Thursday, July 5, 2012

Skyrim data files empty or blank?

Been trying to find this solution for awhile, but I managed to fixed it myself.
you may know me from yahoo, as the same name GUSSYGOOSE.

 Problem Identity
If you have these kind of problems:

1. Skyrim Data Files button on Skyrim Launcher not greyed out.
2. No esps or esms shown on the list.
3. But there ARE esps and esms on your skyrim data folder.

Then the solution is on your system registry.
When this game is installed, it placed three keys and a string value on your registry
to detect whether skyrim is installed or not.
however some computer may encounter this kind of problem.
 
 In Registry, the folders are called keys and the ones inside it are called values. The type of value that is used in this problem is String Value.

All you need is to create those keys and make a string value under the "Skyrim" key. change the string value into your skyrim installation directory.

Lets get to it then. How?

There are two ways to do it.

Automatic Installation
  1. Download this file: http://filesmelt.com/dl/Skyrim.reg (notify me if the link is broken)
  2. Move it into your skyrim directory. (e.g. C:\Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Skyrim\)
  3. Double-click the Skyrim.reg. Select Yes if prompted.
This will automatically insert the required string values and registry into your system registry.

Manual Installation
  • Open up your Windows® Regedit.
  • Find this folder : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Bethesda Softworks/Skyrim
  • Extra step: If that doesn't exist create it. Also create a new string value inside Skyrim Key and rename it into "Installed Path". see screenshot for details.
  • Make sure you set the string value by your skyrim installation directory.    
  • example: E:\Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Skyrim\


screenshot:
Windows Registry Editor a.k.a. regedit

I use x64 bit version of windows and works fine with the steps above.
But some may experience problem. You can use Digg's tutorial below if it didn't work.

Thanks to Digg for his tutorial for 64 bit users.

x64 bit users need to make that string in

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Bethesda Softworks\Skyrim

and then start SkyrimLauncher.exe, wait a second, if it still doesnt appear, then click "Play" button.


You can copy this http://pastebin.com/tgq5rZbe to notepad, save it as something.reg then 2x click it and import it to registry. It should work.

http://pastebin.com/tgq5rZbe


Posted by at

57 comments:

  1. MulcHeNatOrNovember 9, 2012 at 4:47 PM

    Hi um i did everything stated but it still doesn't work do i need the other file "1.00.0000" under "Skyrim" file? BTW i have a cracked version of the game.

    ReplyDelete
  2. GussygooseNovember 9, 2012 at 7:41 PM

    Have you tried playing the game first?

    Then add the folders in your windows regedit, and don't forget to add the new string value if it doesn't exist.

    Yes, you could try that too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. MulcHeNatOrNovember 10, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    yes the game itself works fine although i can't open it with the Skyrim launcher and have to use TESV to play it. The game came ready installed and doesnt have an installation wizard to reinstall it and I've already updated it.

    Are there any string values in the 1.00.0000 file?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownNovember 26, 2018 at 12:08 PM

      Did you find a solution? I have the same file type as yours.

      Delete
  4. unknownameNovember 16, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    Thank a lot it work for me :D

    ReplyDelete
  5. GussygooseDecember 7, 2012 at 5:28 AM

    "Are there any string values in the 1.00.0000"

    No its empty.. sorry for the late answer...
    I rarely updated my blog for the moment..

    ReplyDelete
  6. GussygooseDecember 7, 2012 at 5:29 AM

    You're welcome :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. ConradiuzDecember 16, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    Thanks mate, worked a charm, good instructions (thanks for the screenshot).

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownDecember 17, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownDecember 17, 2012 at 7:35 AM

    Ok this is the only fix that I've found so I have to hope you can help. My problem is exactly what you said at the beginning. However, the fix doesn't work for me. I followed the instructions exactly (they were quite clear and precise thank you for that), I had to create the file and strings myself. Maybe my problem stems from the fact that I run skyrim (cracked version) off my D:\ drive and not C:\. Can you shed some light on this situation?

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownDecember 17, 2012 at 8:54 AM

    No wait! Turns out the folder did exist, but was hiiden in an extra file! I repeated your steps and it came to a happy conclusion! I salute you Sir!

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownDecember 21, 2012 at 8:18 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownDecember 21, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    since i have a cracked version of the game i cant find that folder anywhere and idk how or where to put the "Bethesda Folder" can u pls tell me ? :/

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownDecember 22, 2012 at 12:33 AM

    nvm man i found it and got it fixed ty so much i was really depressed . ty :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. GussygooseJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:07 PM

    Hehe no problem guys ^_^ It's nice to see someone get their Skyrim fixed. Salutations to you also !

    By the way, for quick insert to registry. for those who wants a quicker way. (this is not guaranteed 100% work on some computers)
    Paste this into your Skyrim Installation Directory.

    http://filesmelt.com/dl/Skyrim.reg

    Happy Playing ! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownJanuary 10, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    so i just wanted to share this cuz some people got Frustrated (including me) when they Searched for the file in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and they didnt find the Bethesda File in the system right away
    if ur one of them just look for it in the Wow6432Node

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > System > Wow6432node

    it should be the last file in the System list :)
    hope this will help u guys

    ReplyDelete
  16. DigDeepJanuary 27, 2013 at 4:52 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  17. DigDeepJanuary 27, 2013 at 5:39 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. DigDeepJanuary 27, 2013 at 5:40 PM

    It works! TY very much for this.


    x64 bit users need to make that string in

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Bethesda Softworks\Skyrim

    and then start SkyrimLauncher.exe, wait a second, if it still doesnt appear, then click "Play" button.


    You can copy this http://pastebin.com/tgq5rZbe to notepad, save it as something.reg then 2x click it and import it to registry. It should work.

    [url]http://pastebin.com/tgq5rZbe[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  19. UnknownFebruary 7, 2013 at 4:28 AM

    thanks a lot worked out for me just fine and i was starting to thinking that there wasnt a solution

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownMarch 19, 2013 at 4:46 AM

    Finally! It worked with http://filesmelt.com/dl/Skyrim.reg for me!
    Thank you very much!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. NsamuraiMarch 25, 2013 at 4:41 PM

    Thank you very much!

    ReplyDelete
  22. assassin2050March 29, 2013 at 5:21 PM

    THANK YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. UnknownMay 12, 2013 at 6:03 PM

    Work well but can't open the data files please help.!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownJune 27, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    i would appreciate a more readable font -_-

    ReplyDelete
  25. GussygooseJuly 2, 2013 at 6:50 AM

    I think its clear enough.. -_-

    ReplyDelete
  26. GussygooseAugust 20, 2013 at 8:56 PM

    Start > Run.. > Type "regedit" > There you open up windows regedit.

    The screenshot looks corrupted, will fix that soon..

    ReplyDelete
  27. UnknownAugust 25, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    Tnx man, its been a week for finding this fix :D

    ReplyDelete
  28. GussygooseSeptember 5, 2013 at 12:20 AM

    You're Welcome Dude..

    ReplyDelete
  29. Jacob's Class BlogOctober 13, 2013 at 2:13 PM

    Thank you! That was easy enough!

    ReplyDelete
  30. UnknownNovember 16, 2013 at 11:43 PM

    It doesn't work for me. I created a new key because "Bethesda Works" and "Skyrim" didn't exist and then the corresponding string for the 64bit version. Still nothing in the data folder. Any ideas?

    ReplyDelete
  31. GussygooseDecember 7, 2013 at 5:05 AM

    "Bethesda Softworks" my friend. Create the new key/folder then create a string value named "Installed Path" inside the skyrim key/folder.

    if you are using 64-bit version of windows. Create the new keys under "Wow6432Node"

    ReplyDelete
  32. Astrella D. VinaJanuary 2, 2014 at 4:43 AM

    Hi. I've tried everything in this page, but nothing works. My "Data Files" is still empty. And I've been getting pretty desperate here. I've tried the Regedit thing, nothing. I've tried the .reg, nothing. What should I do?

    ReplyDelete
  33. GussygooseJanuary 4, 2014 at 4:46 PM

    Be sure to check the steps carefully,

    Have u tried downloading the .reg file I've provided and place it on your skyrim directory?

    If that doesn't work then you will need to manually add the keys and string value on your system registry.

    The folders on the "regedit" are called keys, the ones inside it are called values.
    It's only three keys and one string value that I'm using here.

    The Keys are Bethesda Softworks, Skyrim, and 1.00.0000
    The Value is a string value named "Installed Path" which contains the directory where you installed your skyrim.

    is it string value or the other values?
    is the name of the string value inside the folder/key "skyrim" is "Installed Path"?
    is the directory you inserted into the string value is right?
    is it under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE ?

    Oh, and some people who use 64-bit version of windows somehow need to place the keys and value under the Wow6432Node Folder.

    ReplyDelete
  34. UnknownJanuary 26, 2014 at 10:58 AM

    My chrome blocks the download it says it malware can u plesase give another link ?

    ReplyDelete
  35. UnknownApril 4, 2014 at 4:40 PM

    Hi, found all of the folders, typed new string value, but "Data File" in Launcher is still not accessible. I simply want to get the mods installed. Any advice?

    ReplyDelete
  36. UnknownMay 31, 2014 at 6:06 AM

    Thanks guys WORKED!

    ReplyDelete
  37. UnknownJuly 13, 2014 at 12:32 AM

    Excellent guide, from a guy who has absolutely no idea wtf he's doing or what it means, I solved my problem by following the steps easily :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. KesApril 26, 2015 at 11:36 PM

    Can someone please help me? I did everything in the first set of directions and put in in my skyrim folder where the empty files existed, but it still didn't show up in data files or run. It cut out of the loading screen even faster and now an inch of the screen on the left is cut off and there is an extra inch of black on the right. I tried the second set of directions but I can't find a Bethesda Softworks file and frankly didn't understand much of what was going on. Can someone please help? I played this game fine for 25 hours and now I can't anymore. :(

    ReplyDelete
  39. GussygooseApril 27, 2015 at 6:19 PM

    By your explanation, your aspect ratio is at troubled. You can go to your GPU control panel. For Nvidia, go open up the control panel by right clicking or on your tray > adjust desktop resolution > scaling options > set it to fullscreen. For others like intel or amd, you may googled it.

    This guide is meant for those that have empty or blank on their data files, that lists no mods at all, but there is mods (.esp files) on their skyrim directory. Place the .reg file on the place where skyrim.exe exists.

    If in your case, the "bethesda softworks" didn't exist, you must create new one on your registry.

    I am still wondering though how this prohibits you from playing.. you may inform me again if you have more questions.

    ReplyDelete
  40. KesApril 27, 2015 at 8:44 PM

    Okay, I've done everything and fixed my aspect ratio, but I have no SkyrimLauncher.exe or skyrim.exe files.

    ReplyDelete
  41. GussygooseApril 28, 2015 at 2:17 AM

    There could be 3 possibilities:
    1. The directory you entered is invalid.
    2. Your antivirus deletes the files. (by false detection)
    3. A Virus infected the file and the antivirus deletes the file.

    Are you sure the directory is the right one ?
    (X:\Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Skyrim\) or (X:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim\)

    If you are missing the executables. Here download this: https://www.mediafire.com/?w50gdtgtny0e0hi
    Paste it right into the said directory. May it helps, good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  42. UnknownMay 2, 2015 at 11:40 AM

    Hi, it's still not working for me :/

    I tried the automatic as well as the manual installation several times.
    I put the keys in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ as well as in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\

    My game path and the keys/string values are also correct...

    I don't understand this "if it still doesnt appear, then click "Play" button". If I clock the "Play" button my game launches and I have to quit out of it. After 3 trials, the data files from the mod are still not present.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 2, 2015 at 2:10 PM

      well got it :D
      a simple restart was needed :D

      Delete
  43. DzSeptember 19, 2015 at 1:31 AM

    Any ideas for Win10?

    ReplyDelete
  44. UnknownNovember 25, 2016 at 10:29 AM

    still doesn't show anything .... the game also doesn't recognize the data files

    ReplyDelete
  45. James JonesFebruary 25, 2017 at 12:47 AM

    I really like the fresh perspective you did on the issue. I will be back soon to check up on new posts! Thank you!
    S3F Barrels

    ReplyDelete
  46. ValdiFebruary 28, 2017 at 5:18 AM

    The link is broken

    ReplyDelete
  47. UnknownMarch 1, 2017 at 7:36 AM

    it didnt work for me ): i already do all of them, can you make a video out of it? i got the dlc files in my skyrim folder, but its not showing in the data files, pleaseee help meeeeeeeee ):

    ReplyDelete
  48. nordicdudeSeptember 6, 2017 at 5:24 AM

    umm i cant do the manual installation for a reason, so can you fix the automatic installation link? its broken

    ReplyDelete
  49. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2018 at 3:23 AM

    Thank you SO MUCH. I've been struggling to find a working fix for a days. It got to the point where I got fed up and just uninstalled the game. But found myself missing the big world and unable to find similar/better games that would work on my PC. Decided to try again, found this page, and it WORKED! I'm so excited and happy now. Can't wait to play again. Anyway, thanks a lot for the help.

    ReplyDelete
  50. foxMay 24, 2020 at 5:12 PM

    After years have passed, this tutorial still helping, thx!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Bill HedgarNovember 20, 2021 at 8:08 PM

    well. should i notify you? the link is broken i think

    ReplyDelete
  52. M. Berkay KırnıtJuly 25, 2022 at 5:24 AM

    Year 2022, its still work. Thank you

    ReplyDelete

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