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| {{GuideTitle|releasedate=July 22nd, 2014}}<br>
| | <b>MIME</b> |
| <!-- {{#ifeq: {{#show: STEP:Main | ?DonationToggle#}} | True | {{DonationButton|Guide}} }} -->
| | *[https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/MIME:DEV:STEP MIME Dev Page] |
| <div class="nonumtoc">{{TOC right}}</div>
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|
| = About BBSTEP =
| | <b>INSTRUCTION OVERVIEWS</b> |
| This is my personal (WIP) STEP setup, designed (hopefully) with a minimal amount of mods and little to no impact on performance, while expanding the existing game, improving gameplay and increasing immersion.
| | *[https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/MIME:TES5Edit TES5Edit] |
| | *[https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/MIME:LOOT LOOT] |
| | *[https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/MIME:MCM MCM Config] |
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|
| | <b>MOD INDEXES</b> |
| | *[https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/MIME:Compatibility Mod Compatibility Patches] |
| | *[https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/MIME:Abbreviations Mod Abbreviations] |
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| == ==
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| <br>
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|
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| {{Fs|1.2em|{{Fc|white|NOTE: This guide assumes all DLCs <b>except the Hi-Resolution DLC</b> are installed!}} }}
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|
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| = STEP 1 =
| |
| <div style="color:#ccc; text-align:center; font-size:1.4em; font-weight:500; border-style:solid; border-bottom-width:3px; border-color:rgb(200,100,20); padding-bottom:10px; overflow:hidden;">Pre-Installation Setup</div>
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|
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| == 1.A. Install Steam & Skyrim ==
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| {{Fs|1.2em|{{Fc|white|Detailed Information -->}} [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Skyrim_Installation Skyrim Installation Guide]}}<br>
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|
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| ==== Security Settings ====
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| Since User Account Control can prevent some tools from working correctly, it is recommended to edit the security settings of your skyrim directory to give Users full control. To do this:
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| #Find your skyrim directory (normally located in <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\</code>).
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| #Right-click the skyrim folder and select ''Properties''.
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| #Go to the ''Security'' tab and click ''Edit...''
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| #Highlight ''Users (<username>\Users)'' in the top panel.
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| #In the bottom panel, under the ''Allow'' column for ''Full Control'', check the checkbox and click ''Apply''.
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| #Click ''OK'' and ''OK'' and you're done.
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| == 1.B. Skyrim Launcher Options ==
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| {{Fs|1.2em|{{Fc|white|Detailed Information -->}} [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Skyrim_Launcher Skyrim Launcher Guide] }}<br>
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|
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| As a quick-start to installing STEP, simply launch Skyrim from Steam to initialize the auto-detection process, accept the preset, and continue to 1.C. {{Fc|white|Make certain that the preset Antialiasing is no greater than 4x (4 samples); otherwise, keep the preset.}} This is a conservative preset that will facilitate a smooth game once STEP is configured initially according to this guide (i.e., what does not tax performance now may be burdensome later). More extensive INI tweaking can be done after STEP is set up and verified as running smoothly.
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|
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| == 1.C. Install Utilities ==
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| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_B|?SectionDescription}} }}
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| This guide uses [http://wiki.step-project.com/Mod_Organizer Mod Organizer].
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|
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| {| class="steptable" |
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| ! class="first" |
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| ! '''Mod Name'''
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| ! '''Baseline'''
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| ! '''Quality Options'''
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| ! '''DLC Required'''
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| ! '''Notes'''
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| |-
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| ! class="core" |
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| | class="modname" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" | [http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/1334 Mod Organizer]
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| | class="baseline" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" |
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| | class="quality" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" |
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| | class="dlc" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" |
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| | style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" | [[Mod_Organizer#Recommendations|Detailed instructions available]]
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| |-
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| ! class="core" |
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| | class="modname" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" | [http://loot.github.io/ LOOT]
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| | class="baseline" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" |
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| | class="quality" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" |
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| | class="dlc" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" |
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| | style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" | [[LOOT#Recommendations|Detailed instructions available]]
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| |-
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| ! class="core" |
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| | class="modname" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" | [http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/25859 TES5Edit]
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| | class="baseline" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" |
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| | class="quality" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" |
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| | class="dlc" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" |
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| | style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" | [[TES5Edit#Recommendations|Detailed instructions available]]
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| |-
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| ! class="core" |
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| | class="modname" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" | [http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/1840 Wrye Bash]
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| | class="baseline" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" |
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| | class="quality" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" |
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| | class="dlc" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" |
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| | style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71" | [[Wrye_Bash#Recommendations|Detailed instructions available]]
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| |}
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|
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| == 1.D. INI Tweaks ==
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| {{Fs|1.2em|{{Fc|white|Detailed Information -->}} [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Skyrim_INIs Skyrim INI Guide] }}<br>
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|
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| As in the previous section above, {{Fc|white|it is highly recommended that no other INI settings be configured at this point}}, because the conservative presets are a good starting point for accommodating a performance-friendly initial STEP setup. The detailed INI guide can be referenced once a stable setup is verified after completing this guide.
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|
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| {{Fs|1.3em|{{Fc|white|The following INI tweaks are recommended for all users}} }} and affect gameplay without impacting performance.
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| Using the Tools > [Configurator] tool prevents any editing mistakes. Open the tool, click [Basic] to get the Advanced options, and choose the applicable section from the combobox. Then find the applicable setting and alter as indicated below. Click the [Save] button after each change and close the dialog when finished.
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|
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| ===1.D.1. Skyrim INI===
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| Each of the following entries can be pasted directly into the INI (if editing manually). The entry descriptions are commented, so they will not be interpreted by the game at startup. Alternatively, these descriptions can be omitted.
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| <pre>
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| [General]
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| sIntroSequence= ;Disables the intro sequence for a faster startup
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| fFlickeringLightDistance=8192 ;Helps prevent lighting pop-in
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| </pre>
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| <pre>
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| [Display]
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| ;Improves shadow changes as the sun moves through the sky
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| fSunShadowUpdateTime=0.25 ;Transition time of sun-shadow movement
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| fSunUpdateThreshold=1.5 ;Time between sun-shadow movement
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| </pre>
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| <pre>
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| [Actor]
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| fVisibleNavmeshMoveDist=12288.0000 ;allows arrows to hit objects as far as the appear to fly.
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| </pre>
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|
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| ===1.D.2. SkyrimPrefs INI===
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| <pre>
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| [Display]
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| iMaxAnisotropy = 0 ;Anisotropic Filtering - set this to zero, as it should be controlled via the graphics driver.
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| iPresentInterval = 0 ;disable vsync! - vsync should be handled in enblocal.ini (see ENBoost mod instructions)
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| </pre>
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| <pre>
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| [Controls]
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| bMouseAcceleration=0 ;Disable mouse acceleration
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| </pre>
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|
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| == 1.E. Display & Video Card Settings ==
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| Often under-appreciated, display and driver settings have a huge potential impact on graphic quality of Skyrim and anything else that is displayed on the monitor in 2D or 3D. So it is important to get this done correctly. Below are the essentials, and no further tweaking is necessary; although, people will do what they must. Again, it is highly recommended that the bare minimal tweaking be done until ''after'' STEP is installed and configured according to the Baseline dictated by this guide.
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|
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| ===Update Video Drivers===
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| {{Fs|1.2em|{{Fc|white|If there is any reason to believe}} }} that the latest drivers installed on your system are not the latest available or that they are not installed correctly and are causing issues then do the following. Else, just install the latest drivers as normal ...
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| # Download the '''latest''' stable [http://support.amd.com/en-us/download AMD drivers] / [http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Find.aspx?lang=us Nvidia drivers].
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| # If installing/re-installing new drivers, [http://www.wagnardmobile.com/DDU/ download DDU] and install it ([http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=379505 DDU forum Page]).
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| # Boot into safe mode by repeatedly pressing F8 once the boot check initializes and before the OS begins loading (no need to uninstall the current drivers, but it will not hurt at all).
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| # Launch DDU, and select the appropriate driver from the drop-down combobox.
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| # Note the recommendations in DDU and initialize the cleanup.
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| # Reboot normally and install the latest drivers.
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|
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| ===1.E.1. Configure Driver Settings===
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| STEP has more detailed information in both the [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:AMD_Catalyst_Control_Center AMD-CCC guide] as well as the [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:NVIDIA_Inspector Nvidia Inspector guide], and other [http://www.pcworld.com/article/2026179/the-ultimate-guide-to-tweaking-your-gpus-most-arcane-settings.html AMD-CCC] and [http://www.3dcenter.org/artikel/report-nvidia-inspector-grafikkarten-tweaktool/erster-start-und-das-hauptfenster Nvidia Inspector] / [http://us.download.nvidia.com/Windows/nForce/system_tools/6.06/NVIDIA_Control_Panel_and_System_Monitor_with_ESA_User_Guide.pdf Control Center] guides exist for the inquisitive user. The following information is minimalistic, sound advice, and users are encouraged to add their own 2 cents for consideration via the [http://wiki.step-project.com/index.php?title=Guide_talk:AMD_Catalyst_Control_Center&action=edit&redlink=1 AMD-CCC Talk] and [http://wiki.step-project.com/index.php?title=Guide_talk:NVIDIA_Inspector&action=edit&redlink=1 Nvidia Inspector Talk] pages.
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|
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| <big>'''In Short''' - The graphics software should <u>only</u> be forcing max Anisotropic Filtering (AF) (and Supersampling Anti-Aliasing (SSAA) for higher-end cards). All other settings should be left to the Skyrim configuration and ENBoost configurations (see above).</big>
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|
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| ====1.E.1.1. AMD Users====
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| {{Fs|1.2em|{{Fc|white|Detailed Information -->}} [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:AMD_Catalyst_Control_Center Catalyst Control Center Guide]}}<br>
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|
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| The AMD driver configuration utility, Catalyst Control Center (CCC), is installed along with the graphics drivers by default.
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| # Within CCC , select |Gaming| > |3D Application Settings|.
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| # Click |+ Add|, then browse to and select TESV.exe, and click on this new profile (these settings will only apply to Skyrim now).
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| # Set {{Fc|#e6b69e|'''Anti-Aliasing Mode'''}} to "Use application settings" (driver-side AA has no impact on Skyrim, as it is a function only of iMultiSample in SkyrimPrefs.ini). {{Fc|white|If set to "Override application settings", AA will be turned <u>off</u> in Skyrim, regardless of the Skyrim INI setting!}}
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| # Set {{Fc|#e6b69e|'''Anti-Aliasing Method'''}} to "Multisampling" (for better performance), or set to Supersampling if your video card can handle it (for better quality). For some reason, driver-side AA ''method'' does work, just not sample rate.
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| # Force {{Fc|#e6b69e|'''Anisotropic Filtering Mode'''}} by setting Anisotropic filtering to "Override application settings".
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| # Set {{Fc|#e6b69e|'''Anisotropic Filtering Setting'''}} to 16x.
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| # Set {{Fc|#e6b69e|'''Wait for Vertical Refresh'''}} to "Always off" (Recall that vsync should be running via ENBoost's enblocal.ini!)
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| # Save and close, accepting any overwrite when prompted.
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|
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| ==== 1.E.1.2. Nvidia Users ====
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| <span style="font-size:1.2em; color:white;">Detailed Information --></span> <span style="font-size:1.2em;">[http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:NVIDIA_Inspector#tab=Custom_Profiles_and_Settings Nvidia Inspector Guide: Editing Skyrim Settings]</span><br>
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|
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| Make the following changes via Nvidia Inspector, otherwise leave the defaults (they can be tweaked later if absolutely necessary).
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| # Download [http://www.guru3d.com/files_details/nvidia_inspector_download.html Nvidia Inspector]. This is a portable program and requires no installation. Simply place in a convenient location and create a shortcut to the executable.
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| # Within Inspector, select the "Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" profile and keep all of the default settings except for the following changes:
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| :# Set {{Fc|#e6b69e|'''Antialiasing - Mode'''}} to "Application-controlled". Apparently, SkyrimPrefs.ini dictates the level of AA, but the video card drivers can dictate the ''method'' of AA. {{Fc|white|If set to "Override", AA will be turned off in Skyrim, regardless of the Skyrim INI setting!}}
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| :# Set {{Fc|#e6b69e|'''Antialiasing - Setting'''}} to "Application-controlled / Off" (for better performance), or set to use 2x2 (or 4x4) Supersampling if the video card can handle it (for better quality).
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| :# Force {{Fc|#e6b69e|'''Anisotropic filtering mode'''}} by setting Anisotropic filtering to "User-defined / Off".
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| :# Set {{Fc|#e6b69e|'''Anisotropic filtering setting'''}} to 16x. High values may cause texture shimmering in mid to long range texture LODs. If this happens, adjusting the LOD bias can help to remedy the issue. (See the Detailed Information link above for more information)
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| :# Click '''Apply changes''' and close, accepting any overwrite when prompted. (Sometimes 'Apply changes' needs to be clicked twice.)
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|
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| ===1.E.2. Display Calibration===
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| Color calibration is critical to photographers and graphic artists that work across media types, but it is also more or less important for everyone that uses a computer. For gamers like those interested inb STEP, it is a bit more important, because there is a lot of screenshot sharing and qualitative discussion about in-game visuals. It is ideal id all users are somewhat 'standardized' for comparative purposes alone.
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|
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| <big>'''The gist''':</big> Calibrate the monitor's display settings based on the video driver configuration utility with all other configuration baselines set to something akin to "mid level".
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|
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| There are three places to configure color saturation, temp, brightness, contrast, gamma, etc:
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| # The monitor's built-in config
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| # Windows color management
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| # The driver configuration utility (see h"Configure Driver Settings above)
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| The settings of one affect the settings of the other, and depending on the quality of the monitor, #1 could be very good or just 'OK'. The #2 and #3 settings should be standard though, since they are made to work across various monitors.
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| * Ensure that #1 is set to "the middle ground" with respect to all settings. Having extreme settings in the monitor configuration could potentially constrain the other configurations. For some, wetting all #1 to mid levels will be best, but for others the 'auto-config' will be best (this may not set all #1 to mid settings). Depending on the monitor, there may be other auto-config options based on various presets. Whatever seems most "middle of the road" is probably best for #1.
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| * Optionally, also run #2 (Control Panel > Display > Calibrate Color) and set to 'vanilla' mid-levels with respect to all attributes. If this was never run previously, then it should already be at mid-level.
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| * Calibrate using #3 (see below) using a [http://www.photofriday.com/calibrate.php this reference image] and in a room with no direct lighting that could affect what the monitor shows (not-too-bright, diffuse-lighted room). The main calibration should be left to #3 once a mid baseline 'canvas' has been established for #1 and #2.
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| ** AMD-CCC: |Desktop Management| > |Desktop Color| (click "Reactivate AMD color controls").
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| ** Nvidia Control Panel: Access from the Windows Control Panel. |Display| > |Adjust desktop color settings|
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|
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| == 1.F. Performance Benchmarking ==
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| {{Fs|1.2em|{{Fc|white|Detailed Information --> [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Performance_Benchmarking Benchmarking STEP]}} }}
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|
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| : [http://forum.step-project.com/topic/2508-benchmarking-methodology/ {{Fs|1.3em|'''YOU CAN HELP!'''}}]
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|
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| Baseline performance benchmarks help us to assess performance variation across a range of computer configurations, which is useful for all users. User contributions in this regard are highly valued and much appreciated! Database-comparison benchmarks will be available as sufficient numbers of user-submitted data accumulate (and once we construct the system that will contain this information).
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|
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| {{Fc|White|Points during setup that benchmarking is suggested will be indicated by:}}<br />
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| {{Benchmark}}
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|
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| = Final Pre-Installation Notes =
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| <div style="color:#ccc; text-align:center; font-size:1.4em; font-weight:500; border-style:solid; border-bottom-width:3px; border-color:rgb(200,100,20); padding-bottom:10px; overflow:hidden;">A Final Consideration</div>
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| * {{Fc|white|Remember that STEP:Core should be used as a base for ANY modded setup.}} It is a universal build and will not spoil any downstream setup (e.g., Skyrim Revisited - Legendary Edition), although there may well be a few minor redundancies whereby a STEP:Core mod is later installed again with some added or subtracted options.
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|
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| * {{Fc|white|Install mods in the order that they are presented}} in the following tables in order to achieve the desired result.
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|
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| * {{Fc|white|Read the ReadMe}} and other mod-related documentation that comes packaged with most mods. This includes the mod description on the Nexus. If the mod author has seen fit and taken time to create these reference materials, then they are relevant and important in the eyes of the mod author. ''This means that they are relevant and important to you!''
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| <br />
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|
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| = STEP 2 =
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| <div style="color:#ccc; text-align:center; font-size:1.4em; font-weight:500; border-style:solid; border-bottom-width:3px; border-color:rgb(200,100,20); padding-bottom:10px; overflow:hidden;">Mod Installation</div>
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| <br />
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|
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| {{Notice|size=95|Consider the following while installing mods:
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| * {{Fc|#e6b69e|Mods should be installed in the order that they are listed to ensure that mods further down the list overwrite those occurring before them. This is necessary to ensure the desired in-game effect. Mods are otherwise listed in alphabetical order within each section, and any deviations from this are purposeful to achieve the desired outcome.}}
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| * {{Fc|#96b6ce|To achieve the best results, “Loose files” (non-BSA) versions of mods should be used when available. If a "loose files" version is not available, simply use the BSA version. '''DO NOT''' extract BSAs unless specifically instructed to do so in the installation instructions!}}
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| * {{Fc|#e6b69e|Always install plugins (ESPs/ESMs) unless otherwise noted. If there are not any notes associated with a particular mod, then all options fit the STEP mandate. The notes only provide instructions where necessary; otherwise, STEP encourages user customization.}}
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| * {{Fc|#96b6ce|Unless otherwise stated, follow LOOT's advice with regards to mod cleaning.}}
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| }}
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|
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| == 2.A. LOOT Sorting ==
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| At any time during the mod installation process [http://wiki.step-project.com/LOOT LOOT] should be used to sort plugin load order before stopping to benchmark and test Skyrim. This is necessary to ensure proper plugin priority order (load order), which can have a dramatic impact on the game (or at worst cause a CTD).
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| # Launch [http://wiki.step-project.com/LOOT LOOT] via Mod Organizer by clicking on the "Sort" button or directly from the executables drop-down menu.
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| # Examine the [http://wiki.step-project.com/LOOT LOOT] output carefully and look for any alerts or warnings and address each. The Plugins tab in MO (on the right side of the MO window) is where plugins can be activated/deactivated and sorted (either drag and drop or use Ctrl + Up/Down arrow keys to sort).
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| {{Notice Small|[http://wiki.step-project.com/LOOT LOOT] must be run prior to launching the game every time a mod is installed which adds one or more plugins.|1}}
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|
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| == 2.B. Clean the Update ESM ==
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| To remove errors in the Bethesda master files, STEP recommends that they be cleaned with [http://wiki.step-project.com/TES5Edit TES5Edit]. This ensures maximum stability and compatibility within the Skyrim modding experience. At this time, Update.esm shall be cleaned in the following manner:
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| #Make a backup of Update.esm from <code><skyrim>/data</code> directory by copying it to the desktop (or somewhere else handy).
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| #Clean Update.esm.
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| #*Run [http://wiki.step-project.com/TES5Edit TES5Edit] through [http://wiki.step-project.com/Mod_Organizer Mod Organizer].
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| #*Right-click the list of plugins and choose {{fc|white|''Select None''}}.
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| #*Double-click Update.esm.
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| #*Wait for the {{fc|white|''Background Loader: finished''}} message in the right panel, and then right-click Update.esm and select {{fc|white|''Apply Filter For Cleaning''}}.
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| #*Wait for the {{fc|white|''[Filtering done]''}} message in the right panel, and then right-click Update.esm and select {{fc|white|''Remove "Identical to Master" records''}}. If the ''Warning!'' prompt pops up, click ''Yes, I'm absolutely sure''.
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| #*Wait for the {{fc|white|''[Removing "Identical to Master" records done]''}} message, and then right-click Update.esm and select {{fc|white|''Undelete and Disable References''}}.
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| #*Wait for the {{fc|white|''[Undeleting and Disabling References done]''}} message, and then click the {{fc|white|[X]}} to exit the program
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| #*At the prompt, make sure Update.esm is checked and click {{fc|white|OK}}.
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| #After cleaning, there shall be files in Overwrite (essentially a fake mod located at the bottom of the left pane if sorted by priority ascending) created by TES5Edit.
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| #*Right-click Overwrite and select Create Mod
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| #*Name it TES5Edit Backups and click OK. This will create a new mod listing in the left pane for the TES5Edit Backups useful if the changes failed to be successful.
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| #*Each subsequent time TES5Edit is used to edit a file, open Overwrite and drag the TES5Edit Backups back to this mod. This will keep them in an organized and safe location. The files have no impact on the game.
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| #*Right-click the TES5Edit Backups mod and select ''Ignore Missing Data'' to remove the red X [[File:Big_Red_X_MO.png]] flag.
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| #Place the cleaned Update.esm in a new mod inside Mod Organizer
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| #*Go to <code><ModOrganizer>/mods</code> and create a new folder called {{fc|white|''Cleaned Update ESM''}}.
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| #*Copy the cleaned Update.esm from <code><skyrim>/data</code> to the {{fc|white|''Cleaned Update ESM''}} directory.
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| #*Enable the {{fc|white|''Cleaned Update ESM''}} mod in [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Mod_Organizer#tab=Left_Pane Mod Organizer's left pane] by ticking the checkbox.
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| #Restore the backup created in step 1 to the <code><skyrim>/data</code> directory.
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|
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| The {{fc|white|''Cleaned Update ESM''}} mod should be placed at the top of [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Mod_Organizer#tab=Left_Pane Mod Organizer's left pane].
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|
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| == 2.C. {{#show:Category:ModSection_C|?SectionLabel}} ==
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| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_C|?SectionDescription}} }}
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| {{ModTable|ModTableRow=
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| {{#ask:[[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[Section::C]]
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| |mainlabel=-
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| |format=template
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| |template=ModTable/Row
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| |named args=yes
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| |link=none
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| |?ModName
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| |?Section
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| |sort=OrderID
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| }}
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| }}
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|
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| == 2.D. {{#show:Category:ModSection_D|?SectionLabel}} ==
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| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_D|?SectionDescription}} }}
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| {{ModTable|ModTableRow=
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| {{#ask:[[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[Section::D]]
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| |mainlabel=-
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| |format=template
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| |template=ModTable/Row
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| |named args=yes
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| |link=none
| |
| |?ModName
| |
| |?Section
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| |sort=OrderID
| |
| }}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Benchmark}}
| |
|
| |
| == 2.E. {{#show:Category:ModSection_E|?SectionLabel}} ==
| |
| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_E|?SectionDescription}} }}
| |
| {{ModTable|ModTableRow=
| |
| {{#ask:[[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[Section::E]]
| |
| |mainlabel=-
| |
| |format=template
| |
| |template=ModTable/Row
| |
| |named args=yes
| |
| |link=none
| |
| |?ModName
| |
| |?Section
| |
| |sort=OrderID
| |
| }}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Benchmark}}
| |
|
| |
| == 2.F. {{#show:Category:ModSection_F|?SectionLabel}} ==
| |
| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_F|?SectionDescription}} }}
| |
| {{ModTable|ModTableRow=
| |
| {{#ask:[[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[Section::F]]
| |
| |mainlabel=-
| |
| |format=template
| |
| |template=ModTable/Row
| |
| |named args=yes
| |
| |link=none
| |
| |?ModName
| |
| |?Section
| |
| |sort=OrderID
| |
| }}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Benchmark}}
| |
|
| |
| == 2.G. {{#show:Category:ModSection_G|?SectionLabel}} ==
| |
| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_G|?SectionDescription}} }}
| |
| {{ModTable|ModTableRow=
| |
| {{#ask:[[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[Section::G]]
| |
| |mainlabel=-
| |
| |format=template
| |
| |template=ModTable/Row
| |
| |named args=yes
| |
| |link=none
| |
| |?ModName
| |
| |?Section
| |
| |sort=OrderID
| |
| }}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Benchmark}}
| |
|
| |
| == 2.H. {{#show:Category:ModSection_H|?SectionLabel}} ==
| |
| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_H|?SectionDescription}} }}
| |
| {{ModTable|ModTableRow=
| |
| {{#ask:[[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[Section::H]]
| |
| |mainlabel=-
| |
| |format=template
| |
| |template=ModTable/Row
| |
| |named args=yes
| |
| |link=none
| |
| |?ModName
| |
| |?Section
| |
| |sort=OrderID
| |
| }}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Benchmark}}
| |
|
| |
| == 2.I. {{#show:Category:ModSection_I|?SectionLabel}} ==
| |
| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_I|?SectionDescription}} }}
| |
| {{ModTable|ModTableRow=
| |
| {{#ask:[[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[Section::I]]
| |
| |mainlabel=-
| |
| |format=template
| |
| |template=ModTable/Row
| |
| |named args=yes
| |
| |link=none
| |
| |?ModName
| |
| |?Section
| |
| |sort=OrderID
| |
| }}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Benchmark}}
| |
|
| |
| == 2.J. {{#show:Category:ModSection_J|?SectionLabel}} ==
| |
| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_J|?SectionDescription}} }}
| |
| {{ModTable|ModTableRow=
| |
| {{#ask:[[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[Section::J]]
| |
| |mainlabel=-
| |
| |format=template
| |
| |template=ModTable/Row
| |
| |named args=yes
| |
| |link=none
| |
| |?ModName
| |
| |?Section
| |
| |sort=OrderID
| |
| }}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Benchmark}}
| |
|
| |
| == 2.K. {{#show:Category:ModSection_K|?SectionLabel}} ==
| |
| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_K|?SectionDescription}} }}
| |
| {{ModTable|ModTableRow=
| |
| {{#ask:[[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[Section::K]]
| |
| |mainlabel=-
| |
| |format=template
| |
| |template=ModTable/Row
| |
| |named args=yes
| |
| |link=none
| |
| |?ModName
| |
| |?Section
| |
| |sort=OrderID
| |
| }}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Benchmark}}
| |
|
| |
| == 2.L. {{#show:Category:ModSection_L|?SectionLabel}} ==
| |
| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_L|?SectionDescription}} }}
| |
| {{ModTable|ModTableRow=
| |
| {{#ask:[[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[Section::L]]
| |
| |mainlabel=-
| |
| |format=template
| |
| |template=ModTable/Row
| |
| |named args=yes
| |
| |link=none
| |
| |?ModName
| |
| |?Section
| |
| |sort=OrderID
| |
| }}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Benchmark}}
| |
|
| |
| == 2.M. {{#show:Category:ModSection_M|?SectionLabel}} ==
| |
| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_M|?SectionDescription}} }}
| |
| {{ModTable|ModTableRow=
| |
| {{#ask:[[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[Section::M]]
| |
| |mainlabel=-
| |
| |format=template
| |
| |template=ModTable/Row
| |
| |named args=yes
| |
| |link=none
| |
| |?ModName
| |
| |?Section
| |
| |sort=OrderID
| |
| }}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Benchmark}}
| |
|
| |
| == 2.N. {{#show:Category:ModSection_N|?SectionLabel}} ==
| |
| :{{Fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModSection_N|?SectionDescription}} }}
| |
| {{ModTable|ModTableRow=
| |
| {{#ask:[[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[Section::N]]
| |
| |mainlabel=-
| |
| |format=template
| |
| |template=ModTable/Row
| |
| |named args=yes
| |
| |link=none
| |
| |?ModName
| |
| |?Section
| |
| |sort=OrderID
| |
| }}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Benchmark}}
| |
|
| |
| == 2.O. Launching STEP:Skyrim ==
| |
| Once all mods have been installed, run LOOT one final time to ensure the correct plugin order. When ready to play for the first time after a STEP install, be certain to either:
| |
| * Start a brand new character, or
| |
| * load the save game generated ''just after character creation'' if it exists, or
| |
| * load an existing character after [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Troubleshooting#Mods_and_Savegames clean saving] the relevant save game.
| |
| {{MO Note|It takes significantly longer to launch Skyrim from within MO than it does by using other means. Allow up to 3 minutes for Skyrim to launch before panicking ... launch time will be faster after the first launch in a given MO session (unless lots of mod-list changes are made).}}
| |
|
| |
| = STEP 3 =
| |
| <div style="color:#ccc; text-align:center; font-size:1.4em; font-weight:500; border-style:solid; border-bottom-width:3px; border-color:rgb(200,100,20); padding-bottom:10px; overflow:hidden;">Tips & Troubleshooting Common Issues</div>
| |
|
| |
| == 3.A. Troubleshooting Common Problems ==
| |
| A heavily modded Skyrim can bring even a very powerful system to its knees. Maximum visual quality is highly dependent upon total on-card graphics-dedicated video memory (VRAM), the number of GPUs, and monitor resolution. The goal should be to maintain 30 or more FPS on average without any noticeable stuttering.
| |
|
| |
| === 3.A.1. Failure to Launch ===
| |
| Skyrim still sometimes fails to launch, and the following are some of the most common causes and solutions:
| |
| * '''Improper load order''' - Run LOOT and examine the output. Plugins out of order or plugins with missing masters will cause this. LOOT will sort everything properly, but certain patches installed with certain mods included with STEP:Extended will not apply under a STEP:Core install, so these plugins need to be un-ticked in MO or WB plugin lists.
| |
| * '''Improper Bashed Patch''' - This can result from ticking options that are not explicitly mentioned in this guide, or it can result if the Bashed Patch was not rebuilt after a mod-list/order change.
| |
| * '''Bad INI settings''' - If Skyrim.ini or SkyrimPrefs.ini were edited in a way that was not described in [[#1.D._INI_Tweaks|STEP 1.D.]] (or if a fresh, default INI was not used as a baseline), certain settings can cause this issue. The quickest solution is to revisit that section and regenerate a fresh INI with the recommended settings.
| |
| <!--* '''Insufficient MemBlock2 Value''' - Although the default MemBlock2 value of 256 should be sufficient in skse.ini for [[Skyrim Memory Patch 3.0]], it is possible that a slight increase to something like 300 could fix this issue if all else fails.-->
| |
|
| |
| === 3.A.2. Crashes to Desktop (CTD) ===
| |
| There are unfortunately many reasons for CTDs just after launch or shortly thereafter, but if this guide was followed precisely, STEP mods should not be the cause. Following are some common causes and solutions.
| |
| * '''Improper Load Order''' - Run LOOT and examine the output as in the previous section.
| |
| * '''Missing Masters''' - If an active plugin is missing its dependent master, a CTD will occur immediately. To fix, either locate the missing master and add it in or deactivate the plugin missing its master.
| |
| ** MO will show a red exclamation icon next to the plugin, while Wrye Bash will show a red checkbox next to the plugin.
| |
| * '''Improper Bashed Patch''' - See the previous section.
| |
| * '''Bad INI settings''' - Yep, see the previous section.
| |
| * '''Bad video settings or incompatible driver version''' - Revisit [[#1.E._Display_.26_Video_Card_Settings|STEP 1.E.]] and verify settings, back them down to 'performance' options, or update to the proper video driver.
| |
| * '''Windows environment issue''' - This is highly possible and unfortunately too difficult to prescribe any remotely ubiquitous solution other than restarting the computer and checking for conflicting processes (e.g., anti-virus/maleware). Google is a friend to all in need.
| |
|
| |
| === 3.A.3. Semi-Invisible People, Objects or Misbehaving Walls ===
| |
| Following are some solutions:
| |
| * '''Transparency Antialiasing''' - Turn of any transparency (adaptive) sampling if enabled under antialiasing settings of the graphics-driver software (see references under [[#1.E._Display_.26_Video_Card_Settings|STEP 1.E.]]). Also, remember to download the latest graphic drivers.
| |
| * '''Bad INI settings''' - If using ENB, set <code> bFloatPointRenderTarget=1 </code> in the SkyrimPrefs.ini.
| |
|
| |
| === 3.A.4. Stuttering ===
| |
| * '''Microstutter''' - This is an annoying 'glitchiness' when moving or panning for those using higher-end graphics cards (usually) or multiple GPUs in SLI or CrossfireX configs (purportedly). Follow the recommendations for [http://wiki.step-project.com/ENBoost ENBoost], noting in particular <code> EnableVSync=true </code>. If this does not resolve the issue:
| |
| ** Ensure that microstutter is not being confused with 'macro'-stutter, which is more severe and memory related. Remember: microstutter is ''very annoying'', but not hindering in any way.
| |
| ** Try forcing vsync via Nvidia Inspector (Nvidia users) or RadeonPro (AMD users) ... sorry Intel users. Also (and this is very important), enable D3D-compatible triple buffering via RadeonPro. Nvidia Inspector users: D3D-compatible triple buffering is not available. Use [https://hostr.co/download/5JA4NRt/D3DOverrider%20DX11.rar D3Doverrider] instead. This may also have a vsync function.
| |
| * '''Macrostutter''' - This is most likely the result of using textures and meshes that exceed the limits of GPU VRAM. ENBoost should prevent this in most cases, but certain user configurations and/or hardware may not behave as expected:
| |
| ** Verify [http://wiki.step-project.com/ENBoost ENBoost] settings and graphics settings described under [[#1.E._Display_.26_Video_Card_Settings|STEP 1.E.]]!
| |
| ** Re-install the most performance-friendly versions of mods as indicated by the "Quality Options" column of the mod tables above.
| |
| ** Consult the DDSopt Guide to learn how to optimize textures accordingly.
| |
| ** Finally, ''Un-install'' [http://wiki.step-project.com/Skyrim_Flora_Overhaul Skyrim Flora Overhaul] and [http://wiki.step-project.com/Skyrim_Realistic_Overhaul Skyrim Realistic Overhaul], which are easily the most VRAM-intensive mods in STEP (although there are others under [[#2.F._Conflicting_Graphics|STEP 2.F.]] and [[#2.G._Landscape_.26_Environment|STEP 2.G.]] in particular).
| |
| ** Enable windowed mode via [http://wiki.step-project.com/ENBoost ENBoost] (instructions at bottom of mod page).
| |
|
| |
| === 3.A.5. Texture Flickering, Etc. ===
| |
| Refer to the [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Z-Fighting Z-Fighting Guide].
| |
|
| |
| == 3.B. In-Game Tips ==
| |
| * The console can be activated by pressing the tilde ({{fc|white|[~]}}) key, often located just below {{fc|white|[Escape]}}, while in-game.
| |
| * ENBoost has a couple built in hotkeys that are helpful (can be adjusted in enblocal.ini section [INPUT]):
| |
| *# Show FPS: {{fc|white|[*]}} (on the numpad not shift+8)
| |
| *# Free VRAM: {{fc|white|[f4]}}
| |
| *# Screenshot: print screen (Skyrim's screenshots do not work with ENB/ENBoost)
| |
| *Steam screenshots are {{fc|white|[f12]}}, but if using a keyboard with multimedia keys it could be {{fc|white|[shift+f12]}}.
| |
| *# Be aware {{fc|white|[shift+f12]}} is also the ENB Series Graphics hotkey to toggle the effects on/off. ENBoost '''ONLY''' users are not affected.
| |
|
| |
| === 3.B.1. Optimize Field of View (FOV) ===
| |
| Prior to 2008, the most common monitor resolutions were 16:10 aspect ratio ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Display_aspect_ratio source]). Since then, 16:9 has become the standard. The Skyrim FOV defaults to 75 (%) and is optimized for monitor aspect ratio of 16:10. Therefore, users with 16:9 monitors (e.g. 1920x1080) will want to increase their FOV to 81. Setting this in the INI does not persist, so it must be done via the console. Within Skyrim, open the console (tap the tilde {{fc|white|[~]}} key) and type: <code> fov 81 </code>. Those rare and unfortunate users stuck with 4:3 aspect ratio will need to 'reduce' their FOV down to 62.
| |
|
| |
| A helpful [http://www.wsgf.org/fovcalc.php conversion calculator] can assist in calculation of other monitor types (just type in a 16:10 on the right side and the new resolution on the left to get the new hFOV).
| |
|
| |
| === 3.B.2. BIG Frame Drops During Cell Loading ===
| |
| This is a likely indicator that VRAM is too often operating at or beyond capacity (see [[#3.A.4._Stuttering|3.A.4]]).
| |
|
| |
| = STEP Packs =
| |
| <div style="color:#ccc; text-align:center; font-size:1.4em; font-weight:500; border-style:solid; border-bottom-width:3px; border-color:rgb(200,100,20); padding-bottom:10px; overflow:hidden;">Community Add-ons</div>
| |
|
| |
| STEP Packs are generally intended to go over the STEP:Core build. Be certain to read the Pack instructions to determine what build the Pack is dependent upon.
| |
|
| |
| {{MO Note|You will now experience one of the reasons why Mod Organizer is the chosen mod-management utility for STEP. Pack installation is a breeze, as it is possible to have profiles for each build dependency that a given Pack relies upon.}}
| |
|
| |
| Consider reviewing some of the Packs that our users have been developing to augment STEP.
| |
|
| |
| [http://wiki.step-project.com/Category:Packs {{Fs|1.5em|'''STEP Packs'''}}]
| |
|
| |
| = User Contributions =
| |
| <div style="color:#ccc; text-align:center; font-size:1.4em; font-weight:500; border-style:solid; border-bottom-width:3px; border-color:rgb(200,100,20); padding-bottom:10px; overflow:hidden;">How YOU Can Help</div>
| |
|
| |
| STEP can only get bigger and better with help from the user community. Even simply maintaining the current STEP is too much work for the core STEP team to ensure that the highest quality is maintained. We need people to help us identify mods that improve Skyrim while adhering to the [http://wiki.step-project.com/STEP:Mandate STEP Mandate]. We also need ongoing reviews and updates on mods that may be causing problems or that stray from the STEP philosophy. Finally, we need help from the community in terms of testing, benchmarking and analysis. More detail is presented in the [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Mod_Testing Mod Testing Guide].
| |
|
| |
| In order to suggest a mod, visit the [http://forum.step-project.com/forum/32-mods/ Mod Suggestions] section of the STEP Forums.
| |
|
| |
| {{Notice|size=90|The STEP team will be beta testing a new mod-testing procedure and interface currently in final stages of development here on the STEP Wiki. Anyone interested in testing mods of any kind --whether included in STEP or not-- should [mailto:admin@step-project.com contact the STEP administrators by email] or on the forums (click on the link in upper left of header).}}
| |
|
| |
| ====Call for Wiki Content Editors ====
| |
| The STEP Community Wiki is open to editing by all registered community members; however, we need assistance [http://forum.step-project.com/showthread.php?tid=1241&pid=16772#pid16772 maintaining and creating new supporting content]. We are particularly interested in obtaining a few people with a passion for writing and editing. Familiarity with wiki markup is preferable but not necessary. Interested parties please [http://forum.step-project.com/user/8-z929669/ contact z929669] via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and [http://forum.step-project.com/index.php?app=forums&module=extras§ion=stats&do=leaders see the very bottom of the Forum Team page]).
| |
|
| |
| ====Call for STEP Mod Testers ====
| |
| STEP users interested in becoming testers, please [http://forum.step-project.com/user/8-z929669/ contact z929669] via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and [http://forum.step-project.com/index.php?app=forums&module=extras§ion=stats&do=leaders see the very bottom of the Forum Team page]). Once registered, [http://forum.step-project.com/STEP:Main record your system specs] by clicking on the button and filling out the form. These specs will be associated with performance data by tester. Before deciding, read through the [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Mod_Testing Mod Testing Guide] to get a sense what mod testing involves.
| |
|
| |
| ====Call for STEP Benchmarks ====
| |
| Users interested in helping out with the STEP Benchmarking Project, see our [[#1.F._Performance_Benchmarking|benchmarking guidelines]] and submit results on the forums (see link at upper left of site header bar).
| |
|
| |
| ====Call for Forum Moderators ====
| |
| Regular STEP forum users interested in becoming moderators, please [http://forum.step-project.com/user/8-z929669/ contact z929669] via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and [http://forum.step-project.com/index.php?app=forums&module=extras§ion=stats&do=leaders see the very bottom of the Forum Team page]).
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| <center>{{fs|2.0em|{{fc|white|Thank you for reading and enjoy the game!}} }}</center>
| |
| <br /> | | <br /> |
| | | *[https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/User:Bur/MIME:Guide MIME:Guide Dev Page (old)] |
| == Special Credits ==
| |
| {{Fs|1.1em|{{Fc|#CCC|
| |
| The STEP administrators would sincerely like to thank (from the bottoms of our fuzzy little hearts):}} }}
| |
| * The authors of mods recommended in STEP
| |
| * The core STEP Community for feedback, suggestions and input
| |
| * The STEP beta testers ... for their good humor and rigorous analyses
| |
| * The Nexus community
| |
| * Bethesda Softworks for Skyrim (and TES in general)
| |
| * [http://forum.step-project.com/user/152-tannin/ Tannin] for continued development and support of Mod Organizer | |
| * A very special thanks to STEP aficionados, [http://forum.step-project.com/user/444-essarrbee/ EssArrBee], [http://forum.step-project.com/user/1198-doubleyou/ DoubleYou] and [http://forum.step-project.com/user/326-techangel85/ TechAngel85] for their assistance with this release. EssArrBee is also our STEP Patch maintainer, so a big thanks to him for that. DoubleYou is also the lead maintainer of [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Mod_Organizer the MO Guide]. TechAngel is a Release Coordinator and FOMOD extraordinaire.
| |
| | |
| <!--{{DonorCredits}}-->
| |
| ====== The core STEP team is: ======
| |
| * {{Fc|#9ee6b6|stoppingby4now}} - Main site developer, Semantic Mediawiki developer & extraordinaire, site founder
| |
| * {{Fc|#9ee6b6|TheCompiler}} - STEP creator, mod-list extraordinaire
| |
| * {{Fc|#9ee6b6|z929669}} - Wiki & forums content editor, main site administrator, hosting maintenance, site founder
| |
| * Active STEP volunteer staff: {{Fc|#9ee6b6|Aiyen}}, {{Fc|#9ee6b6|EssArrBee}}, {{Fc|#9ee6b6|deathneko11}}, {{Fc|#9ee6b6|DoubleYou}}, {{Fc|#9ee6b6|GSDfan}}, {{Fc|#9ee6b6|Kelmych}}, {{Fc|#9ee6b6|kryptopyr}}, {{Fc|#9ee6b6|phazer11}}, {{Fc|#9ee6b6|phryxolydian}}, {{Fc|#9ee6b6|rootsrat}}, {{Fc|#9ee6b6|TechAngel85}}, {{Fc|#9ee6b6|torminater}}, {{Fc|#9ee6b6|WilliamImm}}
| |
| * {{Fc|#e6b69e|Farlo}} - Mediawiki developer & extraordinaire, Mod-list co-compiler, forums admin, site founder (''out of commission since November, 2013'')
| |
| * {{Fc|#e6b69e|MontyMM}} - Solutions developer (Semi-Automatic STEP), site founder (''out of commission since December, 2013'')
| |
| | |
| __NOTITLE__
| |
| [[Category:Step Guide]]
| |
| {{#css:STEP:StepGuide.css}}
| |
