Fallout4Launcher.exe resets the "plugins.txt", workaround-> start the game with Fallout4.exe

[Fl0W]

The newest patch from today ( 7.Dec 2015 - 1.2.37.0.0) resets the plugins.txt file that contains the active .esm files/mods. This "deactivates" your .esp mods. (loose files do still function -> texture/sfx replacements etc.)

 

The reset only happens, when you start the Fallout4Launcher.exe, which is the default executable for the most users (Steam launcher)

 

A simple workaround is to just start the game with the Fallout4.exe.

 

-> make a desktop link to fallout4.exe

• go to you steam folder and locate the installation folder of fallout4, then rightclick on the fallout4.exe and make a link to desktop.

 

-> If you use the Steam frontend to start the game, you can use this workaround:

• got to your Fallout4 installation folder and rename "Fallout4Launcher.exe" to something else e.g "Fallout4Launcher_original.exe"
• make a duplicate of the Fallout4.exe in the same folder. (click on the file then press CRTL + C and then CTRL + V)
• rename the duplicated executable to Fallout4Launcher.exe

Your Steam frontend will now start the game Fallout 4 directly without the launcher.

Keep in mind, this may be reverted with the next patch and Steam will replace the files with the original files, or if you start the "file validation" in Steam. In this case you just have to rename the files again.

 

PS: Of course you need to activate all you ESP files again, after doing this rename workaround.

This workaround only prevent that the ESP settings gets reseted again. This workaround does not automatically activate your installed ESM mods!

Edited December 7, 2015 by Fl0W

[sophiextime]

Just be nice if they checked their updates and impact before sending it out, especially when it auto-updates when you fire-up Steam!.

 

I am guessing its some kind of technical communication between Steam and Nexus thats bugged, like Steam isnt communicating with the Nexus Manager correctly or something, i dunno...

 

I am surprised that at this level and experience between Steam and Nexus that this happens. But meh.. i guess they dont know a fault till it occurs and i am sure they will swiftly send a fix.

 

...or i hope so or there will be a lot of grumpy FO4 players.. hehe.

[Fl0W]

I am guessing its some kind of technical communication between Steam and Nexus thats bugged, like Steam i

 

This plugins.txt reset is a "feature" of the game Fallout 4 !

This has noting to do with Steam or the Nexus.

 

Steam starts the game with the Fallout4Launcher.exe because its the default (i think it is specified by bethesda to use this file as game starter.)

 

The Nexus Mod Manager uses the Fallout4.exe directly and thus it shouldn't cause any problems with this reset "feature". But most users apparently dont use the NMM as the game launcher frontend...

[sophiextime]

So simply how should i launch my game so that the MODS/Plugins dont turn off?

 

My current method is :

 

Activate Steam. Then Launch from the Exe desktop icon that Steam placed on my Desktop. NMM isnt activated directly when i play.

 

But i should now do what? launch NMM and then launch FO4 via the NMM launcher?

[FritzTCoyote]

 

I am guessing its some kind of technical communication between Steam and Nexus thats bugged, like Steam i

 

This plugins.txt reset is a "feature" of the game Fallout 4 !

This has noting to do with Steam or the Nexus.

 

Steam starts the game with the Fallout4Launcher.exe because its the default (i think it is specified by bethesda to use this file as game starter.)

 

The Nexus Mod Manager uses the Fallout4.exe directly and thus it shouldn't cause any problems with this reset "feature". But most users apparently dont use the NMM as the game launcher frontend...

 

I am still getting my plugin esp's cleared, even when I launch via NMM.

But NMM keeps launching the launcher, not fallout4.exe. Annoying.

 

Experiments Continue...

 

--- got it.

Even if NMM tries to execute 'fallout4.exe' %@#@$@ steam intercepts and forces 'fallout4launcher.exe' to run.

So... used the copy and rename trick from the first post in this thread to fool steam into thinking I am still using the launcher.

 

Now I got my mods back... Life Is Good :)

 

 

not that I'm suspicious, but I wonder if Steam would force 'steam workshop' mods to be cleared whenever the game starts?

[sophiextime]

i do find i can play FO4 if i keep NMM open and when it seems to deactivate my MODS, i just re-check them all and click PLAY on the game launcher pop up but KEEPING my NMM open and not closing it. Only downside is that every time i restart NMM and steam i have to do this each time, which sucks.

 

I am just not technically minded or confident enough to start renaming files or changing anything in the game folders as i have no faith in my ability to revert it at a later date if a fix or change occurs :(

[Fl0W]

Activate Steam. Then Launch from the Exe desktop icon that Steam placed on my Desktop. NMM isnt activated directly when i play.

 

But i should now do what? launch NMM and then launch FO4 via the NMM launcher?

 

 

i edited my 1 post for you

 

-> make a desktop link to fallout4.exe

• go to you steam folder and locate the installation folder of fallout4, then rightclick on the fallout4.exe and make a link to desktop.

 

 

You can start the game any way you want. You only want to prevent to use the Fallout4Launcher.exe, wich resets the mod text file.

[sophiextime]

ok please correct me anywhere i go wrong here but i went to :

 

C: > Program files (x86) > Steam > steamapps > Common > Fallout4.

 

I see the fallout4.exe.

 

How do i make a link to desktop from that when i right click it? i see all sorts of options but nothing that says create link etc. ( sorry if i seem very technically stupid) >.<

[sophiextime]

Right click and choose Send to > desktop?

[Fl0W]

http://www.gvsu.edu/it/simplesolutions/how-to-create-desktop-shortcuts-in-windows-7-48.htm