I am new to mods and am trying to install FWE which is my first. I was able to install the mod manager but when trying to install the other two it kept asking me what to open the file with and the automatic one was adobe but it does not work.
What should I use to open the download to be able to install the program?
Thanks for any help.

To install FOSE, please start by installing http://www.7-zip.org/ so you can open the compressed file you downloaded. In the archive, there is a file called "fose_readme.txt" which explains how to install FOSE. Note that FOSE is different from most other mods and needs to be installed in a different manner.

I made a tutorial on how to use FOMM to install mods http://zumbs.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/fomm-and-fomods-for-dummies-1/. Please review it and see if it clears up your questions on installing FWE. If it does not, please try to be specific on what fails.

Well first of all you don't open the file online, you have to save it to your hard drive. Then follow Zumbs' instructions. And be sure to read this thread:

http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/972878-fallout-3-mods-faq/

Thanks for the help guys, I'll see if I can figure it out.
I did save it to my hard drive I just couldn't get it from there. I going to install the 7-zip.
Sorry for the vagueness.

I installed 7-zip but I can't use it to open the file and download, is there something else I need to do to get the file to recognize it?
I'm an idiot, I figured out how to get FOSE to 7-zip but now when I go to copy the dll files and the launcher It comes up with an error message saying cannot open output file.
What am I doing wrong?

I cannot fathom why so many people use "open" from the downloaded file options....I could rant a while on this alone. But try this.

You should really read the readme how to file that is normally packed into the archive.

v1.2 should look like this-
fose_readme.txt

Read that file to find out where exactly the files you just extracted are suppose to go.

Short version:

1- Right click on fose archive file
2- 7z->extract to-> obviously where you want the thing....preferably some place you will find it.
3- Read the readme.....no...seriously. Its there for a reason. =)
4- Chances are if you didn't make a complete backup of your fully installed frsh installed FO3 game to some place. You may find yourself re-installing it a few times after you kill it from nerfing your mods lol
note-4 is a suggestive comment, not as much instructional.

I extracted the fose files to 7z and copied the loader and the 1_7.dll files from there to the fallout 3 folder like the readme said but when I click on the fose launcher from the fallout 3 folder an error message comes up saying it can find Fose files dll. The mod manager is recognizing Fose as well be having the launcher switched from fallout 3 to fose but it says it cannot locate it either.
Does anyone know what I am doing wrong?

Did you remember to get the fose_1_7ng.dll as well? If that does not work, please try to extract the contents of the fose archive to your Fallout 3 folder and try again. If that doesn't work either, please post the entire error message and the contents of fose_loader.log (it should be in your Fallout 3 folder).

Thanks for the help guys, I finally figured out how to get it all working. :dance:

Congratulations! For future reference: How?

Thank you, I was doing something stupid and coping 1_7.dll, when I needed to copy 1.6. I think its because I only have game patched to 1.6.

um....really? You have the goty ?

Well at any rate if not. Glad you got it working at least. But I can see you not long after asking whats wrong with your other mods when you are not updated. Although I can't say much. I use to be a stickler for updating to 1.7 lol

Enjoy your game ^_^