Forum Discussion

blunote00's avatar
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The link to the Resource.cfg file in Zach's guide is no longer valid.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 Vista™ 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: