How to start all over in Mod Organizer?

[Juffo78]

Hi Guys,

as I messed something up, I decided to start an adult mod setting from scratch instead of fixing it. How do I do it best in Mod Organizer 2?

My plan:

1. Remove all mods exept: F4SE, SKK Fast Start new game, all DLC and Creation club unmanaged mods.

2. Delete all mods in the overwrite folder.

3. Starting a new game to get a clean save

4. Get AAF running and adding the mods I want step by step.

 

Is that a sound approach, or do I miss something?

[HentaiGnome]

Sounds like a good idea.

 

Note that if you've been having issues with the game itself, you'll probably want to remove your Documents/My Games/Fallout 4 folder and run Verify Install in Steam (or whatever is the equivalent in GOG) prior to doing any of the stuff that you listed above. But if you do this, remember to run vanilla Fallout 4 once through its launcher (and not through MO2) just to generate the correct Fallout 4 folder and files in your Documents/My Games directory, which will then get overwritten properly once you start using MO2.

 

Other than that, sounds like you have it all figured out. Just make sure your INIs are set the way they need to be and definitely install mods a few at a time, testing them to make sure that they work, so it'll be easier to figure out which mods have issues along the way. AAF and any mods associated with it has quite a bit of requirements so definitely take your time getting that set up right.

 

Also if you haven't been doing it already, MO2 allows you to create Separators. It's definitely useful for organizing your mods on the left-hand pane. Speaking of left-hand pane, I'm sure you already know this, but the order of which they are set under the Priority column DOES matter, as that determines which mods and files get overwritten. This is slightly different from the right-hand pane, which handles the load order of plugin files like esp/esl/esm, but the concept is still the same.

Edited May 2, 2025 by HentaiGnome

[Juffo78]

2 hours ago, HentaiGnome said:

Note that if you've been having issues with the game itself, you'll probably want to remove your Documents/My Games/Fallout 4 folder and run Verify Install in Steam (or whatever is the equivalent in GOG) prior to doing any of the stuff that you listed above. ...

Good point. I did it and even found some corrupted files. Had to downgrade FO4 after that, again- good thing I kept the requirements. But now, I have got my clean saves.

2 hours ago, HentaiGnome said:

Other than that, sounds like you have it all figured out... AAF and any mods associated with it has quite a bit of requirements so definitely take your time getting that set up right.

Yes, I had some trouble in the first attempt. But I managed it once, so I can do it twice.

2 hours ago, HentaiGnome said:

Also if you haven't been doing it already, MO2 allows you to create Separators. It's definitely useful for organizing your mods on the left-hand pane. Speaking of left-hand pane, I'm sure you already know this, but the order of which they are set under the Priority column DOES matter, as that determines which mods and files get overwritten. This is slightly different from the right-hand pane, which handles the load order of plugin files like esp/esl/esm, but the concept is still the same.

Good thing you mentioned it. I created seperators just recently, but I was not aware of the priority. So the most important things will need the highest prioriy (should be framework and resources, right?).

Thank you so much for your help. 

[BDNelson]

I've been forced to redo a number of MO2 builds for FO4. I still cannot make the game work with a female PC, FG, AAF, etc... , using the AAF "FuckingGuide". The best way to ensure a new clean MO2 build, in my opinion, is to completely delete the game AND the Creation Kit and start from scratch. Why do that? Logs, they carry information that botches up the entire works.

 

I have, after 3000+ hours of trying, given up on modding Fallout 4 and Skyrim Anniversary Edition. I'm not a mod author, I don't understand how this stuff works. I have been trying to install mods since Fallout 3 and FAILED EVERY SINGLE time.

 

I'm 67 years old, I don't have time to waste on this and frankly, I'm tired of not being able to play these games I have paid so much money for.

 

Brokethesda junk.

[Vyru]

12 hours ago, BDNelson said:

I have, after 3000+ hours of trying, given up on modding Fallout 4 and Skyrim Anniversary Edition.

 

3k hours? How?? I've returned to playing / modding Skyrim AE after more than a year on a new pc so i had to do a complete re-install and new mod list.

 

12 hours ago, BDNelson said:

Brokethesda junk

 

How is that Bethesda's fault? All they did was releasing the games and some modding tools... they are not responsible if people can't get mods made by other people that have nothing to do with the company to work. 

 

It's the same for all Bethesda games:

 

Download the basics (Script Extender etc.) make sure to read instructions carefully and installing everything right, download some mods and do the same, take your time reading, make sure not to forget any requirements, avoid downloading 50 mods at once but instead go for one (and it's requirements) at a time, load the mcm, set everything the way you want it, do some testing and THEN download the next one. It really isn't that hard. 

[Samuraitech]

When I have problems with a Bethesda Game , I do use MO2, I often copy my last profile and start from that. You can still maintain load orders but troubleshoot the game to figure out what is causing problems. You can enable the previously copied profile once you figure out the issue.   

 

When I start a new play through, I may need to restart the game dozens of times to pick and choose what works and what does not before I select the final profile.  It is like buying a junker muscle car and fixing it up.  You need to turn the wrench and get dirty to make it work.  It will be painful.  You will question your sanity but hopefully worth it in the end.   

 

Having said that it is often necessary in modding to "Nuke From Orbit"   I think someone here said that at one time. This is where you may need to delete the game entirely and reload.

Maybe upgrade MO2 and start completely from scratch.  Sometimes things lurk or fester in the game files and it is best to nuke and start over.  Been there, done that.  You need to decide if that is the best option, or just start disabling mods one at a time hoping you find the problem.

 

My method for modding is always to get the body working first.  Fusion Girl, CBBE, TWB, or whatever.  Physics and beauty mods included.  Beauty mods are what I refer to as textures, eyes, face meshes, etc that relate to your character.  After that maybe performance or bug fixes followed by environment or visual mods to make the world beautiful.  From there go in the direction you desire like clothing, weapons, player homes.  First and foremost the game must be stable and playable.  I am talking to you "Zombie Apocalypse Mods."  Not that I don't use t them myself but be careful.  

 

Only load a few mods at a time.  Start the game and see how things are working before enabling more.  This is not always a tried and true method.  Sometime you get to like level 35 and arrive in the glowing sea, or any particular area and start encountering issues.  Not sure how to advise for this.  It is what it is.  You can't fix a problem until you see a problem.  Most important "Never Surrender".  You will have problems.  Humans are tool users.  We excel at adapting our environment to our needs.  If you are standing in quicksand go back to the last known stable ground.  I also I can't stress enough the need to read.  Read, read, read.  Documents are out there for a reason.  You can't just click the "Staples Easy Button" and expect everything to work.  Watch "Idiocracy" as a fear I have in reference to this.

 

To answer the original question of the poster, yes, your approach is sound.  Make sure you safe your Mod Organizer Final working game and Steam or GOG game files when complete .

 

I use vanilla save games to restart.  Vanilla save games can be found on Nexus and do not use any mods.  They will usually start outside or, or at the entrance of a Vault.  This is will save time and you  can go into looksmenu at any time and do your character the way you want.  Hint use the cheat terminal to help create new character.  it is named cheat terminal but is not necessarily for cheating.  It can be used to change your character name and go into looksmenu from the Pipboy.  It may replace several mods you are already using.  Very, Very useful.  Can't stress enough.

 

On a final note I have Skyrim, Fallout 3, NV, and Fo4 in Steam and GOG.  I bought the GOG games at the last holidays because they were all like 5 bucks, individual.  They don't seem to screw with your games and I like an alternative plan.  They thrive on legacy games and are not supposed to update the game unless you say so.  So far so good.

 

Good luck and hang in there.

Edited June 13, 2025 by Samuraitech