How to improve the Oblivion FAQ, Thread 1 : IV - Oblivion

» Wed Mar 30, 2011 7:50 am

And note for when Wrye Bash v292 is released some things are going to change, extracting Omods can now be done in the svn.

Additionally when its released - BSA Redating will automatically be done by v292, setting all BSA timestamps to 1/1/2006 ensuring they predate loose files - So OBMM 'Reset BSA Timestamps' function will no longer be necessary.

» Tue Mar 29, 2011 10:37 pm

Another 2p there.

I gladly accept these 2p from you. :hehe:

Thanks for your comments wrinklyninja and they're most welcome. :happy:

And note for when Wrye Bash v292 is released some things are going to change, extracting Omods can now be done in the svn.

Additionally when its released - BSA Redating will automatically be done by v292, setting all BSA timestamps to 1/1/2006 ensuring they predate loose files - So OBMM 'Reset BSA Timestamps' function will no longer be necessary.

I've been waiting for anyone to confirm these new features in Wrye Bash, which means that FAQ will probably be rewritten from scratch with little content from the old FAQ included into an updated FAQ. :sweat:

» Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:46 am

Just a few things I noticed:

Under How Do I Install Mods:

Needs to be updated to talk about BAIN. There's no mention of it whatsoever (before its time), but it should be mentioned as it has superior conflict resolution for data files. Also you can mention that installers with a Wizard are very easy to setup, since it handles all the selection of the subpackages and esps/esms for you.

Under Archive Invalidation

Update the 'BSA-redireciton' summary at the top to say it's the standard nowadays. Perhaps something like:
This is the newest of all the solutions, and has become the standard method of Archive Invalidation. The easiest way is to setup either using OBMM or Wrye Bash, however it can also be setup manually. It's advantages are that once it's set up, no further interaction is required, even after adding or removing mods.
Then in the more detailed description of it, where it describes how to set it up, be sure to also include instructions for OBMM and Wrye Bash:
- OBMM: not sure exactly, but something like: Archive Invalidation->BSA-Redirection
- Wrye Bash: Enabled by going to the Installers Tab, right clicking on a column header, then checking 'BSA Redirection'
Where it talks about this method relying on all BSA's timestamps being earlier than the loose data files, mention that OBMM(ex?) has a reset BSA timestamps feature, and Wrye Bash 292 (once released) has automatic BSA redating

Under How Do I solve a problem with a mod?

Under 'Setting the Load Order':
- For Wrye Bash, update that you can also drag and drop mods to rearrange load order
- Add a section about BOSS as the standard tool for setting the load order.
- Mention Wrye Bash's integration of BOSS (does OBMM have an equivalent?)
Under 'Archive Invalidation Problems':
- Change "If you forgot to use BSA-alteration" to "If you forgot to use BSA-redirection"
Under 'Tracking Down Problems':
- Should probably mention RefScope, etc
Under 'Asking for Help':
- For posting the load order with Wrye Bash, it says to use the "List Masters" command on your saved game. It should probably be change to the "List Mods" command, as that give more detailed info about merged and imported mods

Under How Do I Make a Mod?

A Link to the CSE + description

» Wed Mar 30, 2011 9:22 am

Just a few things I noticed:

Under How Do I Install Mods:

Spoiler

Needs to be updated to talk about BAIN. There's no mention of it whatsoever (before its time), but it should be mentioned as it has superior conflict resolution for data files. Also you can mention that installers with a Wizard are very easy to setup, since it handles all the selection of the subpackages and esps/esms for you.

You know I was just edit the second post when you popped in and post this, but I think all of this should be presented and described with linked details to http://tesivpositive.animolious.com/?page=guides_mod_installation. :biggrin:

Spoiler

Under Archive Invalidation

Update the 'BSA-redireciton' summary at the top to say it's the standard nowadays. Perhaps something like:
Then in the more detailed description of it, where it describes how to set it up, be sure to also include instructions for OBMM and Wrye Bash:
- OBMM: not sure exactly, but something like: Archive Invalidation->BSA-Redirection
- Wrye Bash: Enabled by going to the Installers Tab, right clicking on a column header, then checking 'BSA Redirection'
Where it talks about this method relying on all BSA's timestamps being earlier than the loose data files, mention that OBMM(ex?) has a reset BSA timestamps feature, and Wrye Bash 292 (once released) has automatic BSA redating

Under How Do I solve a problem with a mod?

Under 'Setting the Load Order':
- For Wrye Bash, update that you can also drag and drop mods to rearrange load order
- Add a section about BOSS as the standard tool for setting the load order.
- Mention Wrye Bash's integration of BOSS (does OBMM have an equivalent?)
Under 'Archive Invalidation Problems':
- Change "If you forgot to use BSA-alteration" to "If you forgot to use BSA-redirection"
Under 'Tracking Down Problems':
- Should probably mention RefScope, etc
Under 'Asking for Help':
- For posting the load order with Wrye Bash, it says to use the "List Masters" command on your saved game. It should probably be change to the "List Mods" command, as that give more detailed info about merged and imported mods

Under How Do I Make a Mod?

A Link to the CSE + description

All this information is probably needed to be totally rewritten from scratch, so that's good that you popped in right now and post your suggestions about these subjects. Anyway thanks for your suggestions Lojack. :thumbsup:

» Tue Mar 29, 2011 11:08 pm

Update

I've started to re-arrange the FAQ a little bit, but now I need your help to decide what's still useful with a few changes and what's either outdated or obsolete. If you read the old FAQ in the OP and should you find anything that you think should be edited, then copy the information (where you find it) and post it here with suggestion about what information should replace it. Before you post just make sure that you check the edit FAQ on the second post

» Wed Mar 30, 2011 11:08 am

Perhaps include a section on how to make reports on mods going wrong in a load order.

How to find the right thread (suggestions on searching)
How to give info that is meaningful (FormIDs, screenshots, good descriptions, etc)
How to have some courtesy and patience after reporting

» Wed Mar 30, 2011 9:26 am

Perhaps include a section on how to make reports on mods going wrong in a load order.

How to find the right thread (suggestions on searching)
How to give info that is meaningful (FormIDs, screenshots, good descriptions, etc)
How to have some courtesy and patience after reporting

On bradlyh's second post he suggested about the http://tesivpositive.animolious.com/?page=troubleshooting_mods there is already available. And I think that's sufficient information about those mods for the new FAQ, but of course more information you present about a game/mod issue there chances are dramatically increased to your advantages. I think your first and third advice is already mentioned in forum rules about the behavior and afaik anyone can PM a moderator to ask question about how to do a forum search.

In the new Online - Guide and Help section I'm gonna to add links to CSWiki, UESPWiki and Tomlong′s site with more detailed information about each subject.

» Tue Mar 29, 2011 11:46 pm

The FAQ has been updated in the #2 post just show you what I've mind, so your comments or suggestions is more than welcome.

Here is one section that I need your advice about what's gonna to be edited or completely removed.

Where can I find good mods?

If you already know something about what you're looking for (like the author's name or a keyword like "armor"), then your best bet for finding a mod is probably http://www.ni-te.de/linklist since it includes mods from all the major hosting sites. You can also download http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4394 as an offline XL spreadsheet.

If you don't have any idea where to start or what you're looking for, then the vast number and variety of mods available for Oblivion can be quite intimidating. Fortunately, there are a few really good lists of "recommended mods" that can help you get started. These lists tend to get outdated pretty quickly, so http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Recommended_Mods#Other_Mod_Lists:

However, these "recommended" lists are really just a starting place. The full scope of what's available is staggering and to make it easier for you Yacoby has created http://search.yacoby.net/ for better mod searching.
The ESF Mods forum keeps a pinned thread with an alphabetical list of Oblivion http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=323218, which can help you find lots more good stuff. Unfortunately, the sheer volume of sites is a bit overwhelming, so it may be wise to start out by looking at the largest of the download sites. Here's a few of them:

http://www.tesnexus.com/ -- Previously known as TESSource, this site is by far the largest database of Oblivion mods. Mods are uploaded by their creators with little or no intervention or review by the site's moderators. Downloads are free, as with all such sites, but the paid membership option offers some great extra features and is worth considering.
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.List -- This site has fewer mods than TESNexus, but all of the mods are checked by moderators before being released. Many people make the mistake of thinking PlanetElderScrolls requires you to pay for a membership. This is not true. It's not necessary to pay for access to PlanetElderScrolls -- they just make it a bit tricky to spot the free options. You just need to sign up for a free account and then when you go to download a mod, the list of download mirrors sites will pop up. All of the first ones you see in the list are paid-only premium servers, but if you wait a minute for everything to finish loading and scroll down to the bottom, you will see where the free servers are listed. The free servers work great.
http://www.elricm.com/nuke/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=Downloads&file=index&req=viewdownload&cid=8 and http://elderscrolls.filefront.com/ -- These sites are smaller than the first two, but they host some excellent mods, often ones you can't get anywhere else. ElricM doesn't offer paid memberships, but they do accept donations via PayPal and Amazon. TES File Front appears to be supported entirely by advertising.

Also, bridgepiece has written an excellent guide on how to avoid Fake/Malicious Mods.

The http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/Oblivion_Mods_FAQ#Where_can_I_find_good_mods.3F can be found on http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/Main_Page. :read:

» Wed Mar 30, 2011 12:50 pm

The FAQ has been updated in the #2 post just show you what I've mind, so your comments or suggestions is more than welcome.

Here is one section that I need your advice about what's gonna to be edited or completely removed.

The http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/Oblivion_Mods_FAQ#Where_can_I_find_good_mods.3F can be found on http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/Main_Page. :read:

Adding newer sites like TES Alliance to this section, I am not sure if PES has changed its registration methods, but downloading a mod is easier on the site right now, since they no longer require logging into FilePlanet, and they list the free servers.

» Wed Mar 30, 2011 4:24 am

Adding newer sites like TES Alliance to this section, I am not sure if PES has changed its registration methods, but downloading a mod is easier on the site right now, since they no longer require logging into FilePlanet, and they list the free servers.

Yes I know about adding TES Alliance into that FAQ section, but I wasn't sure what status they have for that site. Is it the same as ElricM or is it like PES and that was I wonder about, but I think the registration on PES hasn't change afaik not sure.

Thanks for pointing that out bradleyh.

» Wed Mar 30, 2011 5:10 am

Yes I know about adding TES Alliance into that FAQ section, but I wasn't sure what status they have for that site. Is it the same as ElricM or is it like PES and that was I wonder about, but I think the registration on PES hasn't change afaik not sure.

Thanks for pointing that out bradleyh.

Could add TESA to both the "how do I make mods" and "where do I get mods" sections.

» Wed Mar 30, 2011 4:13 am

Could add TESA to both the "how do I make mods" and "where do I get mods" sections.

Of course I'll add TES Alliance, but I wonder what's the site status of membership / donations and things like that. I was hoping that you could clarify that a little. Has it the same status such as ElricM or PES?

» Tue Mar 29, 2011 10:56 pm

Define status? Not sure what you are asking there. If you have specific questions that want answers, please feel free to PM me, or Darkrder.