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[AznBoi1516]

How do make RAR files into BSA Files im so lost

[bben46]

RAR files, like 7z and zip are all different formats of compressed files. They are compressed to save space and speed up downloads and are used for many types of downloads, not just Oblivion mods. A RAR or other zipped file may have many files inside, including BSA, esp, esm, new textures, new meshes, sounds and usually a readme that tells you about the mod.

 

You CAN NOT do this with a game console. Mods only work on a computer. If you are using a cracked version, it probably won't work. Direct 2 Drive versions usually won't work. I recommend installing the latest Oblivion patch (upgrade to the game) from the Bethesda website - http://www.elderscrolls.com/images/columns...atches_left.gif read the info on each patch before downloading to be sure you have the right one.

 

The mods and 7-zip are stored on your computer and not on the Oblivion CD

 

To successfully install mods you must know a little about how a computer stores files (file structure and paths)

 

There is a lot of information here, I recommend that you print it out so you can refer to it as you do it.

 

My example will use 7-zip and windows XP because that is what I use.

 

The RAR format can be uncompressed using either the RAR program, available for pay but with a 30 day free trial, or using the 7-zip program, which is free, works with almost any compressed type file and available on the tesnexus site - here: http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15579

 

First, you must download the 7-Zip and install it on your computer. It extracts and installs itself automatically when you click on the installer that you download. 7z files are automatically assigned to this format when when it installs, but you must assign the other zipped file formats yourself.

 

To unzip (uncompress) a file automatically, first you must tell your computer to use that program for that purpose. You do that by opening your folder options helper, located in the Control pane. Select File Types. Scroll down until 7Z is highlighted. If it is not already assigned to 7z, Select 'Change' If 7-Zip is installed, it should be in the recommended program list. select 7-zip file manager, then OK.

 

Now go back to the list and continue to scroll down until you find RAR. Again, select the 7-Zip File manager and OK.

 

Now when you click on a RAR file that you have downloaded, the 7-zip program will start with that file in its manager.

 

This would be a good time to look at the readme file to see what else you might have to do to get the mod to work

 

Doubleclick on the readme and it will be displayed.. Pay attention to any other required programs, such as OBSE or an .esm from another mod. (Many larger mods require OBSE (Oblivion Script Extender) which is not a mod, but a separate program - read the readme that comes with it to install it as it installs differently that a mod.

 

After reading the readme and determining that you have the required programs for this mod, you are ready to extract it to ypur hard drive. Highlight the files you want to unzip, usually all and then click on the blue minus labeled 'Extract'

 

A pop up window will appear with copy, and a command line with copy to: and a path. change the path to where the Oblivion\data is on your computer. Th find the correct path, click on the white block to the right of the existing path. A new pop up window should appear.

 

In the list, Click on 'My Computer" then C:Drive, then Program Files, Then Bethesda Softworks, Then Oblivion, then Data. Now click on OK at the bottom.

 

The new path should now be displayed in the 'Copy" window. Click OK. If a message appears saying it will overwrite existing files, click on OK.

 

The 7-zip will unzip the parts of the mod you selected into the Oblivion\Data folder. The BSA should be there along with the .esp file and .esm file.

 

Now, when you start Oblivion, instead of 'Play" select "Data Files". click on each mod you want to be active, an x should appear in the block. click on the x to deactivate a mod. then click on OK to return to the start menu.

 

Now, the new mod should be in your game.

 

This seems long and convoluted, but after you have successfully installed a few mods it will seem simple.