where should mods be stored, for New Vegas on Win7?

[Red Forman]

Everytime I read articles, forum threads, or watch a youtube video, it gives different instructions and different desitnation folders to store mods.

Here is a summary of where things are currently located.....
NOTE: I know things need to be moved around, but not sure where, and I don't want to wreck everything in the process.... so please have pity on me :)

* (Game) FALLOUT NEW VEGAS:
[location] F: \ Program Files (x86) \ Steam \ SteamApps \ Common \ Fallout New Vegas

* (FMM) FALLOUT MOD MANAGER:
[location] F: \ Program Files (x86) \ GeMM
[destination folders] F: \ Games \ FalloutNV \ mods
[destination folders] F: \ Games \ FalloutNV \ Install Info

* (NMM) NEXUS MOD MANAGER:
[location] F: \ Program Files (x86) \ Games \ Nexus Mod Manager
[destination folders] F: \ Games \ FalloutNV \ mods
[destination folders] F: \ Games \ FalloutNV \ Install Info

Also, with Steam, is it best to use NMM, FMM, or do I use both?
Also, after installation, do I still need to unzip them manually and move them?
I was unsure on that too...

THANK YOU VERY MUCH IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP!

[Grimminski]

Both FOMM and NMM store copies of your mods in a folder called 'mods'. That folders location is decided by you when you install the mod manager.

[Red Forman]

so it doesn't make a difference where they are located?
The FMM and NMM will find them automatically no matter their location, and enable them in the game?
Also, which do I use? Or do I need to use both?

[Grimminski]

Originally posted by Cotton-Headed Ninny-Muggins:

so it doesn't make a difference where they are located?

As long as you don't go moving things around, it'll be fine. You can use either of them. NMM will handle the download and install, while FOMM will only handle the install.

[Red Forman]

roger that.... THANK YOU.... I will try it out!

[Incunabulum]

FOMM and NMM will store *a .zip copy* of the mod - when the mod is activated through the manager, it will *install* the mod in it proper spot (assuming the mod author provided the right instructions for the more complicated mods) and uninstall it from there.

The archived copy is so that you can install/uninstall the mod without havng to download it over and over (and stores any specialized un-install instructions).

90% of mods simply get unzipped to your /Data folder inside your main game folder.