Question about .bsa files

[Itchi]

H'ok, so.

 

I'm wanting to start packing .BSA's with my mods to make install / uninstall easy for the user. When testing this, I get the huge 'WTF is this supposed to be' exclamation point of doom.

 

I would like to clarify the following:

 

1) I have searched the forums for an answer to this topic multiple times over the last two weeks, no joy.

2) I have followed the steps found here precisely.

3) I have ensured the the file paths in NIFSkope start with 'textures' (as opposed to c:steam/blah/blah/blah).

4) I have ensured that the slash marks in the file paths in NIFSkope are pointing the proper direction for both the save file path and the texture path.

5) I have ensured that the file paths are correct in the GECK. However, the preview pic in the edit path window is the huge WTF mark.

6) Upon opening the .BSA file, the file trees are correct. Example:

+Mymod

..... +meshes

..... +textures

 

Is there supposed to be a different path file in the GECK? Instead of 'armor/helmet/myhelmet.dds' , is it supposed to be 'mybsa/armor/helmet/myhelmet.dds' ?

 

Thanks for any help.

-Itchi

Edited July 9, 2011 by Itchi

[Tomlong54210]

I haven'ed modded fallout, but this article on BSAs might be relevant: http://tescosi.com/wiki/Oblivion:BSAs_and_Archive_Invalidation.

 

The path should start at armor, as you have it.

 

 

--Tomlong54210

 

 

Edit: There are limitations in the game that make packaging few files into a BSA somewhat problematic. I think this limitation exists in both Oblivion and Fallout but I couldn't say for certain: http://tescosi.com/wiki/Oblivion:BSAs_and_Archive_Invalidation#Some_Facts

 

If the mod has a ton of loose file, fine, but a BSA of under a MB, not really worth it... I think 90% of the BSAs in my Data folder are over 5MB and at least half are hundreds of MB.

[nosisab]

Making your mod into BSA is not always good idea to start with. If not for another reason by being too hard to control mod interaction and priorities. As rule of thumb, if your mod in any way refer to same resources as another unpacked at the /data, it will lose.

 

To the actual problem, are you sure your BSA is registered to the game? if the answer is yes... it replaces something already in the normal /data structure?

[Itchi]

Thanks folks. Looks like I should just stay with folders.

[Gribbleshnibit8]

Also, if you do decide to use a bsa, ensure that the bsa has the exact same name as the plugin. The name is what tells the game to load it since it's not listed as a required archive.