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ESP = Elder Scrolls Plugin => Files with ending *.esp.
The Folder Structure Many Mods only contain Plugins, others just Folders - usually you'll find both. To avoid issues under Vista and Win7, the install location of Steam can be customised, see point #V. > The default path for Steam Versions is C: \ Program Files \ Steam \ steamapps \ Common \ Fallout 3 \ Data That's why in some READMEs you'll find the term " \ Fallout 3 \ Data \" You may have customised the install path to something else e.g. > The default path for DVD Versions is C: \ Program Files \ Bethesda Softworks \ Fallout 3 \ Data
All Mods have to be placed into the Data Directory of your Game. You'll find files with ending *.esp or *.esm and maybe additional folders like textures, meshes or sound.Īfter you unpacked a lot of Mods, you'll consider each result as quite unique, but generally the structure is almost the same.Īnyway, there are two common rules you should keep in mind: Examine the files / folders of the Mod you've unpacked to get a quick overview.Įxample of an unzipped Mod under XP and Vista / Windows7 Mods come as package -> first you need to extract them to a temporary location by using a tool like 7zip. Fallout Installation Cleaner (FOIC) -> cleans up your Fallout removes Mods, 3rd party tools. Games for Windows LIVE Disabler -> disables GfWL and moves your DLCs into your game folder. ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated -> does the whole "ArchiveInvalidation".
Fallout Mod Sorter (FOMS) -> another load order helper. Better Oblivion Sorting Software for Fallout3 (BOSS for FO3) -> sorts your load order automatically. FO3Edit -> detects Conflicts between Mods, a powerful tool for Mod editing. If you moved your DLCs from the Live location into your Data folder or if you use FOSE, read the "Point VII) Where Have All the Savegames Gone ". Fallout Script Extender (FOSE) -> many Mods require its additional scripting commands to work. Fallout Mod Manager (FOMM) -> optional Fallout Launcher providing very useful Modding-Tool, like BSA browser, BSA creator and TESsnip. Currently in beta stage and regarding tools not as powerful as FOMM, but more features will follow Nexus Mod Manager (NMM) -> The official Mod Manager. a "Data Compression Utility" like 7zip, WinRAR, IZArc or TUGZip -> to extract file archives. I ) Mods Prerequisites - Tools that make life easier Must Haves