I was working on a guide by Blade of Mercy in order to try to smooth the last one-to-a-couple-hours crash from my game. When I came across steps involving, PyFFI, a Python program, and checked it out and found myself hesitant to proceed. Using PyFFI to optimize meshes definitely helps improve FPS, so explored for more answers. I asked in the New PYFFI Automation Tool thread, and the author, Dan (Kandiedan), warned against inexperienced users doing this themselves because you need to know how to check for bad meshes. Well, soon after, other experienced modders assuaged a number of my concerns. Now I want to spread my confidence and, recently, amassed information about PyFFI and other ways to optimize and stabilize Oblivion. Dan's advice is still important, if you see mesh issues in-game, grab your backed-up original meshes, and try PyFFI-ing again. For the time being, here are a few PYFFI-related and performance-related downloads available:
http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/optimization/pyffi
Latest Version: 2.0.2
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25423 by kandiedan (Dan)
>>> Comes with an INI file that is supposed to be able to skip certain file types.
Make sure to download the latest version. (There is a link in the header above to the PyFFI site.) After installing
the latest version, when you right-click on a folder "Optimize with PyFFI" is now an option. Warning!!! The
regular PyFFI tool modifies the original files, so make sure to have a back up of whatever you try to optimize
somewhere. A number modders have recommended avoiding the creature and character folder, and also files with
EGM files (i.e., certain helmets and head meshes.) Bad meshes, generated by PyFFI or by hand, can cause
problems, that is why it is important to check meshes after running PyFFI. It is not impossible, but the process
(when done thoroughly) may be very time-consuming.
Note: http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1014947 will output optimized meshes
to a separate folder (of your choice) and does not modify the originals.
Recommended Folders (and Files) to Avoid:
1. Characters
>>> PyFFI can have trouble with Transparencies ~Arthmoor
2. Creatures
3. Effects
4. Files with EGMs (i.e., helmets and head meshes)
5. FX (i.e., "meshes\dungeons\misc\fx")
6. Landscape - Waterfalls
>>> PyFFI can have trouble with Transparencies ~Arthmoor
7. Triggers
8. Arthmoor's other specific avoids:
>>> Landscape waterfall meshes, Texians Animated River meshes
---->>> PyFFI sometimes butchers the transparency information
>>> Hair meshes
Iffy? PyFFI Avoids:
1. Armors
>>> Note: You may also want to avoid armors, especially when using replacers.
>>> WATCH OUT! for EGMs
2. Weapons
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http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/lists/pyffiedmodslist
Why do this? ...for increased FPS and more stability!!!!!
Optimized Meshes Downloads:
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23202 by Beyonder (here and TESNexus) ---mod permissions??
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24511 by olafreinhardweyer (here and TESNexus) ---mod permisions???
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19911 by AlizarinCrimson (here and TESNexus)
>>> There are patches for Vanilla Oblivion, Oblivion Poly-gone Overhaul, Operation Optimization and Harvest Containers.
>>> The Harvest Containers patch contains instruction for optimizing those include in OOO too.
>>> Note: These may not work for Game of The Year (GOTY) edition.
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23178 by Beyonder (here and TESNexus) ---mod permissions??
>>> These are fine for QTP3 regular, redimized and reduced. (They all use the same meshes. The difference between these variations is texture resolution.)
>>> It includes all QTP3 patches, including http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11261 patch meshes, as well.
>>> This package includes a number of optimized Vanilla? and one COBL mesh, along with some others.
>>> The extra files are not problematic for everyone, and it seems that, outside of the one COBL mesh, it only touches Vanilla meshes.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=26756
>>> This includes only the ~999 meshes altered by QTP3 and its patches.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17784 by Core PC and Team MMM
Already PyFFI Optimized:
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19628 by XMarksTheSpot, Brumbek and Ismelda
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16513 by Bananasplit, Wolfslady, Reckless, SilentResident, Nernie, Vorians and Ismelda
http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=942911 by Arthmoor
>>> See Arthmoor's Sig for alternative download(s) and current thread.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21562 by Arthmoor
--> See Arthmoor's Sig for alternative download(s) and current thread.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16360 by Texian godhugh and Arthmoor
>>> See Arthmoor's Sig for alternative download(s) and current thread.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20053 by Various and Arthmoor
>>> See Arthmoor's Sig for alternative download(s) and current thread.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5296 by Quarn and Kivan
>>> Wrye Bash: Remove the "C.Water" tag from the UOP.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10739 by Quarn and Kivan
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9969 by Quarn and Kivan
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=18305 by Chong Li, Wrinkly Ninja and Arthmoor
>>> See Arthmoor's Sig for alternative download(s) and current thread.
----http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1008890 mods----
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10768 by Malachit
>>> Cleaned and/or Updated by Arthmoor:
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23573 by Chuck21,IAMTHEEMPEROR and Arthmoor
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11189 by Carel de Winter
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16677 by Bananasplit
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11163 by Aelius
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11164 by Aelius
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9531
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=7054
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http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/optimization/replacers
Need FPS?!
Some Modules:
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5434 by mmmpld
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15278 by bunsaki
>>> These meshes have actually been reduced (not PyFFI-ed) but by manually editing the NIFs,
>>> The 50% version's visual loss is minor.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12331 by bunsaki
>>> From mod's description:
>>> "highly recommended for users of integrated onboard audio that lack hardware audio support (Laptops/Motherboards)"
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10510 by Quarn
>>> http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21705
http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/obliviontextureoverhaul.html
>>> This site has links to various reduced texture mods for Oblivion.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14057 by Bob Markinson
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=7024 by Qarl
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11441 by Blade9722 and Qarl
>>> These are various reductions for BTQ Landscape LODs and Qarl's normals
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12280 by RPGBlackDragon
>>> The grass tweaks are not necessary, but reading them may help if you really need FPS.
>>> http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15776 by krull mcroth
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http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/ini
Your attention please!!
Oblivion:
Download the latest http://www.elderscrolls.com/downloads/updates_patches.htm.
>> Note: The Game of The Year Edition (GOTY) is already patched.
>> Make sure to get the correct patch!!
It is usually better to leave your Oblivion INI to its default settings, unless you are changing video related settings. (This is epecially true of the v1.2.0416 update INI file.) Other safe edits are changing your main menu videos, border regions, screenshot and other INI settings that are required for visual enhancement or reduction. Many of the available tweak guides are out-of-date, so if you are thinking about "tweaking" your INI, find current information about it before doing so. Also, if you find that you are missing certain lines or settings, you can add them if you know they exist. (Ask if you are unsure about a settings existence and/or placement, which group it belongs to.) Also, remember to try regenerating your Oblivion INI files when troubleshooting CTD on load and related issues. Regerating the INI is as simple as moving the current one out of your "My Games\Oblivion" folder (to make sure you have a back up) and clicking on the launcher. Oblivion will not overwrite an existing INI.
Some "Regular" Oblivion INI Edits:
smainmenumovie=Map Loop.bik[b]>>> in your "Data\Video" folder[/b]SMainMenuMovieIntro=Oblivion iv logo.bik[b]>>> in your "Data\Video" folder[/b]bAllowScreenShot=1[b]>>> ScreenShots enabled[/b]SLocalSavePath=Saves\FolderForYour(Current)Profile[b]>>> allows for multiple profile>>> save managing utilities, such as Wrye Bash, change this for you[/b]iShadowMapResolution=1024[b]>>> default setting of 256 is a known cause of problems (512 or 1024 can be used instead)[/b]bBorderRegionsEnabled=0[b]>>> This setting removes the invisible borders.>>> Note: Required by a number of mods[/b]iScreenShotIndex=53[b]>>> The number is the number of your [i]next[/i] screenshot.>>> Fix this setting if your game happens to crash,>>>> or you may overwrite screenshots taken during that session[/b]
~A number of the "[GamePlay]" settings are safe to alter as well, especially...
;===================================================================================; [Main Features Settings] Toggle Streamline Features (1=on, 0=off);===================================================================================set SLv.Purging to 1 ; Turn on Streampurge? (cache purging)set SLv.FPSsmoothing to 1 ; Turn on Streamsmooth? (FPS smoothing)[b]>>> If using the Oblivion Stutter Remover, disabling this option may be an improvement or more to your tastes>>> The Stutter Remover's purpose is somewhat like this feature. (See its topic linked above for more info.)[/b]set SLv.Streamsaving to 1 ; Turn on Streamsaving? (timed autosaves)set SLv.Streamsight to 1 ; Turn on Streamsight? (FPS enhancer);===================================================================================; [Streampurge Settings] An automated cache-cleaner for Oblivion;===================================================================================set SLh.SLmode to 4 ; Memory Purge Mode (1-6) (Default: 3)[b]>>> 4 is recommended by many users[/b] ; Lower # = faster, higher # = slowerset SLv.PurgeOnTravel to 0 ; Purge memory on travel & zone?[b]>>> If enabled, may conflict with running scripts[/b]set SLv.PurgeOnWait to 1 ; Purge memory when character waits?set SLv.PurgeOnSleep to 1 ; Purge memory when character sleeps?;===================================================================================; [Streamsave Settings] <--- [b]These are recommended for increased stability and reduced conflicts[/b];===================================================================================set SLv.SaveTimer to 5 ; Autosave interval (in actual minutes) [b]>>> Safer for auto-saves>>> Choose any useful interval[/b]set SLv.NumSaveSlots to 50 ; Number of save slots to use (Max: 60)[b]>>> Choose the number of slots you find useful[/b]...[b]>>> The Following StreamSave Settings: If enabled, they may cause trouble for running scripts.[/b]set SLv.AfterCombat to 0 ; Force a save after each combat ends?set SLv.InteriorOnly to 0 ; Save only when indoors?set SLv.WhenIdleOnly to 0 ; Save only when character is idle?set SLv.AfterZone to 0 ; Save after fast-travel or door use?set SLv.AfterWaitSleep to 0 ; Save after waiting or sleeping?...set SLv.PurgeBeforeSave to 0 ; Do a purge before a Streamsave?[b]>>> End: If enabled, may cause trouble for running scripts[/b];===================================================================================; [Streamsight Settings] <--- [b]Scripted weather mod users - DO NOT FORGET THIS!![/b];===================================================================================set SLv.WeatherUnsticker to 0 ; Leave set at 1 unless you use a ; scripted weather mod[b]>>> Scripted weather mod users (i.e., users of EW, AWS, All Natural, etc) - Do not forget this!![/b]
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http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/cleaning
In depth discussion http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=992692.
This is another case where it is safer for modders and more experienced users to do the job themselves. However,
TES4Edit's function, "Undelete and Disable References" is pretty safe, and it helps alleviate a problem that is a known
source of crashes. That is a function for everyone. Warning!!! Not all "Identical to Master" records should be removed!
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11536 by ElminsterAU (ElminsterEU here)
>>> This is also TES4View. If you rename the EXE file to "TES4View.exe" that is the view (only) version.
>>> http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=967221
http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/TES4Edit_Cleaning_Guide
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Crash Prevention Modules
Do you use any of these?! You probably should...
Unofficial Official Bug-Fixing Modules
>>These three are in the list of Already PyFFI Optimized Modules (above.)
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5296 by Quarn and Kivan
The "almost for everyone" mod!
>>> Wrye Bash: Remove the "C.Water" tag from the UOP.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10739 by Quarn and Kivan
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9969 by Quarn and Kivan
OBSE Plugins
http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHMA_enUS319US329&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=Oblivion+Script+Extender
>>> Note: The latest stable version is v17b.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22282 by Windom Earle
>>> Prevents some known crashes
>>> Note: It may cause crashes for some people, but it helps stability for many.
>>> http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=974500
>>> http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=948438
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23208 by SkyRanger-1
>>> http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=987905
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22410
>>> Get version 2!!
>>> A "clean quit" module
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http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/loadorder
At least, grab one of these...
Start out building your load order slowly! It makes it much simpler to find conflicts.
>>>http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1004123&st=0
---->> Note: Use this as a guide! It is not official.
---->> This is not the only way to get a crash-free setup.
---->> Blade of Mercy is an long-time (for Oblivion) user sharing experience and information with the rest of us.
---->> It worked for him, and it may work for other people.
Better Oblivion Sorting Software (BOSS):
>>> Get the latest core files and database http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20516.
>>> BOSS is not perfect, but it should get you to a good starting place!
>>> http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1014421 - It goes through quickly, so the link may become out-of-date.
FCOM:
A lot of people have problems with this one for some reason...Did you read the instructions?
>>> http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/convergence.html
>>> Make sure to get a http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/fcomloadorder.html working first. Build from there.
>>> Shikishima recommends making sure to have the basic FCOM setup working first, and adding to it.
>>> Even if you have a working load order working, add it back slowly, after establishing a basic FCOM setup.
>>> Another FCOM Installation guid: http://fivefries.googlepages.com/fcominstallationguide
>>> A more complex load order template: http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/fcomloadorderexpanded.html
Oblivion Mod Manager (OBMM):
Get the latest version, http://timeslip.chorrol.com/obmm_download.html by Timeslip
>>> Also available http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2097.
>>> Highlight #1: OBMM Scripts allow modders to make scripts to automate and/or guide correct installation.
>>> Highlight #2: "Reset BSA Timestamps" resets the dates of BSAs, making sure "loose" data files overwrite BSAs
>>> Quick Fact #1: OMODs can be extracted using 7-zip.
Wrye Bash:
Get the latest version, http://wrye.ufrealms.net/ by Wrye and the Wrye Bash Team
>>> Also available http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22368.
>>> Among its many features: http://wrye.ufrealms.net/Wrye%20Bash.html#NvidiaFogFix function (and http://wrye.ufrealms.net/Wrye%20Bash.html#TweakAssorted) and http://wrye.ufrealms.net/Wrye%20Bash.html#RemoveBloat
>>> Recommended for more experienced users: http://wrye.ufrealms.net/Wrye%20Bash.html#RemoveWorldOrphans function
>>> Rebuild your bashed patch every time you make changes to your load order or plugins.
>>> http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=966640 are also very important!
----"Big Tag Notices"----
>>Unofficial Oblivion Patch - Remove the "C.Water" tag
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http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/randompages
More References! More things to know!!
Be Aware...
1. There is a hard cap of 255 active plugins.
2. There is also a range of about 300-400 for the total number of plugins that can be in your data folder.
>>> Going over the total plugin cap can result in randomly missing textures (marked by purple meshes)
>>> Going over over also results in random black meshes/textures.
3. CTD on startup (before getting to the main menu) usually indicates a missing master.
>>> Wrye Bash: Plugins with missing masters have red boxes.
>>> TES4Edit: This program will halt with a fatal error message trying to load a plugin with a missing master.
4. When trouble-shooting crashes, remember to try regenerating a fresh Oblivion INI.
>>> The Oblivion INI is in your "My Games\Oblivion" folder.
>>> The game will generate a new one if you move or delete your INI from that folder.
>>> Remember to reinstall mods that made INI tweaks (especially UI mods) after regenerating a new INI.
5. Delinquent masters can also cause crashes immediately on startup!
>>> Delinquent Masters are plugins that are loading after mods that depend on them.
>>> Wrye Bash: Its mod listing functions will show warnings in the list.
>>> TES4Edit: These can also cause TES4Edit to halt with a fatal error message.
6. Wrye Bash: Not rebuilding your patch after load order (or plugin) changes may cause CTD on load too.
7. The Game of The Year Edition (GOTY) is already patched to the latest version.
DO NOT!!!...
gamesas did a pretty good job with the v1.2.0416 Oblivion INI file, and it is better to leave it alone.
>>Note: Many of the tweak guides, even the one listed in the http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=449239 (pinned to the top of this forum) have
>>>>>> out-of-date information.
Avoid optimizing the mesh types listed near the beginning of this topic, unless you know what you are doing.
Do not use the http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13092 mod.
>>> It has known bugs, and does not give much FPS increase. (You are better off optimizing your meshes.

Do not clutter your load order with plugins you are not using.
>>> There is a hard cap of 255 plugins. (That's the number of plugins you can have inactive.)
>>> There is also a range of about 300-400 for the total number of plugins that can be in your data folder.
See http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/ for more (detailed) information!!
--Acknowledgements--
Arthmoor - Information about how to use PyFFII and optimizing and cleaning your mods, Oblivion INI change: iShadowMapResolution
Blade of Mercy - Inspiration for me to write this topic with his 50 Steps Crash-Free Setup Guideline
Dan (kandiedan) - PyFFI Automation Utility
display name is already in use - Helped me with countless load order issues
ThumperZ - Additional Streamline and Oblivion INI changes information
Modders who gave in put in the Plugin Cleaning discussion
Authors that take the time to optimize their meshes and clean their plugins
Thank you all for contributing to an experience smoother Oblivion experience!
There must be more PyFFI optimized mods out there...
- Tomlong75210