I started using the GECK by first following the Beth. tutorial on their website. Everything went fine until it came time to find my saved file in the FO3 Launcher. I looked under data files and my file, Vault 212 doesn't show up there.

I'm using Windows 7, and the directions are for Vista and XP. When I go to look for Vault 212 in the data folder I can't find it. And the directions on the website clearly have not been updated since the GECK was released.

The location of the GECK is; C: > Program Files (x86) > Bethesda Softworks > Fallout 3

The location of Vault 212 is C: > Program Files (x86) > Bethesda Softworks > Fallout 3 > Data

But when I searched for the file it showed a lock icon over it.

Hmmm, well, I use Vista 32, and I do not know much about Windows 7.

However, I do know that I encountered a similar problem. My error was that I did not run G.E.C.K. as administrator; after running as admin. and then saving, the files were put in the data folder for Fallout 3, and all was well.

Hopefully this is all there is to your problem.

This is your problem. You need to install the game, and hence the GECK, in a directory that's not in Program Files. The UAC security system is preventing your mod from being placed where it's supposed to be. It's actually being saved into a virtual folder that the game can't see, rather than the real Data folder. You'll have to reinstall the game elsewhere, maybe something like C:\Games\Bethesda Softworks\Fallout 3. Anywhere but in Program Files will do though.

I'll try that out later tonight.

I had a hunch it might be an issue with security. So when I go to re-install, Should I just put in the disc and tell it to repair/re-install? Or should I uninstall everything and make a do a fresh install?

I'm pretty sure you'll have to uninstall it first. Repair options usually just overwrite an existing install without giving you the option to move it first. I'm not even sure if there is even a repair option for Fallout, that's not really typical for games.

Ok, I was able to get both programs in the same location. I uninstalled both Fallout 3 and the GECK. But I ran into another problem. When I go to open the GECK I get an error message stating "The program can't start because libvorbisfile.dll is missing".

I did a fresh install of both programs, after I installed the GECK I updated it as well. Should I just do a repair of the GECK or try another fresh install?

Ok, so I moved the files to the Data folder. I can get the GECK to launch but it crashes immediately after.

You update the game to v1.7. You do not update the GECK, you download the latest version.

The error "libvorbisfile.dll" always means the game is not installed properly at the location you installed the GECK.