When to Check esp in Mod Organizer? How Determine Dummy esp?

[aba42]

Using official STEP to reload Skyrim from scratch using Mod Organizer.  STEP 2.D. Fixes.  I'm now installing the fixes files.  During the initial installations, in the right-hand pane of Mod Organizer, we did not check the HighResTexturePacks, because the esp files were stated to be dummies in the STEP instructions.  How does one determine whether a specific esp file is a dummy, and therefore may remain unchecked and free-up one of the 256 available mod slots?  I assume in the STEP instructions, IF there are any other "dummy" esp files, the instructions will remain to not check that esp in the right pane of MO.  But, after completing STEP, and I begin loading other mods, is there any way to determine whether an esp file is a "dummy"?  Or am I to assume that IF the MOD author included an esp file, then it's necessary for the mod?  Thanks!  Allen

[Nebulous112]

For STEP, it's just going to be four files: The three HighResTexturePacks and the Unofficial High Resolution Patch.

 

In the Plugins tab on the right pane, the Flag category will have the icon that carlocgc is talking about.

 

However, STEP is very detailed. There will be instructions for pretty much everything, so no need to worry too much about it.

 

I really do like your thinking, though, as you are trying to anticipate problems before they happen. More folks should think like that. It will make installing STEP correctly fairly easy for you, although you will probably have some questions along the way. :-)

 

Also, in the future, please post in one of the other troubleshooting forums.This one is reserved specifically for SR:LE, and you are now using the main STEP guide. General is always fine if you are not sure which forum is best.

 

Edit: And please bear in mind what GrantSP said above. Much more important than dummy .esps.

[aba42]

Yes, I know that 98% of the MODs added to Skyrim are only esp files.  But, I know of at least 10 that I will be adding that have both a main ESM file and ESP file.  That's why I asked the question.

[carlocgc]

If a esp is a dummy MO will usually mark it with an icon (a sweeping brush) in the plugins tab. Whether these can always be unchecked or not? sorry i can't help there :)

[aba42]

Ah, ok, thank you!

Unless I hear otherwise, I'll assume that if it is a dummy, then it'll be safe to uncheck it in the right-hand column, as long as it's checked in the left-hand column.

[GrantSP]

Ah, ok, thank you!

Unless I hear otherwise, I'll assume that if it is a dummy, then it'll be safe to uncheck it in the right-hand column, as long as it's checked in the left-hand column.

Also make sure that the BSA that, ordinarily is loaded by that plugin, is in fact checked and loading. This is in the "Archives" tab.

[aba42]

Thank you, Thane.  One Last Question.  Either you or another Moderator, earlier stated that you were using S.T.E.P. Extended, instead of the S.T.E.P. that apparently I am now using.  Where may I find that S.T.E.P. Extended approach, as it sound like just the ticket.  Or is S.T.E.P. Extended something that I've just not yet gotten to in the S.T.E.P. load order?  Honest, last question here!

[Nebulous112]

The name is Nebulous, or Neb, lol. Thane is the forum title based on the number of posts I have.

 

STEP Extended uses all of the mods from the list, whereas STEP Core only uses the mods with the green vertical bar on the left side. See this part of the guide: https://wiki.step-project.com/STEP:2.2.9.2#Mod_Tables_Legend

[aba42]

Wonderful, thank you.  I'll definitely be using "extended" S.T.E.P. then.