs to be in a specific folder, you'll be given a clear instruction or reminder. Don't you think? Just put it under the graphics folder, same as installing a face pack, a logo pack and a kit pack. 

>“Under the "Graphics" folder, there are already subfolders for "iconfaces" and “faces.”” 

This is a matter of anyone's habit, and it's better to organize everything first. May have a look at others' graphics folder, which should hopefully give you some ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQa7BI7jCGg 

2. 

Simply check out those players' photos on the internet, and see if the images are their actual faces. By the way, why do you want to install something that you've no idea? Suppose you should have at least seen some samples of those photos first? 

Well, guess it's easier to collect photos from the net than using AI to generate each of them… Moreover, what's the point to offer fictional pictures for those real wonderkids anyway? 

3. 

>“faces that look like older adults”

Everyone's standard is different, so just play/simulate a game and see for yourself. It only takes you 20 minutes or so. 

Anyway, if you want better newgens photos, then may have a look at: https://ngregens.org/

After all, it's nothing complicated at all… imagine it's your work or study, e.g. managing your projects or messages. Just think more (that's why I asked you plenty of questions above), then take action and experiment. 

For reference: https://community.sports-interactive.com/forums/topic/466012-pre-game-mass-edit/ 

Same as adding faces to players whose pictures aren't included in a face pack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diHN8TU_a94 Some people simply edit the config.xml file from a face pack. 

Alternatively, you may do it in a brand new folder… if you've many images to add, i.e. build a new config.xml file and have your own little pack. So, basically, what you said is just the same as above…  

However, if you simply put 2 logo packs into the graphics folder, there would be some duplicate entries from the 2 config.xml files. So, which logo to display for a club? Not sure how the system decides… 

If you mean “serve as a supplement to the Metallic Logos pack", then you may need to clean up the packs and their config.xml files, i.e. remove the duplicates. 

Of course, if you don't mind and/or don't want to bother, you may simply drop the packs into the graphics folder and see how it goes… This way, you can also test if it slows down the game and your computer. 

It may not be obvious in some cases, but you may see logos of different designs or styles in a fixture list or on whatever pages. It's alright if you don't mind the inconsistency. 

Of course, you may re-design or edit other logos to match the style of Metallic Logos pack. This would truly be “serve as a supplement to the Metallic Logos pack”. 

OK, let's take one step at a time, the first thing is: Remove the players from the current squad. For example:  

For every club: 

Tick “Use Fake Players and Staff” when creating a new game. 

For your own club: 

Try the pre-game editor and remove every player from the club. 

Build a new club: 

Not “an empty active club”, but maybe more straightforward to have a fresh start, for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szJF5reZb2Y 

The system would then fill up your squad… guess may have a few foreigners there. 

For reference: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diHN8TU_a94 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJFN3BwLffg 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E80eRRpv8Gg 

Skin? Editor data files? 

Anyway, for reference: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/footballmanagergames/comments/1ofzuxj/fm26_a_serious_error_encountered/ 

https://www.reddit.com/r/footballmanagergames/comments/1szprro/application_error_a_serious_error_was_encountered/ 

P.S. 

Just a tip: Before asking for help, help yourself first. 

Better include some keywords in the subject of your post, so people, who have relevant experience or knowledge, would notice your post and may click inside and read, e.g. “Start a new Career Mode but wont load” or “FM2026 Regen Error after 2050s”. That would help increase the chance to receive assistance and hopefully solve your problems ASAP. 

“Can someone please help” is just too… general and not providing any information at all, and would easily be ignored among thousands of posts in the forum. 

There should be a config.xml file coming with the pack, therefore you don't need FMXML or any programs to build another config.xml. Even if you're to add an image for a player, whose picture isn't in the pack, you may just add an entry to the config.xml with a text editor. 

However, I suppose a well-known player, like Trossard, is already included in the config.xml from the pack. Just extract the face pack to the folder, and you're ready to play. 

Anyway, there are 3 things required to show a picture of player in the game: 

• Player ID
• Image file
• The corresponding entry in the config.xml file

So, please check if the above are all valid… 

For reference: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PntxsezYyss 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1KMbdGXMJQ 

In case you got the wrong pack, here's the one for FM24: 

https://sortitoutsi.net/graphics/archive/1 

Refer to the first post, the difference is the filename. Not sure if there is a small version of logos in FM24 as well… can't remember. Anyway, since you've an old logo pack as well as the latest Metallic Logos Megapack for FM26, you may compare all the difference. 

So, next… you may consider renaming (or resizing) the files in the latest Metallic Logos Megapack, to make things work for your FM22. 

Of course, please make sure you know what you're doing… back up the files first. Better try a few files first and experiment… Also, you need to do the same every time an update is released here, if you want to keep things updated. 

Alternatively, you may check out other logo packs, e.g. https://footballmanagergraphics.com/files/category/58-football-manager-2024-logos/ 

Not sure what “click on the disk” means… your anti-virus is scanning the files when you access the drive? 

Anyway, it's just a straightforward reason: 

There are about 300,000 files in the pack, and your computer needs to work hard to process, and your hard disk takes time to delete the files. 

For reference: 

https://www.fmrte.com/forums/topic/12374-transfer-ban-i%CC%87s-it-possible/ 

https://www.reddit.com/r/footballmanagergames/comments/1izp0yd/how_to_ban_transfers_for_all_clubs/ 

Let's review the process together: 

When you create a profile in NG_Regens Manager and generate faces, did you attach a save game there? I think, you only give it a profile name. 

So, how does the program know which save game you're playing now? 

“do I need to activate the saves in the face manager…” 

There's only profiles in NG_Regens Manager, no “saves” there. 

It's not the latest version, but for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2LyI2Nr0Zo 

They don't just click the button and upload the update after the whistle blown in the last playoff match… It takes time to test and verify everything. 

https://community.sports-interactive.com/forums/topic/600896-question-about-the-fm26-world-cup-update/ 

Well, you're the manager in the game… making decisions to splash your transfer budget and sign a player. But, you can't decide whether to try a new game? 

The demo is free… what's the concern? 

Anyway, may watch some gameplay in YouTube, and have better ideas about FM26 first. 

Who's going to update the latest transfers for FM2012? 

This is like… who's going to produce and sell phone cases for iPhone 4 in 2026? 

May try the demo: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3551340/Football_Manager_26/ 

Touched anything in “Accessibility” in Preferences? 

If yes, suppose this should have changed colors on other pages too… so, noticed any difference elsewhere? 

Anyway, may consider the usual tricks: 

"Reset to Default" and start over:

https://sortitoutsi.net/content/75736/fm26-how-to-set-up-your-preferences

OR 

“Verify integrity of game files”

https://sortitoutsi.net/content/75708/fm26-how-to-reset-original-files 

OR 

Reinstallation? 

“When each game is released we release a base file containing the complete pack. Then we regularly release smaller updates throughout the year that you can download so you don't have to download the whole thing when we update.” 

https://sortitoutsi.net/graphics/24/download 

It writes “FM26 starts here!”, so this is the “base file” to start… as the description above. Nothing complicated, no need to overthink. Then, if you need updates, then download those files too. 

For reference: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmuj16QxMBg 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JZSlbOoouc 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHqfFCNziVc

Try other tactics? 

If no tactics works, then you may have put the files in the wrong folder. 

If other tactics work except a particular one, then that tactic file may be broken or whatever. 

For reference: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6-yH8udXJQ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dceaP4W-opA 

Before asking for help, help others first: 

Provide more information, e.g. a screenshot of your tactic folder location would be helpful. 

Next, help yourself too: 

A better title for your post would help. Something like “tatics” (or “tactics”) or “help” isn't very helpful in attracting anyone, who have related knowledge or experience, to click into your post. 

“tatics”… I initially thought you're sharing a tactic, instead of seeking help. 

For me, I'd try the best to avoid being “intrusive” to the game system and risk disturbing the balance within the game... A crash is the last thing I want. 

Of course, this is your game… so, by all means, do anything you like. I'm interested in how to implement and what happens… if you do what you plan to do. Please report back then. 

P.S. 

Just think of one more issue: 

You're trying to get rid of those youngsters, who are subpar at your level. However, they're actually decent players at lower leagues… 

When you reduce the number of them entering the game every season, that could cause fewer players available for lower league teams… in theory. This may upset the balance of the entire ecosystem. 

Better experiment first… simulate a few seasons and see what the game becomes. 

As said, you've made other graphics add-ons work, so you know how to do it and have been doing things right. 

Back to the question in my previous reply: 

Maybe… you've multiple logo packs in the graphics folder? This may cause conflicts, e.g. the game displays another logo instead of the one from Metallic Logos. 

“I don't know if the problem is with the config file, which isn't being recognized.”… If you don't know, then find it out: Download everything again and install it completely fresh. So, this time, you're sure you've a working config.xml file. 

This is like… solving a math question: You're stuck in the middle, not sure which step(s) goes wrong… Sometimes, it may be the best to start all over again. 

“I've tried everything and it never works. I only had success with Standard Logos, but I've been using Metallic Logos for years.”  provides no useful information to speculate what may go wrong. Screenshots of the graphics folder structure and Metallic Logos folder may be helpful. 

Why does everybody like asking ChatGPT about FM? I doubt that ChatGPT has played the game at all… and, in contrast,  you've been playing for years!  

I'm not against AI, but it's making some people casting doubt on themselves for no reasons. You keep questioning yourselves for something you've been doing for years, and consult “somebody” who has zero experience. 

You've been doing this for years, and your first post was “I'd like to ask how to install Metallic Logos.” Be more confidence in yourself… you know how to do it. May just clear your mind and start from scratch.