You have to put the files into a Vst folder (c:\program filesvst plugins for example), then click on options>preferences>VST and add the vst folder. Then click on re-scan>apply
Insert a new track, click on the fx symbol and enable it, then search for the VST you want under "all plugins"
Huh, that's neat.
The way I've done it is just there's folder created by the program. Your way is obviously more beneficial because you can use that single folder for every other program.
The directory is:
Program files->reaper->plugins->fx
and you just drag and drop the plugins to that folder.
yeah predator, feel free to shoot me a pm if you've any further questions