http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1004123 some good ideas born there. Check them out.

FIRST WARNING: Shikishima says this is NOT a newcomer friendly description.
While I agree with him, I think even old hands need refreshing their memory and one-stop mod shop, especially during re-installation.
For beginners he rather recommends to start with http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/convergence.html
This is is step-by-step account about how I do it.
I provide links to the toolls but it is up to you to read and learn how to using them. Or not.
Nevertheless I consider most of the steps below to be necessary and strongly advise all who want to start playing FCOM to do their homework, i.e. RTFM. Do not try to skip a step; this is the best way to trip and fall. Don't forget to RTFM for every mod you install.

SECOND WARNING: Modded Oblivion has natural limitations: No more than 255 unmerged esp/esm files, no more than 375-400 esm/esp files total. The game cannot recognize more than 2 GB RAM without special patches (see section tools). The good news is the 4GB patch works miracles - tried it myself

THIRD WARNING: Always check the supporting treads for the big mods (http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/921906-francescos-leveled-creature-item-mod/page__hl__francesco, http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1075204-relzmartsmonstermod37b3-public-release-3-relz/, http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1082120-relz-oscuros-oblivion-overhaul-133/, http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1085113-relz-fcom-convergence-and-ufcom-relz/) as they are sure to contain the latest information about updates, compatibility, installation instruction and load order. Don't forget to update your small mods too.

FOURTH WARNING: Until further notice this is the installation order recommended by Shikishima and Corepc:




Bear the warnings in mind, try and experiment carefully and choose wisely.

Enough warnings. Scared? Take my word, if you're scared, you ain't scared enough. There we go.



I DECIDED TO PLAY Oblivion... and after obtaining proper hardware,

1. I installed TES IV Oblivion in C:\ Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Oblivion.

Some players, especially Vista and 7 users recommend to install to different directory (for example C:\Games\Bethesda Softworks\Oblivion) because this avoids future problems using Oblivion and the related to it programs and tools under the User Account Control (UAC). While turning off UAC will solve your Oblivion problems, it can mess with important essential programs. So, either install in directory different from Program Files or learn how to make exceptions for selected programs in your UAC. http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/Windows_Vista for more information

2. I installed Shivering Isles. Game is unplayable at this point as many bug pester it.

3. I installed http://www.elderscrolls.com/downloads/updates_patches.htm – the latest. The patch for games without SI is different, so watch out what are you downloading and installing.

Then changed the tetures in video options to LARGE, changed the resolution, enabled HDR, turned off the music and the border regions in Oblivion ini, turned off Autosave, reduced the number of uGridDistantCount and uGridDistantTreeRange to 18 so that it matches my streamline 3.1 preferences.

4. I installed what I consider essential tools:

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2097 by Timeslip, cool tool to manage your mods with a lot of one-click options. Manual installation...hmm... I don’t remember such thing... : D.
http://obse.silverlock.org/ by Ian Patterson (ianpatt), Stephen Abel (behippo), Paul Connelly (scruggsywuggsy the ferret); it teaches Oblivion to be friends with modders added data. Many of the latest cool mods require it, your game looses nothing and gains a lot by adding it.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22368, based on Python 2,5 which is needed for
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22368 by Wrye The Monkey God (latest Wrye bash versions work fine with Python 2.6 and its add-ons!)and
http://www.oblivionmodwiki.com/index.php/PyFFI note that latest PYFFI and Wrye bash work well with http://code.google.com/p/fofix/wiki/RunningUnderPython26 and performance is even better - http://sourceforge.net/projects/wxpython/files/wxPython/2.8.10.1/wxPython2.8-win32-ansi-2.8.10.1-py26.exe/download; http://pypi.python.org/pypi/comtypes/0.6.1. However do not forget to install all 5 parts needed for Wrye bash smooth performance! . I think you don't need reminder that installing PYFFIed meshes is an advanced procedure (gobblemasticator's classification) and you need to know what and when you are installing. Example: If you install Automated Window Lighting first and the PYFFIed vanilla meshes after that, you not only will not see the great mod in its full splendor, but are also begging for strange CTDs and will come to the forum complaining. So, please, remember to carefully RTFM again.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20516 by Random007 with http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=A5C84275-3B97-4AB7-A40D-3802B2AF5FC2&displaylang=en (necessary for XP and Vista, included in Windows 7)
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11536 by ElminsterAU, turned it into TES4VIEW as well, so you can see references, clean files and mods etc.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8665 by TeamGecko, so that you can merge, split etc esp and esm files and more.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15781 by ElminsterAU, it teaches Oblivion to recognize the Distant LOD added by main game and mods.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23979 by Elys, dev_akm, haama – it teaches your OBSE new tricks.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13841 that gives your character additional growth of skills and attributes up to 2oo each.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23208 by Skyranger 1 (Petrus Octavius suggest this crucial tool to be installed last, after all the other steps have been done so that players can literally see the difference it makes to your game).
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22410 by Skyranger 1. Since I installed it, I have no irritating CTD on exit. And it is esp-less!
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16622 gives you up to 8 sec of precious time to read the text added by mods without sound and voice acting. So you have no excuses you did not understand instructions when you die
Relatively new is the discovery ofhttp://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1076274 inspireb by far327 who was the first to figure out how to teach Oblivion to use up to 4GB RAM.
http://www.ntcore.com/4gb_patch.php allows Oblivion to recognize and use RAM up to 4GB thus preventing CTD due to Oblivion not using the new high-end systems extra power.
Here is Arthmoor's advice about using OSR along the 4 GB Patch:
You may need to install Oblivion Stutter Remover, set the heap mode to 5, and the heap size to 1024. Once I did this, the game became much more stable and I was finally able to confirm that the LAA patch does work. The more high intensity graphics replacers you use, the quicker things are going to fall apart, so you need the larger heap size in order to deal with it.
I always check for latest versions of these!
All these tools help running Oblivion in much smoother way than it would be without them.

5. I unpacked Oblivion - Meshes.BSA, pyffied the 8 folders named Architecture, clutter, dungeons, furniture, landscape, plants, rocks and sky, then omoded them and activated. Others used http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19911. If you want to PYFFI other mesh groups, it is possible but be sure you know what you're doing, i.e. RTFM first. PYFFIing the meshes in your game is maybe the most useful step for improving your performance.
6 I unpacked DLCShiveringIsles – Meshes.BSA, optimized with PYFFI, omoded, installed via OBMM.

7. I installed the http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21705 note - many players are against this anymore as it is outdated - use latest unofficial patches and pyffi as much as possible instead!. Lately there is newer version not conflicting with SI and is probably useful. Decide for yourself. After that I installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19911 note - many players are against this anymore as it is outdated - use latest unofficial patches and pyffi as much as possible instead!. Now is the moment to apply your texture replacers if you use any QTP3 or (my personal favourites)) Bomret's Normal Maps + Corepc's Vibrant Textures. And other replacers for books, lockpicks and whatnots.

8. I installed the http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5296, topped it up with http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27710, Bash Tags: C.Climate; C.Light; C.Owner; Delev; Invent; names; Relev; Stats. All unofficial patches come with PYFFIed meshes, so don’t waste your time to do this. Modders have beaten you to it.

9. I installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10739, also optimized by default, renamed it DLC Shivvering Isles.esp and got rid of the dummy esp, thus saving one slot.

10 Installed the DLC I wanted, topped them with http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9969

11. Installed http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=268 (you will need to download and install both files) - FCOM ready fashion according to the instructions from dev_akm http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/convergence.html and Bash Tags for all Fran related plugins.

12 All recommendations for tagging your mods in Bashed Patch you can check http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23248 and http://sites.google.com/site/oblivionpoinfo/walkthroughs/baininstallguide/f4

13. Installed http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=3953 topped up with http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23202, then installed the http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=3953, topped it with http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24511.

14. Installed http://www.worldofelderscrolls.de/?go=dlfile&fileid=12 and http://rapidshare.com/files/57753891/OWC_Patch_1.08b_1.085b.7z.html

15. http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=1860 1.1, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12939 3.0.1 for NPC, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10670; Xiamara's http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13360 and its http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24432(makes them lootable!)

16 Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=18417 (Resources, files, meshes for body replacers) + http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25309
Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12061, Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28537 and the optional esp too. These make your vanilla and SI weapons/armor with the stats of OOO and FCOM. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8158 allows high-end machines to fight 10 - 50 enemies or, alternatively, use the tweak option of Bashed Patch which does the same thing without esp for this, Just imagine:up to 50 enemies at the same time!

17. Installed http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MWEEEADE and http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17784 esm and esp files using TheNiceOne's http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=995334 and am keeping an eye for updates, it is already PYFFIed. If you do not use the installer of The Nice One, then you must manually rename the MMM.BSA to FCOM_Convergence - MMM.BSA, otherwise you will see nasty things like green blood, black bodies and yellow squares with exclamation marks. And I personally add Vacuity’s http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28186. Thank you, vacuity! And I also recommend her http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22795.

18. Pyffied and installedhttp://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21104 1.72 and related patches including http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17557. Now, II gives you angry red colour in Wrye Bash as if there is huge conflict. Nothing could be further from the truth, it is a very small but intricate clever mod that adds item from multitude of mods including COBL, MMM, FCOM and other monstrously big mods and makes library from these items that can be inserted in your game without effort. Well done, Vacuity!

19. Installed body replacers like http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24078; topped it with http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20022– strongly recommend 4096x4096 for high-end PCs as it really makes skin looks flawless., topped with High-Res Head Textures; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19738 – latest version and http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25365 and stock clothing replacers for http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15097; http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14984 and http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15096 (using only EVE replacer FCOM.esp) . Topped up both Armamentarium 1.35 and Artifacts 1.1 with their nice http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24078 stock replacers.
Installed FCOM supported quest mods http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10505 , http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3027, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13398 1.1, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=7663 1.3, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14200 http://www.theelderscrolls.info/?fileid=201&go=dlfile pyffyied where applicable.

Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4387 topped up with http://www.4shared.com/file/84848755/a265a7de/TamrielTravellerAdvscript140Alpha.html file for advanced scripts and latest http://www.4shared.com/file/153417240/e658e2df/TamrielTravellersCosmeticCoblo.html (thank you, Corepc!) .

20. Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12249 and the latest http://www.4shared.com/file/144608444/c47efc89/ufcom.html by Corepc using TheNiceOne's http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=995334 with add-ons like http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1032482. Entropic Order rebalance you can find at http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/convergence.html

21 Rebuilt bashed Patch with all relevant tags and tweaks of my choice. Bear in mind that lately you have to rebuild bashed Patch 2-3 times during the installation process - first time when barebone FCOM is installed, second time - when extended FCOM with add-ons supported by FCOM is supported and third time - when all is ready and all your mods are installed. My last rebuilding of the patch takes almost 12 minutes. However, rebuilding the patch allows you to play almost whatever you want, so it is worth it.

22. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16704, Alter Weight Spell, Spell delete, Multiple Clothes enchantment, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9562, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12466 ]and/or http://theelderscrolls.info/?go=dlfile&fileid=219 latest, or any magic mods compatible I wanted.

23. Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11778 by Willie Sea (if you're using Better Cities replace the esp file), http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16513 (you can choose another city enhancement of course). For players using UL, this is the moment to install this uniqueness. Installed many of great Jannix Quinn's mods, especially his replacers, umbrellas (it rains so much in Cyrodiil ) and so on.

24. Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19628 (If you are to install http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/search.php and http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=18677, you should install 1) Bomret's 2) Corepc's 3) AWLS). In my opinion Bomret's Maps + Corepc's Vibrant textures gives result that easily matches QTP3 with no FPS loss. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3409 and http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12859 add some nice changes to game.

25. PYFFIed and installed Dragon Caption's CURP http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24279 and the CURP esm 5.1.8

26. Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24320

27. Origin Of Mage Guild 6.2 pyffied + the OOO patch, The Elder Council, The Necromancer, the Kingdom Of Altmar and all mods by Giskard I wanted and patches where aplicable

28. Installed sound mods, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8711, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25171 , http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19487 http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13987, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2536- only habitat part(do not forget to delete Sky meshes and Sky textures if you're using different weather mod of the newer generation!), http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23783 with hi-res textures, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23064;; Black Dragon’s cool water tweaks; Underwater Bubbles; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10803; Athmospheric Loading Screens mod, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20053, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25078, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16533, Colored Enemy Health, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6914 and its http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20698, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2069; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16544 or another weather mod.

29. Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15619; (or http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13879); or http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14065 with http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12878; alternatively - some players prefer the classic http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1888 withhttp://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10210

30. Installed the Oh-so-cool http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10763 1.3.2. Some players prefer http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11280 which comes with many color variations (@Nexus)


31. Installed many clothes mods,clothes for body replacers; pyffied houses mods (up to 40 GB).

32. Installed mods adding armor to Fran and supporting patches

33. Installed TIE4MODS – SM version - Main esp only which adds NPCs and secret entrances but does not change FCOM gameplay. recently disabled as it negates too much pure FCOM experience, will try the new version Corepc has promised us.

34. Installed independent quest mods like http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5156, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9655 (the only reason to forgive scruggsy he didn't finish this great mod is the fact he's always busy with his OBSE ), http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1077279; ; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8235 with http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19520 etc pyffied when possible, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11598, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24233, Gates To Aesgaard, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21176, Ivelon 1.8, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16316; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8613; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20184; http://www.lostspires.com/pages/downloads.htm; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13714 and its patch 1.8 http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=875593, my favourite 5 mods by Vibliribland , http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13707 1.1 and http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=7633 by Painkiller Rider; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28105 by Darkrider, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9357 by bkrisher Guiles; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17781; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23384; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11755


35. Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8435 topped with Salmo COBL - pyffied (Salmo COBL will not work without this esp even if it is inactive.) you will need the Better Cities patch for the shop to start selling bread and rolls.

36. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8962 by flyfightflea (Skycaptain you've promissed me DR 6.0 with horse combat like 4.3!)

37. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2037 3.0.1; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15340; http://rapidshare.com/files/119328854/Attack_and_Hide_v2.1_1.0.omod; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1866

38. Installed http://theelderscrolls.info/?go=dlfile&fileid=215 and http://theelderscrolls.info/?go=dlfile&fileid=293

39. Installed http://theelderscrolls.info/?go=dlfile&fileid=349.

40. Installed CM Partnes basic and Companion mods of my choice.

41. Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16459, topped up with http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20459 http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13051, Seph's New Animation, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14948, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27954 by Mur_zik and http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28223 by Surazal and Mur_Zik; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19796

42. Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8273 with the fixed esp by Skycaptain and (my personal favourite – http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15777 1.1. You think it is easy tohit a target at level 3? Try this small add-on and good luck )

43. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10400 3.1 by Jaga tweaked its ini reducing the number of streamsaves per hour, changing the fog value to match reduced number or trees in Oblivion ini etc. (RTFM )


44. Tweaked the ini of SkyRanger1's Oblivion Stutter Remorer 4.1- the latest and tweaked the ini of Streamline 3.1 according to my needs.

45. Merged the esp files of similar mod groups: Buyable Armo.espr, Foundable Armor.esp, Small Gameplay Changes.esp etc., using the guidelines from the http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1068317

46. Ran BOSS - latest version of this cool tool and readjusted the load order for the files it did not recognize.

47. I cleaned with TES4EDIT one at a time every esp from the list provided at http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/TES4Edit_Cleaning_Guide; ran TES4LODGen after that.

48. Built properly tagged Bashed Patch from the latest version.

49. AT THIS POINT I TURN OFF ALL MODS (i.e. unchecked them in Wrye Bash or /and OBMM) except Oblivion.esm. This is essential step. Don’t skip it if you don’t want to see hanging arrows in the air, missing land masses, purple textures, bizarre NPC behaviour and so on. Otherwise you will be victim of the ‘Multiple Mod Activation’ phenomenon. If you haven't defragmented your hard disk already (I did it after installing Oblivion + SI +DLC and again after FCOM basic), now is the time to do it before you start playing in serious!

50. As people still keep asking (and keep being mistrustful) about this particular step, I will try to redo it and explain as well as I can.
I was unbeliever too. Last example from my own experience - perfectly balanced game with UOP Hotfix 3.2.4. Corepc releases Hotfix 3.2.5. I got lazy, uninstalled 3.2.4; installed 3.2.5 on top of whole game - persistent CTDs all over the place!. Reinstalled all game introducing Hotfix 3.2.5 when appropriate - no CTD for 2-3 days. Still think I am joking? So., how to do it?

Consider all esm turned on one by one.
Turn on all Fran load-save (new expendable char in prison)-exit.
Activate Bob's-load-save-exit.
Activate War Cry-load-save-exit.
Activate OOO esp Load game-save-exit.
Activate FCOM-Convergence esp (only!)-load-save-exit.
Activate all MMM modules I have-load-save-exit
Load Tamriel Travelers - all esps I have-load-save-exit.
Load one by one Lost Paladin Of Divines, The Mystery Of Dulan's Cult, Mighty Umbra etc.
Then, when extended FCOM unmergeable modules are on, rebuild Bashed Patch and merge all FCOM related mergeable esps. Load game-save-exit.
Continue to load all other unmergeable mods, when they are on, rebuild bashed patch, adding all mergeable esps not related to FCOM, load-save-exit.
Delete temporary character, create your permanent one, play.

Extra Steps recommended by some players:
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22282 which in my opinion is not finished to the same high standards if SkyRangers1 Oblivion Stutter Remover which I find really helps my game.


P.S.. This post has been modified quite a lot since it was first posted because I tried some of Shikishima's and other players’ suggestions and as sensible as I am, I accepted many of them as they give better results. As for the links - they all lead to tools and mods tested and accepted by the community. So, a potential problem with one of them, it won't be a matter of good or bad, mods, only compatibility and correct installation.


ATTENTION: After the release of MMM BSA, alternative installation orders have been suggested by FCOM and MMM modders, please by all means check FCOM and MMM installation instructions. Things are expected to change with updates of major mods, so stay alert!
This installation is in order I have tried and found to work for me. Feel free to differ, change, experiment, criticize and share experience and opinions, we all will be only grateful!

After all is done and said, I will repeat: DO NOT FORGET to uncheck all your mods and start new game, name your char 'A' or ‘Z’ or whatever and turn on one mod/load game/save/exit and repeat the procedure until all your mods that must be active are active. Activation order: Basic FCOM; Extended FCOM; Others. ONE BY ONE!
Then rebuild your bashed patch, then create your real character. Many people come to cry 'I have CTDs!' or 'I have weird things!' simply because they turn on huge bunch of mods at once.

I LOVE THIS GAME!

Here are opinions, shared experience and ideas shared by experienced modders and players:


1. Shikishima advises against my way of building my load order. He advises for bare bone FCOM to which to add everything else. his advice is: Build your mod list slowly solving issues as you proceed..
NOTE: This was posted by Shikishima early in 2009, since then the release of MMM.BSA which shares resources with mods like OOO, COBL, FCOM and this leads to change of installation order. Still, I keep Shikishima's notes as requested by forum members

It's a long and tedious process mxms, but I've found through experience and troubleshooting other users problems that this is a surefire way.
First off I suggest you know the mods you want to use in advance and create OMOD's for them where applicable.
Mods like Franscesco's and OOO come with installers, so use your discretion when creating the OMOD for files of this size.
Do not at this stage install any of the created OMODS
Now off to build your game....

1. A clean install of Oblivion and Shivering Isles patched to the latest version.
2. Install the Unofficial Patches.
3. Download and install the basic FCOM components, adding MMM last to ensure the newer texture replacements are used.
4. coc to the testinghall for a look around to find any obvious errors.
5. Test this install by running through Vilverin using Godmode. You'll encounter all of the basic features that FCOM has to offer in the way of new items, enemies and many of the new weapons. This will verify you have the correct resource files in place.
6. Add in the expanded load order if desired and repeat Vilverin.
7. Add DLC's and any required patches, plus texture, body and LOD mods - not at this time the Unique Landscape Series.
8. Add any city enhancement mods - Open Cites etc.
9. A quick run around the various cities using coc when necessary. This will highlight any erroneous textures or flawed landscape.
10. Basic game alterations like COBL/ leveling/ magic/stealth overhaul mods are added, using the console to increase levels and skills where needed to test some of the new additions.
11. Addition of weapon/armour mods
12. Quest mods plus needed patches.
13. Unique Landscape mods plus patches.
14. Build and add the bashed patch, allowing respawn to take effect.
15. Play for a couple of hours ensuring to visit dungeons and caves of all types you'll encounter during the game itself. This includes various alyied ruins/caves/forts that are known to be frequented by different factions.

Hopefully all has this has gone flawlessly.

16. Char-gen and create your game character.

The only mods that I ever clean are ones with known issues that have been highlighted in other threads as being troublesome. I mean why look for problems where none may exist?
Research for this part can be time consuming.

In reply to Tomlong75210, no plug-in dependent on a master file should ever be cleaned.
Shikishima

2. DarkDragon says: if you're running Vista OS, install Oblivion in directory other than C:\Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Oblivion folder.

3 Shikishima says also: Build your mod list slowly solving issues as you proceed.

4. Arthmoor says: Consider every mod dirty unless specified otherwise, DON'T clean any FCOM related files and remember unofficial patches are PYFFIed by default.

5. Pacific Morrowind advises against Operation Optimization as outdateed.

6. Skycaptain recommends SkyRanger 1's Stutter Remover. (I tried it & I fell in love with it. Heapmode 1 for me runs better than vanilla )

7. Corepc advises that the installation order is:
Install order should be this..MMM should be the last big mod you install before FCOM..

Oblivion, DLC Mods, Frans, UOP and USIP , UOMP, OOO, WarCry. Bobs, MMM, COBL, FCOM is the order I do it in..

Comment: Them guys know what they are talking about, follow all the above and enjoy.
After my last rebuilt it has been a week and I am still waiting my first CTD. No worries, it's only a matter of time.

And finally, after waiting a month for new PC and tweaking and testing again and again (sometimes I think we like more to tinker the game than play it ... ), here is my load order from 23.03.2010 (2 CTDs in 13:24 hours gaming according to Wrye Bash and 199/267 mods).

Hate to be a noob, but what does CTD stand for?

Crash To Desktop.

Just wanted to say I read your list, it helped me a ton (there were some options I was iffy about using, such as advanced script for Tamriel Travelers etc. and it's nice to know it works).

...but damnit, stop introducing me to more awesome fluff mods. :meh: I thought I was done with that!

Hi, i'm new to this curious thing called "PyFFI". I've had already Pyffied some of my meshes & it really gives some performance boost; particularly in dungeons (Kudos to Blade Of Mercy). What i'm not sure is tree meshes. Are these safe to be pyffied?

@PetrusOctavianus: Thanks for the reply!

Yes.

Are these the optimized OOO 1.34 beta5 meshes? The file description seems to refer to 1.33 and 1.34 at the same time.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24511

It's for the beta5 patch only.

For OOO optimized meshes, it's http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23202.

Great job!
Installing Oblivion is a long process..And it helps a LOT. I have a small question to Blade Of Mercy.
So,you have OOO installed+suprime magica+some level mods, which also changes attributes and magic throught it...And you played already for a weak. And what has happend with game balance after such number of mods(for example with magic balance)? =)) Is it playable?

Completely playable. Before my computed decided to die, I used to play 3-6 hours in row without CTD with my old char - Mountain Ninga class lass.
In the 1st tread you can see my load order. About 600 hours old character (with lots of memories and what memories!) and a few younger ones had to die along with my old computer... :flamethrower:
However, my new rig is on its way already. I myself will use this tread as a reminder and installation guide.
After all, I trust the guy who runs it

This looks like a very good guide. Hopefully I can follow this without problem. (I think I should, If morrowind modding helps me well editing.) Just a few questions

1.)For pyffing SI meshes, which folders should be optimized?
2.)Which step would player housing mods fall under?
3.)How necessary is pyffi for actually running the game? I know its supposed to make things run faster but the warnings you put for running the tool make me scared.

necessary? not at all. it will however improve performance ( less stutter, less RAM/VRAM consumption, better FPS )

Great work Blade of Mercy!!! I will try your suggestions right away!!! ))) :intergalactic: :celebration:

Does this mean you can use both realistic leveling AND nGCD at the same time?

Fantastic guide btw, i'm in the process of redoing my entire oblivion install and this is really helpful

you can use RL or nGCD or OBXP. progress definitely works with the first two, I'm pretty sure it doesn't work with obxp though.

NO! Choose one.

:tops: I'l try this=) This guide is realy great.

Hi guys, I'm optimizing the folders with PYFFi as suggested.

But I can optimize also all the other folders? Or better to stick in those folders only? (Architecture, clutter, dungeons, furniture, landscape, plants, rocks and sky)

According to what PacificMorrowind said, all folders are able to be optimized now. The only thing the latest version of PyFFI has troubles with are hair and nifs with egm's associated with them.

And those are supposed to be bypassed automatically by PyFFI right? I mean, for vanilla Oblivion + SI + DLC. I do hope so because I just pyffied all my Oblivion meshes because I though it was so.

Just make a BAIN package out of your optimized meshes, you will be able to uninstall them in a jiffy if there is a problem .

Thank all you Guys,

The Turning ONE mod on at a time Load, Play, Save, really does work.. (?After a FCOM Build)
After installing FRANS the next step is to install OOO. IS this possible cause i couldn't load again till FCOM was Done. (Most likely missing the file Fran for OOO but we don't use that do we.)

Base Oblivion For me. Everything up to and Including.
DarkdarnUI
QTP3 Redimized
FCOM

With this running I have FPS: 150 with just Sky in View, 120 looking at a ground texture (no grass), 80 looking out over landscape and 60 when water is in the view.

So as I added in mods I knew just what hit me and when, Diverse Grass hit the hardest ( probably operator error). about 20 FPS.(in all Directions even looking up at Sky)

With all but one MOD back in the MIX (RAEWVD) and the result is........ Sky=120 Ground=90 landscape=60 Water=55

I find this truly amazing as just before I was struggling with 20 FPS and forget fights outside it was a slide show. that was with all the exact same MODS, Same BAIN packages . Now I can fight outside with 5-6 actors and have 25-30 FPS and everyone using magic and fighting.

SO Thanks again For Threads like this . I don't think I would have ever done it this way.

Off to add in RAEWVD (Gonna be interesting to see).

I think they are auto-bypassed. Don't quote me on that though.

Excellent guide. I was wondering if there was a way to install a "definitive" Oblivion on my computer and I think your guide pretty sums up. Of course, Bethesda forums went down the exact second I uninstalled my old Oblivion and wanted to reinstall a new one...

One thing I'm not sure about, though: you say that you PyFFI your Oblivion bsa. No problem so far. But then you say that you omoded it! Last time I PyFFIed those meshes, I rebuilt a bsa file with OBMM. Is there a difference?