[Closed] 3ds max normals

BUMP

 I'm also having problems with normals. I understand that 3dsmax frequently and constantly recalculates the normals on the go for every operation on the model. I also understand that the normals are more or less govern by the smoothgroups, and that import of normals is somewhat pointless.
 
 however, I'm trying to import a model not for editing.. but for animations. So I'm trying to import a model, and have it setup, rigged, materials set, etc.. all the users has to do is animate..
 
 for that to work normals from the original imported file is very important. that way the user doesn't need to rework the model to repair various normal problems that may have occurred when max recalculated.
 
 since the model requires the SKIN modifier present to maintain the skin weighting, it forces normal recalculation on the model. so the only way I'm able to hold the normals onto the model is by using the "Edit Normal" modifier.
 
 Below here is the script I wrote to apply the normals from my binary file to the "Edit Normal" modifier
 what I had to do was loop through the normals by faces on the mesh, and find the vertex id
 cause when I tried using setNormal <Mesh> <ID> <Point3> per vertex, the normals don't import properly.
 
 the script code is extremely inefficient, I'm hoping someone can help suggest a better method to apply the normals. or suggestions on optimizing my present script.
 
 thx in adv
 -mariokart64n

     clearSelection()
     select msh
     normMod = Edit_Normals()
     addModifier msh normMod
     
     for n = 1 to (normMod.GetNumFaces node:msh) do(
     vertID=getFace msh n
     normMod.displayLength = 0
     subobjectLevel = 1
     modPanel.setCurrentObject normMod
     
     for c = 1 to 3 do(
     normID=normMod.GetNormalID n c node:msh
     normMod.EditNormalsMod.SetSelection #{normID}
     normMod.EditNormalsMod.SetNormal normID vertBuffer.normal[(vertID[c])] node:msh
     normMod.SetNormal normID vertBuffer.normal[(vertID[c])] node:msh
     normMod.EditNormalsMod.MakeExplicit ()
     normMod.EditNormalsMod.SetSelection #{}
     ))
     subobjectLevel = 0
     -- update msh
     modPanel.setCurrentObject normMod