Quote Originally Posted by IceWolf
I may try to mod again someday, but I'll figure out how to make backups first, so I'll have a working vanilla game to fall back on if things get fubar with the mod.

Icewolf
I would very strongly recommend becoming more computer experienced before attempting to install a mod, or getting the assistance of a friend who is more computer experienced to install it for you. Don't get frustrated, at one time we all were not computer experts.

Mods simply change how a game plays and/or looks. From your own description of your problems, its quite apparent you totally botched the install. Not knowing how to install a mod properly will mean you may have difficulty properly installing an official patch too.