well..i couldnt find anything with the search function and actually have no idea how to search for what i want to know:

how do you find the .tga that belongs to a specific .msh file without owning photoshop or something?

iam currently going with trial and error looking at the names that seem to fit most...but this isnt always the way to go since iam stuck searching the .tga for the doorpanel/mechanics of the kashyyk walldoor for example.

just copying all the .tga files available is no option for me either because i want to use only the files that are really needed (mostly to become more comfortable with the system and finding my way into the "language" of modding swbf2..and of course keeping things as easy as possible)

correct me if this is the wrong forum or if this question already has been answered somewhere else...incase its alright i apreciate your help and say thx in advance

Open the MSH in a free Hex editor, then use the search function to look for TGA

i always use mshveiwer to just "save as" at a different directory, that takes (usually) all the tga's and saves them with the msh wherever you told it to.

or, you can open the mesh with a hex-editor and find all the names of the tga's. then you will have to find them in your folder and copy them elsewhere.

open the msh file in a hex editor (look in the FAQ thread), look for references for .tga
Don't save it if you accidently made changes.

Or, use the mshViewer found in the FAQ. Open the msh. On the tool bar click Show->Debug Window then look for the .tga files

Edit: aw, tean beat me...
Edit2: IndianaJoe beat me also....

wow that was quick...thx to the three of you
btw i just downloaded gimp..going for mshviewer now

(offtopic: it looks like all the programs listed in the FAQ thread give everyone the opportunity to easily make new skins and even models AND the ability to even export all the files so that you can actually use them for the tools...man how things have developed in the last 5 years )

really, anyone can (with the skill) do anything except export their own playermodels+anims without a full XSi (once your trial is up that is )