Mod virgin,HELP?

[fester]

I've never tried a mod before and my computer skills go as far as switching on my computer and playing total war and surfing the net.How do I go about instaling a mod? Can I still play vanila once I've done so and if I dont like it can it be easily uninstaled? I fancy one off the popular mods like BKB.

[Wingman]

Har har har. We've all been there, and me especially since I'm not that computer savy either. Anyway, all mods should come with instructions about how to install them. Just look in the zip file for a word document. Many mods also have auto install mechanisms that a pretty easy to deal with. Just make sure you install those into your Medieval Total War folder. Good luck.

[Ciaran]

If you want to be on the sae side (and have the HD space to spare) you should copy your whole installation folder before installing any mods (which either come with self-installers or are files that have to be copied to a certain directory, which one is usually stated in the mod readme), that way you can still play the vanilla game or repair mistakes easily without the need to uninstall and reinstall the whole game.
You know how to copy a folder, though, don´t you :inquisitive: ?

[Csargo]

I think XL has a auto-install doesn't it?

[Deus ret.]

If you want to be on the sae side (and have the HD space to spare) you should copy your whole installation folder before installing any mods (which either come with self-installers or are files that have to be copied to a certain directory, which one is usually stated in the mod readme), that way you can still play the vanilla game or repair mistakes easily without the need to uninstall and reinstall the whole game.
You know how to copy a folder, though, don´t you ?
A good way to install several mods and still be able to play the vanilla game (as well as each of the mods) is to use a mod-switcher tool like JSGME. It's free and available here (http://www.beerymod.com/sh3_003.htm).

Basically all you have to do is a clean and patched install before employing the switcher; afterwards, all you'll need is several seconds (vanilla to XL) to several minutes (vanilla to PMTW) of waiting time to switch between mods.

Have fun!

[ajaxfetish]

For an easy install of a popular mod you can try XL. It's what I've been using of late and has really extended the interest of the game. It auto-installs and a technology half-wit like myself had no trouble getting it up and running. Also, it still allows you to play the game regular-style, though the map keeps the slight variations of the mod (apparently VH couldn't get it to work with two separate maps, though he could keep the unit and building trees separate).

Because of the map change, old save games won't work, I think, but I doubt you'd even want to play the game without the mod enhancements after trying them out. I can't comment on any of the other mods, as XL is the only one I've tried. I've heard great things about several of them, but have no idea how easy they are to install and so forth.

Ajax

[Sensei Warrior]

XL has a great no hassle install. I just recently waded into my first mod, which was XL. I waffled between XL, BKB, and MedMod for quite awhile. I totally agree with ajaxfetish on this one. There is a very small chance you will go back to playing vanilla once you play one of the Mods.

XL is a riot. Lots of new units, factions, and some other stuff. The AI has been drastically improved, this one will give you a good run for your money.

BKB is said to be one of the most historically accurate mods still set in the Medieval period. It also went to great lengths to improve the AI.

MedMod 2.1(?) is said to be the one with the best AI. This mod changed very little of the game. Wes' idea was just to improve the AI and make it a challenge. From what I read he did a great job. He has a Version 3 and is in the middle of a version 4. Both of those use the AI of 2.xx and then added new units and factions, and some other concepts.

Even though I haven't tried all 3, they are all suppose to have a very easy install. To wrap it up I vouch for XL having an easy install since its the only one I've tried. If your new to the game I might suggest MedMod 2.xx, since that one is the one that seems to have changed the least amount of stuff. XL and BKB have so many new things like factions and units it might seem a little daunting if your still trying to get a feel for MTW. If you are comfortable with the game than take your pick.

[Ciaran]

XL also has the advantage that you can still basically play the vanilla game, the only change when playing the XL vanilla (the explicit XL games are marked XL in the era selection) is that the map has a couple of provinces more and (I think) some land bridges got removed, though I´m not sure with the latter.
I haven´t tried the other mods (Med and BKB) as of yet, but I´ll have to eventually. So many mods, so little time...