Hi,
I've read all the how-tos on how to install mods and things, and I find that I keep having a problem. When I have installed it it comes up under "Data files" but 99% of the time the mod doesn't appear in game. I'm sure I'm doing it right but I wanted to make sure. Also sometimes mods don't appear on the list like I done this for a mod called http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=32023 today and it never showed up. Very few mods do show up in game.

1) If a normal file open file and cut and paste all files to Bethesda Softworks/Oblivion/Data folder, if 7zip file or other use associated programme to extract all files to said location,

2) If it says a file with that name already exists do you want to merge say, "Yes to all"

3) Tick the mod on the list

Have I missed something?

Usually this is the correct way to install things, yes, but a lot mod packages are contained in a 7z folder that then has a subfolder with the name of the mod and within that folder is the files you need to extract to your /oblivion/data folder. Look for .esp's and .esm's. Those always go in the data folder. Also, look for folders named meshes, textures, and sound. These go in the data folder as well. For instance, when I download amazing jump and open the archive, the only thing in it is a folder called Ramy motion. You have to open that folder and then take the meshes from it and put it in your data folder. This is manually installing something, but the easiest way to install most mods is with Oblivion Mod Manager or Wrye Bash. The latter I have not used myself.

Ok thanks! I will get Oblivion Mod Manager and look out for the folder-within-a-folder thing

You have Windows Visa or Windows 7 and installed Oblivion to the default directory of Program Files, didn't you? :nono:

Reinstall to an unprotected directory outside the jurisdiction of UAC. A location such as :\Games\Oblivion is a common and suitable location.

Ok, I will do that aswell

EDIT: Should I do that for Morrowind too? It's saved in the same place

Nevermind, I saved it to the wrong folder re-installing again...

Ok, so I re-installed the Oblivion twice, am using Oblivion mod manager, and am still having the same problems? I can activate mods and all, but hey don't appear in game? Please help, this is getting frustrating D:

On my computers I have Oblivion installed into C:Games\Oblivion. To install a mod using a program like 7-zip or J-zip the install path for the meshes,textures,sounds,and the esp/esm files is C:Games\Oblivion\Data. In OBMM (OBlivion Mod Manager) the help button is how you access the readme to find out about archive invalidation, creating and using OMODs to add content into your game. P.S. If you are using the two disk GOTY edition make sure you install both disks or your mods might not work because many mods require the version of Oblivion to be 1.20416.

Or just turn UAC off

Yellek; using your example of the mod "A Giant Bicycle."

1. You have installed Oblivion in "Games/Bethesda Softworks//Oblivion/" (or somewhere other than the default "Program Files" folder), to avoid protection issues?
2. OBMM is installed correctly?
3. You created the archive for "A Giant Bicycle" using OBMM?
4. When Activating the mod it added "A Giant Bicycle.esp" to your load order? Make sure it is checked (ticked) as well.
5. Check your Games/Bethesda Softworks//Oblivion/Data folder and make sure you have both "A Giant Bicycle.esp" and "meshes\creatures\horse\bike.nif" are present.
6. The bike should then be found near the stables outside the Imperial City, as the readme states (I have zero interest in the mod myself, so will not install it to make sure it works or anything.)

Uh, no. That is seriously inadvisable, for the vast majority of users.

There are extremely good reasons to keep it on, and none that are at all compelling to turn it off.

Installing your games somewhere else is as simple, is hassle-free, and doesn't compromise security whatsoever.

Yes, I done all of that but for most mods they still don't show up in game, and I checked the folder (A Giant Bicycle) and everything was there.

Make sure the game is patched to 1.20416.

There's a reasonable third option: edit the permissions on the Oblivion folder and give yourself full access rights. This circumvents the annoying parts of UAC for that specific folder and subfolders, even within Program Files.

Installing it elsewhere is still the better thing to do, but if you've already got it in Program Files with a bunch of mods etc., editing permissions is far less hassle and no more security risk than wiping and reinstalling it in a different location.