ESM to ESP

[Ray491]

I started to make my first mod, but I had some issues with MiniHideout, so I converted my ESP files to ESM, with FO3Edit (as he sayed in the description), but now I can't edit it in the GECK. Any solution?

[Tefnacht]

Hello.

 

The only real difference between a ESM and a ESP file is a single bit flag in the file header.

 

I suppose you did a master update? All it does is add that bit flag to all the ESP files (after doing some thorough checking that no severe conflicts exist).

 

Before proceeding, you should make a backup of your plugin file, just in case something goes wrong. FO3Edit always makes a backup by itself but ... to be on the safe side create one yourself too. :D

 

Open the file in question with FO3Edit. Extend the content tree of the file in question and select “File Header”.

On the right side, at the very top, you will see “Record Header”, containing “Signature”, “Record Flags” and “FormID”. To the right of “Record Flags”, in the next column, you will see “ESM”. Rightclick on that and choose “Edit”. In the warning that pops up you choose “Yes I'm absolutely sure”. A new window will open containing a lot of check boxes. The one at the very top is called ESM and should be the only one ticked. Untick it and click “Ok”.

Now “Record Header” and “Record Flags” should be displayed in a bold fond (because they are changed) and the “ESM” should be gone. Close FO3Edit.

A new window will open called “Save changed files”. You should only see your file there, with a ticked checkbox next to it. That is good. Click “Ok” in that window and FO3Edit will save your changes and close. Done. Now your ESP is a real ESP again and the GECK will load and edit it.

 

You can actually do the reverse too and add the ESM flag manually. If you know what you're doing, that is a lot faster than doing a master update every time.

 

I hope this helps you. Good luck and have fun.

[Ray491]

Thanks, it should work, but I have some issues, with the vista idiot read only attribute. :wallbash:

 

EDIT: I just managed to get it work. 8)

Edited March 31, 2011 by Ray491