How To Install Store Items

"ciane;c-16793939" wrote:

@SPARKY1922 - your dccache FOLDER can be 9.3GB, which is probably because of your cc. Mine is only 6.xGB. You can use all your store content, and even your cc, in game. The secret is to install the items in small enough batches to keep each .ebc file under 20MB. As I mentioned before, you'll probably have 25 .ebc files when you finish reinstalling.

If you do plan to reinstall your store content, look at my spreadsheet. It lists every single item (in abbreviated form) and the way I grouped them together. I have tabs for items separated by type and you can look at how big each world, compilation, set, venue, and item file would be. Just note that the .ebc file sizes do vary a bit by system and even the order in which you install them. (For example, I tried to put three particular worlds into the same .ebc file. If installed with largest-sized world first, the file size was different than if I installed with the largest-sized world last.) My spreadsheet shows exactly how I installed, what item and in what order, to get my file sizes all close to 204,800kb without going over. If you follow that, you'll have all the links to make installing easier (except for the items I don't have and we couldn't find links for). For anything you have that isn't linked, you'll have to search your purchase history.

I, also, think the cc works better if you put it in the mods folder and thus save the launcher the extra work. I THINK you can install your cc through the launcher one set or one item at a time if only the .sims3pack option is available. Then, you'd rename the file(s) that ends up in the dcbackup folder and move that to the mods/packages file. Then delete the .dbc file from the dccache folder and install the next cc item. (It's easier if the creator already has a .package file option for you to unpack and place in the mods/package folder in whatever sub-folder you want to keep your cc organized. For example, I have NRaas mods in their own sub-folder, mods that make items recolorable or slideable in others, mods that fix what I think of as irritants such as not being able to have a conversation because the ground is sloped in another folder. I have more folders for hairs by Wojtek, EA windows that are centered on two walls instead of one, etc.) Many people then merge their cc .package files together much like the dccache .ebc files are merged, condensed files of several items. This makes the game file smaller in size and more efficient. However, you can have your cc installed through the launcher, if you prefer. It just means more files for the launcher to have to deal with.

Hi @ciane

I am just getting used to folders but most of my CC is in package file in my mods folder so i assuming simpak cc goes into the DCCache folder and become the files I see there. I understand now you mean to add the store content a little at a time I have always just placed the whole store simpaks in my downloads folder and clicked install lol

I have copied and paste all the info the way you have described it here and will look at it again when going through your spreadsheet. I just need to get this info into a working system in my mind and I will be fine it's a little like remembering what to do in new worlds that have a lot of lag but it is only latley I have started to try and learn about folders and files and how that can help the game as well. when I have to use a new world..

I am assuming this is the same info for the disc version of the game as well as I have gone back to using discs..

I just realized I need to make my new world saves this way to give them the best possible start then save that particular world as a template of sorts for next time if I need to use a new one.

Thank you so much for your help with this topic it is much appreciated as always :)