How to Install Fallout 3 Mods! So Easy You’ll Wish Everything Was This Simple!
For some time now, we’ve been posting some pretty spiffy mods for Fallout 3 (All thanks to the modding community, of course). But until now.. It hasn’t dawned on me that we’ve been posting all these mods, without even telling you guys how to install them in the first place! Well, today will be the day we fix that problem. I’ll tell you all you need to know to install the hottest mods.
There is really only 2 different steps/ways to installing Fallout 3 mods (Not including the first step below, since you’ll only need to do it once). One is by copy and pasting lines of text in your “ArchiveInvalidation” folder, and the other is putting files into your “Data” folder. Doesn’t sound to hard, does it? *Watches you nod up and down* Good, then lets begin.
Lets start off by finding your Fallout 3 program folder, in that folder, find the file called “Fallout_default“. By default, it should be located at C:Program FilesBethesda SoftworksFallout3
In this document, locate the text line bInvalidateOlderFiles=0. Now change the “0″ into a “1″, then save and exit.
If you cannot change it manually, then download this Fallout_Default.ini file here (This file has the binvalidateolderfiles = 1). Once it is downloaded, copy and paste the file over your original Fallout_Default.ini file in your programs folder.
Now locate a text file called “ArchiveInvalidation” if you don’t have one, then go ahead and make one (easiest way is making it as a notepad). Some mods need you to copy and paste certain text into this to make the mod work. For Example:
“3 Suns” mod by Nopheros, requires you to copy and paste:
fSunGlareSize=800.0000
fSunBaseSize=750.0000
Into the “ArchiveInvalidation” text file (Order at which you paste things, do not matter). Generally, if something needs to be pasted into the text file, they will have a read me/text file inside the archive of a mod stating what to do.
Another type of mod, that mod creators use are “.esp” files. Probably the most easiest to install. Simply look into your Fallout 3 folder, and find the “Data” folder. If you do not have one, then simply make a new folder called “Data”. In this folder is where you will put all the .esp files (Along with other sounds/texture/mesh/etc mods.. But we’ll talk more about this in the next step). For example:
“BasicNeeds” mod by AnT01, requires you to simply put the .esp file into the “Data” folder, and just like that the mod is installed (Though keep in mind some mods require additional steps).
The only way you can activate them, is by using the “FalloutLauncher” instead of the regular Fallout3.exe. When you open the launcher, you’ll see a pretty straight forward menu. In this menu, click “Data files“ and that will pop up another menu that consists of all the .esp mods you have in your “Data” folder. Simply check the ones you want to use, and when you start the game, the mods will be working (Note that you may have to do this every time you start-up the game).
Now for the last kind of mods you’ll come across (generally). Usually this step in mods are used by the ones that effect in-game <code>textures/sounds/meshes/shades/menu/music/etc</code>. If the mod contains a folder that is named “Data” then simply merge it with your current “Data folder” in the Fallout 3 Programs folder. If the folder isn’t named “Data” and instead called “Textures” or “meshes” (etc) then just put the whole folder inside your data folder and merge. For example:
“Sungo Vault Girl” mod by Sungo, requires you to merge the mod’s “data” folder with your “data” folder in the Fallout 3 program “folder” (That’s alot of folders! Anyways, it also requires you to copy and paste some text into your “ArchiveInvalidation” text file also).
There you have it, those are generally the only mods you will come across. But like I said before, not all mods will use the same process of steps. Some might only need to use a simple .esp file into the data folder, while others may need to be merged with your data folder, along with adding a .esp file, and the requirement of copy and pasting something in your “ArchiveInvalidation” text file.
Hopefully this helps you install all the mods you want with minimum confusion. Please feel free to comment, and leave questions if you are confused about something. I’ll be glad to help you out.
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50 comments
i have a file planet mod pack. i did everything i should but still nothing. I use this on steam so what am i to do?
What if I’m not able to save Fallout_Default afrter I change it from 0 to 1?
Bert Heally,
To help fix your problem, I uploaded my Fallout_Default.ini file into the guide (should be located right above the first image). Simply download the file, and copy and paste it over your original Fallout_Default.ini file. Hopefully this will fix your problem.
Hi, is there any way of putting a comment line inside
ArchiveInvalidation.txt so I can document the various mods as i add them?
Thanks
hI, wELL i HAVE MANAGE TO INSTALL ONE MOD INTO DATA FILE USING METHOD TWO i CAN NOT USE FIRST ONE BECAUSE CAN NOT SAVE fALL OUT DEFAULT WITH A CHANGE , A 1 OR A COPY PASTE. nOW i SEE ABOVE SOMEONE HAS SAME PROBLEM AS ME THEY CAN NOT INSTALL A fILEpLANT MOD PKGE V2 iT IS REALLY LOADED AND i WOULD LIKEE TO GET IT INSTALLED ANY FUTHER HELP. tHANKS FOR YOUR TIME
Growls, I’m not 100% on this, but if you are wanting to just simply document information such as the name of the mod your copy/pasting into theArchiveInvalidation.txt file; then I’m pretty sure you can add that additional information, as long as it isn’t changing the information you are copy/pasting for the actual mod. Though once again, I’m not exactly sure on this. I’d personally recommend you make a second txt file listing your installed mods instead.
Kaysok, if you are not able to change the Fallout_Default.ini file, nor copy/paste over it. Then more likely then not, it’s the cause of a security/permission issue in changing that certain file. Could you tell me the exact error/warning you’re receiving when you try to save (and/or) copy and paste over it? Hopefully, the error will help lead us to a solution.
The exact error message when trying to copy and paste to Fallout-default is
Can not create c: program files bethesdasoft
Fallout3\fallout3-default.ini file
Make sure path and file are correct
Kaysok, The problem seems to be the UAC, a feature that Vista utilizes. The UAC blocks your privileges to changing scripts/walls/etc, so disabling it would let you change the Fallout_Default.ini file.
Though keep in mind, disabling your UAC reduces the security of your computer and may expose you to increased risk from malicious software. I personally keep UAC off, and have yet to come into a problem where the UAC being disabled caused the problem. Though, for safety reasons, I’d recommend you disable UAC, then change the Fallout_Default to 1, but enable it once you are done.
Here’s how to disable it in Vista:
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, click User Accounts.
3. In the User Accounts window, click User Accounts.
4. In the User Accounts tasks window, click Turn User Account Control on or off.
5. If UAC is currently configured in Admin Approval Mode, the User Account Control message appears. Click Continue.
6. Clear the Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer check box, and then click OK.
7. Click Restart Now to apply the change right away, or click Restart Later and close the User Accounts tasks window. Once you restart, the UAC will be disabled.
Thank you hee hee hee hee whoopie almost as good as hush I am 65
tHANK YOU SO MUCH, HAVE SEVERAL MODS NOW. MET MR.NASTY , NEW CREATURE, FOUND MY FIRST TREASURE MAP, AND VISITED APARTMENT SO NEXT TO MAKE MY OWN MOD.
There is an easier way…
After you make the change from a 0 to a 1, save the .ini file to your desktop. Then, just drag it into the folder. When a window pops up asking if you would like to “Move and Replace,” continue with the application and your new file will now be in the folder.
Pervy,
Taking a look at this guide was really helpful all in all, thanks! However, despite my having altered the Fallout_Default.ini to effect the appropriate field, moved the proper data files into the data folder (textures, etc.), as well as created and entered the appropriate text into the ArchiveInvalidation.txt file, the mods I am attempting to utilize are not appearing in game! One of the mods I am attempting to use (for example) is the Classic Black Leather Armor v1.3 by tavtav.
Also, to add to this I have downloaded the G.E.C.K. tool from Bethesda and although I cannot seem to see the altered textures in game, I can however load the Fallout3.esm in the G.E.C.K., find the appropriate armor texture file and the altered texture DOES appear in the G.E.C.K.! Any and all guidance would be greatly appreciated!!
Hm, Chaos, it seems you’ve taken all the right steps, so I’m not sure what could be the cause of the problem. Though, I would imagine, if anything, it possibly could be a technical problem (Miss-placed files, typos, etc).
If you haven’t already, you could try using these tools to make sure your doing everything correctly: http://loyalkng.com/2009/02/06/fallout-3-mod-utilities-mod-installer-windows-live-disabler-intro-screen-disabler-and-more/
I would recommend you get the 1st, 2nd, and 5th utilities tools. Hopefully, if there’s any simple errors, it’ll be fixed. But, if this does not work, I’m afraid I’m at lost ends to what could fix your problem ^^;.
Also, does this happen to all the mods you try installing?
Pervy,
No, not all mods. Example, (name).esp’s work just fine such as any sort of weapon additions, weapon mods, etc. It would appear to be only the files requiring interaction with the Fallout_Default.ini and creation of the ArchiveInvalidation.txt. I am going to try to run through your suggested steps with crossed fingers and bated breath.
Also, is there any way to easily create .esp files? Thanks again!
Unfortunately, I haven’t worked on Fallout mods/.esp files in general, so I’m not exactly sure how to make them.
Hope the programs will help getting your mods working. Wish I could do more to help resolve your issue. T-T
Hey i already changed the fallout_default and everything but when im having problems moving the zipped folder to my unzipper. Any ideas whats wrong or got any explanation of what to do otherwise?
Thank you very much!!! This has been so much help
“Then simply merge it with your data folder” How do I do this merge? Thanks.
Emmet, merge means to combine something together with something else. In this case, all the files in your “data” folder (located in your Fallout 3 Program Folder), are to be combined with the data folder from the mods you wish to use and download.
To do this, (I’m not certain all OS systems have this feature, but if you’re using Xp/Vista, you should get this by default) simply copy the data folder found inside the mods you use, and place it in the same folder as the “Data” folder located in your Fallout 3 Program Folder.
When you do this, Windows should tell you that the folder already exist, and ask you if you would want to “merge” or “copy and replace” the current data folder. Simply accept, and the folders should merge together as one. (Also, it may be a good idea to make a backup of your Data Folder, before merging, just in case something goes wrong. Though, it isn’t necessary.)
If you do not get that warning from your OS, then you will have to manually put every single file in the mod’s data (and/or texture/meshes/etc) into your data folder located (once again) in your Fallout 3 Program folder, which of course is a bit more tedious to do.
Hopefully this answers your question, if your still confused, I’ll try my best to help. ^^
hopeless instructions
Those aren’t hopeless but simple, standard instructions.
All the files in my Data folder are .bsa and I have to unpack them to put stuff in them why is that?
i did all the following steps from the first part and i got nothing at all i dont know what im doing wrong someone help
Hi, Fallout 3 is upgraded to 1.5
Broken Steel, The Pitt and some other expansions are installed. At the entrance screen F3 locates this expansions. But whe the game starts , at the main menu screen the DOWNLOAD button is disabled ! Any suggestion ?
u need video poste on youtube
ok,it won’t let me save the binvalidate thing,i downloaded the document,but don’t understand what you mean by copy and paste over it,as it won’t let me do that. i know what copy/paste is though,i’m just saying.falloutdefault is saved as type:configuration settings but the one i downloaded is just a text file,so do you mean remove the falloutdefault file and replace it with the text document? i don’t want to do it if it screws up fallout for me.
what he means by copy and paste is to dragg and drop the new txt file you just downloaded into the folder that has the old file. when you do that, it should tell you that you already have that file in the folder, and also ask you if you still want to copy it over. Say yes, and there you go.
but before doing it, be sure to save the original text file in that folder just in case something goes wrong. always good to keep a backup of things.
oh, and if you somethign does happen to go wrong, and you still have a saved copy of the original text file, just dragg and drop it into the folder again like you did the new text file.
NOTE: do not delete the txt file in the folder, then put the new one in. you MUST dragg it in (or copy) and click yes to copy it over to replace the original txt file with the new one. usually thats how it works anyways.
It dosn’t work??? it keeps saying cannot create file, any ideas?
Well I did all of it but when I put the files in the data folder and click Fallout launcher then data files then tick the .esp. I play the game but the mod has issues. Eg. The Assault rifle retexture to M4A1, The textures are real messed up it changes colours randomly. Lots of mods dont work. Only 2 mods worked for me. THe 100% power armor in Citadel lab and the better looking Shotgun.
I dont really know why the Better looking Shotgun worked. I think its cause I only had to put meshes folder in and the es. file.
So can anyone help me?
Modding is such a pain in the ass. Why do I even bother!?!
I cannot find my “Fallout_default“ will you help
I cannot find my “Fallout_default“ will you help p.s. I gave you the wrong email sorry
id you check your fallout programs folder? the guide says its in “C:\Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Fallout3\”
it should be a txt file in there
I have followed your instructions on installing mods. I placed all the texture files in the data folder and changed the binvalidateoldfiles to 1. The problem is I dont have a texture or mesh folder to overwrite with the mod because they are all bsa files. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance
yeah… all mods (armors and guns) i dopwnload changes colors to whatever ure walking on.
pervy, i read your instructions and it was very informative. im new to modding in fallout and have been trying to use these mods for a week and thanks to you they work. i am however still having a problem. the files are all where they are suppose to be and when activated they appear ingame. here is the problem the pipboy icons of said items read as errors and have a back with a slash in it. when i equip it and hit the f key for third person view, the mod model is there but the skin isnt. example. one of my mods is a new weapon, a M1 Garand, when actived in the launcher it appears in game (kind of, i have to buy it from moira in megaton to get it) when equiped and in 3rd person the rifle model is in my characters hands but the woodgrain skin is missing, instead it has a chameleon skin, what ever it is pointed at it takes on that texture image, same for two other mods im trying to use. i dont know if its my driver or what. i hope you can help.
p.s. ive been using esp and esm file for the mods, i tried changing the ini file line from 0 to 1 and created the other text document, thinking thats what was causing the problem because of their file types, esp and esm, i deleted the activation invalidation document and reset the ini file line back to zero but the problem is still present.
i’ve changed the 0 to a 1 in the fallout_default file but it won’t let me save it. PLEASE HELP!!!
hay this was a great help and i did all the steps but some of my textures or meshes keepchanging like going to a ground skin then a robot skin or just flash white any advice on how to help me
what if i downloaded a mod and it was in a form of a .zip file? Its in WinRAR.
i extracted all of the files but nothing seems to be happening.
wait do i actually have to have GECK to install this?
you dont have to disable UAC, just save it to a different directory and then move to fo3 folder and overwrite.. i know its old, just wanted to say
Here’s a fine problem of mine, when i start fallout launcher and acces Data Files it shows absolutely nothing, its blank and if i click “play” then it says it’s not installed and cannot locate the DVD-ROM however if i launch the game with fallout3.exe it works just fine, now how can i make the game see it IS installed and it CAN have data files please?
Hey so i’m having a lot of trouble downloading Dimonized Type 3 female body (here’s the link: http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4280%27) I did everything it asked, but it doesn’t seem to work, do you think you could walk me through it? Dds files seems to be the hardest for me.
I’m new to all this. I’m running about 40 mods, with various conflicts. I’ trying to sort it out with FO3Edit (if I can get it to load). My problem is that I keep reading about vanilla, Beta, Alpha, MMM, etc. etc. etc. Now okay I’m a complete newbie; but I haven’t a clue what any of it means. It’s a language I don’t speak. All I want to find put is what it all means, and could any of the conflicts (particularly CTD and freeezes) are caused by me having one versiopn of the game and some of my mods are different. Have pity on a poor ignoramus and explain (or direct me to somewhere that can). I’ve tried posting on comments pages in Nexus, contacting the mod authors; but nobody seems willing to spare the time.
I can’t even find the program files for my fallout 3 game! Wtf, where am I supposed to look? No one gave this important info… At least not that I’m aware of… I feel like I pretty much spent all this time downloading a mod that I can’t add to my game, how can I fix this problem? Please start from step one, I’m computer illiterate when it comes to things like this! Step one being where to find the very first thing I’m supposed to do… Also, what if it says no mirror found?
Im stuck at lvl 20, i only did about 12 quests! i spend the time with exploring the landscape ands all that crap. Now iv reinstalled w7 with macrium reflect backup and the game uses a cd crack.
Everytime i run the launcher, it asks me to reinstall the game. But i can play the game without any problem…except for mods and such….so how can i install .esp without the launcher ?
I’m trying to use the “Dimonized Type 3″ mod from the nexus website as well. Been fucking around with this for like 2 hours, still see no change in game at all. Directions are piss poor… not helpful I’m just ranting, seriously, these mod creators need to actually explain how to use their stuff… duh.
I try invalidating the female texture files with ArchiveInvalidation.txt, but am I supposed to save ArchiveInvalidation.txt into my main Fallout3 folder or my Data folder? It’s a texture mod… still no in-game change.
Additional info: ArchiveInvalidation.txt is currently saved to Data and looks like this: http://sv.tinypic.com/r/33o3c40/5
What am I doing wrong?
Oh yeah, I’m using Windows Vista Home Premium.
Conversion software version 7.0
Looking at life through the eyes of a tyre hub
eating seeds as a past time activity
the toxicity of our city of our city toxicity pretty good oh god
Eh bitches, you wanna help me wit this shit, i got falling penis on this shit, and this cock banging penis mod cock 5000 is pissing me up the walls, everytime i add a mod it goes flying across the map like a fat kid on a cupcake, fucking dildo mod wont do fuck all accept make a dildo an object in that fat chicks cock house thing, help me cunt or so god help me, so god help me ill jump across the gorge with four other people and run at the same time and then stop and theyll go flying off the edge like a bunch of stupid prick nuts
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