Resetting Skyrim to Vanilla or A Clean Reinstall

[grimus]

Resetting Skyrim to Vanilla

Disable, delete and unsubscribe all mods from the Skyrim launcher or mod manager leaving the Skyrim DLCs active.

Goto Steam\Steamapps\Common\Skyrim folder.

The main Skyrim folder should only contain: ( you may not see some or all of the file extensions depending on your folder settings.)

Data (folder)
DirectX10 (folder)
DotNetFX (folder)
reslists (folder) *
Skyrim (folder)
VCRedist (folder)
atimgpud.dll
binkw32.dll
high.ini
installscript.vdf
low.ini
medium.ini
readme.txt
Skyrim_default.ini
SkyrimLauncher.exe
steam_api.dll
TESV.exe
VeryHigh.ini

Note: * The Skyrim\reslists folder which you may or may not have, depending if Steam has removed it, contains 2 Steam files; precache.lst and preload.lst .

The Skyrim\Data folder should only contain: (depending on installed DLCs.)

Interface (folder)
Strings (folder)
Video (folder)
Dawnguard.bsa
Dawnguard.esm
Dragonborn.bsa
Dragonborn.esm
HearthFires.bsa
HearthFires.esm
HighResTexturePack01.bsa
HighResTexturePack01.esp
HighResTexturePack02.bsa
HighResTexturePack02.esp
HighResTexturePack03.bsa
HighResTexturePack03.esp
Skyrim - Animations.bsa
Skyrim - Interface.bsa
Skyrim - Meshes.bsa
Skyrim - Misc.bsa
Skyrim - Shaders.bsa
Skyrim - Sounds.bsa
Skyrim - Textures.bsa
Skyrim - Voices.bsa
Skyrim - VoicesExtra.bsa
Skyrim.esm
Update.bsa
Update.esm

The Skyrim\Data\Interface folder ** should only contain the Translate_ENGLISH.txt file.

The Skyrim\Data\Strings folder ** should only contain:

Skyrim_English.DLSTRINGS
Skyrim_English.ILSTRINGS
Skyrim_English.STRINGS
Update_English.DLSTRINGS
Update_English.ILSTRINGS
Update_English.STRINGS

Note: ** The language should be the language of your game's download.

The Skyrim\Data\Video folder should only contain the BGS_Logo.bik file.

The Skyrim\DirectX10 folder should contain 146 files. The total number also includes the hidden files.

The Skyrim\DotNetFX folder should only contain the dotnetfx35setup.exe file.

The Skyrim\Skyrim folder, contains the SkyrimPrefs.ini file.

The Skyrim\VCRedist folder, contains the vcredist_x86.exe file.

Next goto your Users\(user name)\Documents\My Games\Skyrim folder and copy it to your desktop or somewhere safe. Delete all the files and folder(s) in the Users\(user name)\Documents\My Games\Skyrim folder. The new .ini files will be created during the game's hardware detection and launch process. The old game saves may not work with a vanilla game because of the missing mods. (Which is why you backed up this folder as well as having a backup of your .ini files, all just in case.)

Goto Steam's LIbrary view, right click on the game. Select Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Cache. Let the verification process run. This process will also restore any original game files/folders you may have accidently deleted. When starting the game you can ignore the "1 file missing ..." message. The missing file will be a new graphics configuration file that is created when next starting Skyrim.

Start Skyrim, it will detect your video hardware and will suggest to you your recommended graphic card settings.

Select "Play" and your game is now vanilla.

A Clean Reinstall

- copy'n'paste this portion of the post to notepad so you can referance it after exiting Steam. (Don't exit yet.)
- unsubscribe from and delete Workshop mods from the DATA section of splash screen.
- deactivate and delete all Nexus and "other" mods from the game.
- delete Local Content via Steam by right clicking on game from Steam Library.
- exit Steam
- delete all files in Steam\Steamapps\Common\Skyrim folder.
- delete all files in Users\(user name)\Documents\My Games\Skyrim folder. (copy your Saves folder to desktop, your saves may not work with the new install because of the mods being no longer present.)
- reinstall Skyrim from Steam by right clicking on the game icon in your Steam library.
- verify the game cache. ( its safe to ignore the "1 file..." message.)
- check load order from the DATA section of the splash screen: Dawnguard, Hearthfires, Dragonborn, HR textures 1, 2, 3.
- test the new game installation with a new character. ( don't add any 3rd party mods untill after exitting Helgen Cave.)
- if your game is now stable, make a copy of your Skyrim folders and paste them to a safe space. That way you won't have to re-download the game next time you need to reinstall it.

Deleting the files in the Skyrim folders after uninstalling the game files using the "delete Local Content via Steam" will ensure all the "leftover" files are gone as well. These leftovers can/will cause problems when you reinstall the game and then try to play it.

EDIT: spelling, grammer, clairification, dyslexia....

[rcarmod]

I always just delete all my saves and then remove my data file from the skyrim program file. It does a clean re-install without the mods or saves. Fell free to do it your way though.

[_artishadow_]

what about "checking local files" steam feature? is this working(somehow)?

[Bomb Bloke]

grimus, there's another folder that you may or may not want to add to your guide;

%userprofile%/AppData/Local/Skyrim

It doesn't contain much, but it does have your load order in it.

Originally posted by _artishadow_:

what about "checking local files" steam feature? is this working(somehow)?

That aims to ensure that all the files Steam initially downloaded into the main game folder are in their original states. It doesn't do anything with any extra files - such as the settings files in your Documents folder, or any mod files you've installed.

[-AKEVA-BANSHEE-]

Originally posted by grimus:

Resetting Skyrim to Vanilla

Disable, delete and unsubscribe all mods from the Skyrim launcher or mod manager leaving the Skyrim DLCs active.

Goto Steam/Steamapps/Common/Skyrim folder.

The main Skyrim folder should only contain: ( you may not see some or all of the file extensions depending on your folder settings.)

Data (folder)
DirectX10 (folder)
DotNetFX (folder)
reslists (folder) *
Skyrim (folder)
VCRedist (folder)
atimgpud.dll
binkw32.dll
high.ini
installscript.vdf
low.ini
medium.ini
readme.txt
Skyrim_default.ini
SkyrimLauncher.exe
steam_api.dll
TESV.exe
VeryHigh.ini

The Skyrim/Data folder should only contain: (depending on installed DLCs.)

Interface (folder)
Strings (folder)
Video (folder)
Dawnguard.bsa
Dawnguard.esm
Dragonborn.bsa
Dragonborn.esm
HearthFires.bsa
HearthFires.esm
HighResTexturePack01.bsa
HighResTexturePack01.esp
HighResTexturePack02.bsa
HighResTexturePack02.esp
HighResTexturePack03.bsa
HighResTexturePack03.esp
Skyrim - Animations.bsa
Skyrim - Interface.bsa
Skyrim - Meshes.bsa
Skyrim - Misc.bsa
Skyrim - Shaders.bsa
Skyrim - Sounds.bsa
Skyrim - Textures.bsa
Skyrim - Voices.bsa
Skyrim - VoicesExtra.bsa
Skyrim.esm
Update.bsa
Update.esm

The Skyrim/Data/Interface folder ** should only contain the Translate_ENGLISH.txt file.

The Skyrim/Data/Strings folder ** should only contain:

Skyrim_English.DLSTRINGS
Skyrim_English.ILSTRINGS
Skyrim_English.STRINGS
Update_English.DLSTRINGS
Update_English.ILSTRINGS
Update_English.STRINGS

The Skyrim/Data/Video folder should only contain the BGS_Logo.bik file.

The Skyrim/DirectX10 folder should contain 146 files. The total number also includes the hidden files.

The Skyrim/DotNetFX folder should only contain the dotnetfx35setup.exe file.

The Skyrim/Skyrim folder, contains the SkyrimPrefs.ini file.

The Skyrim/VCRedist folder, contains the vcredist_x86.exe file.

Next goto your Users/(user name)/My Documents/My Games/Skyrim folder and copy it to your desktop or somewhere safe. Delete all the files and folder(s) in the Users/(user name)/My Documents/My Games/Skyrim folder. The new .ini files will be created during the game's hardware detection and launch process. The old game saves may not work with a vanilla game because of the missing mods. (Which is why you backed up this folder as well as having a backup of your .ini files, all just in case.)

Now "Shutdown" the computer, wait a couple mins., reboot computer. This will make sure all the software/hardware hooks are reset, as "Restart" doesn't always do this.

Goto Steam's LIbrary view, right click on the game. Select Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Cache. Let the verification process run and when finished, you can ignore the "1 file missing ..." message. The missing file will be a new graphics configuration file that is created when next starting Skyrim.

Start Skyrim, it will detect your video hardware and will suggest to you your recommended graphic card settings.

Select "Play" and your game is now vanilla.

Note:
* The Skyrim/reslists folder which you may or may not have, depending if Steam has moved it to a different location, contains 2 Steam files; precache.lst and preload.lst .
** The language should be the language of your game's download.

or A Clean Reinstall

- watch the video.
- copy'n'paste this post to notepad so you can referance it after exiting Steam. (Don't exit yet.)
- unsubscribe from and delete Workshop mods from the DATA section of splash screen.
- deactivate and delete all Nexus and "other" mods from the game.
- delete Local Content via Steam by right clicking on game from Steam Library.
- exit Steam
- delete all files in Steam>Steamapps>Common>Skyrim folder.
- delete all files in Users>(user name)>My Documents>My Games>Skyrim folder. (copy your Saves folder to desktop, your saves may not work with the new install because of the mods being no longer present.)
- "Shutdown" the computer, wait a couple mins., reboot computer. This will make sure all the software/hardware hooks are reset, "Restart" doesn't always do this..
- reinstall Skyrim from Steam by right clicking on the game icon in your Steam library.
- verify the game cache. ( its safe to ignore the "1 file..." message.)
- check load order from the DATA section of the splash screen: Dawnguard, Hearthfires, Dragonborn, HR textures 1, 2, 3.
- test the new game installation with a new character. ( don't add any 3rd party mods untill after exitting Helgen Cave.)
- if your game is now stable, make a copy of your Skyrim folders and paste them to a safe space. That way you won't have to re-download the game next time you need to reinstall the game.

Deleting the files in the Skyrim folders after uninstalling the game files using the "delete Local Content via Steam" will ensure all the "leftover" files are gone as well. These leftovers can/will cause problems when you reinstall the game and then try to play it.

Video by mickydickybob:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGSNxpHvioA

I could not follow this videa and have tried this neither work anyways

[Commander Makara]

Originally posted by Bomb Bloke:

grimus, there's another folder that you may or may not want to add to your guide;

%userprofile%/AppData/Local/Skyrim

%localappdata%\Skyrim\ Is the correct formalism.

Also

Users/(user name)/My Documents/

Should be the value of registry key for HKCU UserShellFolder "Personal"
Othweriwse, using literal determination will fail on earlier OS, systems with custom SHF, different OS language settings etc.

[OutsidR]

Is a good reason that if you don't follow exactly how to use mod applications. Don't use them period. Vanilla is the way to go.

[Ilja]

Originally posted by OutsidR:

Is a good reason that if you don't follow exactly how to use mod applications. Don't use them period. Vanilla is the way to go.

Or, just stick with Mod Organizer. MO does not install any files to Data folder, so you can't mess your game to a point where you would need to make it vanilla again.

If official master files themselves are broken, then validating them with cleared appcache folder does the trick.

Happy modding. :)

[inc2000glw]

MO takes a long time to load :(

[Ilja]

Originally posted by inc2000glw:

MO takes a long time to load :(

I have over 230 mod folders, but I am closing and opening it constantly while working. It opens instantly.

Though it does sometimes take long to make the first load of the day. Not always and not today. I am not certain why it does that.

Quite honestly, even if MO would take it's time to make the initial load for the day, everything you do with NMM takes double time anyway. Sorting MO left panel also takes time, but solving resource priority conflicts with NMM takes pretty much double time per problem.

But let's stick with the matter. If someone wants to chat about MO, then I will be happy to do so. Let's just do that in some relevant thread. :)

[Bomb Bloke]

Originally posted by Ilja:

Though it does sometimes take long to make the first load of the day. Not always and not today. I am not certain why it does that.

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa364218%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

And yes, this is reliable - don't try to turn it off as a troubleshooting step for anything.

But do note that these days, write operations on disks marked as "removable" are no longer cached (on the basis that when Windows Explorer tells the user it's finished copying a file to such a disk, it better be true, because odds are the user will then unplug it on the spot).

[Ilja]

That makes sense. Thanks.

[Silvar]

I thought the Windows shutdown/restart thing was the other way around: By default Windows 8/8.1/10 use a form of hibernation when shut down in order to start quicker the next time, whereas restarting actually boots the system properly.

You can disable this functionality (by disabling "fast boot"), but it's there by default (and on for most users needing this guide).

[MageThis]

Iija posted: "Though it (MO) does sometimes take long to make the first load of the day. Not always and not today. I am not certain why it does that."

Doesn't it poll for a new MO masterlist when loading first time?

[Ilja]

SE version in reply #1 looks good to me for it's content.

[Bomb Bloke]

Silvar is talking about this:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/jj835779%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

In short, as of Windows 8, "restarting" your computer does a rather more thorough job of re-initialising your device drivers. Not that it makes the slightest bit of difference to Skyrim, mind you - let alone bloody software hooks, of all things!

For all intents and purposes, when your system restarts by whatever method, any data that solely existed in RAM is gone. To elaborate a bit, if a government agent happened to bust down your door in the next few seconds, he might be able to recover something (his odds actually somewhat improve if you do a complete shutdown and leave the system off, as this ensures nothing will be overwritten) - but your system certainly isn't going to do it automatically. It's a privacy concern, not a performance one.

In short, the whole "leave your computer off for two minutes" thing is bunk. If you're going to shut down as part of powercycling, sure, wait a few seconds for the capacitors to discharge - for much the same reason as to why turning your water taps off and on again quickly isn't a good idea; sudden and repeated changes in voltage are a good way to burn out your components - but any more than that is a waste of your time.