How to install mods

I thought people would need this, since so many people don't know how to install mods. Write a link to the mod you want to install below. Please have the mod from the Minecraft forums because that way I know its less likely a virus.
Just ask and I'll make an install guide for it ASAP. Also, I can't do an install guide for any computer that is not Windows 7/Vista/XP because I don't own one. (Sorry)

Edit: I've made an FAQ to help some people.
Q: I got a black screen when I started minecraft! How do I fix it?
A: Black screens are caused by not deleting the META-INF folder and sometimes incompatibility between mods. To fix it, go to the Minecraft Launcher and click Options above login. Click force update and log in. A new minecraft.jar will be downloded.

Q: I get an error message saying "Minecraft has crashed!" and I can't start the game!
A: This is caused by missing certain API's or incompatibility between mods. It can also be caused by incorrect installation. Open the Minecraft Launcher and under Options click Force Update and log in.

Q: I can play Minecraft fine until I use a certain item from the mod.
A: That is a problem with the mod itself and if an error report shows up, copy and paste it onto the Minecraft Forums topic of the mod.

Q: My question isn't listed!
A: Ask me it and I'll come up with a solution for it.

Edit 2: I've added tips for installing mods.


Tips:
1: Always back up your files!

2: Keep a folder with all of the mods you use.

3: Only download mods that have screenshots of it on the forum post.

4: Mods that are on the Minecraft Forums are usually safe, so try to only download from there.

5: Use 7-Zip for opening .zip and .jar files. (Its easier)

For different Mods. It can be different

No, I'll write an individual guide for each mod.

hey muffin i want to get a .mc with that chest sorter and optifine need help :]

Awww, too bad I really need help with installing a sound pack mod. But I have Windows XP

I can do Windows XP. To install Optifine, first install 7-Zip or Winrar. Next, open Optifine with Winrar or 7-Zip. Click on the start menu and type run in the search bar. Open Run and type %appdata%. It should bring up a list of folders, open the one named ".minecraft". Next open the bin folder and open "minecraft.jar" with Winrar/7-Zip. Then delete the folder named "META-INF". Lastly, drag all of the files from the Optifine zip file into minecraft.jar. And I'm not sure what chest sorting mod you are using, so could you post a link to the topic.

Wait, so you can do XP? I really need help installing "Retro sounds pack mod"
If you google it, it will come up.

Add me on Skype if you think you can help.

First download the Sound Pack mod and the Retro sounds pack. Now download the recommended build of Minecraft Forge here: http://www.minecraftforge.net/forum/index.php/board,3.0.html

Open all of the files you downloaded with Winrar or 7-Zip. Now click start and type run and on Run type %appdata%. Look for the folder named .minecraft and in there, open bin, then open minecraft.jar with Winrar or 7-Zip. Now drag all of the files from Minecraft Forge into minecraft.jar and delete the folder named META-INF. Close that and go back into .minecraft and see if there is a folder named "mods". If there is not, create one. Now drag the .jar file from the Sound Pack mod into the mods folder. Now start Minecraft and hopefully you get no errors. Now close it and go back to .minecraft and you should see a folder named soundpacks. Drag the .rar file from the Retro sound pack into there and you should be good to go.

For some reason, the link isn't working. But I do have an idea. What if you send me the files over Skype. Then I'lll do the rest?

Sorry, I can't send it because of copyrights. Just google Minecraft Forge, you should find it.

I did google it, but nothing loads up for some reason.

Aren't the creators of Minecraft forge having some issues right now? That may be why nothing is popping up

Is it that hard???? http://www.minecraftforge.net/forum/

Also those minecraft has crashed errors paste them in here, and I can see what mod is failing and why (making mods is awesome ya know)

Asacole wrote:

Is it that hard???? http://www.minecraftforge.net/forum/

Also those minecraft has crashed errors paste them in here, and I can see what mod is failing and why (making mods is awesome ya know)

Looks like I was wrong xD

i need help on installing rays minimap any help?

Ok, first go to the start menu and type %appdata%/ and press enter. Go to the .minecraft and then into the bin folder. Now, you need Win-Rar or 7-Zip for this step. Now you should see a file named minecraft.jar, or just named minecraft, open it and delete the folder named META-INF. Now finally, drag all of the files from the Rei's minimap zip file into the minecraft.jar.

Aus wrote:

I did google it, but nothing loads up for some reason.

For the "Run" Menu hit Windows Key + R. Type %appdata% then hit enter.