Try removing all files BUT the ones ending in ebc (that's your store content) from the following folder: documents\electronicarts\thesims3\dccache.
After that, just reinstall ONE item and see if it shows up. If it doesn't remove the ebc files as well and try again (move to the desktop).
If it still fails, also remove any files you have in savedSims or library (your sims and houses that you have saved to the bin).
I did both of these and tried to install the custom content again, nothing changed. It still does not show up in my game and disappears from the installed content section.
Try resetting all your user files then described in the factory reset described in this post: http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/FAQ-Troubleshooting-Steps/td-p/714/
You won't loose anything. Just make sure to not delete any files and make a backup.
After renaming, try to just install one content.
I am not able to make a backup of my sims 3 folder. I have tried putting it on a 700mb disc and a 8g flash drive and my computer says "The item "The Sims 3" can't be copied because there is not enough free space. I removed some files ( to another folder ) that seemed to be taking up a lot of space but the same error occurs
How big is your folder ?
11.64 GB
Is there anything i can do to make it smaller?
That's big. If you have enough space on your hard drive, you can just move to a different location on there.
Or split the folder up on multiple devices.
The only way to make it smaller is by getting rid of stuff.
There's a few files you don't really need to backup.
Here's an explanation what files are important: http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/01/faq-user-files.html
I did all of the steps and now the cc doesnt disappear from my downloads or installed content, but it doesnt show up in my game
Are there any files left in DCCache ?
How big is the dcdb0.dbc ? If it's just 1 kb it's ok.
Try deleting the missingdept.idx (it will recreate)
the dcdb0.dbc file is definitely over 1kb, it is 8.6mb
Then move that to the desktop too
I moved it to the desktop and opened the game, a new one was created that is 7.3 mb. i tried installing some cc and it stays in the launcher but doesn"t appear ingame
Could you post a pic of how the launcher page looks (where your cc is)
the first picture is of the downloads section and the second is of the installed content section.
Looks all fine to me. Not sure why this doesn't show up.
Is this content you've used before ? Showed up before ?
The second one has shown up before, and i tried installing new stuff that i've never used and old stuff that i found on my computer. They all appear in the launcher but not ingame
Do you have Store content ? Does that also not show up (sorry, if you already stated that)
But your cc went missing before you activated that option ? It is a bit wonky and might be the cause for stuff.
Did you update to 1.69 ? Do you plan to ?
It disappeared before. My game is currently at version 1.67.2, but if you think updating it to 1.69 might help then ill try that.
Scratch that, i cant download it because I'm on a mac and it does not seem to be available to me.
Oh, you're on a Mac ?
Let me see if a mac helpers have more ideas then.
ItsaprilXD's guide is brilliant for installing 3rd party CC and Mods - http://bluebellflora.com/itsaprilxds-how-to-install-mods-on-a-mac-guide/
For Store content - http://bluebellflora.com/installing-sims-3-store-content-on-a-mac/
