The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Game Add-Ons (DLC) Hints

How can I get Steam's Creation Kit program to load up the Dawnguard.esm file?

  • 1 of 4: If the Creation Kit always crashes when you try to load Dawnguard.esm, you'll need to make a small change to the SkyrimEditor.ini file in the Skyrim directory (which is in the Steam\SteamApps\common directory on your install drive).
  • 2 of 4: Load that file up in Microsoft Notepad, then do a search for "sresourcearchivelist2" (w/o quote marks).
  • 3 of 4: You'll need to add the filename Dawnguard.bsa onto the end of that line, giving something like:

    SResourceArchiveList2=Skyrim - Shaders.bsa, Update.bsa, Dawnguard.bsa
  • 4 of 4: Save the file, then try running the Creation Kit program and loading the Dawnguard.esm file. It should work from now on.