Make sure you choose the Shivering Isles patch if you have that expansion.
Your game MUST be patched to the latest (v) in order for most mods to work. Step 2: Download and install the Official Oblivion Patch. This prevents you from needing to run as Administrator or turn off UAC for mods to work. Many choose c:\Oblivion, or c:\Games\Oblivion, as their alternate install location. If you are running Windows Vista or later, make sure to install Oblivion OUTSIDE of the Program Files directory. Step 1: Install Oblivion and any expansions and official mod packs you have for it. Meanwhile, just improvise with the instructions here.
I'll add a second guide specifically for Skyrim once there are more mods and utilities out for it.
This guide was written for Oblivion, but also mostly works for Skyrim. If you already have the game installed, re-installing clean is optional I have simply found this method to be the best way to prevent problems in the future. If you are brand-new to Oblivion mods or just looking for a clean start, use this guide to learn how to set up Oblivion for mod use.
