Fallout 3 - After Modded - Can Copy to a New Computer ?

[WarZS]

Hello,

 

I've been modding up my Fallout 3 this week, and enjoying the results. I'm going to be setting up a new computer in the next week or two. So my question is, can I copy the directory of my modded fallout 3 to the new computer, and in theory will everything still work ? It seems that all the various mods all change files and settings in the game directory itself. So I'm assuming this is possible ? I would also copy the game settings folder from the my documents folder over to the new machine as well.

 

Would I still need to have NMM installed on the new machine if I plan to make no further changes to the game ?

 

Anything I should be aware of ?

 

Thanks !

[Druuler]

You can copy your current install of FO3 to another computer, but for it to work, Fallout 3 must be installed on that machine. This is so that the game is listed in the computer's file registry. If this is not done, any attempt to run the imported installation will fail. This is assuming, of course, that you are using a Windows operating system.

 

I have no idea of what not having NMM installed on the new machine will do, as I do not use it. That said, even if you have no intention of changing your load order, I highly suggest using a mod manager. It is possible that your load order could change with the copying over, and they all have various helpful functions other than just adjusting your load order. Maintaining archive invalidation, adjusting the game's video settings and the ability to check the mods that were active in an individual save file are the ones just off of the top of my head.

[WarZS]

Got it. So i kept a base copy of the game directory before any modding. On the new computer copy over that base / unmodded directory. Start steam, install game. Then I can delete that unmodded game directory and copy over my Modded Fallout 3 game directory and game settings. After which, when I run Fallout 3, it should be my fully modified version.

 

Does that sound like a solid progression ?

 

I'll also wait to hear more on whether the NMM will still be necessary after the copy over.

 

Thanks for the reply.

[Druuler]

Close, but not quite. If you are using the Steam version, just install the game on your new machine before installing the modded copy from your old machine. That will save you from having to set up a directory that you are just going to remove anyway. The modded copy must go into the Steam Fallout 3 directory. You will be asked if you wish to overwrite the Steam installed Fallout 3 files. Saying "Yes to All" should not cause any issues. Also, I highly suggest not installing Steam into the default Program Files directory. The UAC (User Account Controls) that Windows has governing that directory will prevent the proper behavior/working of mods. The UAC is designed to prevent anything from altering/modifying the programs that are installed in that location. It is a security feature.

 

You are welcome for the reply. :smile:

 

Edit: I am assuming that both your current computer and the new one are both multi-core 64 bit machines?

Edited February 17, 2016 by Druuler

[WarZS]

Great TY.

 

Yes what I meant about the new machine is, I would copy my "backup" unmodded game directory that I saved from the old machine, to the new machine in the steam folder. That way when I started steam and did the steam install, I wouldn't have to redownload all the game files. It would find the unmodded directory in steamapps-common, and install / activate without downloading. Then I would delete that directory and copy over my modded Fallout 3 directory to the steamapps-common folder.

 

I always install steam to a different drive (I partition off my OS), so I'm good there. UAC is always disabled.

[Druuler]

Hmm, yeah, that might work. It most certainly will not hurt to try, given how long it usually takes for the download and installation process. You are welcome, by the way. :)