Extracting BSAs

[LordIrontoe]

I have a dumb question. So far this guide's been incredibly clear and accurate, but I did run across something confusing. I'm working my way through the guide and I see the notice about extracting BSAs at the start of the Dovahkin Comes section:

 

"Notice:Critically Important! The first time a mod is installed that contains .bsa file Mod Organizer will prompt to extract it. Respond [Yes] and check the box labeled "Remember Selection" to prevent future prompts. If the prompt is needed again in the future simply click "Reset Dialogs" in Mod Organizers settings menu."

 

So I take that to mean that its very important that all BSAs  be extracted, but when I get to Alternate Start: Live Another Life, there's a note on the mod page to NOT extract the BSA or it will cause load order problems. There's no special instruction about it in the guide listing, so should I listen to Arthmoor and keep that BSA packed, or ignore him and extract? Normally, I would favor the mod author's instructions, but the guide has been so spot on so far that I'm inclined to trust Neovalen. 

 

Also, what's the reasoning behind extracting the BSA's in the first place? Is it to improve performance by not making the game have to extract files at runtime or is there a more important purpose?

[Nozzer66]

One of the reasons to extract BSA's is to get individual access to files they contain. You'll note later on that Neo asks to hide files etc. If they're still in the BSA you cant do that.

 

As for Alternate Start, I've always extracted the BSA and never noticed an issue. Obviously some have else Arthmoor wouldn't say not to. I guess it's just one of those 'your mileage may vary' sorts of things.

[Whetstone]

Arthmoor says that on all of his mods. If you want to get support from him you probably shouldn't extract.

 

There are arguments on both sides. Personally I extract everything. I like to dive into the guts of the mod and micro-manage my load to my liking. Extracting makes that much easier.

[Greg]

I noticed on Dolmen Ruins Arthmoor says, "[Extracting files from the BSA] will cause things to load in the wrong order and break the game." I have no idea what he means by things loading in the wrong order, but breaking the game? That seems a bit harsh.

[paul666root]

Arthmoor has a vendetta against extracting BSAs. He says that on all his mods.. but i did extract everything and did not encounter any problems.

[Astakos]

Paul and the rest of you guys...

 

I do not think that Arthmoor has a vendetta against extracting BSAs. Nor that he is in a position to judge/know when a user is an advanced one or a rookie...thus this statement from him.

 

Basically he has a very valid point; official way is that a bsa accompanies the esp, thus, BSA is loaded in the same order that the esp is loaded.

If you extract the BSA then this loading order is not automatically defined by the game but it is user defined. This is exactly what Arthmoor want to avoid, especially when scripts are used (thus the "game-breaking" expression he uses)

 

Example:

 

2 mods edit a vanilla script...let's call it Script_A

Both mods are installed by extracting their relevant BSAs.

 

Mods install order (Left pane of MO): Vanilla Script_A, MOD_A Script_A, MOD_B Script_A

ESPs Load Order (Right side of MO - i.e. using LOOT or not) - Skyrim.esm (corresponding to Vanilla Script_A), MOD_B.esp (corresponding to MOD_B Script_A), MOD_A.esp (corresponding to MOD_A Script_A).

 

You see now where the problem is? MOD_A.esp will actually load a script (that due to loose files overwrites) is not its native script but the script from MOD_B. Thus the game breaking issue that Arthmoor is talking about.

 

I do extract all of my BSAs. But I pay extreme attention not to have a situation that resembles the example given above.

 

Hope this clarifies things a bit! 

[paul666root]

Yes i understand. But with extracting BSAs you will actually see what scripts overwrite. Anyway thanks for the clarification.

[Astakos]

Yes you do see the overwrites.

But how many do you think relate that to the actual load order between the relevant ESPs?

This is the actual problem...

[LordIrontoe]

Thanks for the answers. I had a feeling from the way Arthmoor's notice was phrased that the question of whether to extract or not to extract was more of a philosophical stance about proper modding practice than a specific issue with those files.

 

For now, I'll continue to put my trust in the guide and extract as instructed and hopefully it will all play nicely in the end.