Difference between revisions of "Archive.exe"
Typo.
imported>DreamKing (Edits to broaden the applicability of instructions that were specific to a single hosting site.) |
imported>Chesko (Typo.) |
||
| (4 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
Mods that use .bsa files instead of loose files are easy to install. Gamers will not install them wrong so frequently and complain to the mod maker about the mod not working because of their own mistakes. | Mods that use .bsa files instead of loose files are easy to install. Gamers will not install them wrong so frequently and complain to the mod maker about the mod not working because of their own mistakes. | ||
But more importantly, mods that use .bsa files are easy to uninstall permanently or temporarily. Skyrim uses external scripts. If lots of mods with loose file scripts are used, the game can soon be a big mess and nobody will be able to figure out which mod caused a problem by editing which script. With a .bsa file, just remove it, and the problem script will cause no more trouble. No need to | But more importantly, mods that use .bsa files are easy to uninstall permanently or temporarily. Skyrim uses external scripts. If lots of mods with loose file scripts are used, the game can soon be a big mess and nobody will be able to figure out which mod caused a problem by editing which script. With a .bsa file, just remove it, and the problem script will cause no more trouble. No need to go digging through lists of scripts to delete, move, or reinstall one. | ||
Some gamers like to use different mods when they are playing different characters. Perhaps a certain gamer would have a bunch of stealth mods to be used only when playing as a thief. Mods with .bsa files are easy to temporarily remove and then install again when it is time to play a different character. | Some gamers like to use different mods when they are playing different characters. Perhaps a certain gamer would have a bunch of stealth mods to be used only when playing as a thief. Mods with .bsa files are easy to temporarily remove and then install again when it is time to play a different character. | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
Using .bsa files for .esp dependent mesh and texture replacer mods can also save a lot of headaches when things start to go wrong with how things look in the game. | Using .bsa files for .esp dependent mesh and texture replacer mods can also save a lot of headaches when things start to go wrong with how things look in the game. | ||
So packing mods with a .bsa file instead of with loose files is considered to be following best practices for Skyrim modding. | So packing mods with a .bsa file instead of with loose files is considered to be following best practices for Skyrim modding. | ||
= Where to Find Archive.exe on the Computer = | = Where to Find Archive.exe on the Computer = | ||
| Line 373: | Line 373: | ||
There are many different mod hosting websites where you can upload your creation. There can be benefits to uploading your mod to multiple sites (increased visibility, increased availabilty if one of the hosts experienced downtime) as well as drawbacks (more time spent uploading the latest version across multiple sites, more user bases that may need to be monitored for support). Different sites have different rules; be sure to read and understand the terms and conditions of use before uploading to a site. For Skyrim mods, some popular hosting sites are the Skyrim Nexus, the Steam Workshop, TES Alliance, Dark Creations, and Holds of Skyrim. | There are many different mod hosting websites where you can upload your creation. There can be benefits to uploading your mod to multiple sites (increased visibility, increased availabilty if one of the hosts experienced downtime) as well as drawbacks (more time spent uploading the latest version across multiple sites, more user bases that may need to be monitored for support). Different sites have different rules; be sure to read and understand the terms and conditions of use before uploading to a site. For Skyrim mods, some popular hosting sites are the Skyrim Nexus, the Steam Workshop, TES Alliance, Dark Creations, and Holds of Skyrim. | ||
When uploading the file, set it to hidden (if the host allows this) until you have all pieces uploaded and the file is truly open for business. | When uploading the file, set it to hidden (if the host allows this) until you have all pieces uploaded and the file is truly open for business. Upload screenshots, if applicable, to show off the mod. Have a good mod description written and ready before you upload, stating what the mod does and how to start using it. (This can often be taken from the readme file.) Upload the readme file in some form or other so that it can be viewed without downloading the entire mod first, if possible. | ||
It would be good to run the readme file and mod description through a spell checker, because many potential downloaders are turned off by bad spelling. They react a similar way to a missing file that has not been uploaded yet. (The file is in the process of being uploaded but the modder failed to set the file to hidden.) Potential downloaders also react badly to mods with no screenshots. ("No pic, no click!") If the mod description is so vague that the potential downloaders can't tell what the mod is supposed to do, it is also quite harmful to the download count. | It would be good to run the readme file and mod description through a spell checker, because many potential downloaders are turned off by bad spelling. They react a similar way to a missing file that has not been uploaded yet. (The file is in the process of being uploaded but the modder failed to set the file to hidden.) Potential downloaders also react badly to mods with no screenshots. ("No pic, no click!") If the mod description is so vague that the potential downloaders can't tell what the mod is supposed to do, it is also quite harmful to the download count. | ||
Package the mod properly so that it works on computers besides your own, and advertize and present it well at the download point, and the mod will get lots of downloads. The gamers will be happy, and will leave positive comments and endorsements. | Package the mod properly so that it works on computers besides your own, and advertize and present it well at the download point, and the mod will get lots of downloads. The gamers will be happy, and will leave positive comments and endorsements. | ||
=Scripting Archive.exe= | =Scripting Archive.exe= | ||
| Line 409: | Line 408: | ||
The GUI will pop-up, build the archive, and then close. If MyMod.bsa already existed in the save location, it will be renamed MyMod.bak. | The GUI will pop-up, build the archive, and then close. If MyMod.bsa already existed in the save location, it will be renamed MyMod.bak. | ||
Checkboxes can be checked using a script by using the Check: function (see Discussion tab for more details): | |||
<pre>Check: Misc</pre> | |||
=Other Guides on How to Pack Up a .bsa File= | =Other Guides on How to Pack Up a .bsa File= | ||