I messed with a new cell for about 6-8 hours, which isn't much time really.
Just enough to get me used to the basic interfaces and stuff.
But when I went to test the mod, the plugin file couldn't be detected by fallout 3.
So I uninstalled G.E.C.K then reinstalled and updated it again to make sure it was installed in the right directory.
Then I go back and still have the same problem. The MOD in progress was called "Vault302.esp"
So I searched the computer for said file, and the only thing I could find was a shortcut in my recent history.
(Also I'm running Windows Vista, and I am under an Administrative account)
So I go to the file properties to see where the original file was located and it shows it as being in the data file where fallout 3 was installed.
Though when I go to open up that folder The ESP file isn't their, even though its telling me under the file properties of the shortcut that its there.
In any case I'm completely lost as to what I should do, and needless to say I'm not going to continue working in G.E.C.K until I figure out how to find the file and load it.
It would be a waste of time to continue without being able to test it.

If you have Vista or Windows7, AND you installed your game in the default directory, then you will never see the mod in the data folder.

The GECK is NOT part of the game so the OS sees it as a virus or trojan program trying to change FO3 game files. This is not allowed by the OS.


Solution? Pick "one" of these:

1. Install your game to your Root C: drive. Like C:\Games\Fallout3\ or another drive entirely if you have one.
2. Remove the security from your OS and then you can join the XP computer ranks and become a Zombie computer. *Not recommended.
3. In your \Fallout3\Data\ folder, look at the top right. There should be a button called 'Compatibility Files'. Click that to find your mod. You can then copy it from there to your Data folder.
4. Run the GECK in Administrator mode. Right-click on the icon and select, Run as Administrator.


===============

Now, if you want to install the Fallout3 game somewhere else per #1 above without loosing your current mods you have installed, you can do this:

1. Move your existing \Program Files\Fallout3\ to your C root drive in a new folder that you need to create called C:\Games\ It should look like this after the move: C:\Games\Fallout3\
2. Rename the folder you just moved in step 1 to C:\Games\Fallout003\
3. Uninstall the game. Check the option to keep your save game files. This will clear the registry and not remove any game folders because you moved them somewhere else.
3. Re-install the game to C:\Games\Fallout3\
4. After the reinstall is done, DELETE the just installed folder at C:\Games\Fallout3\
5. Rename the folder from step 2 above to C:\Games\Fallout3\

If done right, this will change the Registry to the new game folders location, plus keep everything you currently have in the protected folder location.

WARNING: If you are not computer saavy, then find someone who is to do the above for you. Or ask more questions.

Thanks, all I had to do is click on the compatibility files button and copy it over.
I