Vortex query re GHOSTED plugins/mods/files

[Grumpy Old Dude]

Generally, I can disable, and uninstall a mod, then if I have no intention of using it again, I can remove it and its archive data in Vortex. SOMETIMES, and I have noticed no causative reason, Vortex GHOSTS a mod instead. Then there is no removal option. I can go into my Skyrim data folder and delete the thing, but then Vortex gets upset and says some file couldnt be found.

How do I remove a ghosted plugin from Vortex?

[Ilja]

When you use Vortex, files in Data folder are not mods. They are just links to mods. Like MO2, Vortex attempts to keep Data folder empty from actual files.

Actual mod installation folder is elsewhere in your system. You should be able to check the path from Vortex settings, if you need to.

This whole thing sound a bit weird though. Vortex mods lists has all files with or without plugins. You should be able to do all of this from there, including accessing to mod installation folder.

Have you tried updating or reinstalling Vortex? If it is actually somehow hiding mods from Mods view, then your setup might be bugged.

[Grumpy Old Dude]

I've also posted on the Vortex subforum on Nexus; and seen others asking this same question. Why some it gives the option to delete, along with the archivs, and others it does not...I can not address. But a plugin it ghosts, like the one I created in an effort to resolve the grass issue around Heljarchen farm...is in the Data folder by default of the CK. I then install it from a file, to Vortex. That esp however, is still in the data filer where the CK put it. Now I HAD forgotten that Vortex stored in another folder. It may be that I need to delete both, then resort in Vortex.

ghosted mod files:
https://imgur.com/3BG3T5C

ghosted cant be uninstalled
https://imgur.com/Ib1v4Qj

[Ilja]

Now that I am seeing this: are you using WryBash? These files look like patches that have been disabled while creating BashedPatch.

This is an older method and while WB can disable plugins to merge information in to BashedPatch, it should Ghost them.

[Grumpy Old Dude]

I have used WB and have it installed, but I have not used it in over a year. I used that for Morrowind.

[Ilja]

Okay. I presume that you didn't hit hard plugin (.esm and .esp) limit either? It looks pretty weird that Vortex would ghost a plugin on it's own.

I am going to ask around.

[Grumpy Old Dude]

It didnt ghost it on its own. I disabled the plugin, and Vortex did not present the option to uninstall and/or remove. It instead gave me 3 choices: Enabled, Disabled, Ghost.

Just got the answer on the vortex subforum on Nexus. In the Army, we called this "operator head space and timing". Meaning operator brainfart. The ghost option is presented when you are in the PLUGINS tab. To uninstall/remove, you have to be in the MODS tab.

Lack of attention to detail....

[Ilja]

Ah. That clears it up.
I had slightly misunderstood what was going on.