Hello,

My understanding for this (from reading the guide and posts here) is, If I wish to "replace" a whole file I need to keep the file name exact to that of the stock xml files, for example:- FactionDefs.xml. If I make a FactionDefs.xml and place it in a Mod it will replace the original factions, which it does. But, you know theres always a but

I have done this and the factions show up fine in the start screen/Game generation windows. My problem comes when either starting a game, it simply hangs with the spinning galaxy, or, in the Map Editor if I place a pre defined System(mine or the base games), it CTD's. IF I change the FactionDefs.xml to say FactionDefs_NEW.xml the game registers them along with the default factions, and allows a clean game to start. It also lets me place my pre defined systems with the map editor to create and save a Map.

I have created 9 major Factions (with predefined Systems and Planets) and 26 Minor factions (with predefined Systems and Planets) and have them in a FactionDefs.xml in my mod folder, I also have, StarSystemDefs.xml, StarDefs.xml, PlanetDefs.xml all with original names in the hope that these overwrite rather than appened the xml's. MY aim really is not to remove the Main factions, but the Minors. Now I can not do this without replacing FactionDefs.xml (or editing it in the base game folder which im loath to do for obvious reasons). If I remove the FactionDefs.xml from the mod directory and boot the game then go to the Map Editor. All my Sytems show up  and are placeable on the Map with no adverse effects like a CTD.

BTW Stardock this would be easier if you had a seperate xml for Minors

While in the Map Editor, while replacing the Base factions, I noticed that the base game systems are still listed, Sol, Drengi ect, even though I have them removed from my StarSystemDefs.xml and StarDefs.xml. So this says to me, these two files are appending rather than replacing (Screenshot https://www.dropbox.com/s/7o22094dtgkpfhx/Base%20Systems%20Still%20Listed.jpg?dl=0). Intentional or bug? I also think this is linked to the CTD above, I am not sure what is going on exactly.

Any insight/help in these matters is welcome.