Enabling Mods for FALLOUT 4

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A guide to setting up your PC version of Fallout 4 for modding. This does not show you how to install mods, but rather set your game up ready for mods to be installed. These edits are required for installed mods to work in your game.



You will need to add the following line to the Fallout4Prefs.ini file below the section marked [Launcher]:

bEnableFileSelection=1

You will need to change the following line in Fallout4.ini:

sResourceDataDirsFinal=STRINGS\, TEXTURES\, MUSIC\, SOUND\, INTERFACE\, MESHES\, PROGRAMS\, MATERIALS\, LODSETTINGS\, VIS\, MISC\, SCRIPTS\, SHADERSFX\

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  1. Oreobambi
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    -
  2. Dominionz
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    Great vid! However, I have run into a problem. Whenever I change the line to "sResourceDataDirsFinal=STRINGS\, TEXTURES\, MUSIC\, SOUND\, INTERFACE\, MESHES\, PROGRAMS\, MATERIALS\, LODSETTINGS\, VIS\, MISC\, SCRIPTS\, SHADERSFX\" Fallout 4 no longer works. It'll load the launcher, click play, then it'll load the first screen and right when the little steam box show's up in the bottom right the game CTD's. If i remove that line and just have STRINGS then the game runs fine. Any ideas?
    1. Korvil
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      Same problem here
    2. Shaxon20
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      snap!
      anyone with a solution on here?
    3. Gzus5261
      Gzus5261
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      It's "ShaderFX" without the S, worked for me
    4. Gzus5261
      Gzus5261
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      It's "Shaderfx" without the s
    5. Gzus5261
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      I should mention, it fixed my CTD
    6. Dominionz
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      still CTD's with your shaderfx fix.
    7. capSAR
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      Also still crashing for me, I have a clean install but once I add this it will not run no matter what. I even changed to SHADERFX but no dice.
    8. kamel828
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      Same problem here
    9. Shawker
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      get rid of shader fx completely and try loading, plus the line is supposed to end at shadersfx\ Fallout 4 should not be there it will put you into a loop.
    10. Dominionz
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      no dice. still CTD. Also noticed when i open the hidden "data files" window showing load order, the window is empty. I'm curious if it should display the main Fallout 4 file or not...
    11. borgKick
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      Shaderfx worked for me! thx
  3. arcanum147
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    Im sorry but I am only having problem with SKINS-RELATED MODS. other types of Mods are working

    I've done EVERYTHING to the letter... even the extended script solution.

    Still can't see any of my skins activated.

    I see the new options working in the game...example Worsin's Power Armor mod... i do see the option in game but when i select paint it does appear.

    and one more thing... not all fallout 4 folders show the "ini" files...

    they just appear as typical "Fallout4pref" without the "ini" and i feel so dumb to realise they were one and the same....

    and mine sure didnt come with "Fallout4Custom.ini" folder....but i bet the one on mine that says "Fallout4_Default" (again no ini) is the one

    So just a feedback... Im really just having the problem of not having the skin mods activated. SO PLEASE HELP and take my feedback into consideration please.

    NOT ALL OF US ARE PRO MODDERS.

    running Fallout 4 via STEAM btw.... please help

    1. th3fr4gil3
      th3fr4gil3
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      turn off 'hide extensions for known file types' in windows.
      open a folder goto tools in upper bar, then folder options then view tab.
      that should get those file extensions showing up.
    2. Vitras
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      So, I had the same problem and figured out my issue. I'm kind of embarrassed, because I should've known better. If you're using NMM (nexus mod manager) make sure you run it as admin.

      Hope this helps. Cheers.
  4. ahays07
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    I added/edited the specified lines and get the message:
    "You are Missing E:\Program
    Files\Steam\steamapps\downloading\377160\Data\Fallout4.esm.Please
    verify your game install and ensure E:\Program
    Files\Steam\steamapps\downloading\377160\Data\Fallout4.esm is
    present."
    When I attempt to open the Fallout4 Nexus Mod Manager. Thoughts?
  5. FalloutAddict111
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    This video needs to be updated
  6. Dominionz
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    Found this new instruction on how to enable modding and it worked for me.

    Navigate to your Fallout 4 Folder at the following location "Documents/My Games/Fallout 4"

    Within this folder will be a number of .ini files, highlight "Fallout4Prefs.ini" and "Fallout4.ini".

    Right Click, select Properties and ensure that these are NOT marked as read only.

    Open Fallout4Prefs.ini with your favourite text editor (we use Notepad++)
    .
    Navigate to the very bottom and you will see the line [Launcher]. Directly underneath this, add the following line:

    bEnableFileSelection=1

    Save and Close

    Open Fallout4Custom.ini with your favourite text editor.

    * Note that this file was changed from Fallout4.ini following update 1.2

    Add the following lines to your Fallout4Custom.ini

    [Archive]
    bInvalidateOlderFiles=1
    sResourceDataDirsFinal=

    Save and close...

    Hope it works for all of you!
  7. trued
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    Article, please. Video is fine as a gossip to skip, not if it's a complicated instruction.
    1. Gopher
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      I do not know of any such articles sorry.
    2. BuBleygal236
      BuBleygal236
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      Making an Ikea-inspired hard copy guide book. Will come with a set of crayons.

      Estimated time of completion; 3-5 years.
  8. wildprophecy
    wildprophecy
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    did all of what gopher said to do game now crashes 3 sec onds after i click play, anything I should try?
    1. FrenchSilk
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      Me too
  9. alohamiggo
    alohamiggo
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    i cant find fallout4prefs ini i only find fallout4prefs and there is no launcher section
    1. tuff308
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      Your PC is most likely setup to not show extensions so the fallout4prefs file you see is the one that is being referred.

      You will need to manually add that launcher bit in manually at the end of the file
    2. alohamiggo
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      ok ty mate!
    3. lestat1234
      lestat1234
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      lol
      fallout4prefs IS a ini. Look at the file type.
  10. matt12347
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    I don't have the custom file, what do I do.