I'm having what seems to be a rather unique problem. When I use the geck to create anything, or download any plug-in it simply doesn't show up.

For example, I got the geck today, and went straight to work. I created a custom weapon (to start of simple). When I finished I saved it into C:\Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Fallout 3\Data (as an .esp file of course). When I exited the geck and opened fallout 3, clicked data files, and it wasn't there. I then went to the target location, and surprise surprise it wasn't there at all. It's not hidden, it's not misplaced. The computer thinks its there when I search for it, but for some reason it doesn't show up to the game, or in its directory.

Has anybody else had this problem? If so what did you do to fix it? Is it possible that I installed fallout incorrectly initially (standard vs. custom install)?

TL;DR: I made a .esp, saved it properly (many times, and it won't let you do it any other way) and it doesn't appear in >>>/Fallout 3/Data through the directory or as the game sees it. What should I do to remedy this?

Are you using Windows Vista or 7? If so, that's your problem. The UAC won't let you write anything directly to Program Files, it places your esps in a virtual folder. You need to install your game outside of the main folder, something like C:\Games\Bethesda Softworks\Fallout 3 for instance.

What Belanos said. I recommend the C:\Games folder as well, as a substitute for C:\Program Files\, for all games; so the exact same path he listed as an example is what I use as well.

I personally use a whole different drive. But there are alternatives.

If you have Vista or Windows7, AND you installed your game in the default directory, then you will never see the mod in the data folder.

The GECK is NOT part of the game so the OS sees it as a virus or trojan program trying to change FO3 game files. This is not allowed by the OS.


Solution? Pick "one" of these:

1. Install your game to your Root C: drive. Like C:\Games\Fallout3\ or another drive entirely if you have one.
2. Remove the security from your OS and then you can join the XP computer ranks and become a Zombie computer. *Not recommended.
3. In your \Fallout3\Data\ folder, look at the top right. There should be a button called 'Compatibility Files'. Click that to find your mod. You can then copy it from there to your Data folder.
4. Run the GECK in Administrator mode. Right-click on the icon and select, Run as Administrator.

4. Run the GECK in Administrator mode. Right-click on the icon and select, Run as Administrator.

This is the easiest and least technical way of solving the issue. I have never run into any other issues with Fallout 3 being in my program files (on Win7), but in the future it is a good idea to install it elsewhere.

Just turn of UAC. All it does is interrupt workflow. I haven't needed it or missed it since I disabled it 8 months ago.

This of course is a very bad idea 'unless' you are computer saavy enough to protect your computer yourself from the countless viruses and trojans out there that are more than happy to take control of your computer without your knowledge. A common problem with Windows XP 'zombie' computers.

If your computer illiterate enough to download a trojan or a virus, UAC won't help you much, it isn't an anti-virus. Your computer can't get zombified or anything of the sort without the user of the computer screwing up by downloading an iffy file.

I disabled UAC on my mother's laptop, because it wouldn't be helping her in any way, it would just end up confusing her and interrupting what she was trying to do.

Unfortunately, most people are. And it does help against some attacks.


Again, what I noted above. Wow, a free game to play! Wow, I want to see that video! Wow, a picture of so and so...


How is that? It stops 'secondary' programs from accessing the main programs files.
The GECK is a secondary program not related to the Game. That is why it is blocked. There is nothing to be confused about with normal usage of programs.

I am sure your mother will thank you when she is getting the laptop reformatted in the shop in a year when its stops reponding to her requests because it is busy distributing spam, participating in attacks against servers (refusal of service) and distributing itself.

Valid points, but I still maintain that the threat of having your PC invaded is alot lower than popular belief insists it is. I believe we have, however (Primarily due to myself), gone a bit off topic.

I also agree with the first 3 replies, that using an alternative games folder works very well.

That is what I do and actually recommend. But some people find running in Admin mode works just as well.

I just dont like anyone recommending that people turn off the UAC because 'most' people should not do that.