MO2 not installing files.

[Ghoulz]

When I install a mod after selecting a compressed file, the files are no where to be seen in my data folder.

 

I'm getting the full option to select the install options during the process, just nothing is installed. 

[Just Don't]

MO2 doesn't put files in your data folder. It keeps each mod in its own folder, listed in the left panel. As long as the mod is correctly installed and enabled it should work, if the mod contains any plugin or master files those should also appear and be enabled in the right panel if you select the Loadorder tab (the first one and the one shown by default when you just install or open mo2). If you still don't see your mods in there then something else might be going on with your mod's installation.

[traison]

The magic of the usvfs. Run the "Explore Virtual Folder" application from MO2, and your files magically appear.

 

Like already stated, there's not supposed to be any mod files in the Skyrim data directory when viewed from outside of the usvfs. That's the feature that IMO makes MO2 far superior to any other mod manager.

[Grey Cloud]

13 hours ago, Ghoulz said:

When I install a mod after selecting a compressed file, the files are no where to be seen in my data folder.

 

I'm getting the full option to select the install options during the process, just nothing is installed. 

Try watching some vids on how to use your mod manager.