Though it amazes me that this is still a very popular question, I know a lot of people are having their first elder scrolls experience with Oblivion. However, using the search engine is quick and painless! To avoid the amount of repetitive threads we are experiencing on this subject, I have created this thread. Please post all your queries here (if any) on this matter.

All future threads on this subject will be locked.

Cheers.


Step One: Download the official construction set

Step Two: BACKUP YOUR SAVES!

Step Three: MAKE SURE YOU BACKED UP YOUR SAVES!

Right, now assuiming you have downloaded your desired plugin, we can proceed to step four.

Step Four: Is this plugin in a .zip or .rar archive? if yes, carry on reading. If not proceed straight to step 5. Right, double click the .zip or .rar file and examine the contents. Is there a readme file? THEN READ IT! These usually contain handy information and installation instructions. As well as contact details of the author. Most archived plugins are self extracting and generall extract to your Oblivion/Data/ folder.

Step 5: The .esp file goes into the (default) C:\Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Oblivion\Data folder. Was that the only file? If so proceed to step 7. If not, carry on reading.

Step 6: Meshes, textures and sounds go into their relevant /meshes and /textures folders. Is this a graphic replacer? Then be careful what you replace, it might be wise to back up your data folder before hand if you are planning on replacing graphics and sounds. Again be sure to read the readme file for instructions. In the event you haven't installed any mods before, you most likely won't have a meshes or textures folder. In that case, either drag the folders from the zip/rar file, or create them yourself before adding the mesh/texture files.

Step 7: Right, once everything is extracted, open up the oblivion launcher, click data files and 'check' the plugin in the checkbox corresponding to it.

It's really very simple and will soon become second nature.

Just don't forget steps 2 and 3. You have been warned and I will take great pleasure in pointing and laughing at those who fail to heed my instructions.

Credit goes to Switch who contributed to this thread and reminded me that Bethesda have made things a bit assbackwards with plugins compared to Morrowind.

Er, It's not my place to contradict you, but what does the CS have to do with installing mods? The CS is needed only if you want to modify a mod or create your own.

Also, if you truly feel players need to have the CS installed, then step two should be installing it. It doesn't do much good to just download it and let it sit around.

Mezlo

Don't worry, I don't object to input or any advice you guys might have.

I feel downloading of the CS is needed if you are entering in the the world of ES downloadable content. Even if it is for its repair capabilities alone. It will also give the users a better understanding as to what is being changed in their game.

yea hey there i tried to folow your instructions but this is what i did. Tell me if i did something wrong:

1. first i go to my Oblivion shorcut, right-click, then do properties.

2. Next i go to find target

3. here it has the readme, launcher, data, etc.

4. I dragged my downloaded .rar file to the data folder

5. now whenever i click data it opens up what is inside there

6. Inside there is sounds video meshes blah blah then my files

7. i double-click my file which is a folder now and inside is the readme and the .esp

please tell me what i did wrong thank you

When you say dragged the rar file, do you mean the folder inside the rar file? As I've said elsewhere, sometimes rar/zip files have folders in them that contain the mod contents, and thus when extracted will create a folder inside Data. Select all the files (the readme and esp) in the folder that you now have in Data, and press Ctrl+X (cut). Now go to the Data folder, and press Ctrl+V (paste). That should place the readme and esp file in Data so you can play the mod from the launcher.

Okay, here's the thing.

A pre-compressed file works when I extract it to Data, but files that DL in .rar or .7z don't work when sent to the Data file.

For example. How do I get the "Akarivi imports" mod to work?

Nevermind. I just didn't have the right program for .rar

I've already posted my problem on another topic in the forums today but that was until I found this so here's my problem...I have had so much trouble getting weapon and armor mods to work. I've followed every instruction unziping the file into the Oblivion data folder, placing the correct meshes into the meshes folder and so on. However still none work..they just show up as like a big yellow exclamation point in the game. I was told by someone else to get modmanager and i did but considering it came with no directions on how to use it I kind of gave up on that idea. I'm just looking to see if maybe there's still something i'm doing wrong. -Thanks

When you see big yellow exclamations in the game it means that there is still some mesh or texture files that are not in the right place. It could also be the mod that may have something missing or is corrupted.

After a couple of those yellow exclamation moments with Morrowind I started installing plugins the following way:
1. Open the plugin with winrar or zip or whatever you are using. EDIT Make sure that you can see the plugin file and the files changed by the mod, meshes, textures and so on as well as the plugin file. You know, the one with the swiss army knife icon. If you only see 'Data files' double click to open it up.

2. Double click the following;(for a default installation) my computer, the drive you installed the game in (default C), Program Files, Bethesda Softworks, Oblivion and leave it open there (C:\Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Oblivion). You should see a folder called 'Data files' and a couple of others.

3. Size both of these windows so that you can see both at the same time.

4. Drag the folders from the downloaded plugin file you opened in step one and drop them into the 'Data files' folder. When it ask you if it should overwrite files, click on 'yes to all'


This way you also won't clutter your data file with all the readme's and screenshots, also why I dont like extracting directly into the data file. The cleanup is a bitch.

I hardly ever have any problems with plugins, and if I do its a conflict with another mod or the reasons given at the top.

EDIT: Do this only after following Stampede's instructions with the backups and stuff, of course

at the very top it says to back up my saves but does not say how or where to find these saved files... ive been looking in the data folder but i dont see anything that says saved files. can anyone post a full set of instructions of how to back up the saved files.

please and thankyou

Republik

Ah yes. Your save files should be located in your documents folder. For example, this is mine: C:\Documents and Settings\Stampede\My Documents\My Games\Oblivion

I've done all you said but what do i open my rar file with? alos when i put it in the data folder, i then click on oblivion, i can't find it whats wrong? Is there a converter to change rar to esp?

I won't even hide my amazement that you don't know what a .rar file is. A simple google search is all you would need to find out.

.rar is a packaging extenstion. Like .zip. You can use winrar to open it.

Uh...what do i do with a .7z file?

OK for the Eshme's Bodies and Cloth V2 I apparently need to make a damn \Oblivion\ArchiveInvalidation.txt "where the Oblivion exe is" (by exe I'm @ss-uming he means the launcher?)
I extracted all files into the Data file as instructed, created a new text doc "where the launcher is" with \Oblivion\ArchiveInvalidation.txt on the first line then C&P'd the EshmeArchiveInvalidation.txt's lines under this. Upon start up, i went into downloads and nothing was there to activate for the game. I have no doubt i f@#^ed it all up. Enlighten this noOb please god wth must I do?

Download the 7zip program at http://www.7-zip.org/

im sorry to bother everyone but i dont really understand all this computer stuff....no offense

im new to the whole elder scrolls and i have rarely installed mods and when i do, i have help with it.

i was hoping, if it would not be too much trouble, it i can get someones messenger so that someone can walk me step by step on how to install mods.

its only once

once somone tell me how to do it, i will get the hang of it.

i only need someone to show me it once.

thank you very much

-- nameless13

my aim is crazyasianguy04

my xfire is arcdelta13

any help will be appricated

hi i have installed the WinRAR file but i would like to now when im extracting my sword i click oblivion and then it comes up with this file named DXREDIST do i extract it to that file? if not can i have the folders name i should dump it into thanks

EDIT:oh and soz for making all those posts i was just getting impatient. i tried putting in the DXREDIST folder but it says something about it not being able to create it and then it says access denied and then it says no files to extract im confused plz help i found out wat i had to do but now i have a real prob this sword ive uploaded onto the file. on the readme page it says the merchant to buy this sword is located in the market district infront of ethier the two statues and i have a prob.... hes not there any1 have any idea wat this might be?

far out this is always wat happens i always get no reply....

Have some patience, for pity's sake. Sometimes it can take a few days to get a response. If you're so desperate, go and search for the information yourself, it's not hard. Resources such as Google can be a huge help. Either way, double posting is spam, so please avoid it. Thank you.

Part of the problem is probably the fact that your post is worded poorly. Not even I can make much sense of it. What are you trying to do? What does DXREDIST have to do with installing mods? Have you read the instructions at the start of this thread at all? Because it doesn't sound like you have to me.

soz i forgot to mention that i found out wat folder i have to use and also i have downloaded the TES oblivion construction set and i have placed all the files i want in the data files i have ticked the boxes but the weps and armor dont show up in the IC market district and the the armor which are supposed to be sold by certain ppl are not for sale in there shop wats going on?

EDIT: and soz for being so impatient i am a impatient guy from now on ill try not to be so impatient and wont double post (because before i didnt know.)

Hmm... so, they're not there at all? And you're sure you put a cross next to the mod in the Data Files menu (below Play) before launching the game? If you've done that properly, then they should show... are you running any other mods? With the vendors it could be that they're conflicting with other mods and thus not selling the items.

ill try deactivating the other mods. i have deactivated all the other mods except the oblivion master file cause i dont think that would clash and i have gone to the imperial market district in search of my wep it is, i think supposed to be leaning against the statue or something but its not and also this mod says that if u go to the gates of the market district the words Imperial market district will be in french (ment to happen and it does) but now i have the problem of the sword not being there wats happening? ill try some other mods in the mean time and ill give u the link to the sword i want.

http://www.tessource.net/files/cache/3471.html if the pics say error it happens so just click on the pics and it will come up (if u want.)

Huzzah! i got one of the mods to work but i cant do it for the rest

forget about this i have found my problem and now i can look after myself because i know how everything works ty for ur help

I have installed mods as described and everything seems to be working well until one of the new NPC's in the mod engage in conversation. When the menu with replies comes up there is either no reply possible or only the usual "Rumors", but none of the mod replies. I have installed the menu directory included in the mod in the same directory (textures I think), but have tried to copy it to all other directories with no effect. Could someone please help me with this?

Ps - it does not happen with a specific mod, but with all mods I have installed that requires a menu icon.

I have all my mod files in the Data Folder but when I laungh the game and check the data files, all there is is the Master File for the original game....

are you sure you put the esp file there? It should work.

How do you create the meshes and textures folders. I dont have those so I cant get the weapon mods to work.

Just make new folders called meshes and textures, as you would make any other folder. Though, the mods should come with those folders in the zip anyway (if they're done properly, at least).

People i dunno if i can download u see i am from england! and i havin trouble extracting the fi%3bes and putting them in te %0d%0aoblivion data files

i dont know how to make mods work...i need more detaild instructions

Think you should first unzip the files you downloaded and have the esp files in the Oblivion data file. The put in the disk and click "Data Files" and have the mods you wish to use with an "X", just like the oblivion esm file. Be sure to read the documents of the mod so that you have every the it requires.


But I have a problem myself here. I just downloaded Ren's beautypack v1.1 and already unziped it, but when I try to creat a new charac., her head is just blank! How come this happen!?

Hello!

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but I'm having some trouble with texture mods, and I'm not sure what to do. For example, I've tried several different map replacements, unzipping the texture folder straight into my data folder, or copying the files directly where they belong, but no dice. The map just stays brown and dull.

Also, I tried some replacement character textures *cough* nude mods *cough,* and they show up, but they look extraordinarily ugly- nothing like the screenshots. I changed the resolution- currently I'm running it at 1440x900- but that doesn't seem to work.

Has anyone had any similar problems? The nude mods I don't care about, but I'd really like to get a color map in, and this is worrying me because now I'm being paranoid and thinking my environment texture replacements aren't working right. If anyone has any advice, I'd really appreciate it.

Perhaps you should go check the word file when you unzip your mods in order to see if it requiers any other mods.

By the way, does anybody know whereI can find "Cosmetic Compilation (Merged plugin with Capucine's Character Expansion and Etc)"? Or if anyone has already being useing Ren's Beautypack, would you just upload that "Cosmatic C." thing? Thax!

Tinfeasul, please try and keep things on topic. This thread is about how to install plugins/mods (and I suppose any problems you have doing that) not finding where to get plugins/mods. Thanks.

All my 'mods' so far are pretty much just texture ones, so I don't think that's the problem. I'm pretty sure now that what I'm doing wrong is not putting the right stuff in my ArchiveInvalidation file. Could anyone tell me what exactly goes into there- I'm a little lost when the mod doesn't come with a readme with that info.

I need help!! i have tried to give the ic guads different armor, it seems to work but when i load my game and activate the mod, nothing happens! the guards armor is the same! what am I doing wrong?

1)
Create a new ring of that mesh/texture by changing the ID (and if you want to rename it, change the name).

2)
Go to magic, click on enchantment, and right click anywhere and click new.

3)
Right click and choose the effect you want and set the maginitude and stuff like that. Repeat if you want more. In the type menu, select what type of object you are creating an enchantment to.

4)
Go to your object you created. Click the enchantment drop-down menu, and click the enchantment you created for that ring.

5)
Click ok. Go back and make sure the enchantment stays. Click ok, and do that some more times.

6)
Place the ring anywhere you want in game, whether it be a container, on an NPC, or on the ground somewhere.

I have two downloaded MODs that are just single .rar files.

How do I extract them or find the readme as the only thing I can do is open it using the internet which doesn't do anything.
Please help me.

get WinRAR, it extracts every type of file you will see on tessource.

I extracted the files to the data folder but when I try to check the box it tells me it is not a valid plugin or master file.

What sort of file is it, and what mod is this (link to it)



WarKirby

Can anyone make a video for me on how do download a mod preferrably this one http://tessource.net/files/file.php?id=3292 its called the 300: Akaviri Stronghold, 1.7
so if you could make a video it would help me a lot if you could just give me ur aim or sumtin to take me through step by step would help a lot also

Not exactly sure what a archiveinvalidation thingie is. I understand that you have to create a text file, but am confused as to what I need to name it, what to put in it, and where to put it.

Read-mes don't really help too much.

(Trying to install the Corwyns Fantasy Figures Alpha mod)

If anyone could help, it'd be greatly appreciated!

-J

Name it ArchiveInvalidation.txt
Put it in the main Oblivion folder, the same one that has Oblivion.exe in it.

Got it.

Edit: second question answered by search! /whap self

I've tried downloading ren's beauty pack and other races (I DO have the custom race fix) but when i try to create the new races they just appear invisible. The mods come with the texture and meshes folder but I don't quite understand what you're meant to do with them. Could someone please explain in clear, detailed steps? by the way i have very little knowledge of computers and the such so the help is greatly appreciated.

Copy and pasting into the \Data folder should be sufficient. It will ask you if you want to overwrite the corresponding folders and subfolders. Select Yes. If it asks you if you want to overwrite FILES, check the mod's readme first.

Maybe this is just me, but when I go to unzip a mod, this password protect screen pops up, as if I would need to enter a password to be able to unzip it. Any ideas?

Does this happen with ALL .zip files, or just this one mod?

If the latter:
--Check the mod description and readme
--If no password is mentioned, try leaving it blank

I'm really having trouble with getting mods to work. It seems like I'm doing everything right but when I download the files none of them are in zipped folders. The one I tried to download was one of those Z2 (whatever it is called) files. I downloaded the Z-whatever program. Anyway, I saved the mod into the program files/ Bethesda/ Oblivion/ data folder. could anybody give me a really simple walkthough. By the way the mod I'm having trouble with is Adonnays Elven Sabres. Any help is really apreciated.
And none of the files that ive downloaded were esp and only one of them were zipped. They don't show up in the data files thing on the launcher either.