title says it all. i haven't been able to figure it out for myself :/

The way I have been doing it is to use FileDate Changer (google it) to individually change the dates on the files so that I can have them in the proper order since FONV loads them according to date.

As Greywolf said, the files load in order by filedate, oldest first. Make sure the main falloutnv.esm is the oldest of course.

I found this the easist to use. Attribute changer 6. something.
it seamlessly integrates into Windows 7 file explorer. I just right click to change attributes and in this case the attribute would be
'date last modified and or time last modified" can do both.

http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Attribute-Changer-Download-6972.html

Actually ESMs load first, according to their date, before they load any ESPs. Basically there are 2 load lists.

Thanks for the link Uzi, a lot easier than starting FileDate changer, browsing to the file, then changing it. Helps me outside of FONV as well.

There is also http://www.lopesoft.com/en/fmtools/info.html freeware from LopeSoft which is a context menu extension for Windows Explorer. Right-click a file (or files) in Windows Explorer and a variety of actions on the selection can be done.

Works in XP, Vista and Seven. Available in 32bit and 64bit versions. A variety of language packs are also avialable.

Fallout Load Order Sorting Tool http://www.newvegasnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=34969