Some last clarifications before I start installing Core/Extended

[xxx78]

Hi guys

 

First I want to thank the STEP crew and the founders of STEP for the awesome work they have done. STEP will most likely save me hundreds of hours of looking for mods, testing and trying to resolve conflicts and even having a better result than I could make. Thanks guys for making this possible

 

After reading forums posts and guides I'm still left with a few things that need clarification. I want to install this correctly and need some help to clear up some things :)

 

1. Core and Extended installation order

I want to install Core and most of the Extended mods if not all, and probably some packs like explorers guide and war ensemble. What is the best approach to do this safe and easy?

Should I install Core first, and when Core is working then install Extended, or install both Core and Extended at the same time following the 2.2.9 guide? Any pros and cons?

Is it much more work to install Extended later after Core is installed?

 

2. Versions of mods to use in STEP guides

When the STEP 2.2.9 guide and the extended guides was made certain versions of mods was used. Later some mods have been updated and/or changed, so I wonder what mod versions to use or is this not an issue?

 

3. Nexus STEP patches (link)

In the information about the patches it says that it patches every mod, that many mods is merged into the patch and that it reduce number of plugins to load. Ok that's sounds great but the patch for Core is just a small little esp file so I struggle to understand how this patches function and working. Is esp's from mods merged into one esp?

Also it is stated that: it is designed for users that install every mod in STEP Core or/and STEP Extended. What if there is some mods I dont want to use, is it still possible to use the patches?

 

4. Take out mods from Core and Extended

There is some mods that I dont like to use and I wonder if it is possible to take these out, and if possible, how can I know if it is safe?

Is there a way to identify what mods that can be taken out without causing any problems?

E.g. I want to use Weathered Road Signs instead of Point the Way and HiRes Legible Road Signs. Is this possible and what about STEP Extended patch, can it still be used?

 

Im sorry if these questions is unclear, anyway I appreciate any help to clarify these topics...

cheers

Edited August 31, 2014 by xxx78

[TechAngel85]

1) Install all of the Guide (Extended) first. Then copy that profile in MO to make a new one. On the new profile, disable all of the Extended mods. This is the easiest way to get separate Core and Extended profiles. Only a few mods will need to be installed twice (one for each profile) because they have different recommendations between Core and Extended. Consistent Older People comes to mind as one of them.

 

2) It's normally safe to use the latest version. STEP is rarely dependent on a specific version of any mod. If it is, the version to install will be mentioned on the mod page. Some mod pages also state which mod version the instructions are current for. So if there is a new version of one of these mods out simply use your best judgement for the new options. You can also post in the Bug Report thread that instructions need to be updated and we'll get to it within a few days usually, if not that same day.

 

3) Yes, the STEP Patches merge ESPs into one. Specific instructions can be found the the STEP Patches Mod Page as well as a list of mods that are included in the patch. If you decide to not install one of the mods that is in the Patch then you can not use the STEP Patch unless you remove the mod dependency using TES5edit.

 

4) STEP is a guide that isn't meant to be a bible. You don't have to install all of it if you don't want to. Generally, skipping some of the mods is 100% safe. However, be aware if you skip a mod that is later patched by another mod you install in the load order or you might have to adapt the instructions for the mods you skip. For example, Consistent Older People has a patch for Bring Out Your Dead. If you decide to skip BOYD then you'll need a different version of Consistent Older People than want is recommended on the mod page. So it's safe, but you may have to adapt the instructions. For the STEP Patch, check which mods are included on the Patches mod page I linked above. For textures, it's always safe to exchange and use whatever textures you want to use with any issues.

[xxx78]

Thanks for quick reply.

 

1) Install all of the Guide (Extended) first.

Sry but Im not sure what you mean so just to be clear, I should first install all mods both Core and Extended in the order presented in STEP v2.2.9 guide right?

 

Then copy that profile in MO to make a new one. On the new profile, disable all of the Extended mods. This is the easiest way to get separate Core and Extended profiles.

Only a few mods will need to be installed twice (one for each profile) because they have different recommendations between Core and Extended. Consistent Older People comes to mind as one of them.

 

So first I make one profile with both Core and Extended, and then copy that profile and on that new profile disable all Extended mods. Im sry but I dont see how this is easier than just install Core, make a copy of the profile and then install Extended. Then I will have one Core profile and one Core + Extended profile or am I wrong? 

3) Yes, the STEP Patches merge ESPs into one. Specific instructions can be found the the STEP Patches Mod Page as well as a list of mods that are included in the patch. If you decide to not install one of the mods that is in the Patch then you can not use the STEP Patch unless you remove the mod dependency using TES5edit.

ok

4) STEP is a guide that isn't meant to be a bible. You don't have to install all of it if you don't want to. Generally, skipping some of the mods is 100% safe. However, be aware if you skip a mod that is later patched by another mod you install in the load order or you might have to adapt the instructions for the mods you skip. For example, Consistent Older People has a patch for Bring Out Your Dead. If you decide to skip BOYD then you'll need a different version of Consistent Older People than want is recommended on the mod page. So it's safe, but you may have to adapt the instructions. For the STEP Patch, check which mods are included on the Patches mod page I linked above. For textures, it's always safe to exchange and use whatever textures you want to use with any issues.

hmm ok, seem logical, thanks.

Edited September 1, 2014 by xxx78

[xxx78]

Since Im such a noob and did not understand you TechAngel85  :facepalm: , I have read more forum posts I think this is what I will do regarding installation:

 

1. Install mod organizer (MO) in 3 different locations

2. Install Core in the first MO location and leave it with only Core

3. Copy Core from first MO to second MO

4. Install Extended in second MO location on top on Core so I have both Core and Extended installed

5. Copy Core + Extended from second MO to the third MO

6. Start to install STEP packs and other mods in third MO location

 

This way I can always go back to another MO if I mess things up. This is maybe not the easiest way but I think it is very safe.

 

Guys please tell me if this is beyond stupid

Edited September 1, 2014 by xxx78

[TechAngel85]

Thanks for quick reply.

 

Sry but Im not sure what you mean so just to be clear, I should first install all mods both Core and Extended in the order presented in STEP v2.2.9 guide right?

Yes, install all the mods first.

 

So first I make one profile with both Core and Extended, and then copy that profile and on that new profile disable all Extended mods. Im sry but I dont see how this is easier than just install Core, make a copy of the profile and then install Extended. Then I will have one Core profile and one Core + Extended profile or am I wrong?

It's easier because you won't have to go in and rearrange all the mods from Extended into the right load order. They'll already be in the right order if you simply install all the mods first, copy that profile naming it STEP:Core and then disabling the Extended mods from it. Also, if you don't plan on switching back and forth between Core and Extended for playing the game, then there is no reason to even create a Core profile. I, being Staff and all I do, rarely even use a Core only profile for any.

 

 

Since Im such a noob and did not understand you TechAngel85  :facepalm: , I have read more forum posts I think this is what I will do regarding installation:

 

1. Install mod organizer (MO) in 3 different locations

 

2. Install Core in the first MO location and leave it with only Core

 

3. Copy Core from first MO to second MO

 

4. Install Extended in second MO location on top on Core so I have both Core and Extended installed

 

5. Copy Core + Extended from second MO to the third MO

 

6. Start to install STEP packs and other mods in third MO location

 

This way I can always go back to another MO if I mess things up. This is maybe not the easiest way but I think it is very safe.

 

Guys please tell me if this is beyond stupid

It's beyond stupid... What you're doing here is the purpose of Profiles in MO and tells me you don't really understand them. Read this: https://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Mod_Organizer#tab=Profiles_2 In fact, that whole Guide might be helpful to you.

[xxx78]

Ok I got it now finally

I will probably not use Core alone either, just nice with a backup because I will most likely screw things up at some point

 

It's beyond stupid... What you're doing here is the purpose of Profiles in MO and tells me you don't really understand them. Read this: https://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Mod_Organizer#tab=Profiles_2 In fact, that whole Guide might be helpful to you.

hehe...good answer

I have actually read it but could probably read it one more time, anyway I have heard horror stories about problems regarding swapping profiles, most likely because of user faults, but as long as it is a chance that things can be ****ed up I will not even go there...better safe than sorry . But I will try it as you said and at the same time keep my safe "backup system" :)

Edited September 1, 2014 by xxx78

[DoubleYou]

If you follow the practices followed by Gopher in his Profiles video, you shouldn't mess up your profiles.

[xxx78]

If you follow the practices followed by Gopher in his Profiles video, you shouldn't mess up your profiles.

Thanks...I think I saw one shorter one from Gopher earlier...this look more in-dept...shall take a look...