I just got an error message that kind of makes me cringe. >.>

"MASTERFILE: Unable to complete operation due to failure removing previous file.
Plugin "Data\Vault 302.esp" May be locked or read only.
Temp File "Data\Vault 302.tes" contains saved data
Content:DEFAULT
Yes to all will disable all warnings for this content."

I clicked yes to all because I just got done placing several lights. I built upon the stage for a while then went back to place the lights instead of going back and forth constantly.

I recommend:

1. Saving the Vault 302.esp somewhere you so you have a good copy preserved.
2. Rename Vault 302.tes into Vault 302.esp and try loading that with the GECK.

If that fails, you may have to redo the work you just did with the lights and revert to the Vault 302.esp that is good and will load.

Also if you have auto-save enabled, check the timestamp on Vault 302.tes (the last time it was modified), then look in the Backup\ directory at those timestamps to see if one is close-enough in time that you could use that file.

Did your GECK crash? How do you think this situation came to be?

Luck,

Miax

When you load and edit an existing mod, you need to make sure you click the button that says 'Set as active file'.

I loaded up the main file, checked the plugin and made the active file.
I went to save, got that error then when I looked to double check that my plugin was the active file it was but for some reason the esm file was highlighted.
Im not sure if that makes a difference or not, but thats about the just of what happened.
I do have a backup file in case I cant get the most recent save working.

This message pops up if another program is using your file as well. I have gotten it a few times if I'm testing, and forget to close Fo3 then make a change and try to save. It does save the file, its just in .tes format. You simply need to change the .tes to .esp. At least that always works for me. Likewise like WillieSea said if you dont set your mod as active, it tries to override it with a new one, but its using the old one, so it can't. Again you can rename the .tes, but you must set your mod as the active file in the future to avoid this issue.

I renamed the file but it has as much as my backup, so I have to re do the lighting in a main room and some halls but it shouldnt take to long.
Ill just place them in the same spots, then I dont have to re check to see if the lighting is good enough.