I took the plunge and decided to install OBMM. I'm not ashamed to admit I'm a complete novice with the utility and need some advice from those much more knowledgable than I.

Anyway, I don't know if I am mean to convert Oblivion.esm to an OBMM file (Is that right?) or the official plug-ins like the Orrerry/WIzards Tower etc either.

I'm at a loss with this utility and need some practical advice. Maybe a step by step instruction also if anyone knows. Thanks.

There's some good info on http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/prep/obmm. You don't need to do anything with Oblivion.esm. The official plugins are installers, so you can't make OMODs out of them, just install them normally.

Thanks for the link. Though his advice is confusing me a little, i.e. he talks about resetting timestamps to 2006. I have no idea why and I don't even know how!

Also, in the OBMM settings, what does 'never modify load order' mean? Should I leave it unchecked?

I do believe you mean 'her advice.' Don't worry about it, gender confusion is all but rampant on the internet. Sadly, I'm not too sure about the whole timestamp thing, either; Tomlong or someone else would most likely know more.



This I do know. This essentially locks your load order in place, so you can't modify it. I assume (I haven't used it much, myself) that it'd be useful for keeping your load order once you have everything working properly.

You don't need to. She was just pointing out some of the things OBMM is capable of.



Yes, leave it unchecked.

Thanks for your advice guys, my bad about the he/she thing.

Ok, so do you know how OBMM decides load order? I have about 20 mods and I'm not sure how the load order thing works. Sorry for all the questions I know it sounds very noobish.

You control load order in OBMM by having the files sorted by load order (see combo box at the bottom), and then dragging or using arrows. But using OBMM to control load order is really obsolete now - BOSS is the tool for that - unless you only have 5 or so mods.

Ok, how do I change load order??

Also, do I need to convert official plug ins like The Orrerry, Horse Armour etc to an OMOD file too, or is it just for non Bethesda mods?

The second question was answered earlier. As the DLC's are exe's it's easiest to install them that way. As for managing the load order - use http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1096264-boss-better-oblivion-sorting-software/.

I thought OMBB did everything, what is BOSS and why is this all being made deliberately complicated??

Also, is it true that if you manually 'save' an esp in the CS, then that save becomes the last mod/esp in the load order?

I have heard this a few times but some have argued over whether this is true or not. So, is it?

Regarding BOSS: if you click on the link you can find out for yourself.

Yes, when saving an esp in the CS it gets the current date which basically means the esp will load last.

Well, you could manage your load order yourself... but I wouldn't recommend it. Besides, BOSS is a relatively easy program to use: you just extract everything into your Oblivion/Data folder, then launch BOSS.bat. BOSS does (almost) all the reordering work for you. It even gives you advice.

Can't comment on the CS stuff; haven't used it yet.

Edit: Hmm... And Arkngt beat me to it. I need to work on my posting speed, it seems

OBMM is great for installing/uninstalling mods, and for manually changing load order. BOSS automatically orders your mods for you, with no need for you to know the right order. Your second question is just stupid. Tool makers work hard to make the mods easy, but you cannot expect to get everything on a silver platter.

The file then gets the current date/time, which usually is later than all other installed mods, so yes.

So was your reply:



Arkngt already answered that numbnuts.

Anyway, thanks for all the replies, I think I have enough info to go on now.