A babe in the (modding) woods... advice?

[SEAL6Operator]

Hi all, first post!

 

After a friend of mine showed me some YouTube videos of how absolutley gorgeous Skyim can be - I've decided to jump into the deep end.

 

I've decided to follow the 'RealVision ENB' post (here: http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/30936#content ) to guide me on my way, but have soooo

many more questions than answers - so I thought I'd ask all you fine people out there for a little help.

 

I've tried to answer as many questions on my own via these forums and various guides, but theres just to many variables to leave me comfortable about

just 'doing it', so here I am.

 

First off, I have the Steam installed version of Skyrim with both the Dawnguard and Dragonborn DLC packs. I have hundreds of hours worth of playtime/saves

but the installation has never seen a mod, and is 'stock' except for the DLC's and OEM Bethesda Hi-res texture packs.

 

My PC:

OS Version: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate x64
System RAM: 8124 MB
CPU Name: AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Processor
CPU Speeds: 3315
Physical CPUs: 1
Virtual CPUs: 6
Video Card Description: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti
VRAM: 2048 MB

GPU: 880 Mhz Memory: 1002 Mhz Shader: 1760 Mhz.
Primary Display Resolution: 1920x1080
Free Hard Drive Space (SSD): 11079 MB
Total Hard Drive Space: 109601 MB
Windows Experience Index Rating: 7.3

 

I assume (I know, I know) that I have the hardware to achieve a playable game with the RealVision ENB settings/mods?

 

Last night I spent a few hours downloading approx. 3.5 gigs of NMM-compatible mods from the Nexus forums (latest versions with applicable

patches for both Dawnguard and Dragonborn, if needed), followed from the installation list provided by RealVision ENB post linked above.

 

Downloaded and installed the Nexus Mod Manager. Check.

 

Now, from my research - I know load order is/can be critical. I've downloaded the BOSS utility (but havent installed it yet as I don't know

where or how to use BOSS and NMM to do what I'm supposed to do - are they mutually exclusive? Are they supposed to be used together? Should one

be used before the other? Logic says add/install mods first from NMM then use BOSS for the load order...?).

 

Experimenting with NMM, I know how to add and activate mods but there doesn't seem to be an indication or feedback from NMM as to

any mention of load order.

 

Do I just install and activate evey mod I've downloaded in NMM then worry about load order? Or do I need to add then activate every mod in order

according to the RealVision ENB list?

 

Am I missing something obvious here?

 

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated even if its "read x,y, z noob!"

 

Thanks in advance!

 

S6O

[Georgiegril]

Although I don't use the ENB site you are mentioning, I do have some info for to you on the NMM/BOSS questions you ask.

 

My advice to you is to slowly add mods, one or two at a time, run BOSS, then play a bit to make sure all is well. Then repeat the process.

Adding a bunch of mods at one time means that if there is a problem, you have to spend a bunch of time investigating a bunch of mods to figure out where the conflict or problem is.

 

BOSS and NMM work together-- just run BOSS after the installation/activation in NMM, and the new load order will show up on the plug-ins side the next time you open NMM.

 

Also, it helps to read every last word available on any mod you are using--the mod page usually has specific information about installation and compatibility, but there is often useful information in the change log, discussion thread, etc. Most problems can be avoided from careful reading. Hope you enjoy your modded Skyrim!

[jet4571]

Read description pages from top to bottom and every word is a must, then read the readme that comes with the mod to be sure it doesnt have relevant info that wasnt in the description. And do backup your saves before adding mods.

 

Also do not solely rely on a mod manager, yeah they are helpful and all but if it doesnt do something correctly you really need to be able to add and remove mods manualy.

http://wiki.tesnexus.com/index.php/How_to_install_Skyrim_mods

[SEAL6Operator]

Sounds good, thanks you guys!

 

I'll give it a whirl and see what happens.