X-8 Data Retrieval Test

X-8: Data Retrieval Test is a side quest in the Fallout: New Vegas add-on Old World Blues.

Quick walkthrough

 * 1) Start and complete the data retrieval test
 * 2) Read the terminal above Gabe's lair
 * 3) Switch the cyberdogs with the unusual specimens.
 * 4) Go to one last terminal marked on your map to see the data results

Detailed walkthrough

 * Start and complete the data retrieval test, by finding the records on the three terminals in the fake high school.
 * Go to the terminal on the table and read its contents.
 * Start and finish the advanced test, this is where you receive the ability to disable force fields with the sonic emitter.
 * Now, go to the terminal that is found when you follow a series of hallways that diverge from the way, to exit. You know you're in the right place when you're in an observation booth above Gabes lair.
 * Read contents of that terminal.
 * Travel to X-13 research facility to find the X-8 kennel key in a locked stockroom next to the first room.
 * Return to X-8 research center, open the kennel door and switch the cyberdogs with the unusual specimens.
 * The safest way to do this is to enter the door to the right of testing area marked "Testing Area Observation", then keep turning left until you find a hallway marked "Kennel" - go through the door labeled Exit and you will be in the upper level of the Kennel. From here you can kill the nightstalkers from safety before jumping to the floor and activating the terminal in the room.
 * Go through both the advanced and basic test again. Now nightstalkers will attack you.
 * Go to one last terminal marked on your map to see the data results and finish the quest.

Bugs

 * After initiating the "Institutional Data Retrieval Test (Basic)" and choosing the "Unusual Specimen" option from Kennel Terminal, do not continue initiating "Release Cyberdogs". This will make "Unusual Specimen" from the list quest to be completed by turning the "Institutional Data Retrieval Test" & "Unusual Specimen" both uncompleted with the quest unfinished. The bug appears to come from the map-marker as it doesn't move from Kennel Terminal to the X-8 Test Terminal after "Unusual Specimen" is chosen confusing the player by the map-marker. Initiating only "Unusual Specimen" option, go to the X-8 Test Terminal to start the Basic Test and Advanced Test as well, then the quest will be finished.
 * After releasing the "Unusual Specimens" and starting the "Institutional Data Retrieval Test (Basic)/(Advanced)" the terminals to retrieve the student records will not appear causing the player to be trapped and the rendering the quest impossible to complete. Renabling the terminals via the console will allow the quest to be completed. To do this use the following series of commands; "prid xx00e0e2","enable","unlock" repeat this for xx00e0e3, and xx00e0e4 the xx should be replaced by the position of OldWorldBlues.esm from your load order.
 * This bug doesn't cause you to fail the quest, but it can go to an infinite loop of finished/unfinished quest pop-ups.