Not sure if anyone still peruses the comments here, but I’ve encountered an interesting issue I’d like to pick someone’s brain about.
After installing the pcc files then installing “a lot” and applying the tpf file with the “a lot” installer, the textures of Shep’s skin looks as though she is Frankenstein’s monster.
In the past, I used this same method with “a lot” version 7.0 with no issue. But version 8.0 will only allow me to implement this mod by replacing the pcc file after “a lot” which is a no-no according to proper installation practices. Good news is that it’s working for the most part with no major texture catastrophe’s. However, in certain scenes, the Frankenstein texture will return. It happens in scenes that are very brief and it’s almost as if the proper meshes/textures didn’t have time to finish loading.
I’ve attempted several different methods to install this mod more effectively to no avail. Any ideas?
For some reason, a-lot does not apply the norm file correctly from the tpf file provided by this mod. Here's how I fixed it: ****Complete the following instructions AFTER appropriate pcc files, a-lot, and desired tpf file is installed***** ---Open ME3 Explorer and select tpf tools ---Load the desired tank tpf file from this mod and extract the norm file (named : fittanknorm_0xAF098936.dds for the N7 texture) ---rename the extracted file "HMM_ARM_CTHi_Norm" (Idk if this part is absolutely necessary, but it helps me avoid confusion if nothing else) ---Open ME3 Explorer and Select Texplorer ---Locate the CTHi folder ---Open the subfolder titled "CLEAN" ---Replace the HMM_ARM_CTHi_Norm texture with the Norm texture extracted from the mod's tpf ---Save Changes
This completely solved the issue of random Frankenstein textures in some scenes
I had this issue as well and I was trying to follow your advice but still had the issue. The solution? There are two CTHI folders: one on its own, and another in the "BIOG_HMF_ARM_CTH_R" folder. That CTHI folder was the one responsible for the skin looking weird because it was the texture for the skin (arms and whatnot) and it wasn't updated to have the mod's texture!
Thank you both! Was getting worried I wouldn't be able to do another Femshep playthrough without a clean re-install, but these comments fixed it for me.
Hello, thanks for putting this out there! I've found myself having some trouble with the Texplorer part. I haven't used ME3 Explorer for a long while so I'm a little rusty. Do I need to build a tree for ME3? I tried to build one but it got stuck scanning. Thanks again!
I had the same problem, but the texplorer suddenly stops during the scanning files process, when it's making a tree for ME3. Should I make the tree before or after the mods and textures are installed?
PM me if you get the chance, and we can try and troubleshoot the issue together. Tree building should occur after all mods are installed and enabled. Texture mods typically are installed after a tree is built.
Almost 2 years later and I am having this problem, followed the steps and now Buff shep is texture but now has a very wired overlay, like stretched skin
Hi i tried to follow your tutorial but it got me a mipmap error but when i try to use the Dxtex to format it the option generate mipmap is greyed out. would appreciate any help.
sorry to ping this old ass thread - any chance you figured out what to do when you're getting a mipmap error trying to swap out the normal textures in texmod? the directx development kit doesn't allow me to generate mipmaps.
Not exactly. The previous user who ran into this issue was utilizing a pirated version of the game. There are other reasons this error can arise, however. If you'd like to DM me, we can try to fix your specific issue.
Recommended Download order: 1. EGM+EGM Compatibility packs (only if you want to play with EGM ofc) 2. EGM Add-Ons 3. Other Story Mods (Alternate ending mods, Citadel Epilogue Mod, Ark mod, etc) 4. All other non-texture mods 5. SP Controller mod v3.3 (if using a controller) 6. Texture mods (ALOT+ALOV)
Now here is where you use the ALOT installer (using the ME3 Mod Manager, it has the tool integrated, you can access it from "Tools" in the upper bar). Now unzip Buff Femshep, Buff Femshep Tank-top, and Maleshep Tanktop mod (if you want it ofc) into their own respective folders. When you've done that, drag these files in the stated order into the ALOT Installer: bufffemshep.mod BuffFshepTankTop.mod Buff Fem N7 Tank Top.tpf or Buff Fem Spectre Tank.tpf (Only one is to be dragged in) msheptanktop.mod MShep Black Tank Top.tpf or MShep Grey Tank Top.tpf (Again, only the one you want is to be dragged in, not both)
Make sure ALOT+ALOV have been dragged into the installer if you're going to be using them, because after this you can't download (or even change, I think) anything else without breaking the game some way and having to vanilla the game/restore backup.
Now that you've pulled these files in, you can install the texture mods using the ALOT Installer. Dig in, this took a while for me. You should be done now!
My personal result was that the Maleshep Tank-top worked immediately for me, but the Femshep Tanktop had this weird wrinkly skin look to it. Thankfully I immediately found a fix: https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffect3/articles/159
If you were confused as I was initially at which file I was supposed to replace using the Texplorer, thanks to the author's weird text placement, just type in the search bar HMM_ARM_CTHI_Norm. Click the "Change" button below the thumbnail and replace it with the fittanktopnorm.dds file you created during the 1st part of the fix, and finish up according to the instructions.
And now you should be all set up to play a higher quality ME3 with a physically fit protagonist, both male and female!
Hope this helped you as much as it helped me. Happy Reaper-hunting, folks!
Had this working fine (after much tedious trial and error, no thanks to the description or readme's) before having to reinstall vanilla due to an unrelated issue, or so I hope.
Got everything set up again, me3 explorer, buff femshep mod, etc Now the tank top mod simply won't work. Not even the new mesh. I've installed using me3 explorer mod maker, pcc file, autotoc, etc.
A little help, anyone? Maybe some current, up-to-date instructions?
When will I get a response? Are you EA? Lol. IT'S been two months. Just say it if you don't want to upgrade this mod to be compatible with Alot. I like your work but I m not willing to install texture mods 1by 1 with me3 explorer but go with alot. Your mod isn't compatible. I love this mod to be workn with alot.
I've been using this in my current play-through with ALOT installed and I used ME3Explore'r Mod Maker tool to install the mod. I am not sure what issue you're having and being technologically disinclined, I am, unfortunately, unable to offer guidance or assistance, other than to relate what I do myself. The process I follow is to install all DLCs first upon a new install of the game. I auto toc with ME3Explorer's Auto Toc tool after literally every DLC drag and drop and open my game to check that all DLC content is working properly. After this, I install content adding mods, such as JohnP's MEHEM, and again, immediately open the game to make sure everything has installed correctly. After installing all of that type of content, I then ME3Explorer's ModMaker tool to install this mod and 'less boobily' (a mod that reduces the pronounced breast effect of the the 4th casual outfit) and any other mods that require the ModMaker tool. Finally, I use ME3Explorer's TPF tool to install upgraded texture mods for outfits such as the 4th casual outfit, fatigues, dress, and science uniforms. After I am done, I install ALOV (A Lot Of Videos) and ALOT. Again, I open the game and check after literally every mod I install. Possibly redundant, but it cuts down on the issues I tend to have, and subsequently needing to uninstall and start over. I hope this helps. It's a great mod and I love how my FemShep looks with her buff, tough as nails body.
EDIT: BAH! I thought I was responding to the Buff FemShep body mod, so I apologize. I use a differnt tank top mod, one that does not replace the into-outfit.
I know this is late, but the ModMaker tool on MEExplorer installs this just fine. I've been using it lately.
EDIT: BAH! I thought I was responding to the Buff FemShep body mod, so I apologize. I use a differnt tank top mod, one that does not replace the into-outfit.
I'm using the pcc file for this, and it doesn't seem to be replacing the lower LOD mesh. Is this a bug with the mod, or is it just that you can't change the lower LODs without also touching other game resources?
Edit: Okay, so after poking around a bit in the pcc file, I found that it includes the LOD0 mesh, but not the ones for LOD1/2. Fortunately, the lower LODs are included in the upk file, and replacing them manually (which I had to do anyway in order to be able to use this with some of the other clothing mods I like to use) seemed to do the trick. Make sure you're using Meshplorer (NOT Meshplorer 2) to do the replacement.
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After installing the pcc files then installing “a lot” and applying the tpf file with the “a lot” installer, the textures of Shep’s skin looks as though she is Frankenstein’s monster.
In the past, I used this same method with “a lot” version 7.0 with no issue. But version 8.0 will only allow me to implement this mod by replacing the pcc file after “a lot” which is a no-no according to proper installation practices. Good news is that it’s working for the most part with no major texture catastrophe’s. However, in certain scenes, the Frankenstein texture will return. It happens in scenes that are very brief and it’s almost as if the proper meshes/textures didn’t have time to finish loading.
I’ve attempted several different methods to install this mod more effectively to no avail. Any ideas?
For some reason, a-lot does not apply the norm file correctly from the tpf file provided by this mod. Here's how I fixed it:
****Complete the following instructions AFTER appropriate pcc files, a-lot, and desired tpf file is installed*****
---Open ME3 Explorer and select tpf tools
---Load the desired tank tpf file from this mod and extract the norm file (named : fittanknorm_0xAF098936.dds for the N7 texture)
---rename the extracted file "HMM_ARM_CTHi_Norm" (Idk if this part is absolutely necessary, but it helps me avoid confusion if nothing else)
---Open ME3 Explorer and Select Texplorer
---Locate the CTHi folder
---Open the subfolder titled "CLEAN"
---Replace the HMM_ARM_CTHi_Norm texture with the Norm texture extracted from the mod's tpf
---Save Changes
This completely solved the issue of random Frankenstein textures in some scenes
The solution? There are two CTHI folders: one on its own, and another in the "BIOG_HMF_ARM_CTH_R" folder. That CTHI folder was the one responsible for the skin looking weird because it was the texture for the skin (arms and whatnot) and it wasn't updated to have the mod's texture!
https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffect3/articles/159
Recommended Download order:
1. EGM+EGM Compatibility packs (only if you want to play with EGM ofc)
2. EGM Add-Ons
3. Other Story Mods (Alternate ending mods, Citadel Epilogue Mod, Ark mod, etc)
4. All other non-texture mods
5. SP Controller mod v3.3 (if using a controller)
6. Texture mods (ALOT+ALOV)
Now here is where you use the ALOT installer (using the ME3 Mod Manager, it has the tool integrated, you can access it from "Tools" in the upper bar).
Now unzip Buff Femshep, Buff Femshep Tank-top, and Maleshep Tanktop mod (if you want it ofc) into their own respective folders.
When you've done that, drag these files in the stated order into the ALOT Installer:
bufffemshep.mod
BuffFshepTankTop.mod
Buff Fem N7 Tank Top.tpf or Buff Fem Spectre Tank.tpf (Only one is to be dragged in)
msheptanktop.mod
MShep Black Tank Top.tpf or MShep Grey Tank Top.tpf (Again, only the one you want is to be dragged in, not both)
Make sure ALOT+ALOV have been dragged into the installer if you're going to be using them, because after this you can't download (or even change, I think) anything else without breaking the game some way and having to vanilla the game/restore backup.
Now that you've pulled these files in, you can install the texture mods using the ALOT Installer. Dig in, this took a while for me.
You should be done now!
My personal result was that the Maleshep Tank-top worked immediately for me, but the Femshep Tanktop had this weird wrinkly skin look to it. Thankfully I immediately found a fix:
https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffect3/articles/159
If you were confused as I was initially at which file I was supposed to replace using the Texplorer, thanks to the author's weird text placement, just type in the search bar HMM_ARM_CTHI_Norm. Click the "Change" button below the thumbnail and replace it with the fittanktopnorm.dds file you created during the 1st part of the fix, and finish up according to the instructions.
And now you should be all set up to play a higher quality ME3 with a physically fit protagonist, both male and female!
Hope this helped you as much as it helped me.
Happy Reaper-hunting, folks!
Got everything set up again, me3 explorer, buff femshep mod, etc
Now the tank top mod simply won't work. Not even the new mesh.
I've installed using me3 explorer mod maker, pcc file, autotoc, etc.
A little help, anyone?
Maybe some current, up-to-date instructions?
Are you EA? Lol.
IT'S been two months. Just say it if you don't want to upgrade this mod to be compatible with Alot.
I like your work but I m not willing to install texture mods 1by 1 with me3 explorer but go with alot.
Your mod isn't compatible. I love this mod to be workn with alot.
EDIT: BAH! I thought I was responding to the Buff FemShep body mod, so I apologize. I use a differnt tank top mod, one that does not replace the into-outfit.
EDIT: BAH! I thought I was responding to the Buff FemShep body mod, so I apologize. I use a differnt tank top mod, one that does not replace the into-outfit.
Edit: Okay, so after poking around a bit in the pcc file, I found that it includes the LOD0 mesh, but not the ones for LOD1/2. Fortunately, the lower LODs are included in the upk file, and replacing them manually (which I had to do anyway in order to be able to use this with some of the other clothing mods I like to use) seemed to do the trick. Make sure you're using Meshplorer (NOT Meshplorer 2) to do the replacement.