Extracting

Once you are able to open the compressed archive and view the files and folder inside it is time to find where to place your new mod.

Where do I install the Mods?

The easiest way to find where to place the mod is through the game menu. Select "Options" in the main menu the select "Mods" then "Show Mod Path". Pressing "Show Mod Path" should create the folder if there is not one already.

Vista & 7

Trinity
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Ironclad Games\Sins of a Solar Empire\...

Rebellion
C:\Users\[username]\Documents\My Games\Ironclad Games\Sins of a Solar Empire Rebellion\Mods-Rebellion v1.52\...

XP

C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Application Data\Ironclad Games\Sins of a Solar Empire\...

Sins Mods are very specific to version and expansion type. There are 3 different games in Trinity, each with there own folder for different updates.

• Sins of a Solar Empire --> ...\Mods-vX.XX
• Sins of a Solar Empire Entrenchment --> ...\Mods-Entrenchment vX.XX
• Sins of a Solar Empire Diplomacy --> ...\Mods-Diplomacy vX.XX

vX.XX is the version of the selected expansion. There maybe multiple folders for different versions of each upgrade. Place the mod in the most current version folder only if the mod was made for that version of that expansion. Older version folders or the mods in them are no longer used by the game.

Not all mods are created with a standard rule of compressing an archive. Some people who make the mod do not even understand how the compressor works. As long as all the required files are included creating the proper directory structure should not be difficult.

Here is what the directory structure should look like.

This shows the folder in a folder bad installation. The game will still find "My Mod" but does not have any of the files in the proper directory.

Another bad install and here the game will show mods like "GameInfo", Mesh etc.

If you have upgraded the game and can no longer use your favourite mod you can try harpo's Mod Updater. This will not always work and you can check and post in the appropriate mod thread for it to be upgraded to the latest version.

TRINITY versions - Where is my AppData folder?

The AppData (previously Application Data) is hidden by default. Skip this section if you wish to leave the "Hidden Folders" hidden.

Open Windows Explorer. On the menu bar select Tools --> Folder Options
or
Control Panel --> Folder Options 

At the top of the "Folder Options" window select the "View" tab.   Under "Advanced Settings" click the "Show hidden files and folders" radio button.   Press OK

Alternatively, if you wish to leave the folders hidden, enter the address for your OS in the address bar replacing [username] with your log on name.

e.g. for Vista C:\Users\myfist0\AppData\Local\Ironclad Games\Sins of a Solar Empire

Another way is to create a shortcut. Right click on an empty section of the desktop (or in any folder) and select New --> Create Shortcut, enter the appropriate address then name your new shortcut.

This will also leave the "Hidden Folders" hidden.

Why are these files stored in a hidden folder?

It's a requirement of Microsoft if you want the "Games for Windows" specification.