[i]There are many BAIN-Ready mods already available, which includes all mods with simple, "nice" packaging."


These are BAIN-Ready uploads of a few mods:

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22170 <-- I really forgot about this one, and some of these cover essentials for 90% of users.

• Book Jackets (Standard Res)
  
• DarNified UI
  
• Streamline 3.1
  
• Operation Optimization
  
• Streamline 3.1 patch

These are BCF files for a number of mods. BCFs are CRC sensitive, which means that you must use the exact version of the files specified by the BCF requirements. *UPDATE* The UOP BCF found through the link below seems to be for the Chinese version or something...Just get the manual archive version of the UOP. It is no big deal (not for BAIN users with the right package order. )

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=31062

• AN 0.9.9 + Fix Pack v2 - BCF and Wizard Install
  
• SM Refurbish 1.30 - Wizard Install
  
• UOMP - Wizard Install (requires BAIN 2.83+ because of Wizard fixes)
  
• UOP OMOD version? + UOP 3.2.5 supplemental - BCF and Wizard Install
  
• USIP Manual Install version - Wizard Install

Other BAIN resources

• http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1084204-bain-mod-installation-projects/ - gamesas thread by Psymon
  
  • The Basics of BAIN and Mod Archiving
    
  • Complex BAIN Archives
    
  • BAIN Conversion Files
    
  • Managing Installer Packages
    
  • Creating Very Complex BAIN Packages
    
  • BAIN Ready Packages
    
  • FCOM and Other Overhaul Made BAIN Ready
    
  • An opening letter appealing to the use of BAIN and Wrye Bash by mod makers
    
  • Afterthoughts, Updates and Extensions
  
  
• http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/index
  
  • http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/installmods/baininstallation
    
  • http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/installmods/baininstallation/bainconversions
    
  • http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/lists/mybainlist
    
  • http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/lists/mybainlist - another little spiel on BAIN vs. Manual vs. Mixed vs. OBMM installation
    
  • http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/walkthroughs/baininstallguide
    
  • http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/walkthroughs/fcomguide
    
  • http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/walkthroughs/mmmooo
  
  
• http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1087446-relz-wrye-bash-thread-no-40/ - gamesas thread (this link may be out-dated soon)
  
• http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22368 - TESNexus

Well, you certainly raised my awareness regarding the DarN UI BAIN package. I didn't know that BAIN did ini edits, so I've kept it as the only OMOD I have installed (besides Nighteye Shader Replacement).

I downloaded Streamline from that page a while ago, and I totally forgot about it. I have had at least 3 people ask me about DarNified UI conversion, so I am really glad that I ran across this page again. Now, I have to link it on every BAIN page to make sure no one else misses it. I only install shader editors (i.e., the shader part of Detailed Terrain) and big music packs with OBMM, the music packs because they have no conflicts.

Another one for your list TGND by Luchaire and Kalia http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=30914

I was not going to try to list all of the BAIN-ready mods because there are already a ton of those. Most mods are already BAIN-friendly because most mods are simple packages. I guess we could make a BAIN-ready mod list...That sounds huge...never mind. People can post BAIN-ready mods here if they want though.

The name of my thread is http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1084204-bain-mod-installation-projects/ while the older less instructive thread is called http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/957424-custom-bain-projects/. Two different threads and I see the former as far more comprehensive instruction on the use of BAIN while the latter has perhaps more examples (which I may yet port over to the new thread anyway).

Minor point since the link does go to the new thread.

And as far as collecting a list of BAIN ready mods - how about instead of listing those that are generally BAIN ready focus on those that make great use of BAIN by already being complex packages or that are also concurrently OMOD ready too.

Also even though I may not agree with the use of things like BCF or simple only packages I do outline them and add as many links as I can find. (When I update which is not daily right now).

Thank you, Psymon. I would definitely like to have all of your resources named properly, so please do not hesitate to correct me on those.

Well you got my awareness as well, but for a different reason. I didn't know SM Plugin Refurbish had been updated

Yeah, I was happy to see that too. This is more of an O_O that was out there?! thread...yup...

Hi Tomlong.

Nice to see this Guide.will be a great help in the Future :tops:

A Quick question.

I'm running a Game well over 200 Hrs of Game Play,with around 90+ Mods all OMOD Installed.
Very few Problems of Crashing.

If you were Me would you switch to Making it a Bain Installation,or leave it as it is for now?

I'll take the Leap of faith to Full FCOM in the Future.

Cheers.

James. :foodndrink:

If I were you, I would switch now. Mainly because I am anol about have control over my installation order and knowing where conflicts are. You can convert to BAIN while leaving your OBMM setup there. That way you can really prepare and organize your BAIN setup to get ready to mimic the setup you already have. The biggest obstacle I had to overcome converting to BAIN was the shear number of OMODs I had to convert (right-click on an OMOD and choose "convert to archive.") It was a serious drag after a few hours. Start converting now, and do not actually install anything through BAIN until you are sure you have everything setup properly. That entails converting all of your OMODs, making sure all of your packages are BAIN-friendly, sorting all of your packages, and, finally, choosing your installation configuration. After that, it is just a matter of selecting all of your configured packages, right-clicking and choosing "Install." BAIN is very simple to use, but it takes a little work to convert to from OBMM if you have a lot of complex OMODs. I suggest you start reading some of the materials linked. If you read through first, even just skimming, the conversion process will probably be much simpler.

I've done two conversions to BAIN.

The first was converting Oblivion to BAIN from omod. With that I chunked it - I basically did sections at a time so converting mods of a theme - one theme at a time starting with UI mods then on to textures and other replacers (really some of the most frustrating work is in that area).

The second one was Fallout 3 which I had totally FOMODed. I did that one all at once. F3 can be a picky/finicky game when modded and I had to reduce my load order to essentials to get it to load even though the mods were near essential (there were updates in the new BAIN packages).

I recommend the first choice as you will handle each small thing/problem as it happens and not all at once. That means play testing things too because as you BAIN you will find updates you were maybe not aware of or new mods that you want. It doesn't really matter though as the more you BAIN the more you will visually see yourself have more control of all installed content.

This is why I say go BAIN!!

This. The right mix of pure hand installs vs managed installs.

I"m not sure what this means?

It means you have far better control over what you're doing. A pure hand install gives you the most control, OBMM is like Microsoft hand holding. BAIN is somewhere in between, in the sweet spot.

Hi Tomlong.

Thank you very much for your reply.

Sorry for the delay replying. Been playing for a change lol :whistling:

When you say convert the OMOD's.Do I convert them from the OMOD Mods Folder in Oblivion folder,or can I do it straight from OBMM please?

Cheers.

James. :foodndrink:

Have you already read the http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/downloadmods/omodtoarchive? You should be moving the archives into your Bash Installers folder. That is the only place in which BAIN can detect archives.

*bump*

I'll try this out after I've finished my character(I don't plan to add anymore mods). ha.. accidently installing something on top of something else.. yeah done that ALOT >_>.

Hi Tomlong.

Sorry for the late reply. You're correct. Converting takes ages lol :snoring:

A couple of questions please.

When I put the archive's in the Bain Folder,Then ope the installer tab in Wyre.Will it just read the Archives in the bain Folder or read those and the OMOD files that already exist?

Reading the start of the Bain Install Guide.It says It should be done under the Run as Administrator.

I'm running XP Pro,and I'm the only person using this PC.Do I still need to Run As Administrator? If so why please? I can not get it to Run As Administrator.can't remember password :facepalm:

To finish.Which is the best guide to use for a First Time bain User please?

Thank you Once Again.

James. :foodndrink:

If you are using the only account, your account is an Administrator account. BAIN cannot read OMODs. The supported file list is listed on the BAIN page. OMODs are unique to OBMM. First-time BAIN users should read the "Complete" guide, found under "Walkthroughs". You should also visit Psymon's information thread at the points where it is linked.

Nilms-

First time users should read ... everything.

Seriously though - I tried in my thread http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1084204-bain-mod-installation-projects/ to have each post (of the first 5 or 6) build upon the previous posts. The myth that BAIN is complicated - you will see - is just that: a myth.

Tomlong tends to be more about bullet points while I ramble in prose - read both and the main readme too. Hard to answer which is best.

Would it be possible to write a script/app that automatically converts OMODs (or OMOD-ready archives, anyway) to BAIN-ready archives?

I know, it might not be desirable to do so, in one sense - that of shifting over "blind installers" from one method to another? - but surely, it could genuinely save a large number of people some time, if nothing else.

No, this is not a [REQ] as such, because I am enjoying learning about the setp-by-step process, and have already made a couple, just to see how challenging it really is/isn't.

Regardless, this next install I'm yet to pull the trigger on, beyond SI and patch (that's what's there atm) BAIN is the weapon of choice, assuming all goes well.

Possible?

Of course - but I don't think desirable.

I truly appreciate Wrye's approach in BAIN - that knowledge of manual/by hand installation is necessary. You have to know what you are installing and where, BAIN just automates a manual approach. Creating an app to convert an omod to a BAIN package is basically adding the extraction of the omod to a temporary folder then utilizing Bain Conversion Files to do the rest. It is a lot of work for the person writing the script.

Really though - why? I totally understand the prevalence regarding OBMM/OMODs - it was there first, but if BAIN had been then people would be saying 'OMG what is with this needlessly complicated OBMM.'

My position is that I'm all for pushing the responsibility for installation onto the user. What the mod maker can do to make installation easier is better packaging. Packaging and installation are two sides of the same coin. BAIN strikes that balance just right imo. Seeing threads jam packed full of questions about installation I notice that they are also mods that have fewer installation options and that comes right down to packaging.

If you install with BAIN though - you will never really have to reinstall again.