Vortex and FNIS, no clue whats wrong (2024)

So as the image in the file shows, FNIS isnt finding any of my animation mods. I do have several installed but none of them appear or run in game.

I'm guessing you didn't read the installation instructions on the FNIS description page where you downloaded it

Installation and Execution
See Also
Fores New Idles in Skyrim - FNIS Vortex and FNIS, no clue whats wrong FNIS and BodySlide Quick Start
NOTE: It is GENERALLY and STRONGLY recommended, that you DO NOT INSTALL any of Steam, Skyrim, FNIS in folders that are protected by Windows UAC (User Account Control). These are "C:/Program Files (x86)" or "C:/Program Files" (or their localized correspondents, e.g. "C:/Programme (x86)"). Use root folders like "D:\Games". This way you can avoid serious protection issues, especially when using Mod Managers.
FNIS is a tool, and not a mod, and therefore different from most everything that you find on Nexus. If you are new to modding and using FNIS, it is strongly recommended that you watch one of many videos that explain the use of FNIS. Like the videos at the beginning and the end of this description.
Install FNIS Behavior SE V7_4_5
Install Creature Pack V7_0 (optional, necessary for creature animation mods)
Install FNIS Idle Spells SE V5_0_1 (optional, necessary for the spells)
Activate the FNIS plugin (FNIS.esp)
Install other FNIS dependant mods (see mod list below)
If you install manually: Go to to your Skyrim Installation directory(for example D:/Games/Steam/SteamApps/common/Skyrim Special Edition), and from there to Data/tools/GenerateFNIS_for_Users
If you install manually: Start the FNIS generator GenerateFNISforUsers.exe AS ADMINISTRATOR (part of FNIS Behavior SE, and ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, or NOTHING works)

If you use NMM: Install FNIS like any other mod
If you use NMM: If not done yet, "Configure FNIS" in NMM's list of supported tools (right most drop-down button in the menu bar). In the folder selection box go to your Skyrim Installation directory(for example D:/Games/Steam/SteamApps/common/Skyrim Special Edition), and from there to Data/tools/GenerateFNIS_for_Users. Click OK.
If you use NMM: "Launch FNIS" from NMM's list of supported tools (right most drop-down button in the menu bar)

If you use MO: Configure FNIS as executable (IMPORTANT - See one of the videos shown here, or read S.T.E.P. Project: Fores New Idles in Skyrim)

Select necessary "Available Patches" (ONLY those you need! See section "Patches") from the bottom part of the generator window
Click "Update FNIS Behavior"

To check if new animation mods can cause problems: press the "Consistence Check" button
If you have uninstalled any mod that uses the FNIS Creature Pack: press the "De-Install Creatures" button (and install the Creature Pack again, if necessary)
When you exit GenerateFNISforUsers.exe, you will be asked if a shortcut to the tool shall be created on your desktop.
Say "YES" when installing MANUALLY (STRONGLY recommended - you will need the generator quite frequently)
Say "Abort" when installing through NMM or MO
For more detailed manual installation directions see "Installation (extended)"
For Installation under Mod Organizer see the guide at S.T.E.P. Project: Fores New Idles in Skyrim. Or watch one of the videos shown here.
If you are new with installing mods, check the Wiki Installing Mods Using NMM
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FNIS Vortex/MO support (profiles), FNIS.ini
FNIS supports Vortex and MO with several features. All features use parameters either from the FNIS.ini file, or as command line parameters when used from the command line. See also FNIS.ini0 in your FNIS Behaviors download.
File Redirection. This allows you to redirect all relevant FNIS generated files into a folder outside Skyrim\Data (to support Vortex/MO profiles). It includes all files that change the Skyrim animation functionality. FNIS temporary files and logs will still be written to the regular places (under data\tools\GenerateFNIS_for_Users). To use this functionality, the following parameter needs to be defined (FNIS.ini, or command line)
RedirectFiles=<folder outside of Skyrim\Data> e.g. RedirectFiles=D:\FNIS_Redirect
To activate File Redirection, you need to set the patch for "File Redirection (Vortex/MO profiles support)". If you start FNIS from command line, this patch is automatically implied. To see how this can be used together with your actual mod manager, refer to your mod manager's documentation.
Start FNIS from command line (done by Vortex, or from a user defined .bat file (not possible whith "virtual install"!). The commandline has the following format
<FNIS_path>\GenerateFNISforUsers <FNIS_ini_parameters> e.g C:\Steam\Steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\tools\GenerateFNIS_for_Users\GenerateFNISforUsers InstantExecute=1 PSCD=0
The <FNIS_ini_parameters> are the same that can be specified in the FNIS.ini file. (see FNIS.ini0)
FNIS execution without GUI (FNIS window). FNIS can be started without opening the FNIS window. The parameters (patches) are the same as in the last FNIS run.The FNIS window will only pop up if FNIS has to report error or warnings. This execution mode is activated with the following parameter (FNIS.ini, or command line)
InstantExecute=1
When you use this feature manually (not via Vortex), it is recommended that you use it only from a .bat file (and not for example by double-clicking from the Explorer). Because otherwise you will not see when FNIS is done.
IMPORTANT Notes:
All possible parameters are listed and explained in Skyrim\Data\FNIS.ini0. Empty lines, and lines starting with ' (apostrophe) are ignored
To take effect, this file (FNIS.ini0) has to be copied MANUALLY to Skyrim\Data\FNIS.ini.
Vortex, MO and NMM Virtual Install users: FNIS.ini has to go to "real" SKYRIM\Data (NOT inside the virtual mod folders!)
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Problem shooting "Installation Problems"
When all NPCs move with the dreaded STIFF "half-T" POSE, then this is NO FNIS bug: YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG DURING INSTALLATION!
Remove the desktop GenerateFNISforUsers.exe desktop short-cut
Re-install FNIS Behavior EXACTLY as described in the "Installation"
Fix all errors in the generator's text field, and give note to all warnings - Errors definitely WILL, Warnings CAN indicate causes of the "half-T" problem
DON'T try to be smart moving things around
DON'T call the generator from within 7Zip, WinRar, ..., and NOT from a folder that you arbitrarily find through the Windows Explorer Search function
If the problem persists AND you are using a LEGAL, STEAM based version of Skyrim then report your problem WITH SUFFICIENT and PRECISE information in the FNIS discussion thread. Always include the contents of the generator's text field (copy/paste) from your last run. And the way you installed FNIS (NMM,MO, manual). And avoid meaningless information like "glitches", "didn't work", "tried all different ways 3 times".