Problem01

I think your using the wrong version of 3dsmax - are you making wc3 or sc2 models? What year is it? Mine is 2011 for example.

When you export the model with the wow veiwer is it as m2 format, obj format, fbx format, or xml format?

I think some file types save the mesh-bones attachements and some dont - I export the world of warcraft models as fbx files, which I then open in 2011 3dsmax. These file types (fbx) do indeed save the mesh bone attachments while for example I think obj files do not.

Edit: oh is this actually a wow model? What is the source of this peice?

It's from Gothic 1, a very atmospheric and "realistic" fantasy rts. The creatures in it are designed in intelligent ways and everyting about them makes sense evolutionarily. Many even have evolutionarily regressing & atavistic features, like this one has remains of gills when textured, even though it now looks like an insect.

hmmm fascinating. im not too familiar with that games file type however, but I still think you could re attach the mesh to the bones and get something half decent in mdlvis editor.