Mod Help (Beginner)

[Crockett724]

This is my first time ever modding a game, but after an $800 computer build, I figured I'd give it a go. However, I know very little, so please bear that in mind. My first step in modding was to get NMM. I know how to download the mods to it, and then double-click them to activate them. I noticed a lot of mods needing SKY UI and SKSE, so I downloaded those. My problem is that whenever I start the game, I get a SKY UI error code 4. I have no clue what to do about this. The first mod I tried was the follower Hoth. I went to the Morthal inn to aquire him, but only his head was there. Lol. And he didn't talk. Is there a particular order SKSE and SKY UI need to be installed? Do I need to delete/add files to my Skyrim? Thank you for your time. I appreciate it. This error is obviously not good, since it's an error. I have pictures of my data and interface folders if that would help.

 

Here are the links to the photos:

Data: http://imgur.com/zRiupRF

Interface: http://imgur.com/nXn3PDY

 

(I previously posted this in the general discussion, but soon found a more appropriate place: here.)

[Boombro]

Did you use the steam skyrim launcher? It does not load SKSE. SKSE places a exe in your desktop (if installer.) if you did by copy and paste, use the one in the root skyrim folder (not data.)

 

For a better screenshot next time, presss PrtSc in your keypad and then use Photoshop, Gimp or paint then paste.

[Xelan255]

How did you install SKSE? it must not be installed via NMM, because NMM is only able to manage the "data" folder in your skyrim directory. But SKSE belongs into the main directory where the TESV.exe is.

 

In most cases there is no particular order in which mods have to be installed, but make sure to always read the mod descriptions properly, especially the requirements and install notes.

What does matter is the load order, but for that there is LOOT.

 

I would recommend that you read up on skyrim modding, before you proceed. Regarding the load order there is a nice sticky here on the nexus. I don't have a link, but I'm pretty sure there are good introductions to the basics of how to mod your skyrim. If you've done that, you are a few steps closer to modding skyrim in the way that pleases you the most. That may sound like very much effort for a game, before even playing it, but Skyrim is wonderful in it's diversity, easily carrying you away with more and more mods. But if you don't know what you are doing, you'll end up with an unplayable setup faster than you can say Gwunawunga.

[Crockett724]

I used the SKSE launcher. I watched a video that explained installation, and the reasons for using the SKSE launcher, so yes, I did that. I can toy around with it, but I don't know much to do since I'm so new to all of this. I just want to be able to use SKY UI, without this error, due to many mods needing it. The only mod I've tried is Hoth, and that didn't even work right as explained in my original post. Any advice on how to make this error go bye-bye?

 

Xelan: This is the video I used for installation of SKSE: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xTGnQIiNVqA

 

Should I install this LOOT?

 

Also, I've read around about people who've had problems in the past. Some of them made efforts to uninstall/reinstall Skyrim to fix their problems, but many found that their file changes remained, thus they didn't get a fresh start again. Would it be wise for me to try reinstalling Skyrim to fix this? I appreciate all the help.

Edited July 26, 2014 by Crockett724

[Xelan255]

yes, definetly install loot.

 

Since it's a costum follower I guess the install isn't done right and some thinks like.. well, everything except the head and the npc itself is missing. No idea why though.

 

Regarding the SKSE: download the installer for SKSE, it's much easier. it autodetects your skyrim folder and install everything. you just have to download it, execute, click through it and you are done with that and should not have problems with skse ever again. Btw, I was serious about the reading up thing :wink:

 

edit: for a start: http://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/1raae9/the_great_big_list_of_skyrim_modding_technical/

Edited July 26, 2014 by Xelan255

[Crockett724]

Haha. I know. I plan to watch videos, read tutorials, the works. I'll install LOOT, which is supposed to do what exactly?

 

As for SKSE, I never saw an installer when I proceeded to download it. Can you point me in the right direction?

[Xelan255]

http://skse.silverlock.org/

it says installer ;)

 

LOOT analyses your load order and sorts it in the best possible way, you'll read about that, at least in the sticky I postet above. and to prevent confusion: LOOT is the successor of BOSS and superior in what it does and the way it accomplishes that.

[Crockett724]

I real a good bit of that article, so LOOT, and some other things, makes sense now. Lol. Alrighty, thanks for all the help. Hopefully, my problem will get fixed with my toying around. I should probably uninstall NMM, and use MO instead, right?

[Xelan255]

that's your decision ;) I use NMM, maybe because it's a convenience for me, since I use it since Fallout: New Vegas. I see why the way MO works has it's advantages, but that also comes along with other problem the NMM just doesn't have. Plus I'm experienced in working with a PC in general and with how to mod bethesda games as well. Since you're new to this, MO might be a good choice to start with though. not so easy to screw anything up, which is likely to happen sooner or later^^

[Crockett724]

Haha. Alright, man. Thanks for all the help. I was worried no one would respond. With the advice you gave me, I should be able to fix my problem. Probably a screwed up installation or something.