GCFScape questions

[Combine_Killer]

This is my first time doing a mod and I have a question. I wanted some textures but couldn't find any .WAD files.
I read in several posts that I need to download GCFScape to get .WAD files from .GCF files (or something like that.) So I downloaded GCFScape and fired it up. Anyway, I was able to get to several of what I think are the textures from in the game (maps, NPCs, expressions.) I clicked on one and got this message.

Failed to shell execute:
C:\DOCUME ~1\Steve\LOCALS ~1\Temp\al_doworst.vcd
File type has no default program associated with it.

The message was always the same except that the last part, al_doworst.vcd, would change with what file I clicked on. I downloaded .NET Framework, and one other .NET thing, but the message is always the same. WHAT IS WRONG!!!!!!! PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Limpet]

In the source engine textures are stored as .vtf and information about that texture is stored in a .vmt
.wad files are not used in the Source engine. and .vcd files are used for the ingame animations that the characters go though.

 

[Raeven0]

You're trying to open a file that's not associated with any particular program by Windows. Thus, the file can't be opened.

As mentioned, you want the VMT as well as the VTF referenced in its $basetexture line, though.

 

[Combine_Killer]

OK, so why does Hammer say I can only use .WAD or .pak files when I try to add textures. Also, I downloaded something called vmtCREATE because I had heard about it and I noticed all the files were .vmt of .vtf when I was using GCFScape. I am trying to figure out how to use the program. Is vmtCREATE even the right program? If it is are there instructions or is there a tutorial on the internet.

 

[Combine_Killer]

BTW, I amusing Hammer 3.4

 

[Raeven0]

If you plan on mapping for Source, you need to download the Source SDK at the bottom of the Play Games menu. Hammer 4 comes with it and pulls all materials from the GCFs by default.