BIG help with modding DAO needed

[Katarsi]

I successfully played and modded DAO approx 4-5 years ago, perhaps more, and then I changed computers, new games came along, you know how it goes.

Now I installed DAO anew (I had to purchase it again) and...I completely forgot how to do its modding properly :confused:

 

I have Ultimate version with all DLCs (Steam). I'm on Windows 10 (laptop), 4GB VRAM, Intel HD Graphics 520 / GeForce 940MX My old computer was very weak, so now I can finally play this game smoothly in high res.

 

I have downloaded the Toolset setup .exe, but after installing it won't start. The error window says "unable to connect to database". :ohdear:

I remember I used to make some great head morphs in Toolset (some pictures are on my Nexus profile), but I don't remember how it's done.

 

What I actually need here is a kind guidance on basic modding of DAO. I wish to remember how to use Toolset for creating head morphs of NPCs and player presets. I also need suggestions regarding some essential mods and utilities.

It's been a long time and this game is not as popular as some (e.g. Skyrim), so many tutorials don't exist anymore, and frankly, I'd like to save some time.

 

If you're still actively playing DAO with mods, please help. Your guidance will be greatly appreciated!

[theskymoves]

I believe the Dragon Age Toolset wiki has some info on resolving the 'can't connect to database' error. (Also see this thread, particularly the posts by Nezroy... that's my go-to place for toolset/MSSQL install issues.)

 

In my sig, there's a link to a series of blog posts (called kh mods DA:O) I did a while back re modding recommendations. It's incomplete and probably out of date in terms of whatever the hot mods for 2020 are, but the first post in the series on modding utilities and basic information is still pretty solid... and at the very end of that post are some links to other sites with additional info. I recommend Whuffie's toolset tutorials, for an excellent rundown on morph making with the toolset.

[Pasquale1223]

The DA Toolset wiki is an excellent resource for using the toolset, starting with installation.

 

Also, before the old BSN went away, the folks at fextralife archived many of the posts there.

 

Most of the information you seek can likely be found in one of those places.

 

Happy modding!

[Katarsi]

I believe the Dragon Age Toolset wiki has some info on resolving the 'can't connect to database' error. (Also see this thread, particularly the posts by Nezroy... that's my go-to place for toolset/MSSQL install issues.)

 

In my sig, there's a link to a series of blog posts (called kh mods DA:O) I did a while back re modding recommendations. It's incomplete and probably out of date in terms of whatever the hot mods for 2020 are, but the first post in the series on modding utilities and basic information is still pretty solid... and at the very end of that post are some links to other sites with additional info. I recommend Whuffie's toolset tutorials, for an excellent rundown on morph making with the toolset.

 

Thank you, theskymoves! You are such a brilliant soul. I'll look into your recommendations before anything else.

Setting up the Toolset took up most of this day because SQL was giving me hell, but I managed in the end. It works like a charm now, thanks to your link to that wonderful person nezroy's post. That thing should be pinned somewhere. And updated for Windows 10 rigs, I suppose.

 

The DA Toolset wiki is an excellent resource for using the toolset, starting with installation.

 

Also, before the old BSN went away, the folks at fextralife archived many of the posts there.

 

Most of the information you seek can likely be found in one of those places.

 

Happy modding!

 

Thank you for the forum link Pasquale1223! Lots of goodies there. I believe I'm on the right track :smile: