If a specific mod uses the mod switch,does that mean that the vanilla files can be altered with them not affecting the installed mod?
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If a specific mod uses the mod switch,does that mean that the vanilla files can be altered with them not affecting the installed mod?
No, if its a BI mod the BI files could theoretically be altered after installation (not before as many require copying the BI files either manually or automatically) but that would mean you no longer have a 'clean' version to refer back to if you need to for something else.
For both BI and RTW mod foldered mods you shouldn't alter the RTW data files, as they will still be referred to by the mod.
Just make the changes you want to in another mod-folder on the same installation and leave all the vanilla files alone!
If you want to also use a non mod-foldered mod you need to copy the entire RTW installation and install the mod on the copy.
Thanks.