Mods won't work

[Paygan]

Ok, I'm pretty new to mods but not to strategy gaming. I can't access ANY of the mods for M2:TW for some reason. I've tried several (The Long Road, King's Banner, Broken Crescent), and plan on trying others (The Last Kingdom, Stainless Steel, Third Age) but it says I need a certain thinga-majig to open it. I downloaded several of these "file expanders" but nothing helps!! Half the time the downloaded mod doesn't even show up. I've installed unofficial patches before but I think this is completely different. Can someone please help me?

[irishron]

Have you tried this free one? http://www.7-zip.org/download.html
Have you tried the free version of what they possibly used? http://www.win-rar.com/download.html?&L=0
What version of Windows are you using?
Disc or Steam version?

[Paygan]

Disc version, and I think the Windows I have is Windows 7. Now I have the 15 patch and The Long Road downloaded in WinRar but IDK what to do from there. It probably doesn't help my cause that I know next to nothing about computers.

[irishron]

Did you download the 2.4.3 version, the latest one?
Being an unmodded mod,

1. Make a copy of the full Medieval II Total War folder,
2. Rename it The Long Road.
3. Click the download as it is a self supporting .exe,
4. And point it to your new folder to install it.

I had to look the mod to be sure.