1. Jan 16, 2017 - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition. Hello there fellow Dragonborn (or soon to be), and welcome to the work in progress for the complete guide on how to use Next mods with Skyrim SE. In file explorer go to: Your PC, where skyrim is installed Steamsteamappscommon.
2. Mods on Steam. Mods destributed via the Steam Store are typically full conversion mods or modifications that expand the storyline of their base game. Some of these are hosted on Steam and some are just links to the mod's website. Browse all mods.

1. Install Nexus Mods On Steam

The first Nexus Mods Screenshot Community Event is here! Submit your screenshots of Skyrim, Skyrim Special Edition, Enderal, Fallout 4, or Fallout 76 illustrating the event theme and seize your chance to win one of three £25 Steam Gift Cards ($33 depending on exchange rates). As we announced earlier this week.

This Tutorial aimed to be simple by leaving out all the information you don't need and to get an overview. If you use Windows Vista or Windows 7, you should read Point V) Installing Fallout first.
More information and further Links you'll find at the end of the article.

• 1I ) Mods Prerequisites - Tools that make life easier
• 2II ) Installing Mods
  • 2.2The Folder Structure
• 5V ) Installing Fallout
• 10X) Links

Must Haves

• a 'Data Compression Utility' like 7zip, WinRAR, IZArc or TUGZip -> to extract file archives
• Nexus Mod Manager (NMM) -> The official Mod Manager. Currently in beta stage and regarding tools not as powerful as FOMM, but more features will follow
• Fallout Mod Manager (FOMM) -> optional Fallout Launcher providing very useful Modding-Tool, like BSA browser, BSA creator and TESsnip
• Fallout Script Extender (FOSE) -> many Mods require its additional scripting commands to work

Recommended Additions

• FO3Edit -> detects Conflicts between Mods, a powerful tool for Mod editing
• Better Oblivion Sorting Software for Fallout3 (BOSS for FO3) -> sorts your load order automatically
• Fallout Mod Sorter (FOMS) -> another load order helper
• ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated -> does the whole 'ArchiveInvalidation'
• Games for Windows LIVE Disabler -> disables GfWL and moves your DLCs into your game folder
• Fallout Installation Cleaner (FOIC) -> cleans up your Fallout; removes Mods, 3rd party tools, ... etc

Mods come as package -> first you need to extract them to a temporary location by using a tool like 7zip. Examine the files / folders of the Mod you've unpacked to get a quick overview.

Example of an unzipped Mod under XP and Vista / Windows7
You'll find files with ending *.esp or *.esm and maybe additional folders like textures, meshes or sound.
After you unpacked a lot of Mods, you'll consider each result as quite unique, but generally the structure is almost the same.
Anyway, there are two common rules you should keep in mind:

1. All Mods have to be placed into the Data Directory of your Game.
2. The folder structure must be correct.

The Data Folder

-> The default path for DVD Versions is C: Program Files Bethesda Softworks Fallout 3 Data
You may have customised the install path to something else e.g. C: Games Fallout...
That's why in some READMEs you'll find the term '< install path > Fallout 3 Data '
-> The default path for Steam Versions is C: Program Files Steam steamapps Common Fallout 3 Data
To avoid issues under Vista and Win7, the install location of Steam can be customised, see point #V .29 Installing Fallout

The Folder Structure

Files that belong into the. This is the process to recognise certain new files which have been placed into the Data folder.
-> It's recommended to use the little tool ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated.
-> Unzip, run it, activate it
The whole Archive Invalidation will be done.

Finally check your G.E.C.K. Mods (*.esp) at your Fallout Launcher or use FOMM
(click to enlarge)
--> finished, enjoy the game :-)))
See videos on Youtube:
Fallout 3 - How to install Mods
Fallout 3 - How to install FOSE

Mods are best installed by your own.
( Avoid extracting something directly into your Game / Data Dir )

1. There could be a ReadMe -> It‘s recommended to read it before you install a Mod
2. Make a save game that is 'clean'. -> You could need it later - just to be sure
3. If you install a Mod by your own, you‘ll know how to remove it
4. Only add one Mod by one. -> Test it. -> If you install a plenty of Mods, you‘ll probably have to spend a plenty of time to figure out, why your game is crashing.
5. Take care of Mod Conflicts and your Load Order. Tools like FO3Edit and the Fallout Mod Sorter (FOMS) help to increase your games stability.
6. If something went terribly wrong, you'll be lucky if you backed up your Data folder

Keep your System up to date.

Perform a Windows Update including DirectX.

Clean your Windows

(CCleaner recommended) and reboot.

Install Fallout.

If you use Windows7 or Vista, it is highly recommended to install the game to another location than 'Program Files' ( for example C: GamesFallout 3 ) to avoid problems with the security feature UAC.
Alternatively you could disable UAC, but this may lead to a less secure system, so be warned. For Steam versions there is hardly a way to customise the install dir. So you may need to go for the 'disabling UAC' option - or install Steam to another location than 'Program Files'
e.g. C:GamesSteam ....
( click to enlarge )

Install the latest official Patch

Install the latest official Patch which fits to your game version. Note, that Steam and GotY versions should already be up-to-date.
=> If you get the xlive.dll error at start, see solution here: Games for Windows Live fix.

Backup your 'clean' Data folder before installing Mods.

It saves time if something went wrong - especially if you installed Fallout via Steam.
( a reinstall wont work in every case properly.

1. Backup save games and your ArchiveInvalidation.txt file if you use one
2. Uninstall Fallout3 in your System Control (Software / Programs) or use a helper like the Revo Uninstaller
3. There are two Folders left: the Game Dir (with your Mods) & your 'My Games' folder

   -> delete or simply rename the Folders to backup

   -> be careful with backed up data and avoid using old *.ini files

4. Clean Registry (CCleaner)
5. Reboot your System, to get all Registry changes applied
6. Go on with Point V) Installing Fallout

You can play Fallout in two different ways: off-line or on-line via GfWL.
As soon as you switch between these two modes, if you install F.O.S.E. (which disables GfWL) or if you simply move your DLC files into the Data folder, you'll consider your save games are 'gone'. This happens because Fallout uses two slightly different locations to store the game saves in.

• off-line: <Start Menu> Documents My Games Fallout3 Saves
• on-line: <Start Manu> Documents My Games Fallout3 Saves 'Your Live Name'

-> If you want to continue your game on-line or off-line, simply copy the save games into the respective location.

Sometimes you need to access hidden folders on your Hard Drive.
For example if you want to access the GfWL Folder where DLCs are stored in.

• XP: C: Documents and Settings 'User Account'Local SettingsApplication Data Microsoft Xlive

• Vista: C: Users 'User Account'AppData Local Microsoft XLive

These Folders are hidden by default so you may need to set them visible.
If you have to deal with several file extensions like *.exe, *.esp or *.bsa, you should disable Hidden file extensions too.

1. Open a Window, e.g. 'Computer' ( on Win7: hit < Alt > if the menu bar wont be shown on top of the window )
2. Go to Tools --> Folder Options and click the View tab.
3. In the Advanced settings list, enable the point 'Show hidden files and folders'.
4. Click to clear the check box 'Hide extensions for known file types'.
5. Apply this setting, and click OK.

If you test a lot of mods you may want to have quick and easy access to your data folder.
Creating a Desktop Shortcut:

1. Go to your Fallout 3 folder ( by default C:Program FilesBethesda SoftworksFallout 3

   or on Steam versions C:Program FilesSteamsteamappsCommonFallout 3 )

2. Right-Click on the Data folder icon
3. go to 'Send to'
4. click on 'Desktop (create shortcut)'
   

Sometimes it is recommended to use the Fake Patch and the Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch as workaround if you don't want to use the official Patches. But keep in mind that this wont work in every case properly. The latest official patch (v1.7) should be your very first choice.
Sometimes Modders get their file structures not correct.
In this case you could try to correct this by your own.
Use a tool like FO3 Archive Utility (requires Java) or FOMMs built in BSA Browser to open the *.bsa archives (e.g. Fallout - Textures.bsa) to get an idea, how the folder structure has to look like.
But do not try to change the *.bsa Archives!
(click to enlarge)
Here you reached the end ;-) and hope it helped to clear some things up.
Enjoy Fallout3Nexus and don`t forget to rate and comment a tested mod. Keep in mind it is lots of hard and unpaid work.
... happy modding folks

Missed something? More detailed Information here:

How to install Mods

'Fallout 3 Mods FAQ, A Beginners Guide' @Bethsoft.com
'How to install Mods for Fallout 3' by overload1977 @TheNexusForums (including DLC Help )
Installing A Mod With FOMM

Load Order Guides

'Getting DLC and mods working' by Wandik @TheNexusForums
How to handle load order
Load order and you
Load order recommendations
Simple FOMM load order tweaking

Troubleshooting

Crashes fix/reduce guide
Modification Troubleshooting @TheNexusForums.com
Technical Support @TheNexusForums.com
Official Technical Support Forums @Bethsoft.com
Possible solutions to crashing & other issues @Bethsoft.com
Radio Stutter Thread @TheNexusForums.com

Tweak Guide

Fallout 3 Tweak Guide @Tweakguides.com

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ @Thenexusforums.com

Wiki

Fallout Wiki @wikia.com
Fallout 3 modding FAQ @wikia.com

Where else to get Mods

Mods Reloaded.com
No Mutants Allowed.com
Planet Fallout.com

• 4How To Manually Install Fallout 4 Mods
• 5How To Manually Uninstall Fallout 4 Mods

WARNINGS

THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS ARE GENERALIZED. ALWAYS FOLLOW ANY INSTRUCTIONS THAT MAY BE PROVIDED BY THE MOD AUTHOR.

OVERWRITING GAME FILES IS RISKY AND MAY COMPROMISE THE INTEGRITY OF YOUR GAME INSTALL. DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.

USAGE OF GAME MODIFICATIONS MAY RESULT IN SAVEGAME INSTABILITY. ALWAYS KEEP BACK-UPS!

How To Enable Fallout 4 Mods

How to enable modding

1. Navigate to your Fallout 4 Folder at the following location 'DocumentsMy GamesFallout4'
2. Within this folder you'll find a number of .ini files.
3. Open (or create, if missing) Fallout4Custom.ini with your favourite text editor (we use Notepad++).
4. Add the following lines to your Fallout4Custom.ini

   [Archive]

   bInvalidateOlderFiles=1

   sResourceDataDirsFinal=

5. Save and close Fallout4Custom.ini

That's it, you're ready to get modding! :)

Nexus Mod Manager

Manually installing mods can be tricky and there is always some risk of damaging your game installation. The Nexus Mod Manager makes this process safer and easier by providing users with an easy way to download, install, enable, disable, and remove Fallout 4 mods, all from a centralized interface.

NMM is now a community project, and its development /support has been moved to GitHub:

- Releases (Downloads)

- Issues

How To Manually Install Fallout 4 Mods

Archive Extractors

You will need an archive extractor such as 7zip, WinRar, or other solution.

Finding Your Data Folder

This is where you will install Fallout 4 modification files.

• The default location for your data folder is within your steam games installation directory:

C: Program Files Steam steamapps Common Fallout 4 Data

• An alternative method for finding your installation directory:

In Steam, right-click the game title > Properties > Local Files > Browse Local Files > Then open the “data” folder.

You have now found your data folder. Remember this location.

Installing Loose files

'Loose files' refers to a mod who’s content files are separate, individually contained within an archive that must be extracted to your data folder.

• To install, extract the contents of the mod archive to your data folder.

If the archive already contains a ‘data’ folder, extract it directly to your installation directory instead.

That’s it! You should now be able to load the game and see the installed mod in action.

Installing Plugins

Plugins are mods that are packaged as self-contained ESP files (.esp). These plugins must be extracted to your data folder and unlike loose files, must be enabled via the plugins.txt file.

• To install a plugin, simply extract the archive to your data folder.

If the archive already contains a ‘data’ folder, extract it directly to your installation directory instead.

After installation, plugins must be enabled before they will be active in-game.

Enabling Plugins

Plugins, unlike loose files, must be enabled in Fallout 4 by adding them to your plugins.txt file before they are active in-game.

• Locate your plugins.txt file in your Fallout 4 AppData folder

This folder is hidden by default. To ensure that you are able to see hidden files in windows file explorer, access Tools > Folder Options > View > then select “Show Hidden Files”

The Fallout 4 AppData folder can be found in “C:/Users/[YourUsername]/AppData/Local”

Alternatively, in windows explorer, you can type “%LocalAppData%/Fallout4” into the browser bar and be taken directly to this folder.

• Run the Fallout 4 Launcher (do not run the game) then quit the launcher. This will populate your plugins.txt file with the newly added ESP file.

• Open the plugins.txt file located in Fallout 4's AppData folder with a text editor such as Notepad++

• Ensure the new ESP file is listed.

Install Nexus Mods On Steam

If you enabled modding correctly as described in the 'How to Enable Fallout 4 mod support' section at the top of this page, the mod (ESP file) you are installing will be now listed in this file, after the Fallout 4 launcher is run. If not, you may try manually add the mod to this list as a whole filename with extension (ie. yourmod.esp).

After confirming the ESP file is listed in your plugins.txt file, you are done! You should now be able to see the mod you installed active in-game.

How To Manually Uninstall Fallout 4 Mods

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE GAME FILES

Removing files from your installation directory can be risky and might result in having to reinstall the game. We recommend using Nexus Mod Manager to make the installation and removal of mods safer and easier.

Removal of loose files

Verify the files used by the mod you would like to remove by examining the original archive. Remove files you confirm to be used by the mod.

Be very careful about removing core game files that the mod may have over-written. Doing so may damage your game installation.

Removal of plugins

Removing plugins is somewhat safer than loose-files in that plugins are self-contained and will not affect the integrity of the game installation when removed.

Verify the files used by the mod you would like to remove by examining the original archive. Remove files you confirm to be used by the mod.

Deactivating Plugins

Plugins can be deactivated by modifying the plugins.txt file (as described in the installation process) and removing the line that references the plugin you wish to deactivate.

How to verify game integrity

Should you ever find yourself in need of repairing your game installation, Steam has a handy tool that will help:

In Steam, right-click the game title > Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Cache

This will ensure that your game installation is valid and in working order, though this may disable / invalidate any mods that were installed before starting the process.