if you do not already have OOO 1.33 complete downloaded: Oscuro's Oblivion Overhaul (OOO): http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=3953. If you are using OOO LITE, the 1.34b5 update does not support the LITE versions, but there is also an update for that version: http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/mods/OOO_LITE_133b_patchesp.7z.

Download http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20516
# Install BOSS:
1. Move the main BOSS archive to the Data ("Oblivion\Data") folder
2. Choose "7-zip">"extract here"

Edit: had an accident with my laptop...

BOSS
2. Run BOSS (click on BOSS.BAT)
3. Read the BOSS LOG: After running BOSS, the BOSS LOG popped up. The BOSS LOG file contains lots of compatibility information and other info making it worth every minute it takes to read through it, thoroughly.
4. Do you have unrecognized files? (at the bottom of the log file) If so, leave the log file open and keep reading, else close the log file and you can skip to "Bash Tags." BOSS recognizes over 8000 plugins but there are many more plugins available on the net.
>> note: If BOSS does not work (i.e., the log file does not open), go post about the problem in the BOSS thread on the gamesas forum. The BOSS LOG file is located in the Data folder if you need to double-check.
5. If you want to have your unrecognized plugins to the BOSS master list, you need to post them in BOSS's gamesas thread:
* Do not just past a bunch of unrecognized plugins in your post.
* Add links for each plugin to its mod page from wherever
* It is even better if you have some insight on where the mod should be placed in the masterlist
* It is even more helpful if you can give information on compatibility issues or Bash tag suggestions, if applicable

Excerpt from first post of current BOSS thread 04/03/2010
TROUBLESHOOTING:

Won't run: Using BOSS version under 1.51:
Update to version 1.51

Won't run: BOSS not extracted (unzipped) to ...\oblivion\data but a sub-folder or the Oblivion folder.

All BOSS files must share the same folder as your mods.

Check you have:

* BOSS.exe
* BOSS.bat
* masterlist.txt

in your ...\oblivion\data folder.

Won't change load order: OS is Vista and Oblivion is installed in Program Files.

Install Oblivion outside the Program Files folder where possible. Otherwise temporarily deactivate UAC.

Won't Change load order and generating a blank text file: OS is Windows 7:

Give group or users name: BATCH controls of the Oblivion folder


Won't change load order: Wrye Bash's load order locking feature is enabled.

Disable before changing load order.

A text box flashes up but disappears.

Run BOSS.bat not BOSS.exe

to make everyone happy I now have BOSS.7z file, and am about to unzip it. I appreciate all the help, and thank you Tomlong for you rather extensive (but very very helpful) post.

EDIT
right, I just ran BOSS to make sure my manual adjustments were good (well I didn't do the whole list myself, considering the unrecognized plugins)
I suppose every time I install a new mod I should run BOSS first right?
oh and after I run the BOSS batch file, and it shows me my masterlist, is there anything I need to do to adjust my load order or does it do that automatically?

Get the file labeled 1.33 Complete and 1.34beta 5, if you are using OOO Full. Do not download any "update" files. Just get the 1.34beta 5 archive.

oh and after I run the BOSS batch file, and it shows me my masterlist, is there anything I need to do to adjust my load order or does it do that automatically?