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Article link: Installing Mods

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Contents:
- Overview
- Definitions
- Installing Fallout 3
- Mod Pre-Requisites
- Official Downloadable Content (DLC)
- Installing Mods
- Replacers

Overview
This guide is designed to provide concise instructions on how to configure your system to use player-created content (mods).

There are many ways that things can be done but this guide will try to provide the best and easiest solutions that fit the largest audience rather than being overly complex and show all the different ways it "can" be done.

Definitions

<<Install Folder>> - This refers to the folder where you installed Fallout 3. If not changed, it will default to C:Program FilesBethesda SoftworksFallout3. If you are not sure, you can find out by right-clicking on your Fallout icon and choosing "Properties" which will reveal the installation path.

ArchiveInvalidation.txt - This file is found or created directly in the <<Install Folder>>. Example: D:GamesFallout3ArchiveInvalidation.txt

Data Folder - This refers to the "Data" sub-folder under the <<Install Folder>>. Example: D:GamesFallout3Data

Fallout.ini - This file retains the game settings and is typically found under your Windows Profile. Example: C:Documents and SettingsYourIDMy DocumentsMy GamesFallout3Fallout.ini

Game Content - This refers to texture (DDS), mesh/model (NIF), audio (MP3, WAV, OGG) and animation (KF) files.

CTD - This is an abbreviation for "Crash To Desktop" which can be a problem with just a base installation of Fallout 3 but can be increased by certain mods that are not packaged well (missing files, incorrectly configured NIFs, etc.)


Installing Fallout 3
It is recommended that you install Fallout 3 to someplace other than C:Program Files because on Windows Vista, there are additional security features that can be problematic.

Install Fallout 3 to someplace like C:Fallout3 or D:GamesFallout3


Mod Pre-Requisites

1. Download the program/installer version of ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated
2. Extract the files to the Fallout 3 <<Install Folder>>
3. Run <<Install Folder>>ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated!.exe
4. Click Activate, OK, Exit


Official Downloadable Content (DLC)
- These are not available at the time of this tutorial but will most-likely be in the form of an executable program you double-click to install.


Installing Mods
If the mod contains additional Game Content and a plugin that adds them to the game (meaning that they are more than just a plugin but are not considered replacers), then following these steps to install it:

1. Extract the archive to a temporary folder using an archive utility such as 7-Zip.
2. Examine the folder contents and make sure everything looks correct.

Example:

C:DownloadsMyModMeshes*
C:DownloadsMyModTextures*
C:DownloadsMyModSound*
C:DownloadsMyModMyMod.esp
C:DownloadsMyModMyMod Readme.txt

3. Copy all the files in the folder (inside "MyMod" for example) and paste them in the Fallout 3 "Data" folder.

Example:

C:DownloadsMyMod*.* --> D:GamesFallout3Data*.*

4. Start the Fallout Launcher, click "Data Files" and place a checkmark beside the plugin you just installed so it will load the changes into the game the next time you load or start a new game.
5. It is recommended that you install or update just one mod at a time to ensure that the change you made to your game works properly before making more changes. This makes it much easier to track down CTD problems or other issues.


Replacers
Mods that replace original models and textures are considered "replacers" and need to be handled slightly different than other mods and typically does not even include (or need) a plugin.

The game engine must be told that the replacer files in this mod should overwrite the files in the BSA files that came with the game.

If you used the ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated utility, you do not need to worry about this. The main thing to worry about are conflicting mods that replace the same file(s). If this is the case, the last mod installed will overwrite the existing files and become the current replacer.

If a mod archive comes with an ArchiveInvalidation.txt file or lists the files in their readme, you can disregard this information (and even delete that text file).

[lancer31]

In Oblivion, when I checked a mod in "DataFiles", it stayed checked, but in Fallout3, only the main game stays checked.
I never know if the mod is in there, or not. Doesn't seem like I should have to check them before every start.

[LHammonds]

lancer31, I do not know why you are having problems with Data Files but another way to do this is by using Fallout Mod Manager (FOMM). I use FOMM to manage my mods.

LHammonds

[Lillemannen]

Im having the same problem as lancer31. i have also tried to use fomm, but same problem there. only the main game stays checked

[LHammonds]

Need a LOT more details.

- Operating System and service pack level
- What version of Fallout you purchased (retail boxed, steam, windows live, pirated edition, etc.)
- Folder path where you installed Fallout

LHammonds

[abdelhazred]

Guh, just joined and I've been browsing trying to find a way to make mods work. I thought this tutorial would help, but mods still aren't working. Maybe you could add a troubleshooting section for those of us that can't figure it out? I miss the simple scripts of old that you could just double-click and walk through walls or fly.

[wogz187]

Abdelhazred,

Fallout 3 does support a console system with easy 'codes' like walk through walls (tcl) and fly, which is the same command. You can find a decent list of codes here:

http://www.fallout3n...file.php?id=670

If you're having a difficult time installing mods I suggest you leave a message on the Mod page, most authors support their work. Otherwise, there are lots of people here that will take time out of their lives to help you. Just ask buddy, no problem.

Hope that helps

[Auric Kynes]

I feel like a noob just for asking this but what do you put in the archiveinvalidation.txt file? I've done this before I just had to uninstall FO3 and now I can't seem to remember what goes in the file.

[Lord Slyther]

LHammonds, I sent you a PM on a question regarding to this article, although it isn't posted on the list, it may or may not have. Something to do with the textures on the models.

[LHammonds]

Quote

If you used the ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated utility, you do not need to worry about ArchiveInvalidation.txt