Mod load Order.

[Thandal]

@DW; Sounds like it might be "Wiki Article" time... :whistling:

[nilmaboy]

Hiyas James, No problem! I'm glad to help out when I can :)

 

The instructions on DAMM are way too complicated and confusing. :confused:

 

Here's the simple method.

1) Download the mod to wherever it is that you download them on your hard drive. I personally use a custom folder that I save them in,separateperate drive. So.... for example.... save the file to someplace like E:/Dragon Age Mods/NameOfMod

 

2) Then once I've downloaded them to their folder, I convert them to .zip if necessary by first unpacking them from the .rar or .7z file. Then right clicking on them and choosing to add them to a new archive. (The options for that vary, depending on which program you're using...winzip, winrar, 7zip, etc) and then choose to put them in a .zip file.

 

IF the file inside the package is not a .dazip or .override. If so, just extract/unpack them there, and then skip to #4.

 

3) I then right click on the new .zip file and choose "rename". I rename the extension of the file from .zip to .dazip Windows will ask you if you are sure that you want to rename it, as it could cause it to be unusable, just make sure to click Yes, or Ok.

 

4) After zipped, and renamed, I run DAMM. I then drag and drop (DnD) the newly renamed .dazip file into the pane of DAMM that reads "Installed Dazip's". And then let DAMM do it's thing.

 

 

 

For installing and configuring .override files, check this out- http://www.dragonagenexus.com/articles/article.php?id=38

its written for a mod called Natural Bodies All In One, but the principle is pretty much the same for any configurable .override file.

 

.zips and .dazips can already be installed by DAM. So unless you want to install a .override file, or want the extra options that DAMM offers (and being able to disable mods on the fly is AWESOME when you make new characters) then you won't need DAMM.

When you make new characters, you want to disable your mods that add items to their inventory, like rings, weapons, armor, stuff like that. Ever since patch 1.03 there's been a bug that causes those items not to load correctly. So by disabling the mods that load items, playing the character until you get to a save point, then exiting the game, and then re-enabling the mods and starting up that savegame, you eliminate the bug. ;)

 

Hi Darkwolf and Thandal.

 

Thank you both very much for your replies, and the most useful install instructions. Very much appreciated :thumbsup:

 

Thandal. I've read and looked at the instruction manual. Thats not very clear either. Some of the jpgs are in English some German. Reading English sometimes sucks, My German. Not a clue. lol

Part 2 Installing. Its easy to follow untill it differentto how to unpack the differant file types. After saying what to do when it comes to installing the *.dazip file it does't say where you place them in DAMM. :whistling:

 

Darkwolf. Great instructions . TYVM.

 

I'll explain where i'm at, and ask some questions please.

 

All the Mods I've download are all in one folder on my desktop. Some have been installed with DAM. The only one installed is the one you gave me the Lnik for, following the instructions.

Before that I downloaded and installed the DAToolset. is the toolset needed please?

 

Reading the DAO Manual I keep seeing this referance to " "Drag and Drop the *.dazip file(s), you want to install, into the subfolder named "(your path)\DAO-Modmanager\mods\dazip" in that folder, where the DAO-Modmanager is ".

Could you explain what (your path) mean please?

 

Trying to install one of my Mods, I follow the readme file.for "Morrigan Restoration Patch" both methods. When it comes to Extract the Morrigan_Restoration_Patch folder into your My Documents override directory (My Documents\packages\core\override) and overwrite the old files when prompted. I'm not asked to overwrite the old files when prompted. When checking that folder to see why not there are no files for that mod in it.

Using the manual install, checking the override folder that now contains the *.dazip file. Should that file be in the Overrride folder please?

 

The Bug you mention with 1.03 patch. Does it still exist with the 1.04 patch please?

 

All this would be a lot easier if you had yahoo messenger. lol

 

Unfortunatly I found when I first started to use Mods for Oblivion, Non of the tools that were needed had basic instructions for those who were starting fro scratch.The few guides that were around seemed to be for more experiaced modders. One of the tools if you asked in the forum threads, they seemed to be not very accommodating to a newbie modder. The only way I found out how to use it was with somebody on-line showing what to do. After that it was simple. I ended up being able to help others out.Which I found a real pleasure.

 

The best explanation I can give for instructions is Cookery Books. The majority of these the novice cook will not have a clue what some of the phrases mean. The only people who will understand what is written are Chefs or experenced Cooks. Even with trying to explain they will understand, they'll still be clueless. There easy for me being An ex chef lol :whistling:

 

Time to give your eyes a rest.

 

Again thank you both for your time and Help.

 

With Respect.

 

James. :)

[DarkeWolf]

Thandal- yeah.... I know. I just hate trying to write wiki articles, so I've been putting it off, and then I forget :rolleyes: :whistling:

 

Hi James!

I'm going to reply to your questions inside the quote, using the color blue for my answers. To avoid any confusion ;)

 

 

Hi Darkwolf and Thandal.

 

Thank you both very much for your replies, and the most useful install instructions. Very much appreciated :thumbsup:

No problem at all! You can just call us the DA Support Specialist Team :D Hahahaha

 

Thandal. I've read and looked at the instruction manual. Thats not very clear either. Some of the jpgs are in English some German. Reading English sometimes sucks, My German. Not a clue. lol

Part 2 Installing. Its easy to follow untill it differentto how to unpack the differant file types. After saying what to do when it comes to installing the *.dazip file it does't say where you place them in DAMM. :whistling:

 

All three of the installers (DAupdater.exe, DAM, and DAMM) support Drag and Drop (DnD) so once you have the files in .zip or .dazip format, you can just DnD them from that folder on your desktop to the open application window to install them.

Or in simpler english, just open the program for daupdater.exe DAM, or DAMM and DnD the .zip/dazip file into the DAM window, or the DAupdater window, or the DAMM window.

You don't need to create second special folders, or move the files around. You just drag and drop them into the program window, when they are in the correct format. (.zip .dazip or .override for DAMM)

 

Darkwolf. Great instructions . TYVM.

No problem at all :thumbsup:

 

I'll explain where i'm at, and ask some questions please.

 

All the Mods I've download are all in one folder on my desktop. Some have been installed with DAM. The only one installed is the one you gave me the Lnik for, following the instructions.

Before that I downloaded and installed the DAToolset. is the toolset needed please?

The DA ToolSet (also called the TS) is only needed if you want to create your own mods, or modify existing files. It's not necessary for the installation of any mods, or for running the actual game.

 

Reading the DAO Manual I keep seeing this referance to " "Drag and Drop the *.dazip file(s), you want to install, into the subfolder named "(your path)\DAO-Modmanager\mods\dazip" in that folder, where the DAO-Modmanager is ".

Could you explain what (your path) mean please?

Again, this is an unnecessary step. You can just DnD the .zip or .dazip FILE into the program itself, when you have the program running.

But... what "(your path)" means-

Folders are placed in what's called a Directory Structure. This structure follows a pathway. So... say that I have some music files, inside my Documents folder. The documents folder is on the C: drive, under the users folder, in the name identity folder. And then in Documents. So on MY computer, the path would be C: Users DarkeWolf Documents MyMusic.

Like this- C:\Users\DarkeWolf\Documents/MyMusic

That's what is called a pathway. Or the steps that I take to get to the folder that I am wanting to be in.

I hope that is not too technical for your translator to handle ;)

 

Trying to install one of my Mods, I follow the readme file.for "Morrigan Restoration Patch" both methods. When it comes to Extract the Morrigan_Restoration_Patch folder into your My Documents override directory (My Documents\packages\core\override) and overwrite the old files when prompted. I'm not asked to overwrite the old files when prompted. When checking that folder to see why not there are no files for that mod in it.

Using the manual install, checking the override folder that now contains the *.dazip file. Should that file be in the Overrride folder please?

No, a .dazip file should not be in your override folder. A dazip file will be unpacked when you install it through a program like DAM DAMM or DAupdater.exe

The game itself will not read the contents of a .dazip file. Only the game's installer (DAupdater.exe). The game only reads the files once they have been unpacked.

From the sounds of this part, it seems like you need to install the contents of the .dazip first, then do the manual install to over write the previously installed files.

 

The Bug you mention with 1.03 patch. Does it still exist with the 1.04 patch please?

Unfortunately, yes.... it does. :( Patch 1.04 makes the bug even worse :( :mad:

So anytime that you patch past 1.02 you will need to disable those types of mods when starting up new characters. :confused:

 

All this would be a lot easier if you had yahoo messenger. lol

Well.... unfortunately, I don't use those programs. I just like having my quiet time or don't want to stop playing games :laugh: HAHAHA

 

 

Unfortunatly I found when I first started to use Mods for Oblivion, Non of the tools that were needed had basic instructions for those who were starting fro scratch.The few guides that were around seemed to be for more experiaced modders. One of the tools if you asked in the forum threads, they seemed to be not very accommodating to a newbie modder. The only way I found out how to use it was with somebody on-line showing what to do. After that it was simple. I ended up being able to help others out.Which I found a real pleasure.

I agree that when you are all very new to this, things can seem very difficult until somebody shows you how. I wish that we had a youtube video for some of this stuff.

I havent tried Oblivion yet, but yes.... some of the different tools for that game seem to be hard to keep track of. At least for me, since I don't know what they are talking about.

And yes... it really is a pleasure helping people out, once you know that you can :)

 

 

The best explanation I can give for instructions is Cookery Books. The majority of these the novice cook will not have a clue what some of the phrases mean. The only people who will understand what is written are Chefs or experenced Cooks. Even with trying to explain they will understand, they'll still be clueless. There easy for me being An ex chef lol :whistling:

I know what you mean. I am studying to be a computer tech. A friend of mine is also going to the same school, but I am further into the studies than she is. AND, I went in, knowing about computers, where she does NOT.

So where I know what a lot of the stuff is already, I have to stop and explain to her what different things mean, and what they do.

So I definitely understand what you mean ;)

 

Time to give your eyes a rest.

 

Again thank you both for your time and Help.

 

With Respect.

 

James. :)

 

No problem! I hope that this helps you understand it a bit more :)

And dont worry about asking questions. We're here to help. And sometimes, you just have to ask to understand ;)

[nilmaboy]

Hi Darkwolf/

 

Thank you Once again for another well writen reply.

 

I completely understand your wanting peace your end, you'd be into much demand for any peace and quiet lol

 

A quick question again about DAM.

 

When the zip is extracted to a new folder, I see there is a folder named Mods. Inside that are two other folders dazip and override. Any idea why they are there please?

 

When you say you havn't done Oblivion, do you mean play it or Mod it?

 

If you haven't played, its very good. If youve played it and ot modded it, Trust me you will never play it again umodded. lol :wink:

 

Your only problem will be picking the Mods. Just checked. there are over 25,000 to pick from. A small sample. Quests. Over 600 files. Models and textures just over 1,600. You'll be looking forever lol

 

I'll reccomend 1 must have. Unique Landscapes. It is stunning.:)

 

Must admit I was on my way to do a New Oblivion Mod install, before coming across the DA mods lol. There's a link for those Mods in Dragon Age Nexus. Top right homepage small T. Log in using same username and Password as you use for Dragon Age.

 

Great to hear from you again so soon, and again a big TYVM.

 

Bye for now.

 

With Respect.

 

James. :)

[Thandal]

Hey James;

 

I'm using this color for my in-line responses. :thumbsup:

 

Hi Darkwolf/

 

Thank you Once again for another well writen reply.

 

I completely understand your wanting peace your end, you'd be into much demand for any peace and quiet lol

 

A quick question again about DAM.

 

When the zip is extracted to a new folder, I see there is a folder named Mods. Inside that are two other folders dazip and override. Any idea why they are there please?

 

This is not DAM ("DA Modder"). This is DAMM (DAO-Modmanager", which is the one I use.) And as the names imply, a mod that is packaged as a ".dazip" need to be placed in that folder, and one packaged as a ".override", goes in the other. This is what I meant about DAMM needing to find the mods for which it is responsible in the locations it expects. You can customize the paths, but I don't see any need to change from DAMM's defaults.

 

So if you're using DAMM, it's important to make sure you've placed any mods in the right folders. Either using drag-n-drop to the correct "pane" of the DAMM window, or by putting them there manually, (e.g. using Windows Explorer) which is what I do.

 

NOTE: There are only a very few ".override" mods, so if you decide to use DAM you won't be missing out on very many.

 

When you say you havn't done Oblivion, do you mean play it or Mod it?

 

Both, for me. I don't have, and have never played, Oblivion... :tongue:

 

If you haven't played, its very good. If youve played it and ot modded it, Trust me you will never play it again umodded. :laugh:

...

[snipped parts of reply that belong in the Oblivion forums] :teehee:

...

 

Bye for now.

 

With Respect.

 

James. :)

Good Luck!

[nilmaboy]

Hi Thandal.

 

Thank you very much for your information. Very much appreciated. :thumbsup:

 

Well so far so good. I've started a New Game. Nothing has blown yet lol :whistling:

 

Only issue I've had. Started DAM and A warning came up saying it couldn't find the path to the mods. I'd moved them to an external HDD to make some more room. The Folder only contained 15 GB of Mod files, so I've had to put them back.

I think I'm going to need a Bigger HDD or find a way to trim the folder.

 

What and where will DAM be looking please? Inside my Mod folder I created another folder so I know which Mods are installed. Will DAM be looking in that folder, or at the source files of the Mods? If so I can delete that Mod folder.

 

Any advice is very much appreciated.

 

Thank you again.

 

With Respect.

 

James.:)

 

PS Don't you think if you could travel in-game not using fast travel would be more intresting? lol :tongue:

[Thandal]

I don't use DAM, myself, only DAMM. So not sure what you're talking about... :confused:

[nilmaboy]

I don't use DAM, myself, only DAMM. So not sure what you're talking about... :confused:

 

Hi Thandal.

 

Thank you for your reply.

 

Sorry about the confusion. Its the Mod manager you use.DAO ModManager. :facepalm: Its an old age issue.happenl happem to you sometimeFuturehe Futur.

 

I'm so pleased you replied. Starting a new game sort of back-fired.

 

After being woken up by the dog. Got out of bed,got equipped, and was promptly killed before I could draw my sword. hard to count how many blows I took. It might have been 2 or 3.lol

I soon sorted that out.

 

I think I had too many mods doing the same thing. Such as Auto Looting. I managed to find some of them, but couldn't find the last.

 

I've saved the best for last lol ;).

 

At the start of the first quest. Getting the dog out of he Kitchen, bump into Ser Gilmore with his New Armor. Looks Good. Go into a room with him following. Turn around to speak to Him. I'm then OMG. Hes as naked as the Day he was born NO fig leaf insight . lol :ohmy:

Good Job mother never came in. LMAO

 

I don't know how to fix this. I'm using Natural Bodies All in one. I've looked on the Mod thread for information, too see what I did wrong, but i could not find the answer.

 

Would you have any idea either to fix or find the answer please? Also any clue to which mods handle the looting system please?

 

Again, Sorry for the unclear question, ad look forward to hearing from you later.

 

With Respect.

 

James. :)

 

I've just loaded a saved game with Ser Gilmore. After it loads Ser Gilmore's Armor is On him, then it dissappears. A message in RED pops up saying the Armour is now to heavy. How is this possible please?

Edited June 6, 2011 by nilmaboy

[Thandal]

Not sure about everything you have going on there, but regarding the "clothed, then not" issue, you have to recognize that there is a difference in the game between the "movies" and the "cutscenes".

 

Almost any pre-generated scene, (series of actions, conversations, and music over which you have no control), in which your Player Character (PC) appears is a "cutscene". The game creates it on-the-fly from an event script that orginally had a generic stand-in body model, which is then replaced with your PC in-game. (These are the ".cut" files, btw.) All the other Non-Player Characters (NPCs) in such a scene will be wearing their default gear, or whatever you've equipped them with at the moment, including custom/modded items.

 

"Movies", on the other hand, (the ".bnk" files) are completely canned presentations, like watching news footage. Nothing you, the player, can do will change those. (Note: Your PC will not appear in a ".bnk".) So if you have used a Zevran face morph, for example, he will still look like the vanilla Zev when introduced by Howe and being hired by Loghain in Denerim, but will then have the new look when you're questioning him after the assassination attempt on the road.

 

Same in Castle Cousland with Ser Gilmore. At one point you were watching a "movie", and so he appeared as he was when it was "filmed". At the other point he appeared "without his armour", which you happen to have modded to equal... nothing at all. :tongue:

 

Have fun!