Hello, I have a 3 part question regarding the DLC for PC modded Skyrim.

1) My issue: I currently have no DLC installed, but there are a few mods I want that require Dawnguard and/or Dragonborn so I'm probably gonna have to get them (which is no big deal). I do not wish to start a new character if possible.

2) Several of the mods I use also have Dawnguard and Dragonborn versions. If I install the DLC, what is the best way to upgrade those mods? Should I uninstall them and then reinstall the DLC versions? (I use NMM)

3) If I'm not mistaken, DLC content becomes active right away even with low level characters. Is it possible to stay un-involved in the content until I'm ready for it? I know I could normally leave the .esp unchecked but, because I will likely have DLC versions of my mods, I don't know if that is possible.

Thanks if you're able to help!

You can download http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/38151/? mod which allows you to set the beginning of DG, HF and DB to your liking so you can push it to any level you want. So you can have them active from the beginning but they'll kick in only when you meet the level requirement or regarding DB, the quest requirement. However, traveling to Solstheim will still start the DB no matter what limits you set, IIRC.

EDIT: TiE also allows you to edit many other things, not just when to start DLCs.

That answers question 3, thank you!

1) You don't have to start a new character, but some would suggest it. Something to do with mod features (scripts and such) carrying across saves and not truly being able to uninstall mods once you've saved with those mods active.

However, (2) the individual mod page should have instruction for upgrading.

When I went from "vanilla" Skyrim (no DLC) version 1.8 to Full Skyrim (with DLC) version 1.9, I uninstalled Skyrim (by accident, actually, as I uninstalled Steam because it was bugged out when I tried to upgrade, haha). I then downloaded the DLC/1.9 versions of the mods I was looking for. I'd call this the extreme way of going about it, haha.

That helps, thanks. I'll try it out and if my save doesn't like it at least I'm only like level 20 or so.