Fallout 3

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Timeslip

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Timeslip

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About this mod

A collection of utilities related to both creating and using mods.

Requirements
Permissions and credits
Mirrors
NOTE: I have made FOMM compatible with Fallout: New Vegas. Don't worry, it still works with Fallout 3, and will continue to get support and new features. However, for the most timely updates you may want to check out the New Vegas Nexus Page.

Main Features:
For the mod user:
  • Fail-Safe Mod Installs.
    Don't worry if a mod install fails; FOMM cleans up after itself, preventing half-installed mods.
  • Mod Versioning.
    FOMM is able to upgrade mods without have to re-activate them, and without changing which mods overwrite which.
  • Mod Reactivation
    You can change the installation options of mods without have to reinstall them.

For the mod author and tinkerers:
  • Configurable Scripts
    Control how your mod can be installed, and give your users choices. You can write powerful install scripts using the flexible XML Configuration scripts, the more powerful C# Scripts, or event the traditional OBMM/OMOD script language.
  • Low-Level Editing Tools
    FOMM still includes: TESsnip, BSA Creator/Unpacker, Shader Editor.

Note to Mod Authors:
FOMod scripts for FO:NV mods should derive from FalloutNewVegasBaseScript, instead of BaseScript. The functions in the scripting language have changed to reflect the differences between FO3 and FO:NV (for example, NVSE instead of FOSE). If your scripts don't derive from FalloutNewVegasBaseScript they will still work, but you won't have access to the new functions, and calling FOSE-related functions will cause your script to fail.

Installation - 0.12.6
This version can be installed over earlier versions without any additional work. It will upgrade its log files as required. Note that the upgrade process will not touch your mods, but it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how many, and what type, fomods you have installed.

Uninstallation - 0.12.6
If you wish to go back to an earlier version:

1) Open FOMM 0.12.x
2) Deactivate all your mods
3) Close FOMM
4) Install the old FOMM version
5) Open the old FOMM
6) Activate the desired mods

Installation - 0.13.x
If you are installing FOMM for the first time:
  • Download the executable installer.
  • Double-click the installer.
  • Follow the instructions in the installation wizard.

If you are upgrading from a version of FOMM that is 0.13.0 or newer:
  • Download the executable installer.
  • Double-click the installer.
  • Follow the instructions in the installation wizard.

If you are upgrading from a version of FOMM that is older than 0.13.0:
  • Download the executable installer.
  • Double-click the installer.
  • Follow the instructions in the installation wizard.
  • Start FOMM.
  • Select Fallout 3.
  • Let FOMM migrate your old mods.
  • Uninstall Old FOMM (optional).

FOMM will replace any existing FOMM installation that is 0.13.0 or newer. Any pre-0.13.0 version will be left intact in case you wish to continue using them for Fallout 3. After installing FOMM, if you don't wish to continue using the pre-0.13.0 version, you can uninstall the older version.

Because FOMM is no longer a mod manager for a single game, the recommendations for where to install it have changed since 0.12.x and older versions. Whereas it was usual and recommended to install FOMM in the Fallout game folder, that is no longer the case. While you are free to install FOMM wherever you like, the recommendation is to let FOM install itself in the Program Files directory. This is also true for users running Vista/Win7 with UAC.

When you run FOMM for the first time, you will be asked where you would like to store your FOMods, as well as where you would like to store FOMM mod installation information. The default locations are recommended, but you can specify alternate locations if you wish: for example, if you have a separate drive dedicated to FOMods. The only restriction is that you not set the directories to Fallout's game folder.

Uninstallation - 0.13.x
If you wish to go back to an earlier version:
  • Open FOMM.
  • Deactivate all your mods.
  • Close FOMM.
  • Uninstal FOMM.
  • Install the old FOMM version.
  • Open the old FOMM.
  • Activate the desired mods.


Troubleshooting
The single most asked question:
Q. I get the "Unable to get write permissions for fallout's installation directory" error. How do I fix it?
A. This happens when you are running Vista or Windows 7 and have installed Fallout 3 in the Program Files folder. You need to do one of the following:
  • Disable UAC (not recommended).
  • Move Fallout 3 outside of the Program Files folder (e.g., C:\Games\Bethesda\Fallout 3). This may require a reinstall. I know with Oblivion you could just copy the game folder to a new location, run the game, and all would be well. I'm not sure if that works with Fallout 3.
  • In theory you should also be able to run FOMM as administrator. You can try this by right-clicking on the FOMM shortcut and selecting "Run as administrator." Alternatively, right-click on the shortcut, select Properties->Compatibility and check "Run this program as an administrator."

The best thing to do in order to avoid other problems, and the generally recommended solution, is to install Fallout outside of the Program Files folder.

Tutorials
Zumbs wrote a series of great tutorials. They're what I (kaburke) used to get started with FOMM. Check them out.

Premade FOMod Packs
Many mods are already distributed as FOMods for easy use with FOMM. However, if your favourite mod needs FOMod-ing, head over to Premade FOMod Packs. The project has dozens of PFPs to easily turn popular mods into FOMods.