Plugins Not Found (LOOT and xEdit)

[Luminariis]

Hello!

New to modding here and have completed the STEP guide up until the initial benchmarking test. When I launch SKSE, I can get to the loading screen with the Skyrim dragon icon and the loading circle in the bottom right, but that's as far as it goes. It may also be worth noting that the game is not full screen and I can't use my mouse while it's launching-- Windows key also doesn't work. I have to use Task Manager to close it.

I'm blaming this on my plugins. I've followed the STEP guide to the letter, but LOOT and xEditAutoClean aren't working for me anymore. Neither recognizes any plugins despite all being enabled. I've included screenshots showing what happens when I launch both programs respectively. I've ran into quite a few issues doing this guide since I'm such an inexperienced modder, but this is the only one I haven't been able to resolve with some extensive Googling. I hoped asking here would lead me to a solution. This is a wonderful guide and this forum has been a very useful resource.

Thanks in advance!

 

 

[z929669]

3 minutes ago, Luminariis said:

Hello!

New to modding here and have completed the STEP guide up until the initial benchmarking test. When I launch SKSE, I can get to the loading screen with the Skyrim dragon icon and the loading circle in the bottom right, but that's as far as it goes. It may also be worth noting that the game is not full screen and I can't use my mouse while it's launching-- Windows key also doesn't work. I have to use Task Manager to close it.

I'm blaming this on my plugins. I've followed the STEP guide to the letter, but LOOT and xEditAutoClean aren't working for me anymore. Neither recognizes any plugins despite all being enabled. I've included screenshots showing what happens when I launch both programs respectively. I've ran into quite a few issues doing this guide since I'm such an inexperienced modder, but this is the only one I haven't been able to resolve with some extensive Googling. I hoped asking here would lead me to a solution. This is a wonderful guide and this forum has been a very useful resource.

Thanks in advance!

 

 

This seems like an MO configuration problem. Someone else reported something similar recently, but I can't find it or recall the solution other than ensuring MO is configured properly in instanced mode and that the profile is also configured properly. Somebody else around here may have better recollection of the specific cause/fix.

[Luminariis]

1 hour ago, z929669 said:

This seems like an MO configuration problem. Someone else reported something similar recently, but I can't find it or recall the solution other than ensuring MO is configured properly in instanced mode and that the profile is also configured properly. Somebody else around here may have better recollection of the specific cause/fix.

I'm glad I'm not the only one with this problem, at least. I've included screenshots of my LOOT and xEdit profiles in MO2-- I haven't changed anything since when they were identifying all vanilla and AE plugins, though they've never picked up on mods. Does everything look right here?

 

[z929669]

22 minutes ago, Luminariis said:

I'm glad I'm not the only one with this problem, at least. I've included screenshots of my LOOT and xEdit profiles in MO2-- I haven't changed anything since when they were identifying all vanilla and AE plugins, though they've never picked up on mods. Does everything look right here?

 

That looks fine. It's your MO installation that I question.

Based on your initial post, I'm assuming that MO had previously seen all of your game files, correct? If so, what changed?

[Mousetick]

Show us the following with screenshots:

• MO2 Instance configuration: MO2 > File > Manage Instances... > Select [current instance] e.g. "Skyrim Special Edition"
• MO2 Paths configuration: MO2 > Tools > Settings... > Select Paths tab
• SSEdit Paths configuration: SSEdit > Select Skyrim.esm > OK (Let it load...) > Select Messages tab, scroll up to the top > Capture the messages from top line down to and including "Loading active plugin list: ...". Like this:

Spoiler

SSEEdit 4.1.5 EXPERIMENTAL (01F611AE) starting session 2023-11-27 22:23:24

The Source Code Form of this program is subject to the terms of the Mozilla Public License, v. 2.0
If a copy of the MPL was not distributed with this file, You can obtain one at https://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/.

The Source Code Form is available at https://github.com/TES5Edit/TES5Edit

Using Skyrim Special Edition Data Path: C:\Game\Skyrim SE\Data\
Using Backup Path: C:\Game\Skyrim SE\Data\SSEEdit Backups\
Using Scripts Path: G:\( Platform )\Tool\SSEEdit\Edit Scripts\
Using Cache Path: G:\( Platform )\Tool\SSEEdit\cache\
Using ini: U:\<redacted>\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\Skyrim.ini
Using custom ini: U:\<redacted>\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\SkyrimCustom.ini
Using save path: U:\<redacted>\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\__MO_Saves\
Using Creation Club Content list: C:\Game\Skyrim SE\Skyrim.ccc
Using plugin list: U:\<redacted>\AppData\Local\Skyrim Special Edition\Plugins.txt
Using settings file: U:\<redacted>\AppData\Local\Skyrim Special Edition\Plugins.sseviewsettings
Using language: English
Using general string encoding: 1252  (ANSI - Latin I)
Using translatable string encoding: 1252  (ANSI - Latin I)
Using VMAD string encoding: 65001 (UTF-8)
Loading active plugin list: U:\<redacted>\AppData\Local\Skyrim Special Edition\Plugins.txt

Provide your active load order file: MO2 > Open Profile Folder > Browse folder, find plugings.txt file. Attach it to your post.

To open MO2 profile folder:

Edited November 27, 2023 by Mousetick

[Luminariis]

On 11/27/2023 at 3:46 PM, Mousetick said:

Show us the following with screenshots:

• MO2 Instance configuration: MO2 > File > Manage Instances... > Select [current instance] e.g. "Skyrim Special Edition"
• MO2 Paths configuration: MO2 > Tools > Settings... > Select Paths tab
• SSEdit Paths configuration: SSEdit > Select Skyrim.esm > OK (Let it load...) > Select Messages tab, scroll up to the top > Capture the messages from top line down to and including "Loading active plugin list: ...". Like this:

  Reveal hidden contents

SSEEdit 4.1.5 EXPERIMENTAL (01F611AE) starting session 2023-11-27 22:23:24

The Source Code Form of this program is subject to the terms of the Mozilla Public License, v. 2.0
If a copy of the MPL was not distributed with this file, You can obtain one at https://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/.

The Source Code Form is available at https://github.com/TES5Edit/TES5Edit

Using Skyrim Special Edition Data Path: C:\Game\Skyrim SE\Data\
Using Backup Path: C:\Game\Skyrim SE\Data\SSEEdit Backups\
Using Scripts Path: G:\( Platform )\Tool\SSEEdit\Edit Scripts\
Using Cache Path: G:\( Platform )\Tool\SSEEdit\cache\
Using ini: U:\<redacted>\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\Skyrim.ini
Using custom ini: U:\<redacted>\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\SkyrimCustom.ini
Using save path: U:\<redacted>\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\__MO_Saves\
Using Creation Club Content list: C:\Game\Skyrim SE\Skyrim.ccc
Using plugin list: U:\<redacted>\AppData\Local\Skyrim Special Edition\Plugins.txt
Using settings file: U:\<redacted>\AppData\Local\Skyrim Special Edition\Plugins.sseviewsettings
Using language: English
Using general string encoding: 1252  (ANSI - Latin I)
Using translatable string encoding: 1252  (ANSI - Latin I)
Using VMAD string encoding: 65001 (UTF-8)
Loading active plugin list: U:\<redacted>\AppData\Local\Skyrim Special Edition\Plugins.txt

Provide your active load order file: MO2 > Open Profile Folder > Browse folder, find plugings.txt file. Attach it to your post.

To open MO2 profile folder:

I've included screenshots and pasted the active load order below-- I can see that it's identifying the plugins here.

Spoiler

# This file was automatically generated by Mod Organizer.
*Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch.esp
*Skyrim Project Optimization - Full ESL Version.esm
*Worldspace Transition Tweaks - Skyrim To Solstheim.esp
*Unofficial Skyrim Creation Club Content Patch.esl
*Lanterns Of Skyrim - All In One - Main.esm
*AHZmoreHUD.esl
*BetterContainerControls.esl
*DoNotPushMeAround.esl
*Landscape and Water Fixes.esp
*MajesticMountains_Landscape.esm
*Obsidian Mountain Fogs.esp
*MajesticMountains_Moss.esp
*RealisticWaterTwo - Resources.esm
*SLSR - LargeRefs.esm
*Better Dynamic Snow SE - DisableRefs.esm
*BetterDynamicAsh-DisableRefs.esm
*Realistic Boat Bobbing SE - DisabledRefs.esm
*UHDAP - en0.esp
*UHDAP - en1.esp
*UHDAP - en2.esp
*UHDAP - en3.esp
*UHDAP - en4.esp
*SimpleChildren.esp
*UHDAP - MusicHQ.esp
*SkyUI_SE.esp
*UnlimitedBookshelves.esp
*Hearthfires Houses Building Fix.esp
*Butterflies.esp
*SkyrimImprovedPuddles-DG-HF-DB.esp
*dD - Enhanced Blood Main LITE.esp
*Audio Overhaul Skyrim.esp
*Immersive Sounds - Compendium.esp
*AOS_ISC_Integration.esp
*SMIM-SE-Merged-All.esp
*Better Dynamic Snow SE.esp
*Gildergreen Regrown.esp
*WondersofWeather.esp
*StormLightning.esp
*RelightingSkyrim_SSE.esp
*ShowPlayerInMenus.esp
*Chesko_LoreBasedLoadingScreens.esp
*GLZ-InformedMailDelivery.esp
*iHUD.esp
*Convenient Reading.esp
*Smart_NPC_Potions.esp
*Fizzle.esp
*Lock_Overhaul.esp
*HereWeGoAgain.esp
*BetterQuestObjectives-DBForevertoMisc.esp
*SimplestHorses.esp
*Snotgurg Simple Drop Lit Torches.esp
*Relationship Dialogue Overhaul.esp
*ReasonableMovementSpeed.esp
*Improved Traps.esp
*GoOnAhead.esp
*Disease Descriptions.esp
*ButterfliesUnchained.esp
*UnequipQuiverSE.esp
*TavernAIFix.esp
*EVE - Spellbreaker Spell Reflection and Ward Visuals Restored.esp
*Realistic AI Detection 3 - Medium Interior, Medium Exterior.esp
*Aspens Ablaze.esp
*Book Covers Skyrim.esp
*ELFX - Exteriors.esp
*SmoothShores.esp
*Landscape Fixes For Grass Mods.esp
*Cutting Room Floor.esp
*AI Overhaul.esp
*Guard Dialogue Overhaul.esp
*Weapons Armor Clothing & Clutter Fixes.esp
*hearthfireextended.esp
*HFE-CC Fishing Patch.esp
*Ambiance.esp
*Regional Sounds Expansion.esp
*Cathedral Weathers.esp
*Cathedral Weather Godrays.esp
*CathedralWeatherMCM.esp
*Embers XD.esp
*Ambiance - Light Colors.esp
*Odin - Skyrim Magic Overhaul.esp
*Landscape and Water Fixes - Patch - LFfGM.esp
*Realistic Boat Bobbing.esp
*Snowy Landscapes in Snowy Regions.esp
*WACCF_Armor and Clothing Extension.esp
*Point The Way.esp
*At Your Own Pace - Companions.esp
*BetterQuestObjectives.esp
*aMidianBorn_ContentAddonLight.esp
*Thieves Guild Requirements.esp
*Oakwood.esp
*TimingIsEverything.esp
*BetterQuestObjectives - BCS Patch.esp
*MajesticMountains.esp
*TheChoiceIsYours.esp
*Run For Your Lives.esp
*Smooth Shores-Landscape Fixes for Grass Mods Patch.esp
*FarmhouseChimneys.esp
*Oblivion Gates Remade.esp
*Oblivion Gates Remade - Mountain Texture with MM Shader.esp
*At Your Own Pace - College of Winterhold.esp
*Bring Out Your Dead.esp
*At Your Own Pace - Dark Brotherhood.esp
*At Your Own Pace - Misc.esp
*getSnowy.esp
*EVE - Ghost Mechanics and Shaders Restored.esp
*Faction_Fixes_Vanilla.esp
*Better Stealth AI for Followers.esp
*GIST soul trap.esp
*Waterbreathing Breathless Emerge USSEP SSE.esp
*Footprints.esp
*shalidor's maze fixes.esp
*Shadows Of Sunlight - In Small Exterior World Spaces.esp
*EyesFix.esp
*Hunters Not Bandits.esp
*CrittersAintSnitches.esp
*VWA_VanillaWarpaintsAbsolution.esp
*NB-Scars.esp
*Lore-Corrected Races.esp
*LRR - Alternative - by LeonardoTrote.esp
*SPTConsistentOlderPeopleSE.esp
*Brows.esp
*Beards.esp
*Thundering Shouts.esp
*Reverb Interior Sounds Expansion.esp
*IHSS.esp
*Smooth Shores-WTT Patch.esp
*Book Covers Skyrim - Lost Library.esp
*Helarchen Creek.esp
*AcousticTemplateFixes.esp
*AcousticTemplateFixes_Ambiance.esp
*AcousticTemplateFixes_CC_Farming.esp
*AcousticTemplateFixes_CC_Seducers.esp
*AcousticTemplateFixes_ReverbInteriorSounds.esp
*ORM-Arvak.esp
*Soul-Cairn Objects Secured.esp
*Rielle Objects Secured.esp
*RUSTIC SOULGEMS - Sorted - ESL - GIST.esp
*ClavicusArgonianMasque.esp
*SparklesSE.esp
*imp_helm_legend.esp
*HD Stone Quarry and Clay Deposits SE.esp
*Embers XD - Fire Magick Add-On.esp
*Elemental_Staffs.esp
*DeadlySpellImpacts.esp
*Cathedral Landscapes.esp
*BlendedRoads.esp
*Better Dynamic Ash.esp
*WoW Dragon Mounds CTD Fix.esp
*SLSR - Cutting Room Floor Patch.esp
*Enhanced Vanilla Trees SSE.esp
*Landscape and Water Fixes - Patch - Tundra Homested.esp
*Landscape Fixes For Grass mods - Cutting Room Floor Locations.esp
*Landscape For Grass Mods - Oakwood PATCH.esp
*NotSoFast-MainQuest.esp
*PilgrimsDelight.esp
*The Paarthurnax Dilemma.esp
*Smooth Shores-Tundra Homestead Patch.esp
*Majestic Mountains - Creation Club Landscape Patch.esp
*Smooth Shores-USSEP Patch.esp
*EVE - Savos Aren's Regrets Restored.esp
*HFE-CRF-Patch.esp
*RBB - Oakwood Patch.esp
*RBB - USSEP Patch.esp
*SmoothShores - SLSR Patch.esp
*FarmhouseChimneys - USSEP Patch.esp
*RBB - BOYD Patch.esp
*Oblivion Gates Remade - Map Markers.esp
*BetterQuestObjectives-CRFPatch.esp
*BetterQuestObjectives-PaarDilemmaPatch.esp
*Raven Rock - Fix Exit on Horseback.esp
*WACCF_Armor and Clothing Extension_SPID.esp
*Frost Meshes Patch.esp
*Major Cities Mesh Overhaul.esp
*FOLIP.esp
*MCMHelper.esp
*Grass Cache Fixes.esp
*CC-HeadmansCleaver_TCIY_Patch.esp
*CC-Saints&Seducers_TCIY_Patch.esp
*FacegenForKids.esp
*CC Open Helmets Merged.esp
*Trade & Barter.esp
*Vokrii - Minimalistic Perks of Skyrim.esp
*Odin - Vokrii Compatibility Patch.esp
*Vokrii - Trade & Barter Patch.esp
*Alternate Start - Live Another Life.esp
*Landscape Fixes For Grass mods - Alternate start Locations.esp
*RealisticWaterTwo.esp
*Atlas Map Markers.esp
*Step Patch - Conflict Resolution.esp
*Step Patch - CR - WACCF.esp
*Step Patch - CR - TCIY.esp
*Step Patch - Lighting and Weather.esp
*WTT - Skyrim-Solstheim - Worldsettings.esp

Please let me know if there's anything I've missed or any additional info to include. I appreciate your help on this!

On 11/27/2023 at 3:27 PM, z929669 said:

That looks fine. It's your MO installation that I question.

Based on your initial post, I'm assuming that MO had previously seen all of your game files, correct? If so, what changed?

The only thing I've thought of that may have changed is having updated MO2 to the version that was released yesterday, though I, unfortunately, don't exactly recall if LOOT and SSEEdit stopped recognizing the DLC and CC plugins exactly after I'd updated or not. Otherwise, I have no idea what's changed.

[Mousetick]

18 minutes ago, Luminariis said:

Please let me know if there's anything I've missed or any additional info to include.

No thanks I've got all the information I needed. BTW you username shows in the first 2 screenshots. If this bothers you, you may want to edit them.

It looks like you have 2 separate installations of Skyrim SE:

• One in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition (the default Steam installation location)
• Another one in C:\Skyrim Special Edition (which I assume you created specifically for modding)

The tools in your setup, like SSEdit and LOOT, are looking at the Steam installation instead of your custom installation because the Windows registry entry which specifies the installation location of Skyrim SE is currently set to that location.

The best fix depends on your setup and how you're intending to use it:

• Does the Steam installation location still contain the original game files?
• Does C:\Skyrim Special Edition contain a duplicate installation intended for modding? If yes, how was it created?
• If yes, are you planning to continue using the Steam installation side-by-side alternatively with your custom modded installation?

If you answer yes to all questions, you'll need to manually configure the modding tools to use your custom installation, bypassing the Windows registry. I can give you more details as needed.

Otherwise, you need to choose which installation you want to keep using and stop using the other one altogether. Then you need to update the Windows registry to specify the location of the correct installation to be used.

[Luminariis]

47 minutes ago, Mousetick said:

No thanks I've got all the information I needed. BTW you username shows in the first 2 screenshots. If this bothers you, you may want to edit them.

It looks like you have 2 separate installations of Skyrim SE:

• One in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition (the default Steam installation location)
• Another one in C:\Skyrim Special Edition (which I assume you created specifically for modding)

The tools in your setup, like SSEdit and LOOT, are looking at the Steam installation instead of your custom installation because the Windows registry entry which specifies the installation location of Skyrim SE is currently set to that location.

The best fix depends on your setup and how you're intending to use it:

• Does the Steam installation location still contain the original game files?
• Does C:\Skyrim Special Edition contain a duplicate installation intended for modding? If yes, how was it created?
• If yes, are you planning to continue using the Steam installation side-by-side alternatively with your custom modded installation?

If you answer yes to all questions, you'll need to manually configure the modding tools to use your custom installation, bypassing the Windows registry. I can give you more details as needed.

Otherwise, you need to choose which installation you want to keep using and stop using the other one altogether. Then you need to update the Windows registry to specify the location of the correct installation to be used.

Thank you for the info-- I can see how that causes an issue. I think I read somewhere that Program Files (x86) pose issues when modding tools are placed within them so I copied the Skyrim files to another location outside of that folder-- just by dragging the folder elsewhere. That was the only reason I moved it-- seems obvious in retrospect that it wasn't a good idea. I don't plan to keep both installations if it's not necessary to do so.

Can I safely reroute everything to the Skyrim folder within Progam Files (x86) and move the modding files/folders into the Skyrim folder under the Steam installation? Will these work despite being under the (x86) files? Apologies for the obvious questions-- very new to modding.

[Greg]

The best solution is to use the Steam UI to move Skyrim Special Edition to another folder so Steam and your modding tools are all in sync with the correct location. You can find the instructions to do so at https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/4BD4-4528-6B2E-8327#move. After you create a new Steam Library and move Skyrim Special Edition into this new Steam Library, use file Explorer to run SkyrimSELauncher.exe so it updates the path in the registry. If you don't do this, SSEEdit and other tools complain that it can't find the game.

[Luminariis]

1 hour ago, Greg said:

The best solution is to use the Steam UI to move Skyrim Special Edition to another folder so Steam and your modding tools are all in sync with the correct location. You can find the instructions to do so at https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/4BD4-4528-6B2E-8327#move. After you create a new Steam Library and move Skyrim Special Edition into this new Steam Library, use file Explorer to run SkyrimSELauncher.exe so it updates the path in the registry. If you don't do this, SSEEdit and other tools complain that it can't find the game.

That fixed it, thank you. LOOT and SSEEdit now recognize the vanilla plugins again and I'm actually able to launch all the way into the game-- only the game is vanilla. I cleaned and sorted all plugins but the issue persists-- the game window also launches in the top left corner of my screen rather than full screen and cannot be adjusted or moved. LOOT is flagging missing components to SKSE despite my having everything listed in the STEP guide. I've included screenshots of my new Skyrim folder and the LOOT error.

[Mousetick]

47 minutes ago, Luminariis said:

I'm actually able to launch all the way into the game-- only the game is vanilla. I cleaned and sorted all plugins but the issue persists

Your MO2 instance and profile are still configured to use C:\Skyrim Special Edition. You need to fix that to point to the Steam installation path.

3 hours ago, Luminariis said:

I think I read somewhere that Program Files (x86) pose issues when modding tools are placed within them so I copied the Skyrim files to another location outside of that folder-- just by dragging the folder elsewhere. That was the only reason I moved it-- seems obvious in retrospect that it wasn't a good idea.

If you're new to modding, simply follow the STEP guide exactly as instructed and everything will be fine. In the introductory system setup steps, the guide clearly explains where to install the modding tools, that is in a dedicated folder outside the game folder. It doesn't say anything about moving the game installation folder, which is unnecessary.

If there is any doubt or question about what the guide tells you (or omits to tell you as the case may be), simply ask for clarification and help here in this forum. Do not second-guess it by seeking or relying on advice from other sources, which may or may be valid and are most likely irrelevant / out of context.

[Luminariis]

1 hour ago, Mousetick said:

Your MO2 instance and profile are still configured to use C:\Skyrim Special Edition. You need to fix that to point to the Steam installation path.

If you're new to modding, simply follow the STEP guide exactly as instructed and everything will be fine. In the introductory system setup steps, the guide clearly explains where to install the modding tools, that is in a dedicated folder outside the game folder. It doesn't say anything about moving the game installation folder, which is unnecessary.

If there is any doubt or question about what the guide tells you (or omits to tell you as the case may be), simply ask for clarification and help here in this forum. Do not second-guess it by seeking or relying on advice from other sources, which may or may be valid and are most likely irrelevant / out of context.

I'd moved the game location prior to following STEP while trying to do a custom list and never moved it back-- definitely foolish on my part.

I don't see an option to edit the existing instance. Can I safely create a new instance pointed toward the correct path and maintain all downloaded mods? I'm not entirely sure how to correct the folder that the profile and instance are configured to.

Thanks again.

[z929669]

1 hour ago, Luminariis said:

I'd moved the game location prior to following STEP while trying to do a custom list and never moved it back-- definitely foolish on my part.

I don't see an option to edit the existing instance. Can I safely create a new instance pointed toward the correct path and maintain all downloaded mods? I'm not entirely sure how to correct the folder that the profile and instance are configured to.

Thanks again.

For one, you should install Steam and the game per the System Setup Guide, and launch the game via the Steam launcher to get everything established correctly. I let Steam live in Program Files where it wants to be, but we provide the guidance Greg linked to avoid Windows UAC issues, which can be avoided in other ways by messing with Windows OS behavior ... but we don't provide instructions to subvert the OS to your liking for obvious reasons. You can then either reset the executable configuration in MO or simply start over. I recommend the latter, because it requires no tedious explanation/instructions

... since we explain it all in the guides.

[Mousetick]

1 hour ago, Luminariis said:

I don't see an option to edit the existing instance. Can I safely create a new instance pointed toward the correct path and maintain all downloaded mods? I'm not entirely sure how to correct the folder that the profile and instance are configured to.

Try MO2 > Tools > Settings > Select Paths tab > Managed Game field at the bottom > Click on the [...] button > Browse to the Steam installation folder (containing Skyrim.exe) > Select Skyrim.exe > Click Open.

I don't know if this will work. I've never attempted this operation.

I have no idea if you can safely create a new instance pointed toward the correct path and maintain all installed/configured mods. I've never attempted such operation before either. You could try it, as MO2 lets you choose an existing instance folder instead of the default one during instance creation ("Select a folder where the data should be stored").