How to install Mods for Fallout 3

[overload1977]

yes you can but you would need to uninstall it for C: then reinstall it to the d: then copy over the files all the mods and saves will be fine because fallout will not del them, but frist back everthing up

[Irriduccibilli]

I just downloaded Fallout 3 on Steam yesterday after a friend of mine ensured me that you could use mods even though I used Steam. So after I installed the game I started it up, created a character and got out of the Vault. After that I exited the game so I could download some mods (I already got it on the Xbox but wanted it more for the PC). So I found a couple of mods along with FOMM and FOSE. After doing excactly what this guide told me to I started the game with the mods activated, but as soon as the game started it crashed right after I got the "Please stand by" (the one right before the Bethesda one). Tried to boot up the game a couple of times, same thing happened every time. So I tried to start the game up with no mods activated this time, and this time it worked fine. So I tried to start the game up with each individual mod one at a time to see if it was one of the mods causing this problem, and what I found out was that it was all the ESP files that caused this problem, ESM files worked fine. I tried just about anything now, and quite frankly I am getting quite desperate. Anyone know what is causing this problem. I'm using Windows Vista by the way. Replies as private messages would be appriciated

[morrowhen]

as i' m kind of a late-commer to fo3, i would appreciate some confirmation after reading all the posts ( and a lot more..):

 

if i want to play the (5) dlc (btw. i have installed them from a second disc that came with all dlc....funny job that was!) without GWFL i am to:

 

1) move the dlc (bsa and esm files) from the install-location to my fo3-data folder

2) deaktivate GWFL

 

(both is done by a downloadable program)

 

3) aktivate the (5) dlc via checking after starting launcher.exe from the game folder, quit the game and

4) play via my fose launcher

 

have i got it right?

 

(i dont want to mess up my game, which i have not played to the end yet!)

 

help would be very appreciated!

 

.....also i could not find: zebrin's post about moving save games and the fake files for GFWL.....(Overload1977 suggested to read it in one of the posts)

[sniperfox29]

Okay, I'm a rookie at this so I just want a little help adding clothing before I try anything else.

 

I want to put the Jill Valentine BSAA outfit in: http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9499 but I've tried reading this helpfile and I'm still none the wiser so if anyone can give me a step by step guide in English I would be most grateful.

[overload1977]

@ morrowhen

 

your saved games can be found here

 

On Vista / windows 7 they can be found here:

 

C:\users\<your login name here>\Documents\My Games\Fallout 3\

 

this may not be the same for XP just use this a a guide to find your saves.

 

@ sniperfox

 

go back to page one and watch some of the youtube videos this will help u out alot

[rhs88]

Hello, I just used your guide to walk someone through moving the DLC files about. Sadly he was using a Steam installation and the files aren't where they ought to be according to your guide. I didn't get the directory where the files were from him, but could you put a disclaimer of sorts about steam installations.

 

 

To solve his problem, I told him to do a file search for "Anchorage," then right-click the file that appeared and select "Open Containing Folder" to get him to the files to be moved.

[overload1977]

at some point when i have time i will do a steam guide as well.

[Papajack55]

disclaimer

 

For the time being this guide is only for people who have got the dvd's disks or The Game of Year version, if you have the downloaded version from steam or direct 2 drive ect only use this as a ruff guide, when i have some time i will be rewriting all of this to included these versions.

 

Thanks

 

Jason

 

first off where to install fallout 3

 

It is recommended that you install Fallout 3 to someplace other than C:\Program Files\ because on Windows Vista and windows 7, there are additional security features that can be problematic.

 

Install Fallout 3 to someplace like C:\Fallout3 or D:\Games\Fallout3 ect

 

For Windows 7

 

Ok people i would just like to say that Fallout 3 was never tested on windows 7 so some of this guide may not work , but most of it will just follow the Vista bits, if you need more help just post in here Thanxs :thumbsup:

 

Mod Pre Requisites

 

1) first off Download the program ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated

Click here >>>>> http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=944

 

2) Extract/install the files to the Fallout 3

 

3) Run ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated.exe

 

will look something like this

 

http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/541/98786317.jpg

 

4) Click Activate aka run it once

 

 

Official Downloadable Content (DLC)help

 

- These are now available and will most-likely be in the form of an executable program aka EXE files you double-click to install.

 

frist off how did you install the pitt or broken steel ect with the exe ? if yes this dose not work its gets messed up

 

you will have to find the file and put there in your data folder like mods like this

 

Note this is not officially supported by Bethesda, it is provided here only as a work around for folks who do not want to use GFWL. And, make sure you move the files, not copy them.

 

Move the files into the Data folder instead of the Live location it gets placed in. You need to move the ESM (ESP?) and both the BSA files.

 

Make sure you have "Show Hidden Files" checked off, or you won't be able to see the folder.

 

For XP:

 

You can make this change in any Windows Explorer window by going to Tools Menu, Folder Options, View Tab and about 4 options down, under Hidden Files, choose Show Hidden Files. Note, this change will allow you to see System Files and other things that are best not messed with, so you may want to undo this change after moving the file.

 

For Vista: and For Windows 7

 

1) Open Windows Explorer (not the browser, the one showing your hard drive etc)

2) Top left corner, you'll see an "Organize" button. Clicky

3) Go to the Folders and Search Options choice, which will bring up a new window

4) Select the View tab

5) About eighth item on the list is Show Hidden Files and Folders. Select Show Hidden Files

6) Apply, OK

7) Do whatever needs to be done Repeat, but select Hide Hidden Folders thumbsup.gif

 

 

For XP:

 

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Xlive\DLC

 

For Vista: and For Windows 7

 

C:\Users\User Name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\XLive\DLC

 

NOTE; If you get CTD's when firing up the Simulator, you need to rename the DLC folder, or remove it. This stops the attempt to contact GFWL about Achievments

 

Move them to

 

C:\Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Fallout 3\Data

 

If you are using a shortcut to the Fallout executable to launch the game, you will have to use the Fallout Launcher to select the Mod before you load the game. Once it is selected you can then use the executable shortcut to play the game

 

hope this helps if you need more info get back to me by pm or post in here

 

Broken Steel help

 

Instructions

 

Place the bik files into your Fallout3 \data\video folder.

Place the bsa and esm files into your Fallout 3 \data folder.

Activate the files in the Fallout 3 Launcher.

Play the game!

 

alot of people did not do this so broken steel dose not run :)

 

Broken Steel update again help

 

custom race characters do not work with broken steel turn them back into a normal char with console commands

 

showracemenu

 

you can change it back after you start broken steel

 

or just use this Custom Race Endings Broken Steel OverRide

 

Click here >>>>>> http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6240

 

also i hear that Umpa Animations stops Broken steel from working as well.......

 

if you know you have BS installed right , go through your mods by turning them off 1 by 1 and try to work out what mod is stopping BS from working good luck.... if you do find out what mod is doing it post back on here and let us know

 

alot of people did not do this so broken steel dose not run too :)

 

Jason

 

Ok back to.....

Installing Mods :whistling:

 

If the mod contains additional Game Content and a plugin that adds them to the game (meaning that they are more than just a plugin but are not considered replacers), then following these steps to install it:

 

1) Extract the files to a temporary folder using an archive utility such as Winzip or WinRAR ect

 

2) Examine the folder contents and make sure everything looks ok

 

Example: what it may look like

 

C:\Downloads\MyMod\Meshes

C:\Downloads\MyMod\Textures

C:\Downloads\MyMod\Sound

C:\Downloads\MyMod\somemod.esp

C:\Downloads\MyMod\somemod Readme.txt

 

3) Copy all the files in the folder inside and paste them in the Fallout 3 Data folder.

 

Example:

 

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/5475/19169976.jpg

 

C:\Downloads\ temporaryfolder\ from to here >>>>>>>>> D:\Games\Fallout3\Data\

 

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/3080/58962429.jpg

 

4) Start the Fallout Launcher, click Data Files and place a Tickmark beside the plugin you just installed so it will load the changes into the game the next time you start a game or a saved game

 

a little update now

 

this bit of the guide how to install mod with pictures it`s on page 2 or is it 3 i forget.... but now i have posted it here so you dont have to go looking for it ever time

 

ok first off make a new folder on your desktop

 

next open the mod with winrar or winzip ect and grab all the items in the that window and move them to the new folder on your desktop (its a bit like copy and paste )

 

ok next open your fallout 3 folder not your data folder

 

then move all the files from the new folder to you fallout data folder

 

then download ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated

 

Click here >>>>>> http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=944

 

click the exe and run it once

 

then get Fallout Mod Manager

 

this helps with all mods new and old

 

from here

 

Click here >>>>>> http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=640

 

and just tick all the mods you have....

 

then click on launch FOSE button in Fallout Mod Manager ( this will run fallout 3 without using the norm fallout 3 launch.exe )

 

ok if you read the guide again this will help also.....

 

here are some more pics to help

 

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/5561/help1copy.jpg

 

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2567/help2copy.jpg

 

then use the fallout 3 launder.exe or Fallout Mod Manager launch and to play fallout 3 from now on.

 

if you need more help................ post again here................or pm me

 

some videos for Beginner how to install mods for fallout 3

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROkk7pOXInQ&feature=player_embedded

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ch5b8aa1SE&feature=player_embedded

 

 

Fallout Mod Manager aka FOMM

 

Click here >>>>>> http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=640

 

this little program lets you click on and off mod easy and it will also lunch fallout 3 for you

 

also it need to be installed in the main fallout 3 folder not the data folder

 

more info on

 

FOMM

 

A collection of utilities related to both creating and using mods. Current features include:

- One click mod installation and removal

- Setting active mods and changing load order.

- Extracting bsa's

- Repacking bsa's

- Low level esp editor and script compiler (TESsnip)

- sdp editor

 

Fallout Mod Manager will look like something like this also this picture is a good guide when you start out modding fallout 3

 

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/2311/fommpic2.jpg

 

as you can see it has Archive Invalidation as well.

and alot of other tools, also you don`t need to use the fallout 3 launcher no more just click Launch FOSE to run fallout 3.

 

one other thing load orders need to be right fallout.esm needs to be first then the dlc ect use the pic as a guide.

 

UPDATE

 

give this program a try

 

FOMS - Fallout Mod Sorter

 

Description

 

FOMS will arrange your Fallout 3 mod load order according to best practices, author and user recommendations, and brute force testing.

 

this also need to be installed in the main fallout 3 folder not the data folder :)

 

Click here >>>>> http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3596

 

 

Included with FOMS is an XML file of the best load order we know of for every mod we have data on. You can change this template, or make your own, but we recommend you at least start with ours for the smoothest possible experience.

 

 

I recommended that you install or update just one mod at a time to ensure that the change you made to your game works properly before making more changes. This makes it much easier to track down errors / problems with Textures or other issues.

 

Replacers files

 

Mods that replace original models and textures are considered "replacers" and need to be handled slightly different than other mods and typically does not even include (or need) a plugin.

 

The game engine must be told that the replacer files in this mod should overwrite the files in the BSA files that came with the game.

 

If you used the ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated utility, you do not need to worry about this. The main thing to worry about are conflicting mods that replace the same files. If this is the case, the last mod installed will overwrite the existing files and become the current replacer.

 

If a mod archive comes with an ArchiveInvalidation.txt file or lists the files in their readme, you can disregard this information (and even delete that text file).

 

also some may need ArchiveInvalidation used again

 

When in reality anytime you add a mod that contains content in any folder, e.g. textures/meshes/sounds or any other folder you need to deactivate and reactivate archive invalidation invalidation to reset the archive flags for the new content. Most users do it through FOMM and Fomods, but of course you know that already.

 

little update if you cant get fallout running because of Windows LIVE

 

Get

 

Windows LIVE Disabler

 

Click here >>>>> http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1086

 

a bit of info Windows LIVE Disabler

 

This program allows you to do the following to Games for Windows LIVE in Fallout 3:

 

* Stop Games for Windows LIVE from running in Fallout 3 and prevent its dll files from loading which reduces the time it

takes for Fallout 3 to startup.

* Remove the "LIVE" button at the main menu.

* Allow you to bind the "Home" key to whatever action you want.

* Allow you to move all of your DLC's out of their "hidden" G4WL folder and into your Fallout 3 folder.

 

also you will have to move you save games you will find them here C:\users\<your login here>\Documents\My Games\Fallout 3\

 

this may not be the same for XP just use this a a guide to find your saves.

 

New Updates bugs

 

alot of people dont have Microsoft Visual C++ install with all the updates

 

if you need Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 and 2008 they are all on this page, most of the links at the bottem of the page for Windows 64 bit and 32 bit

 

Click here >>>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en 32bit Version

 

Click here >>>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en 64bit Version

 

also For Vista: get all the Windows Vista Service Pack this will fixes lots of errors and bugs

 

Windows Vista Service Pack 1

 

Click here >>>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en

 

Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2

 

Click here >>>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en

 

remember Most bugs are down to the mods you have install

 

more to come soon...... :thumbsup:

 

 

End of line...................

 

 

i would like to Thank the author LHammonds for the base guide

 

i will keep adding to this with updates pics ect when i have time :)

 

if you think something else needs to be added pm me :tongue: :tongue:

 

kudos cough cough lol and some for LHammonds to...

 

if you need more help pm me or post in here...

 

good luck and happy gaming :thumbsup:

 

Overload1977

 

Here is my situation: I unpacked my files from the WinRar, and sent them directly over to the foom. There, I sent the validation plug, and then I deactivated everything. After validating, I activated again. Now, my game does not play for some reason.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

[zerofallen]

fallout mod manager wont work for me... everytime i download it it says somthing bad has happened and it has crashed

[Taserpenguin]

Hey Overload, I am having a problem with my Fose while using FWE, every 15 to thirty seconds, a message will appear. I got a picture of it, and I'm going to attach it. Any help you can give, would help me greatly