[FAQ] Lost and broken DVDs and missing serial codes - What to do ?

@bendyjenn  I understand that your laptop is dead, but could you find someone to extract the hard drive (simple) and comb through the registry for the TS3 codes?  I've never done this myself, so I don't know how it would go, but there's a possibility you could find the codes and add them to your account.

The other option is to wait for a sale.  Origin offers TS3 at a discount occasionally, and so does Steam.  In fact, during most Steam sales, the base game and packs are only $5 each.  (There's also often a bundle with the base game and Pets for $7.50.)  The catch is that you do need to buy the base game as well in Steam, but that would still be cheaper than paying full price via Origin.  Steam provides a CD key for each purchase, which you can register in Origin the same way you would for a disc copy.

I don't know when the next Steam sale is going to be, but there has almost always been one in June or July.  So if you can wait a couple of months, you can save some money.

Well, I’m trying to get the sims 3 late night CD key so I can transfer the DLC to another gaming app. And when I right click sims 3 I can only get the sims 3 key, and also when I use the sims3.com it just takes me to the origin store. What do I do I need help!

@JaspaNewton  If Late Night is already on your Origin account, then you don't need the key to download it via Origin on whatever device you want.

If you're looking to transfer your key to Steam, that's not possible: Steam doesn't accept keys from Origin or disc copies of Sims 3.

The end of this answer says that if you can prove you own the game, they'll give you a new Code. How do you prove you own the game? I bought my game in maybe 2010 and the live chat representative I talked to is telling me that, without the Code being registered, they can't give me the Code or any replacement Code. I'm just really frustrated and confused.

@uenkkrytvx  Do you still have the code, and can you register it now?  The code is printed on the back of the insert that comes inside the case.  Or, if you have access to a computer where the game was installed at some point, you may still be able to find the code there.

Windows:  https://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2013/09/how-to-find-your-serial-number.html

macOS:  https://bluebellflora.com/finding-your-serial-key-using-terminal/

I can confirm that contacting costumer support on this is a waste of time (45min in my case). They are so restricted when it comes to handing out a new code. I've spent 5min on booting up my decade old laptop and extracting the key, despite having zero computer knowledge. Doing so will be your best bet.

CM Edit: English on the English boards please. 

Thank you! This helped me retrieve my code for sims medieval! However, I did not manage to find it on the first try. I had to click on 'edit' and then enter 'ergc' and then 'search'. Next I continued this (next search) until I found the code on my old laptop. Then the code turned out extra long and could not be entered in the usual fashion in the sims3 site, but there is a link to register the game with longer codes mentioned in a different post. This is the link I used https://www.thesims3.com/registeragame.html .