FIRST WARNING: Shikishima says this is NOT a newcomer friendly description.
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 the homework. Do not try to skip a step; this is the best way to trip and fall.

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).

THIRD 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.

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.

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

3. I installed Shivering Isles_v1.2.0146English Official Patch – 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://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 discussion http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1076274 inspireb by far327 gives option to teach Oblivion to use up to 4GB RAM.
With the http://www.ntcore.com/4gb_patch.php. It 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.
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!

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,, 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 src="http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9969"]Unofficial Official Mods Patch (UOMP) v15[/url]

11. Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2518 - 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.

13. Installed OOO 1.33 topped up with http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23202, then installed the 1.34 beta5 patch, topped it with Optimised mashes 1.34 beta 5.

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, Loth's Blunt for NPC, KD Circlets for OOO; Xia New Amulets and its OOO patch (makes them lootable!)

16 Installed Armamentarium 1.35 complete + Artifacts 1.1; topped up both with EVE and Robert stock replacers
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.

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. 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 High-Resolution 4096x4096 textures – strongly recommend this for high-end PCs as it really makes skin looks flawless., topped with High-Res Head Textures; Luchaire’s Neck Seam Concealer – latest version and Robert Male Body Replacer version 5 and stock clothing replacers for Fran, OOO, MMM (using only EVE replacer FCOM.esp)
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) 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

21 Rebuilt bashed Patch with all relevant tags and tweaks of my choice.

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=16513 (you can choose another city enhancement of course). For players using UL, this is the moment to install this uniqueness.

23. Installed http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19628.

25. Installed PYFFIed 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, weather mods, natural Environments – only habitat part, Enhanced Water 2.0 HD; Black Dragon’s cool water tweaks; Athmospheric Loading Screens mod, RAEVWD, 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 Oblivion XP; Realistic Levelling; nGCD; alternatively - KCAS

30. Installed the Oh-so-cool http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10763 1.3.2


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 Lost Spires, Thievery in IC, Thieves Arsenal, http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1077279; Ivelon 1.8; 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, 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 etc testing after every one.

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

37. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2037 3.0.1; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15340; Attack And Hide 2.1; 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 animation mods such as DMC Stylish 2.1 topped with Stylish Jump; http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16459, Seph's H2H, Seph's New Animation, 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.

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 3 beta6 - 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.

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

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

49. AT THIS POINT I TURNED 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.

50. Started new game. Saved my character named Z (don’t waste time on face), exited the game. Activated the first esm. Loaded the game, saved, exited. I repeated this activate-load-save-exit sequel with all mods unmergeable on Bashed Patch. When it comes to multy-components like MMM, FCOM , Better Cities and so on, I turn them in one go, like: MMM esm, FCOM_Convergence.esm, FCOM_Convergence.esp and all MMM add-on esps. As for the rest of FCOM – after I have saved MMM introduction I activate all FCOM plugins and so on. After all unmeargeable mods are checked and my game is saved, I activate the Bashed Patch. Thus I have naturally activated load order with minimum conflicts between 200+ mods, well tuned game and the practically best possible performance that could be expected. Then I created my real character, spent a lot of time on her face, left the sewers and enjoyed CTD - free game with huge choice of things to use and do.
I did not believe in steps 49 and 50 but once I tried the slow introduction of mods in my game I would not have it otherwise!

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.

Another extra step: check if you've tagged all your mods in Wrye bash correctly http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=966640

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.


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.

With the relase of OBSE 18b5 and Pluggy 132 and all the other magnificent tools like Wrye Bash, OBMM, SkyRanger 1's Oblivion Stutter Remover 3 beta 6, BOSS, PYFFI etc nowadays it is easy to build pleasing game after everyone's own tastes and preferences.

It is not a short process, requires patience and some knowledge.
Please, friends, share some of your experience and useful tricks - for better Oblivion.

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..


Comment: maybe I'll listen to your advice when I build my next LO, Shiki. But these are mods I've tested and found trouble free. I really have very stable game, that is why I decided to share my 3 year experience with some of the new guys (who I hope are still coming to Oblivion). Besides, if you have noticed I said: and i turned them on one by one, even the esm.

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.

Blade Of Mercy's Load Order: 28 January 2010

Masters for: Streamsave_1.ess00  Oblivion.esm01  Jog_X_Mod.esm02  EnhancedWeather.esm  [Version 1.3.9]03  Francesco's Leveled Creatures-Items Mod.esm04  Francesco's Optional New Items Add-On.esm05  Cobl Main.esm  [Version 1.73]06  Oscuro's_Oblivion_Overhaul.esm  [Version 1.34]07  Armamentarium.esm  [Version 1.35]08  Mart's Monster Mod.esm  [Version 3.7b3p3]09  Artifacts.esm0A  VASE - core.esm0B  CyrodiilUpgradeResourcePack.esm0C  TamrielTravellers.esm  [Version 1.39c]0D  FCOM_Convergence.esm  [Version 0.9.9MB3]0E  Better Cities Resources.esm0F  NNWAEMaster.esm10  CM Partners.esm11  HorseCombatMaster.esm12  Unofficial Oblivion Patch.esp  [Version 3.2.4]13  DLCShiveringIsles.esp  [Version 1.4.0]14  Oblivion_SI Vwalk Full.esp15  Better Cities .esp16  Francesco's Optional Chance of Stronger Bosses.esp17  Francesco's Optional Chance of Stronger Enemies.esp18  Francesco's Optional Chance of More Enemies.esp19  Francesco's Optional Leveled Guards.esp++  FCOM_Francescos.esp  [Version 0.9.9]++  FCOM_FrancescosItemsAddOn.esp  [Version 0.9.9]1A  FCOM_FrancescosNamedBosses.esp  [Version 0.9.9]1B  Natural_Habitat_by_Max_Tael.esp1C  EnhancedWeather.esp  [Version 1.3.5]1D  Enhanced Water v2.0 HDMI.esp++  Enhanced Water v2.0 HD - SI Addon.esp  [Version 0.1]++  omg-watersettings.esp1E  omg-waterrefraction-obse.esp++  Symphony of Violence.esp1F  MIS Low Wind.esp20  MIS New Sounds Optional Part.esp21  Atmospheric Oblivion.esp22  Storms & Sound.esp23  WindowLightingSystem.esp24  AliveWaters.esp25  AliveWaters - Koi Addon.esp26  AliveWaters - Slaughterfish Addon.esp27  Ayleid Loot EXtension.esp28  ClocksOfCyrodiil_BC_OBC_OC_OCLR_Vanilla.esp++  Item interchange - Extraction.esp  [Version 0.78]29  KF Chapel Shop.esp2A  wd purse of wonders.esp2B  Enhanced Economy.esp  [Version 3.3.4]2C  DLCOrrery.esp2D  DLCOrrery Vwalk.esp2E  DLCOrrery - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.3]2F  DLCMehrunesRazor.esp30  DLCMehrunesRazor - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.4]31  DLCMehrunesRazor Vwalk UOP.esp32  Eska Cair.esp++  MaleBodyReplacerV4.esp33  Adonnays Classical Weaponry.esp34  Adonnays Elven Weaponry.esp35  AAbuiesdaqun.esp36  Buyable W_A.esp37  Captain_Molly_HGEC.esp38  Dalls_Merchant.esp39  Lockbreaker.esp3A  SPB BodyCon Suits.esp3B  SentientWeapon.esp  [Version 3]3C  StarX Witch Hunter Armor.esp  [Version 1.3]3D  Hentai Compilation.esp3E  Female Assassins Creed - Altair's Gear -  EV.esp3F  Foundable W_A.esp40  samurai.esp41  Tona Compilation.esp42  umbrella.esp43  Unlimited Wear.esp44  XiaNewAmuletsV1.esp45  Benjamin the Donkey with saddle.esp**  Slof's Extra Horses.esp46  Slof's Black Unicorn.esp47  Mounted_Spellcasting.esp48  Mounted_Trampling.esp++  LadyDeadlock_LoveYourHorse.esp49  KDCircletsOOOOptimized - NPC Equip.esp  [Version 1.2]++  FCOM_KDCircletsOOOOptimizedNPCEquip.esp  [Version 0.9.9]++  MMM_Runeskull_Rebalance_BETA2.esp  [Version Beta]4A  Cobl Glue.esp  [Version 1.73]4B  Cobl Si.esp  [Version 1.63]4C  OOO 1.32-Cobl.esp  [Version 1.72]++  FCOM_Cobl.esp  [Version 0.9.9]4D  Bob's Armory Oblivion.esp4E  FCOM_BobsArmory.esp  [Version 0.9.9]4F  Loth's Blunt Weapons for Npcs.esp++  FCOM_LothsBluntWeapons.esp  [Version 0.9.9]50  Oblivion WarCry EV.esp51  FCOM_WarCry.esp  [Version 0.9.9MB3]52  Oscuro's_Oblivion_Overhaul.esp  [Version 1.34]53  Oscuro's_Oblivion_Overhaul Vwalk.esp++  Shivering OOO.esp++  OMOBS_SI.esp  [Version 1.0]54  OOO-Ayleid Coin Add-on.esp++  OOO_XiaNewAmulets Addon.esp  [Version 0.5]55  Mart's Monster Mod - Additional Enemy NPC Vars.esp  [Version 3.7b1]56  FCOM_Convergence.esp  [Version 0.9.9Mb3]++  ArmamentariumLL4OOO.esp  [Version 2.01]++  ArmamentariumLLMagicOOO.esp  [Version 1.35]57  ArmamentariumArtifacts.esp  [Version 1.35]++  Armamentium female.esp++  FCOM_EntropicOrderRebalance.esp  [Version 0.9.9beta2]58  FCOM_RealSwords.esp  [Version 0.9.9]59  FCOM_DurabilityAndDamage.esp  [Version 0.9.9]5A  Mart's Monster Mod - More Wilderness Life.esp  [Version 3.7b3]++  Mart's Monster Mod - More Passive Wildlife.esp++  FCOM_LessRats.esp  [Version 0.9.9]5B  Mart's Monster Mod - Extra Wounding.esp  [Version 3.7b3]++  Mart's Monster Mod - Looting NPCs & Creatures.esp  [Version 3.7b3]++  Mart's Monster Mod - No Bone Loot.esp  [Version 3.7b3]5C  Mart's Monster Mod - Dungeons of MMM.esp  [Version 3.7b3]5D  Mart's Monster Mod - Farm Animals.esp++  Mart's Monster Mod - Slof Horses Complete.esp  [Version 3.7b3]++  Mart's Monster Mod - Diverse Runeskulls Loot.esp  [Version 3.7b3]++  Mart's Monster Mod - Diverse Runeskulls Loot OOO.esp  [Version 3.7b3]5E  Mart's Monster Mod - Diverse WaterLife.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3f]++  VASE - Cyrodiil for MMM.esp++  VASE - Vanilla SI.esp++  TamrielTravellers Cosmetics Cobl or RBP.esp++  TamrielTravellerAdvscript.esp  [Version 1.40Alpha]5F  TamrielTravellers4OOO.esp  [Version 1.39c]60  TamrielTravellers4OOO Vwalk.esp++  TamrielTravellersItemsNPC.esp  [Version 1.39c]61  TamrielTravellersItemsCobl.esp  [Version 1.39c]++  FCOM_TamrielTravelers.esp  [Version 0.9.9]++  FCOM_DiverseGuardUnity.esp  [Version 0.9.9]++  FCOM_BobsGuardUnity.esp  [Version 0.9.9]++  FCOM_HungersUnitySI.esp  [Version 0.9.9]++  FCOM_Archery.esp++  FCOM_Archery_Armamentarium.esp++  FCOM_Archery_Artifacts.esp++  FCOM_Archery_RealSwords.esp++  FCOM_FriendlierFactions.esp  [Version 0.9.9]62  FCOM_MoreRandomSpawns.esp  [Version 0.9.9]63  FCOM_MoreRandomItems.esp  [Version 0.9.9]++  Mart's Monster Mod - Shivering Isles.esp++  Fransfemale.esp64  Artifacts.esp++  Artifacts - ArmaCompleteAddon.esp  [Version 1.0]++  ArtifactsFemaleArmor.esp++  MMM-Cobl.esp  [Version 1.73]++  EVE_StockEquipmentReplacer4FCOM.esp65  Ivellon.esp  [Version 1.8]66  Ancient_Goblin_City-4843.esp67  AyleidArrows.esp  [Version 1.8]68  Blackrock_Mountain-4489.esp69  GlenvarCastle.esp6A  Jagnot- Imperial City Library V1.3.esp6B  Gift of Kynareth.esp6C  NNWAREAyleidDungeons_Series1EV.esp  [Version 2.1]6D  The Ayleid Steps.esp  [Version 3.0]6E  The_Tower_of_the_Lich_King-4492.esp6F  TheForgottenShields.esp70  TheOubliette.esp71  thievery.esp72  thievery - EE patch.esp  [Version 1.0]73  VaultsofCyrodiilBC.esp74  Apachii_Goddess_Store.esp75  Apachii_Heroes_Store.esp76  Knights.esp77  Knights - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.9]78  Knights Vwalk UOP.esp++  EVE_KnightsoftheNine.esp79  RTT.esp7A  RTT Vwalk.esp7B  The Lost Spires.esp7C  The Lost Spires Vwalk.esp7D  Mighty Umbra.esp7E  Ungarion1TheWelkyndSword.esp  [Version 1.4]7F  Blood&Mud.esp80  Blood&Mud Vwalk.esp81  Blood&Mud - EE patch.esp  [Version 1.0]82  Lost Paladins of the Divines.esp83  Origin of the Mages Guild.esp  [Version 6.2]84  TheNecromancer.esp85  MannimarcoRevisited.esp86  MannimarcoRevisitedOOO.esp  [Version 0.1]++  FCOM_MightyUmbra.esp  [Version 0.9.9]87  FCOM_Blood&Mud.esp  [Version 0.9.9]++  FCOM_Knights.esp  [Version 0.9.9Mb3]++  FCOM_WelkyndSwordBlood&Mud.esp  [Version 0.9.9]88  FCOM_OMG.esp  [Version 0.9.9]89  Origin of the Mages Guild OOO Patch.esp  [Version 5.0.FINAL]8A  Duke Patricks Sickness Alarm.esp8B  Harvest [Flora].esp  [Version 3.0.0]++  Harvest [Flora] - Shivering Isles.esp  [Version 3.0.0]8C  EVE_ShiveringIslesEasterEggs.esp8D  P1DkeyChain.esp  [Version 5.00]8E  Salmo the Baker, Cobl.esp  [Version 3.08]++  ShinySeptims_Septimus.esp++  Short Grass V3.esp8F  Enhanced Vegetation [150%].esp90  Toggleable Quantity Prompt.esp  [Version 3.1.1]91  RealisticForceMedium.esp92  RealisticMagicForceLow.esp93  StarX Vanilla Vampires Revised.esp94  StarX VVR_OOO Patch.esp95  MidasSpells.esp96  Midas OscuroGems.esp97  DirenniAlchemyApparatus.esp98  Multiple Enchantments.esp99  attack and hide medium v2.1.esp9A  Enter The Shinobi - Coors916.esp9B  Deadly Reflex Bow Sway.esp9C  Deadly Reflex - Breathing Motion & Head Bobbing.esp9D  Deadlier Sneaking 1.1.esp9E  Kobu's Character Advancement System.esp9F  Grandmaster of Alchemy.espA0  Mayu's Animation Overhaul.esp++  Item interchange - Placement for FCOM.esp  [Version 0.78]++  Item interchange - Option, Ingredients in Bulk.esp  [Version 0.78]A1  CM Partners.espA2  1em_Vilja.espA3  1em_Vilja Vwalk.espA4  bgBalancingEVCore.esp  [Version 10.52EV-D]A5  bgMagicEV.esp  [Version 1.7EV]++  bgMagicSpellTomes_for_WryeBash.esp  [Version 1.68EV]++  bgMagicItemSigil.esp  [Version 1.68EV]++  bgMagicEVStartspells.esp  [Version 1.68EV]A6  bgMagicBonus.esp  [Version 1.7EV]++  bgMagicEVAddEnVar.esp  [Version 1.68EV]A7  bgMagicEVPaperChase.esp  [Version 1.68EV]A8  bgMagicAlchemy.esp  [Version 1.57]A9  bgMagicPotionNumberSoulGemValue.esp  [Version 1.68UV]++  bgBalancingEVOptionalMoreEyes.esp  [Version 10]**  bgBalancingEVOptionalNPCDiversity, TNR Merge.esp  [Version 10.0EV-D]++  bgBalancingEVOptionalFCOMAdditions.esp  [Version 10.]AA  bgBalancingEVLAMEAddition.esp  [Version 10.51EV-D]++  bgBalancingEVLAMEGlue.esp  [Version 10.0EV-D1.62EV]**  bgBalancingEVOptionalNPCDiversityLAME.esp  [Version 10.5EV-D]AB  bgIntegrationEV.esp  [Version 0.99]**  bgIntegrationEV - Alternative NPC Faces by LazyMonk.esp  [Version 0.99]++  bgIntegrationEV - Unique Clothes.esp  [Version 0.99]++  EVE_KhajiitFix.espAC  Better Cities - Full City Defences.espAD  Better Cities Full - B&M Edition.espAE  Better Cities Full - B&M Edition Vwalk.espAF  Better Imperial City.espB0  Better Imperial City Vwalk.espB1  Better Cities - Ruined Tail's Tale.espB2  Better Cities - Thievery.espB3  Better Cities Full - B&M Edition FPS Patch.espB4  Better Imperial City FPS Patch.espB5  Better Cities - COBL.esp  [Version 2]B6  Castle_Seaview.esp++  [GFX]_Initial_Glow-all.esp**  bgMagicEVShader.esp  [Version 1.7EV]++  bgMagicShaderLifeDetect.esp  [Version 1.68]B7  BubbleFx.espB8  bgMagicLightningbolt.espB9  MassA.I-30.espBA  Get Wet.esp++  RealWalk.esp++  CoreRandmonClothing4Npcs.esp++  Cobl Filter Late MERGE ONLY.esp  [Version 1.53]BB  Cobl Silent Equip Misc.esp  [Version 01]BC  DeadlyReflex 5 - Combat Moves.espBD  Bashed Patch, 0.espBE  FormID Finder4.espBF  Streamline 3.1.espC0  Spell Delete.esp

n Steps to a CTDFree game:
Do all the stuff you'd normally do
Start fixing stuff
weOCPS it

I'm currently crashfree, which I think is [censored]awesome. One day I'll get round to cleaning my mods, but for 190 (not counting bash merged) mods, loading one at a time? oh god kill me now
PyFFI is another tool I'm simply too lazy to use. Even wrye bash was a big step for me, though I'm glad as hell I took it. I set aside a week to install FCOM, did it in a day. 6 days of doing nothing.
Anyway, my point is you can have a crashfree oblivion if you're lazy - it just takes longer.

Poshi, I've seen the difference between PYFFIed and un-PYFFIed meshes and cleaned and uncleaned mods.

believe me, it is worth every minute you had to wait

Ah, alright. A project for those 3 am times where I want something repetative to do because I'm not tired yet

I can't and wont advise anyone to proceed in a similar fashion for installation.

There's no argument the way you've taken time and effort to installed your mods, BUT, and I'll stress it one more time, it's vital when doing an FCOM installation that you ensure the basic mod components work perfectly before adding anything else. That includes the DLC's, texture and body replacers.
Many mods need neither cleaned or pyffyied. In these cases it's essential to know what and why your doing it.

There is absolutely no point in adding dozens of mods at once only to find problems when you finally enter the game.
Trying to troubleshoot that scenario is exceptionally time consuming and frustrating, often to the point where a fresh installation of the game is the only solution.

Build your mod list slowly solving issues as you proceed.

How many threads exist because users didn't follow this simple procedure?

Well since I don't use FCOM I long ago saved myself about 3/4 of that procedure

A bit of FYI:

* The list on the new CS wiki page for cleaning mods is not to be taken as an exhaustive and complete list of clean OR dirty mods. Only that those on either list have been checked.

* The UOP/USIP/UOMP has already been run through PyFFI and doing that a second time is a complete waste as it won't improve anything - and carries a small risk of actually breaking something.

The general advice on cleaning mods is assume dirty unless told otherwise, don't clean FCOM at all, and don't clean patches unless you're well versed in the procedure necessary to do it right.

Stability is also as much about decent hardware as it is about running optimized files. You can optimize QTP3 until the cows come home but if your video card can't hack it, you'll get CTDs no matter what you've done once the VRAM runs dry. If your CPU is feeble, loading up on AI and script heavy mods will lead to CTDs if you don't let the game breathe. If you load up on both, you better be sure you've got a beast of a system

To the best of my knowledge Operation Optimization's meshes are not actually that good, and some are buggy and PYFFIing them is hence not a good idea. Also due to said buggyness IIRC they aren't reccomended anymore.
Pacific Morrowind

You sure you're not thinking of the Operation Polygon Overhaul meshes? THOSE I know to be bad, at least the rocks anyway.

ooh probably oops I'm terrible with names.
pacific morroiwnd

Also, if you're running Vista you should NOT install Oblivion to the C:\Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Oblivion folder, as it will have issues with the permissions set by Vista for that folder.

My best stability move (almost gave up after reloading oblivion twice - third time is a charm) - no CTDs so far with just following the prescribed cleaning of esps only:

DRUM ROLE:

1. Factory Overclocked nVidia 285 - "down-clocked it to the nVidia base 285s" - no CTDs so far - unbelievable!!! I did not think that my video card would be a problem since it was factory overclocked and my latest game, Far Cry 2, ran perfect with no problems. I currently have about 200 esps from mods loaded (testing almost everytime I load a new mod for stability and cleaning), will end up with about 250 with my next play through should be good to go today.

Note that these issues don't cause CTDs, they appear long before.

True, though the first step recommends the default folder, so it deserves to be mentioned nonetheless.

Is installing to the default folder important? My first problem is that I basically cannot use my "C" drive, so my main drive is "L." Plus, Oblivion (with all of the downloads, backups and programs) is pretty big, so I gave it its own hard drive.

Try adding Oblivion Stutter Remover to your setup, could be the cherry on top.


Not only should your game be oh-so-much-more pleasurable to play, but you just might end up losing the very last totally random CTDs you still have.


I know it did it for me, and I have seen numerous people to report the same. Apparently some/many/most? of the random exterior CTDs that take place during cell loads have something to do with the strain on the system, and the way Stutter Remover handles it (for some reason) drastically reduces or even eliminates the problem.



EDIT: To be clear, it has suprisingly been the single most stablity enhancing factor in my game.

Where did you find this? I can only find a 1.0 version... :confused:

Don't get all excited now. It's not the long awaited update but probably this one http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=3620

Aww, okay

After quite a few rounds of characters I've ended up following Shikis way of keeping your load list clean, because it's simply the safest way to get the mods to work. Before I've simply thrown a few of them in at a time, and locating the issues have been so annoying, to the point where I've stopped playing/accepted the crashes. You can always use programs to get a clean game, but I still feel that the best, simplest and safest solution is to make sure they work before adding something to the list.

Only another 150 or so mods to go, but I am crash-free so far.

Active Mod Files:00  Oblivion.esm01  EnhancedWeather.esm  [Version 1.3.6]02  Cobl Main.esm  [Version 1.71]03  Better Cities Resources.esm04  bookplacing.esm  [Version 1]05  Progress.esm  [Version 2.0]**  TNR ALL RACES FINAL.esp**  TNR - ShiveringIsles.esp06  Unofficial Oblivion Patch.esp  [Version 3.2.0]07  DLCShiveringIsles.esp08  Unofficial Shivering Isles Patch.esp  [Version 1.4.0]09  Better Cities .esp0A  Natural_Habitat_by_Max_Tael.esp0B  EnhancedWeather.esp  [Version 1.3.5]0C  Enhanced Water v2.0 HD.esp0D  MIS.esp0E  WindowLightingSystem.esp0F  AliveWaters.esp10  AliveWaters - Koi Addon.esp11  Book Jackets Oblivion - BP.esp12  7lbsBedrolls-OBSE.esp13  Fish!.esp14  P1DseeYouSleep.esp++  Regrowing Nirnroot - Dissappear Reappear.esp  [Version 1.01]++  VA_BetterGold.esp15  Living Economy - SI.esp16  Living Economy - Items.esp17  Cutthroat Merchants.esp18  sr_super_hotkeys.esp++  MaleBodyReplacerV4.esp++  RTFemaleReplacerV12.esp19  Cobl Glue.esp  [Version 1.69]1A  Cobl Si.esp  [Version 1.63]1B  ClocksOfCyrodiil_BC_OBC_OC_OCLR_Vanilla.esp1C  za_bankmod.esp1D  Blood&Mud.esp1E  xuldarkforest.esp  [Version 1.0.2]1F  xulStendarrValley.esp  [Version 1.2]20  xulTheHeath.esp21  XulEntiusGorge.esp22  xulFallenleafEverglade.esp  [Version 1.3]23  xulColovianHighlands_EV.esp24  xulChorrolHinterland.esp  [Version 1.2.2]25  xulBeachesOfCyrodiilLostCoast.esp26  xulBravilBarrowfields.esp  [Version 1.3]27  xulLushWoodlands.esp  [Version 1.3]28  xulAncientYews.esp29  xulAncientRedwoods.esp  [Version 1.6]2A  xulCloudtopMountains.esp  [Version 1.0.1]2B  xulArriusCreek.esp  [Version 1.1.2]2C  xulPatch_AY_AC.esp  [Version 1.1]2D  xulRollingHills_EV.esp  [Version 1.3.2]2E  xulPantherRiver.esp2F  xulRiverEthe.esp30  xulBrenaRiverRavine.esp  [Version 1.0.2]31  xulImperialIsle.esp  [Version 1.6.1]32  Harvest [Flora].esp  [Version 3.0.0]33  P1DkeyChain.esp  [Version 5.00]++  Enhanced Vegetation [100%].esp34  Slof's Dogs.esp35  Toggleable Quantity Prompt.esp  [Version 3.1.1]36  Quest Award Leveller.esp  [Version 2.1.0]37  SM Encumbrance and Fatigue.esp  [Version 2.51]38  RealisticForceMedium.esp39  RealisticMagicForceLow.esp3A  RefScope.esp  [Version 1.3.0]3B  EnchantmentRestore.esp3C  EnchantmentRestore_Wells.esp3D  SM Bounty.esp  [Version 1.21]3E  Enhanced Grabbing.esp  [Version 0.4]3F  Smarter Mercantile Leveling - Multi.esp40  nGCD.esp41  nGCD Oghma Infinium.esp++  nGCD Skeleton Key.esp42  ProgressGSD.esp  [Version 1.1]43  ProgressMBSP.esp  [Version 1.0]44  Legendary Abilities-Shield MOJ.esp45  Grandmaster of Alchemy.esp46  Dark Dungeons -  SI.esp47  Atmospheric Loading Screens - No Text.esp48  bgBalancingEVCore.esp  [Version 10.5EV-D]49  Willful Resistance.esp  [Version 4.0]4A  bgMagicEV.esp  [Version 1.7EV]4B  SupremeMagicka.esp  [Version 0.89]4C  SM_ShiveringIsles.esp  [Version 0.86]4D  SM_EnchantStaff.esp  [Version 0.80]++  SM_Scrolls.esp  [Version 0.84]++  SM_SigilStone.esp  [Version 0.83]++  bgMagicSpellTomes_for_WryeBash.esp  [Version 1.68EV]4E  bgMagicEVPaperChase.esp  [Version 1.68EV]4F  bgMagicAlchemy.esp  [Version 1.57]50  Better Cities Full - B&M Edition.esp51  Better Cities - Full City Defences.esp52  BCBravilB&M-Barrowfields patch.esp53  BCChorrol-ChorrolHinterland fix.esp54  Better Imperial City.esp++  [GFX]_Initial_Glow-all.esp**  Real Lava 1.3.esp++  Visually Enchanted Fire.esp++  Visually Enchanted Frost.esp++  Visually Enchanted Shock.esp55  Viconia.esp++  My Faces - Companions.esp56  Bashed Patch, 0.esp57  CleanQuit.esp58  Streamline 3.1.esp

This step intrigues me, although it makes sense. What is the reason for that? To ensure that everything starts correctly (as opposite when you have all those start-up scrips)? for saved game propper "format"? Where did you take this information from?

...of course with an "alternative start mode", at least this one would have to me active for starts.

I miss this step, by the way...

I have been away from the game for over a year and want to come back. I am trying to follow your guide, but I'm confused by a coupel of steps.

I don't have a "Vanilla Meshes" folder. I have a shaders and textures folder, but nothing referring to meshes. What do you mean specifically?

"4. I omoded and activated Vanilla Meshes PYFFIed Optimised."

I am stuck at this step as I don't have anything inside Oblivion Mod Manager to omod. Also, I need to search on PYFFI, but if you have any links/info on that, I'd appreciate it as well.

TIA,
Gary

When I posted in the PyFFI automation tool thread, the main author actually warned against inexperienced users (and, pretty much any, non-experienced modders) against PyFFI-ing meshes. However, I think Blade of Mercy might be referring to http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19911. Although, it looks like he already knows how to go about using PyFFI to optimize meshes and check them afterward.

Thanks for the info. I think you are correct after re-reading his posts. I also have backed up the Oblivion - Meshes.bsa file as I believe this is what he was referring to as well.