Making your own CON files isn't really that hard. All you have to do is know how to load the file into an editor of some type and make changes to suit your wishes.
I would suggest making a directory called dukeback and copy your three original CON files into it. If you do make backups of your origninal .CON files before you edit them, you will have to waste your time completely re-installing Duke Nukem 3D when you want to use the original settings.
WHICH FILE TO EDIT
If you want to change how the game plays, including maximum health, weapon damage, maximum ammo, sounds, etc. then you will want to change the USER.CON file. This file contains all of the information on how the game will play, including allowing you to change the music and sounds to ones you just might like better.
Modifying .CON Files in Windows 95
Open the Windows Explorer application in the Start Menu. If you can't find it there, you can right-click on the START button and select Explore.
Locate the directory where Duke Nukem 3D is installed (usually \duke3d).
Find the file you want to modify (DEFS.CON, GAME.CON, or USER.CON). Don't forget to make your backups before modifying these files!
Click on the file you want to modify. If you have never modified one of these files, you will need to choose an application to load the file into. A selection box should pop up for you to choose from. You can use either the Notepad or the Wordpad to edit these files.
Make the changes you desire and save them by clicking on the File menu and selecting Save.
If you plan to make several files, you should select Save As to change the filename. However, these files will only work with the original name unless you change the section in the GAME.COM with the lines include to the name of the file you saved.
Modifying .CON Files in DOS
If you are using Microsoft DOS 5.0 or higher, you can use the DOS edit command to edit these files. To load the editor, just type edit at the DOS prompt. If it does not load, you will need to locate the file EDIT.COM. With versions before Windows 95, you should find it in the /DOS directory. If you are at a Windows 95 DOS prompt, it will be in the \WINDOWS\COMMAND directory.
To load a file into the editor, click File then Open. This will bring up a directory list box.
Locate the directory where Duke Nukem 3D is installed (usually \duke3d).
Find the file you want to modify (DEFS.CON, GAME.CON, or USER.CON). Highlight the file you want to load then click on OK. Don't forget to make your backups before modifying these files!
Make the changes you desire and save them by clicking on the File menu and selecting Save.
If you plan to make several files, you should select Save As to change the filename. However, these files will only work with the original name unless you change the section in the GAME.COM with the lines include to the name of the file you saved.
