I'm attempting to add a stable to an existing house mod by another person.

I originally made the mistake of using both the esm and the existing esp and trying to make another esp from that. That thread is here:
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1287483-weird-cs-esp-access-problem/page__p__19434588__fromsearch__1#entry19434588

long story short, I decided the best fix was just to edit the existing esp to my taste and save it. But it's still not working.


I'm selecting Oblivion.esm and EM_RedRoseManor.esp. I'm selecting the esp as the "active file". But when I got to save my changes nothing happens.

I haven't fooled around with the CS in years and I'm getting really frustrated. Thanks very much for any help!

To see your changes in game you'll need to make a clean save.

I'm sorry, I wasn't clear on what's happening.

I cannot save the esp. It's not an issue of changes to the esp being viewable in the game.


I click "Save" in the CS and nothing happens. Alternatively, I choose to exit the program and it asks me if I want to save. I Save and nothing happens. No save and no exit.

I've also checked the "last modified" date on the esp and it's not changing. I've also checked the "compatibility files" for a duplicate and it's not there.


I just tried something different to test. I didn't select the Oblivion.esm at all. I only selected (and also made active) the RedRoseManor.esp.

I still cant save changes. I don't get it.

Oh, well, that's different.

It doesn't matter if you select Oblivion.esm or not, it loads automatically, so that has nothing to do with your issue.
When you choose to close and it asks you to save, you should be getting an explorer popup window. Just select RedRoseManor.esp again and it should save over top.
Are you using the Construction Set Extender? It has a console and generates error logs for easy troubleshooting.

IS your folder set as Read only ?? Is your game installed to the Default Program Files\ Folder ?? If yes to either then that could be the problem as the CS can not write the file if the folder or UAC security setting does not allow it to be written to the HDD -- so check your windows settings.

Hmmm. I'm not sure I understand the second one. Please elaborate.

Ugggg. The folder was "read only". I changed it...and it took about 15 min to reclassify all the folders and files in the Data folder, but it still wont save.

I'm not using CS extended.

The file path for my stuff is:


C:/ Program Files (86)/ Bethesda Softworks/ Oblivion/ Data

Is it possible the problem is specific to the mod I'm trying to edit.

I'm using the RedRoseManor esp that is actually used WITH the RedRoseManor_COBLaddon.esp which relies on both the regular Oblivion.esm and COBL.esm.

At this point, I'm only loading the RedRoseManor.esp into CS and trying to edit it alone.

This is driving me crazy.

Okay, some progress maybe.


This time I selected the EM_RedRoseManor.esp, but selected NO files as active.

I made my changes and tried to exit, prompting an opportunity to save.

I selected EM_RedRoseManor.esp as the file to save, but I get this error:

"File: 'EM_RedRoseManor.esp' is a master file or is in use.
Please select another file to save to."

So, it's saying I can't edit an existing esp at all apparently. What the heck is causing this?

Did you at any point ESM-ify that esp? You'll have to change it back.

Two things here;

1. Use the CS Extender. I can 99.99% guarantee it will solve your problem.
2. Having Oblivion installed in Program Files and trying to mod it WILL drive you crazy. Vista and Win7 do not like anything to change in Program Files, which is what trying to create a mod and save it is doing.

Okay, here goes:

First, I'm a moron of the highest degree. I think I solved the problem. I found another post on a random forum through a google search that said, "no matter where you have the files, you MUST run the construction set as administrator or it will not save and overwrite any files in Vista"

It really was that simple. All my data files and the editor are all run from program files. I was already logged in as Administrator and took all security settings off the folder, but once I opened the const set "run as administrator" I was able to make a quick change...overwrite the esp, and see the changes in game.

Stupid Vista.

Second, CS Extender is a nightmare to instal. I already admitted to being a moron, but the instructions for the CS extender were crazy. Talks about overwriting INI files when none were unpacked in the rar I downloaded...and other things like that. I'm smart enough to download dozens of complex mods, but way too dumb for this apparently.


I'm actually going to make the mod now, for the 5th time, and if I get it all done with no problems I'll update again here that everything is perfect.

Simple solution: Uninstall your game, reinstall it somewhere else. Of course, this includes uninstalling/reinstalling DLCs and CS..

Well, I'm having no problems now. Just run the program "as administrator" and everything else is fine. Thanks.