http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1090232-50-steps-to-stable-fcom/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1079933-50-steps-to-ctd-almost-free-fcom-game/
http://www.gamesas.com/?showtopic=1004123

THE MOST IMPORTANT WARNING:
This tread deals with OBMM installation only.
Currently it is generally accepted (and I admit it readily) that BAIN installation is superior to OBMM. Since I managed to build stable BAINstalled game, I hardly had to do more than just updating individual mods. Yes, I admit BAINstallation made me lazy
BAINstallation however is quite different from OBMM installation. Not more difficult but nevertheless different.
http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/ is a website created and maintained by Tomlong75210 . Itis the most detailed guide for BAIN installation known to me.
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1084204-bain-mod-installation-projects/page__hl__Psymon created and maintained by Psymon is another BAINstallation guide with fresh ideas and helpful information.


FIRST WARNING: Shikishima says this is NOT a newcomer friendly description. True, newcomers tend to avoid RTFM and hard work. This is a tread for diligent busybees and avid readers.
But while I agree with him, I think even old hands need refreshing their memory and one-stop mod shop, especially during re-installation.
For beginners he rather recommends to start with http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/convergence.html and http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1103610-relz-fcom-convergence-and-ufcom/
This is is step-by-step account about how I do it.
I provide links to the toolls but it is up to you to read and learn how to using them. Or not.
Nevertheless I consider most of the steps below to be necessary and strongly advise all who want to start playing FCOM to do their homework, i.e. RTFM. Do not try to skip a step; this is the best way to trip and fall. Don't forget to RTFM for every mod you install.

SECOND WARNING: Modded Oblivion has natural limitations: No more than 255 unmerged esp/esm files, no more than 375-400 esm/esp files total. The game cannot recognize more than 2 GB RAM without special patches (see section tools). The good news is the 4GB patch works miracles - tried it myself

THIRD WARNING: Always check the supporting treads for the big mods (http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/921906-francescos-leveled-creature-item-mod/page__hl__francesco, http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1105791-relzmartsmonstermod37b3-public-release-3-relz/, http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1099204-relz-oscuros-oblivion-overhaul-133/, http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1105942-relz-fcom-convergence-and-ufcom/ as they are sure to contain the latest information about updates, compatibility, installation instruction and load order. Don't forget to update your small mods too.

FOURTH WARNING: Until further notice this is the installation order recommended by Shikishima and Corepc:




Bear the warnings in mind, try and experiment carefully and choose wisely.

Enough warnings. Scared? Take my word, if you're scared, you ain't scared enough. There we go.



I DECIDED TO PLAY Oblivion... and after obtaining proper hardware,

1. I installed TES IV Oblivion in C:\ Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Oblivion.

Some players, especially Vista and 7 users recommend to install to different directory (for example C:\Games\Bethesda Softworks\Oblivion) because this avoids future problems using Oblivion and the related to it programs and tools under the User Account Control (UAC). While turning off UAC will solve your Oblivion problems, it can mess with important essential programs. So, either install in directory different from Program Files or learn how to make exceptions for selected programs in your UAC. http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/Windows_Vista for more information

2. I installed Shivering Isles. Game is unplayable at this point as many bug pester it.

3. I installed http://www.elderscrolls.com/downloads/updates_patches.htm – the latest. The patch for games without SI is different, so watch out what are you downloading and installing.

Then changed the tetures in video options to LARGE, changed the resolution, enabled HDR, turned off the music and the border regions in Oblivion ini, turned off Autosave, reduced the number of uGridDistantCount and uGridDistantTreeRange to 18 so that it matches my streamline 3.1 preferences.

4. I installed what I consider essential tools:

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2097 by Timeslip, cool tool to manage your mods with a lot of one-click options. Manual installation...hmm... I don’t remember such thing... : D.
http://obse.silverlock.org/ by Ian Patterson (ianpatt), Stephen Abel (behippo), Paul Connelly (scruggsywuggsy the ferret); it teaches Oblivion to be friends with modders added data. Many of the latest cool mods require it, your game looses nothing and gains a lot by adding it.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22368, based on Python 2,6 which is needed for
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22368 by Wrye The Monkey God (latest Wrye bash versions work fine with Python 2.6 and its add-ons!)and
http://www.oblivionmodwiki.com/index.php/PyFFI note that latest PYFFI and Wrye bash work well with http://code.google.com/p/fofix/wiki/RunningUnderPython26 and performance is even better - http://sourceforge.net/projects/wxpython/files/wxPython/2.8.10.1/wxPython2.8-win32-ansi-2.8.10.1-py26.exe/download; http://pypi.python.org/pypi/comtypes/0.6.1. However do not forget to install all 5 parts needed for Wrye bash smooth performance! . I think you don't need reminder that installing PYFFIed meshes is an advanced procedure (gobblemasticator's classification) and you need to know what and when you are installing. Example: If you install Automated Window Lighting first and the PYFFIed vanilla meshes after that, you not only will not see the great mod in its full splendor, but are also begging for strange CTDs and will come to the forum complaining. So, please, remember to carefully RTFM again.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20516 by Random007 with dedicated support maintenance by Arthmoor; PacificMorrowind and WrinklyNinja.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11536 by ElminsterAU, turned it into TES4VIEW as well, so you can see references, clean files and mods etc.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8665 by TeamGecko, so that you can merge, split etc esp and esm files and more.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15781 by ElminsterAU, it teaches Oblivion to recognize the Distant LOD added by main game and mods.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23979 by Elys, dev_akm, haama – it teaches your OBSE new tricks.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13841 that gives your character additional growth of skills and attributes up to 2oo each.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23208 by Skyranger 1 (Petrus Octavius suggest this crucial tool to be installed last, after all the other steps have been done so that players can literally see the difference it makes to your game). For those who would like to know: Heapmode1
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22410 by Skyranger 1. Since I installed it, I have no irritating CTD on exit. And it is esp-less!
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16622 gives you up to 8 sec of precious time to read the text added by mods without sound and voice acting. So you have no excuses you did not understand instructions when you die
Relatively new is the discovery ofhttp://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1076274 inspireb by far327 who was the first to figure out how to teach Oblivion to use up to 4GB RAM.
http://www.ntcore.com/4gb_patch.php allows Oblivion to recognize and use RAM up to 4GB thus preventing CTD due to Oblivion not using the new high-end systems extra power.
Here is Arthmoor's advice about using OSR along the 4 GB Patch:
You may need to install Oblivion Stutter Remover, set the heap mode to 5, and the iHeap size to 1024. Once I did this, the game became much more stable and I was finally able to confirm that the LAA patch does work. The more high intensity graphics replacers you use, the quicker things are going to fall apart, so you need the larger heap size in order to deal with it.
I always check for latest versions of these!
All these tools help running Oblivion in much smoother way than it would be without them.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=34125 improves FPS and keeps all the HDR goodness

5. I unpacked Oblivion - Meshes.BSA, pyffied the 8 folders named Architecture, clutter, dungeons, furniture, landscape, plants, rocks and sky, then omoded them and activated. Others used http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19911. If you want to PYFFI other mesh groups, it is possible but be sure you know what you're doing, i.e. RTFM first. PYFFIing the meshes in your game is maybe the most useful step for improving your performance.
6 I unpacked DLCShiveringIsles – Meshes.BSA, optimized with PYFFI, omoded, installed via OBMM.

7. I installed the
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21705 note - many players are against this anymore as it is outdated - use latest unofficial patches and pyffi as much as possible instead!. Lately there is newer version not conflicting with SI and is probably useful. Decide for yourself. After that I installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19911 note - many players are against this anymore as it is outdated - use latest unofficial patches and pyffi as much as possible instead!. Now is the moment to apply your texture replacers if you use any QTP3 or (my personal favourites)) Bomret's Normal Maps + Corepc's Vibrant Textures. And other replacers for books, lockpicks and whatnots.

25. October 2010
For the record: If you want to see the texture overhauls in-game, delay step 7 and complete it at later stage - after step 44 for instance. That's what I am doing lately, it is safe and pretty as everything released by Bumrek and Corepc.

8. I installed the
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5296, topped it up with
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27710 or leter
9. I installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10739, also optimized by default. I used to rename it DLC Shivering Isles.esp and got rid of the dummy esp, thus saving one slot. However, since Corepc released OMOBS mod for everything vanilla, I tend to keep original Shivering Isles.esp and the original USIP esp.

10 Installed the DLC I wanted, topped them with
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9969

11. Installed
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=268 (you will need to download and install both files) - FCOM ready fashion according to the instructions from dev_akm. Fran fans should also consider Fran's
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17621. You can use the BSA for
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=34830 but remember to use only the items!

12 All recommendations for tagging your mods in Bashed Patch are provided automatically by BOSS. Tomlong's TESPOSItive site has
http://tesivpositive.animolious.com/index.php?page=bashed_patch which contains tags info and more.

13. Installed
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=3953 topped up with
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23202, then installed the
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=3953, topped it with
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24511.

14. http://www.gamefront.com/files/17597960/Oblivion-Warcry-EV-Opti.7z/
Alternatively you can use
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LNG7LWO1;
http://www.4shared.com/file/gQaLp9Ho/OblivionWarCry109.html and
http://www.4shared.com/file/REdXF9Ks/FCOM_WarCry109.html



15. http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=1860 1.1, (You can use the good old esp from the original mod with the latest
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VHBH920B)
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12939 3.0.1 for NPC,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10670;
Xiamara's http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13360 and its
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24432 (makes them lootable!)

16 Installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=18417 (Resources, files, meshes for body replacers) +
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25309
Installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12061, Installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28537 and the optional esp too. These make your vanilla and SI weapons/armor with the stats of OOO and FCOM.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8158 allows high-end machines to fight 10 - 50 enemies or, alternatively, use the tweak option of Bashed Patch which does the same thing without esp for this, Just imagine:up to 50 enemies at the same time!

17. Installed
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MWEEEADE and
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17784 esm and esp files using
TheNiceOne's http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=995334 and am keeping an eye for updates, it is already PYFFIed. If you do not use the installer of The Nice One, then you must manually rename the MMM.BSA to FCOM_Convergence - MMM.BSA, otherwise you will see nasty things like green blood, black bodies and yellow squares with exclamation marks.
And I personally add Vacuity’s http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28186. Thank you, vacuity! And I also recommend her
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22795.

18. Pyffied and installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21104 1.72 and related patches including
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17557. Now, II gives you angry red colour in Wrye Bash as if there is huge conflict. Nothing could be further from the truth, it is a very small but intricate clever mod that adds item from multitude of mods including COBL, MMM, FCOM and other monstrously big mods and makes library from these items that can be inserted in your game without effort. Well done, Vacuity!

19. Installed body replacers like
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24078; topped it with
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20022– strongly recommend 4096x4096 for high-end PCs as it really makes skin looks flawless., topped with High-Res Face Textures;
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19738 – latest version (I advice to use also his smoother egt file which you can find with his Latamer race mod - it makes huge difference in the character appearance IMHO) and
http://www.slofslair.co.uk/index.php?page=modarticle&modarticle/id=5qsjhdy8kow and stock clothing replacers for
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15097;
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14984 and
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15096 (using only EVE replacer FCOM.esp) .
Topped up both Armamentarium 1.35 and Artifacts 1.1 with their nice
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24078 stock replacers.
Installed FCOM supported quest mods
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=35222 ,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3027,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13398 1.1,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=7663 1.3,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14200
http://www.theelderscrolls.info/?fileid=201&go=dlfile pyffyied where applicable.

Installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4387 topped up with
http://www.4shared.com/file/84848755/a265a7de/TamrielTravellerAdvscript140Alpha.html file for advanced scripts and latest
http://www.4shared.com/file/153417240/e658e2df/TamrielTravellersCosmeticCoblo.html (thank you, Corepc!) .

20. Installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12249 and the latest
http://www.4shared.com/file/144608444/c47efc89/ufcom.html by Corepc using
TheNiceOne's http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=995334 with add-ons like
http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1032482.
Entropic Order rebalance you can find at http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/convergence.html.
You can use the http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0IGOWXL4

21 Rebuilt bashed Patch with all relevant tags and tweaks of my choice. Bear in mind that lately you have to rebuild bashed Patch 2-3 times during the installation process - first time when barebone FCOM is installed, second time - when extended FCOM with add-ons supported by FCOM is supported and third time - when all is ready and all your mods are installed. My last rebuilding of the patch takes almost 12 minutes. However, rebuilding the patch allows you to play almost whatever you want, so it is worth it.

22. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16704, Alter Weight Spell, Spell delete, Multiple Clothes enchantment,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9562,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12466 ]and/or
http://theelderscrolls.info/?go=dlfile&fileid=219 latest, or any magic mods compatible I wanted.

23. Installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11778 by Willie Sea (if you're using Better Cities replace the esp file),
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16513 (you can choose another city enhancement of course). For players using UL, this is the moment to install this uniqueness. Installed many of great Jannix Quinn's mods, especially his replacers, umbrellas (it rains so much in Cyrodiil ) and so on.

24. Installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19628 (If you are to install
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/search.php and
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=18677, you should install 1) Bomret's 2) Corepc's 3) AWLS). In my opinion Bomret's Maps + Corepc's Vibrant textures gives result that easily matches QTP3 with no FPS loss. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3409 and http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12859 add some nice changes to game.
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1170901-relz-insanitys-retexture-releases/ which I personally find amazing!

25. PYFFIed and installed Dragon Caption's CURP
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24279 and the CURP esm 5.1.8

26. Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24320

27. http://www.fileplanet.com/215481/download/The-Elder-Scrolls-IV:-Oblivion---Origin-of-the-Mages-Guild-Mod-v7.3 pyffied + the FCOM patch,
http://www.fileplanet.com/215493/210000/fileinfo/The-Elder-Scrolls-IV:-Oblivion---Kvatch-Rising-Mod-v1.9; ;
http://www.fileplanet.com/215437/210000/fileinfo/The-Elder-Scrolls-IV:-Oblivion---The-Necromancer-Mod-v1.7,
http://www.fileplanet.com/215436/210000/fileinfo/The-Elder-Scrolls-IV:-Oblivion---The-Elder-Council-Mod-v2.5, the
http://www.theengineeringguild.co.uk/download-area/download?path=oblivion%2FKingdomofAlmar.7z,
http://www.fileplanet.com/215435/download/The-Elder-Scrolls-IV:-Oblivion---Kvatch-Aftermath-Mod-v7.8;
http://www.fileplanet.com/215453/210000/fileinfo/The-Elder-Scrolls-IV:-Oblivion---Temple-of-the-One-Mod-v1.5 and all mods by Giskard I wanted. They require the 13 resource packs of Dragon Captons Cyrodiil Upgrade Resource Pack (CURP) from Nexus topped up with
http://www.fileplanet.com/215268/download/The-Elder-Scrolls-IV:-Oblivion----Cyrodiil-Upgrade-Resource-Pack-Mod , topped up with
CURP Patch (currently to 2.6)
http://www.fileplanet.com/215490/210000/fileinfo/The-Elder-Scrolls-IV:-Oblivion---CUO-Resource-Pack-Patch-v2.6which can be found at Fileplanet -reuploaded from October 2010.

28. Installed sound mods,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8711,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25171 ,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19487
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13987,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2536- only habitat part(do not forget to delete Sky meshes and Sky textures if you're using different weather mod of the newer generation!),
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23783 with hi-res textures,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23064;; Black Dragon’s cool water tweaks; Underwater Bubbles;
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10803; Athmospheric Loading Screens mod,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20053,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25078,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16533, Colored Enemy Health,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6914 and its
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20698,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2069;
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16544 or another weather mod.


29. Installed the Oh-so-cool
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10763 1.3.2. Some players prefer
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11280 which comes with many color variations (@Nexus)

30. Installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15619; (or
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13879); or
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14065 with
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12878; alternatively - some players prefer the classic
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1888 with
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10210

Note that different progress mods are handled differently by Darnified UI. It is definitely Kobu compatible but for the OXP and nGCD please read the relevant readmes for best results.



31. Installed many clothes mods,clothes for body replacers; pyffied houses mods (up to 40 GB).

32. Installed mods adding armor to Fran and supporting patches

33. Installed TIE4MODS – SM version - Main esp only which adds NPCs and secret entrances but does not change FCOM gameplay. recently disabled as it negates too much pure FCOM experience, will try the new version Corepc has promised us.

34. Installed independent quest mods like
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5156,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9655 (the only reason to forgive scruggsy he didn't finish this great mod is the fact he's always busy with his OBSE ),
http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1077279; ;
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8235 with http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19520 etc pyffied when possible,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11598,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24233,
Gates To Aesgaard,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21176,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16316;
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8613;
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20184;
http://www.lostspires.com/pages/downloads.htm;
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13714 and its patch 1.8 http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=875593,
my favourite 5 mods by Vibliribland ,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13707 1.1 and
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=7633 by Painkiller Rider;
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28105 by Darkrider,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9357 by bkrisher Guiles;
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17781;
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23384;
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11755;
http://www.invision.tesalliance.org/forums/index.php?/files/file/533-starx-vanilla-vampires-revised/


35. Installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8435 topped with Salmo COBL - pyffied (Salmo COBL will not work without this esp even if it is inactive.) you will need the Better Cities patch for the shop to start selling bread and rolls. Note that Salmo is fully integrated in COBL 1.72 and there is no need to install the original mod anymore. Note that latest COBL 1.72 has Salmo's resources integrated and if you play COBL you don't need the stand-alone version.

36. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8962 by flyfightflea (Skycaptain you've promissed me DR 6.0 with horse combat like 4.3!)

37. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2037 3.0.1; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15340; http://rapidshare.com/files/119328854/Attack_and_Hide_v2.1_1.0.omod; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1866

38. Installed http://theelderscrolls.info/?go=dlfile&fileid=215 and http://theelderscrolls.info/?go=dlfile&fileid=293 by bg2408

39. Installed http://theelderscrolls.info/?go=dlfile&fileid=349 by bg2408

40. Installed CM Partnes basic and Companion mods of my choice.

41. Installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16459, topped up with
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20459
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13051,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14948,
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27954 by Mur_zik and
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28223 by Surazal and Mur_Zik;
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19796

For those of you who want to play DMC Stylish animations along with some female walk mod - DMC Stylish will work only with Umpa's sixy Walk.
However, a few months ago with the kind support by Surazal I found a solution of my own and now can choose between 7 different styles of female walk and still enjoy DMC Stylish
Check my solution here:


42. Installed
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8273 with the fixed esp by Skycaptain and (my personal favourite –
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15777 1.1. You think it is easy tohit a target at level 3? Try this small add-on and good luck )

43. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10400 3.1 by Jaga tweaked its ini reducing the number of streamsaves per hour, changing the fog value to match reduced number or trees in Oblivion ini etc. (RTFM )


44. Tweaked the ini of SkyRanger1's Oblivion Stutter Remorer 4.1- the latest and tweaked the ini of Streamline 3.1 according to my needs.

45. Merged the esp files of similar mod groups: Buyable Armo.espr, Foundable Armor.esp, Small Gameplay Changes.esp etc., using the guidelines from the http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1068317

46. Ran BOSS - latest version of this cool tool and readjusted the load order for the files it did not recognize.

47. I cleaned with TES4EDIT one at a time every esp from the list provided at http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/TES4Edit_Cleaning_Guide; ran TES4LODGen after that.

48. Built properly tagged Bashed Patch from the latest version.

49. AT THIS POINT I TURN OFF ALL MODS (i.e. unchecked them in Wrye Bash or /and OBMM) except Oblivion.esm. This is essential step. Don’t skip it if you don’t want to see hanging arrows in the air, missing land masses, purple textures, bizarre NPC behaviour and so on. Otherwise you will be victim of the ‘Multiple Mod Activation’ phenomenon. If you haven't defragmented your hard disk already (I did it after installing Oblivion + SI +DLC and again after FCOM basic), now is the time to do it before you start playing in serious!

50. As people still keep asking (and keep being mistrustful) about this particular step, I will try to redo it and explain as well as I can.
I was unbeliever too. Last example from my own experience - perfectly balanced game with UOP Hotfix 3.2.4. Corepc releases Hotfix 3.2.5. I got lazy, uninstalled 3.2.4; installed 3.2.5 on top of whole game - persistent CTDs all over the place!. Reinstalled all game introducing Hotfix 3.2.5 when appropriate - no CTD for 2-3 days. Still think I am joking? So., how to do it?

Consider all esm turned on one by one.
Turn on all Fran load-save (new expendable char in prison)-exit.
Activate Bob's-load-save-exit.
Activate War Cry-load-save-exit.
Activate OOO esp Load game-save-exit.
Activate FCOM-Convergence esp (only!)-load-save-exit.
Activate all MMM modules I have-load-save-exit
Load Tamriel Travelers - all esps I have-load-save-exit.
Load one by one Lost Paladin Of Divines, The Mystery Of Dulan's Cult, Mighty Umbra etc.
Then, when extended FCOM unmergeable modules are on, rebuild Bashed Patch and merge all FCOM related mergeable esps. Load game-save-exit.
Continue to load all other unmergeable mods, when they are on, rebuild bashed patch, adding all mergeable esps not related to FCOM, load-save-exit.
Delete temporary character, create your permanent one, play.

Extra Steps recommended by some players:

I strongly recommend to back up a successful install as completely as possible.
Back up your Menus folder BEFORE you install any UI overhauls (DarnUI or Dark DarnUI etc.).
Backup your OBSE folder after you have tweaked the OSR ini etc.
Backup your Streamline ini, Enhanced Economy ini, weather mod ini etc.
Bacup your saves. Save regularly, with normal saves and don't rely on quicksaves or autosaves - they often get corrupted. Don't rely on streamsaves either as they also might get corrupted.
Backing up saves time to fix issues and serves as second-line defence against errors. Helps when you reinstall your game.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22282 which in my opinion is not finished to the same high standards of SkyRangers1 Oblivion Stutter Remover which I find really helps my game.


P.S.. This post has been modified quite a lot since it was first posted because I tried some of Shikishima's and other players’ suggestions and as sensible as I am, I accepted many of them as they give better results. As for the links - they all lead to tools and mods tested and accepted by the community. So, a potential problem with one of them, it won't be a matter of good or bad, mods, only compatibility and correct installation.


ATTENTION: After the release of MMM BSA, alternative installation orders have been suggested by FCOM and MMM modders, please by all means check FCOM and MMM installation instructions. Things are expected to change with updates of major mods, so stay alert!
This installation is in order I have tried and found to work for me. Feel free to differ, change, experiment, criticize and share experience and opinions, we all will be only grateful!

After all is done and said, I will repeat: DO NOT FORGET to uncheck all your mods and start new game, name your char 'A' or ‘Z’ or whatever and turn on one mod/load game/save/exit and repeat the procedure until all your mods that must be active are active. Activation order: Basic FCOM; Extended FCOM; Others. ONE BY ONE!
Then rebuild your bashed patch, then create your real character. Many people come to cry 'I have CTDs!' or 'I have weird things!' simply because they turn on huge bunch of mods at once.

My Latest Load Order:



I LOVE THIS GAME!

I've been thinking about installing a kvatch rebuilt mod, and I was looking at the options. I've been reading that kvatch aftermath/kvatch rising are incompatible, but in the steps above it doesn't mention that. So I'm just looking for clarification.

Wish there were a way for you to upload your Data Folder somewhere... my god that list is daunting.

Thank you for the effort

Kvatch Aftermat cannot be played along Kvatch Rising. Must choose one or the other.

Cannot upload 35 GB.

BTW Darn pointed out to me that using the keychain mod is redundant if using DarnUI.

Serious question - the list says to install the UOP and USIP after texture replacers, however the patches replace some textures themselves. Wouldn't this mean missing out on some hi-res textures which may not have the same issues as Beth's originals (and therefore may not need to be patched)?

Just wondering if, when activating the UOP and USIP in OBMM, is it safe to uncheck the textures that would overwrite say Qarl's for example?

Thanks
G

From the Keychain Nexus page:

. 3. Does this work with DarN's UI?+ YES! Ignore the "slowdown" warning - it was for Keychain v2.1. With v5.0, you will see an increase in menu load times, even if your Key category is collapsed.

and

One other thing to note - this is the first time I could truly compare Menu loading times with and without Keychain with DarN's collapsed Key category - Keychain improves load speed significantly, even with the collapsed Key category. So, if you use DarN's UI, you do benefit from using Keychain. 

BTW: Great thread. I found many small and "forgotten" patches here, like Shivering OOO, FCOM Archery and AdvScriptTravelers 1.40. I think these should at least be mentioned in their specific official threads.

Yes, I know, I just think it is more immersive with keychain.

Well, you are right to raise the question and I changed my mind (humans are allowed to do that, you know ) and now a days I install Bomrek's and Insanitysorrow's enhanced normal maps along with Corepc's Vibrant textures after UOP, almost last (BAIN installation) so that UOP is overridden by the textures overhauls. Added few words to step 7 to elaborate. Thanks again for the question.

Quick question....

So once all the mods are loaded one by one with a "z" named character....do you make a new character (at sewer exit) or start a new game? big difference.

thanks!

Cool, thanks for the clarification

Also, the USIP asks if I'm using custom body mods - does it matter if I don't install the body mods until later or would they need to be installed before I say "yes" to that question? (omod install)

One other thing, some texture replacers might depend on another mod, I presume it's safe to install these after (e.g. UC Furniture has an option to add meshes for Harvest Containers, but this isn't installed until later with OOO, so I'd install OOO first and the UC Furniture replacer after, right?).

Another example would be the Book Jackets addon for COBL's lore books, I'm assuming that it's safe to install this after COBL?

Thanks again, sorry if these are noob questions, I'd rather be sure than mess it up and have to start over

Sorry, one last thing that may or may not be relevant to this thread but someone here might know the answer... I've installed the unofficial DLC patches (merged with the SM refurbished patch), now is it possible to add in other mods that replace the DLC esp? Such as, Frostcrag Reborn, Princess Battlehorn Castle, etc. What's the easiest way to add these mods in - another merge? TIA

It d0oes matter if you use body replacer to USIP, so you better ask correctly.
About UC Furniture, yes install after OOO so that it overwrites OOO
Yes, install book jackets for COBL after COBL.
About DLC replacers - never done it, so have no opinion to share, sorry.

THE UOMP patches are for the Vanilla DLCs only AFAIK. There was a similar question here:
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1121078-relz-unofficial-oblivion-patch-320-unofficial-patch-supplementals/page__view__findpost__p__16578636
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1121078-relz-unofficial-oblivion-patch-320-unofficial-patch-supplementals/page__view__findpost__p__16579760

OK, quick one - at what point would I install stuff like Slof's horses? Since most of the horse mods I want to use also depend on that as well as DLCHorseArmor, I'm tempted to just install them straight after the UOMP. Does this sound right?

Also I'm guessing that if I have any mods that replace the DLCxxxxx.esp, I should deactivate Beth's original esps before I install the UOMP, then install the mods after that?

Thanks

Again I would not be merging the DLC at all - bad choice - you never know what will come up that depends on them being as they are.

So many other mods that are better to merge.

here is a hint though: http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27675 for maximum compatibility.

Then also for better installation method: http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1084204-bain-mod-installation-projects/

Is it on purpose that the name is "tread", listed 3 times as well in the links as "tread"?

Don't tread on me lol XD

By the way, is there a mirror for the FCOMBobsArmoryOblivion file, as the Megaupload link (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VHBH920B) stops at 31% (12.2MB)?

I don't think it's a problem with my Internet connection as I can quite happily download 250MB files from the Nexus with no problems at all...

EDIT: nvm it's OK now, guess Megaupload was having a bad day

Thanks
G

Thanks for the awesome guide! Been following for the last week dling and pyffing most of the stuff linked here

A question if I may:

Lost Paladins of the Divines is now on v2: http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=35222
Is v1 (the one you linked) the "FCOM-safe" version?? If yes, any idea whether the http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=31063 might be safe??

Thanks in advance to any replies

I also want to thank for this list, and going through the trouble of providing links and extra info and everything. I really really appreciated the existence of this thread this weekend. :goodjob: :goodjob: :goodjob:



I wouldn′t think there′s a problem, at least the readme seems pretty confident about it:

Thanks a million Skycaptain! Loving DR btw

Hi,
thank you thank you thank you for this list!
I've tried to impressive my xbox-bound friends on many occasion, and each time their awe was ruined somewhat by my constant crashing... this list will solve that!

A question though-
I'm one of those gamers that likes to add things to his load order on ocassion... if I wan't to add say... Curse of Hicrine, a mod adding werewolves to the game, AFTER having a completed all these steps... what steps do I have to repeat?
So after gaming on a good load order for a few weeks, what steps do I need to re-do when adding an additional mod?

thank you again for this idiot proof list

To echo the sentiments of the previous poster - this list is extremely valuable and a great resource. Thanks for sharing with the community.

From page 1, 1st post:

Just asking: Should this not be the Wrye Python 03a package rather?

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/download.php?id=66125

Following your guide - thanks :goodjob:
Couple of suggestions- questions

Yeah, I'm wondering if Blade is still following his thread. His guidance is generally good but could be clarified is some specific instances. I found Tomlong's guide actually even more valuable, at least concerning the part that is dealing with FCOM basic setup which is the biggest hurdle in my opinion.

Why are those 2 especially FCOM supported ? can't find any info on this


Also :Is this needed to be installed with FCOM (I know it's optional - I mean installed while installing FCOM) - or you list it there as belonging to categorie Items ?

Thanks