add-ons not appearing

[Lew basnight]

  Yes, I am a super noob.  I'm sure the answer is very obvious but I haven't seen it yet.
  I've downloaded a number of add-ons and while most of them work just fine, some of them are not appearing as options when I wrench a brick to generate new weapons.  I've activated them in the "add-ons" pull up menu in the "Start a Game" screen, and while some items work, others just don't appear. 
  Also, in the add-ons forums, I can open a lot of the files, but the ones that appear as Xee files just open as images, not usable files.  Again, I'm sure it's all wicked obvious to all of you much smarter, more experienced players, but please have mercy on a dumb noob...

[Ad Bot]

[Bisjac]

just guessing.

maybe you put some of them into wrong location folders.
or some mods are crappy and mess up other mods. (there are tons of half ass, stupid, and low quality mods in the addons section, its very likely.)

and i dont know if im reading right, your opening mods from the forums? obviously saved file to your comp first before trying to open zips and folders is the correct way.
generally i dont know what files are "usable" as i usually just drop the folder from the downloaded zip directly where it belongs. i dont try and use anything

[Lew basnight]

  I've spent most of this afternoon monkeying w files and folders, and some mods are working, and some just aren't.  Some particle files are apparently AWOL too.  Guess it's just going to be trial n error.  Now to figure out all the other bits...

[Hibbafrab]

Are u using WinRar? 

[Lew basnight]

  Nyet, at least I don't think so-- MacX