Forum Discussion

blunote00's avatar
blunote00
New Spectator
15 years ago

How-To-Install CC/Mods "The New Way" Guide. Update: 04/23/2014

10/18/2011: Latest Patch... I have made a post here, so please read. If you're already aware of the issue with the RIG/Slots change on 3PCC, links to the tools to fix have been added to the bottom of this post.

http://oi41.tinypic.com/2lcn3oo.jpg

Update: Added 04/23/2014

I now have a video that shows How to add Mods to your Sims 3 game.

My YouTube video link...
How to add Mods to your Sims 3 game

http://oi41.tinypic.com/2lcn3oo.jpg

BEFORE YOU POST!!!

1. DO NOT break the pages on this thread or in someone else's (posts/listByUser/.page! If you post an image make sure to re-size it. The average pixel size for images on this type of message board is ("width=640" "height=480"). Also quoting is fine but don't quote so much that it breaks the threads or others post. There are help threads listed in Walden's Directory that show you how to re-size images. Simmers should use it more and it's got a sticky for a reason!

NOTE: 04/18/2011
Just because images now resize at the forum level does not mean they do at the post level. If you post over-sized images I will ask you to remove or resize them. Your listByUser page cannot be fixed unless the post itself is fixed.

2. Make sure you have read and understand the TOS and the Forum Rules posted by SimGuruHydra.

Specifically, this one...
- Do not link to, request, or discuss content that may raise the game rating to an "M". This includes linking to teen pregnancy hacks, nude hacks, etc.



http://oi39.tinypic.com/33w9stj.jpg
Update: Added 06/28/2011 - ATTENTION MAC USERS!
The link to the Resource.cfg file in Zach's guide is no longer valid. You can use the link for Windows (below) just make sure follow the same instructions he has listed as they should still work.

December 13, 2010
I added a link to Zach's guide for Mac users at the very bottom of this post so I only have to post the link to my guide when I can't remember the link to his.
http://oi39.tinypic.com/33w9stj.jpg

Anyway, others (on and off this forum) have asked me to post a separate thread.
This only took me one try and I got it to work.
Hope this helps so here you go. Happy Simming!

http://oi39.tinypic.com/33w9stj.jpg

FYI ~ Operating System:
This is my OS, Windows Vistaâ„¢ Home Premium Service Pack 2, but the folder structure is the same for Win7 (located under Library), XP just says MyDocuments instead of Documents which is located under Documents and Settings.

NOTE: YOU CAN NOT HAVE TWO FRAMEWORKS, NEITHER WILL BE RECOGNIZED!
If you still have your CC/Mods setup under Programs the old framework, you will need to remove that framework and any file or automated installation program associated with it BEFORE setting up the new framework under Documents.

If you are running Windows XP, you should check to make sure you have .NET Frameworks installed. This is something that comes with later versions of Windows Vista and Win7. Earlier versions of XP may not have this and you need at least 2.0 and you can check your installed programs via control panel. If you do not have this, you will need to download it from the Microsoft site. I do believe the latest version for XP is now 4.0.
http://i47.tinypic.com/5bw5j4.jpg

Okay setting up a framework is just allowing your computer to accept the .package files. You must have your files set up like in the picture (below).
(i.e. Mods, Packages - make sure to use the same case)
Packages is a subfolder of the Mods folder.
Location: \Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Mods\Packages
http://i48.tinypic.com/2d6li1c.jpg

Update: Added 06/28/2011
Step 1. *Click here, to download the NEW Resource.cfg file.
Step 2. Sroll down the page to Resource.cfg Contents? and click on the link for the file.
Step 3. **Choose Save As, and save it to the Mods folder.

* Verified the Resource.cfg file is most current as of 06/28/2011. The content is the same only the link to get to the file on MTS has changed.
** This process will vary depending on the browser, it's version and settings you are using. I'm now using MSIE9 but the examples shown are with MSIE8.

Now you have your Packages folder and the NEW Resource.cfg file in the Mods folder (like picture above).

Update: Added 06/25/2011
NOTE: IF MTS IS DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE!

The above link is to the original Resource.cfg file from MTS. However, if the site is down you have two other options.

Option 1) You can download a different version of the file here from a Mediafire link provided by Crinrict. :wink:

If option 1 does not work...

Option 2) You can still manually create the Resource.cfg file by doing a copy/paste of the the original file from the code window by following the instructions in my post on page 21.


Next you want to download your CC and place it wherever you place your downloads.
Placing the file on your desktop is probably easiest.
In my example, I made a folder on my desktop. I normally do this in my downloads folder.
http://i49.tinypic.com/2wp095w.jpg

Now you're ready to Extract the (.package) files from the (.rar or .zip) compress file.

If you're on a PC running Windows, Game Update for 1.12/2.7/3.3 on 05/28/2010.

I suggest if you haven't setup your framework under Documents by now and you're still installing mods the old way under programs, you run the same risk below. There are many mods/cc that are just simply becoming obsolete and are starting to cause issues as this game progresses.

The Gurus/Mods in the Technical Forum have taken note of the particular obsolete mod causing the below for future troubleshooting reference. This obsolete mod that is still available for download on MTS and automatically does setup in using the old framework. It caused the below to happen to the user's load screen. So use at your own risk!

LoadScreen_by member Hawgatha (with permission)
http://i56.tinypic.com/20sabl4.jpg

________________

Update:
As of 11/12/2010, I now currently have my CC installed the new way. It was so I can use NRaas Mods to get a better handle on some of the issues with LN (i.e. Cars). It took but about two minutes to change it from the old way to the new way. :wink:

More Stuff
12/13/2010, Added link to guide for Mac users.


01/17/2011, Updated backup procedures.


02/20/2011, Added link to both tools on MTS.


03/13/2011, Added links to guide for WinRAR and Unrarx.
on page 21, if you for some reason can figure out your browser settings to save the Resource.cfg file.

06/25/2011, Added two options to get Resouce.cfg file if MTS site is down for maintenance.

06/28/2011, Resource file info due to MTS server changes.
Updated link to Resource.cfg file verified file content is unchanged.
Clarification on how to download Resource.cfg file based on browser.
Notification on dead link for Resource.cfg file for Mac users in Zach's guide.
Verified links to Dashboard and Custard are still valid.
Verified all other links in guide.


07/03/2011, Updated notice about using obsolete Mods/CC.
Add image of what can happen to ones game if simmers continue to use obsolete mods, especially those that automatically install the old framework.

04/23/2014, Updated to add link to How to video.

Note: I will clean this guide up in the near future. I really should have reserved more space. :?




http://oi41.tinypic.com/2lcn3oo.jpg
PETS
Fixes for your third party custom content after patch 1.26 PC/1.27 MAC

Update: 11/05/2011 - Tools to help fix your third party custom content in (.package) and (.sims3pack) file format.

TSR Pets CC Bug Fixer
http://www.thesimsresource.com/fixyourgame/

MTS RIG Fix
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Tutorial:Fixing_Object_RIGs_for_Patch_1.26

Grant Hess
Custom Content Fix for PETS (Updated 10/20/2011) (Testers Needed)
http://sims3.the-prof.net/forums/index.php/topic,1298.msg1995.html#msg1995

Procedure for Correcting CC Beds for Patch 1.26/Pets
http://sims3.the-prof.net/forums/index.php/topic,1472.msg2225.html#msg2225

http://oi41.tinypic.com/2lcn3oo.jpg

Updated 04/18/2011,
    Added rules for posting in this guide. PLEASE FOLLOW THEM! I do not want all the hard work to create this guide deleted. :wink:

custom content (cc)
mods
  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    15 years ago
    apple167 wrote:
    okee! so i hav a question! i totally just recently updated all of my sims 3 games and its being a ******** abt the CC apparently, and i was told to update the CC to the version of the game, but how do i do that?

    Whenever you update your games you need to go back and check your CC (from wherever you downloaded it from) to make sure the creator updated the mod/cc so that it still works.

    Some creators do and some don't. If they don't, then that particular CC will not work anymore. Usually, a creator that updated their mod/cc will say that it's updated. (i.e. this has been updated to work with Ambitions)

    Most hair, clothes, things like that are fine. But some things like skill books, cooking mods, etc... need to be updated to work.
  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    14 years ago
    Lilia1971 wrote:
    Please can someone help me? I downloaded the resource thing and winrar. Then I went to Twallan SP and downloaded the top one of those. The second one gives me an internal server error. I put all this in my mods file. When I click on it and try to extract it just gives me a load of readme files and I stuck as to what to do next. Any ideas anyone?

    Your profile says you only have the base game registered, however I will assume your are fully patched to 1.12/2.7/3.3 to be using Twallan/NRass SP mod. I was under the impression that this mod was no longer being updated (I personally don't use it), but I see on his homepage there is an update on 12/04/2010. That said, with his mods you will need to set up your folder structure the new way as they recognize the Official Mods folder provided by EA for installing third-party mods/cc.

    It sounds like you have your framework set up correctly but you're trying to do all the work the folders as well. It's much better to keep track of what you're doing if you separate the steps. Please do the following.

    First,
    Double-check your framework. Under Documents (My Documents on XP), make sure you have the following path:
    C:\Users\\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Mods\Packages
    In the Mods folder, you should have a sub-folder called Packages with nothing in it and the "New Resource.cfg" file.
    Make sure you have the name on the folders as Mods not MODS or mods & Packages not PACKAGES or packages. Check your spelling and case.

    Second,
    Create a folder (your desktop) and call it something like (mySims3Downloads, Sims3DLs) or whatever you can remember, that will remind you that this is where you are downloading your (.rar) or (.zip) files. To be even more organized you can create sub-folders (MTS, Peggyzone, etc.), so you can keep track of where you downloaded the CC from.

    Some of the compressed files come with other file extensions like . All you care about is the (.package) file. This and only this file is what you will be moving to the Packages folder once you have it extracted. This is why it is better not do the extract in your game folder where the CC will be read. Do it elsewhere (i.e. desktop) and use Extract Here.

    Third,
    After you have done the extract in folder you created on your desktop, then find the (.package) file and cut/paste it into you Packages folder as shown in the path above. All you should see in your Packages folder is (.package) files and no other file extension.

    Installing the new way, you do not need the d3dx9_31.dll file in your Game/Bin folders under Programs. If you have that file in any of your EP/SP folders you need to remove it.

    To add more content repeat steps two and three.
    Let me know if you need more help. :wink:

  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    14 years ago
    I hope that is linking properly because all the links on my phone today look strange. So idk if they're linking correctly or not.

    sent via mobile phone


  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    14 years ago
    WinRAR is a Program.
    If you are running Windows it will naturally want to install it with the other programs and place a shortcut on the desktop.

    Why is it installed in your game data folders? I said that in your thread the other day here.

    You had to tell it to install in your mods folder for it to be there.
    http://i55.tinypic.com/1zn4e43.jpg

    It should be located in Programs and install/uninstall via the control panel.

    Programs
    http://i53.tinypic.com/auikxu.jpg

    Add/Remove Programs
    http://i51.tinypic.com/am9kxc.jpg

    You do not see the WinRAR Program in my Mods folder in my image from the first page.
    All you see is the Mods folder and the Resource.cfg file.
    http://i48.tinypic.com/2d6li1c.jpg


  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    14 years ago
    I can see because of the circle but what is the full name on what you've extracted. You may have the file type assigned incorrectly as SimPE will read (.package) file extensions. On my the type show the database and/or DBPF Package. Yours does not.
  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    14 years ago
    Do you have a program that will read (.package) file extensions?
    What I mean is... Text files open with Notepad, Word Documents open with Word, Excel spreadsheet open with Excel, etc...

    Click on the image for a larger size.
    http://i53.tinypic.com/2cs8gut.jpg
  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    14 years ago
    buckosnort wrote:
    I wish you could have remembered what the error was that would have given me some type of clue. Obviously, something is not installing correctly. You might have to post your DxDiag after all.

    These are the instructions on how to do that.
    http://support.ea.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/61


    Ok, that told me how to paste it on the website, not on the forums :wink:



    After you run the report and save it to your desktop as a (.txt) file. Open the text file, select all, copy/paste it into your post.
  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    14 years ago
    Thanks. It would be kind of nice. But if not, I know where it is. Plus, it's in Walden's Directory. :wink:

    sent via mobile phone


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