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The link to the Resource.cfg file in Zach's guide is no longer valid.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
  • JBAG521's avatar
    JBAG521
    15 years ago
    Thanks, blunote. Ive had so much trouble getting my .package files to work. I will definitely try this way.

    Happy Simming!
  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    15 years ago
    JBAG521 wrote:
    Thanks, blunote. Ive had so much trouble getting my .package files to work. I will definitely try this way.

    Happy Simming!

    Thanks. :D
  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    15 years ago
    Skip45 wrote:
    How come there is a "new" way?
    What happened to the old way?
    Just wondering why it changed.... :?:

    It's listed in the last game update here. Some people find it easier this way.
    I still do mine the old way though as I have an issue with ASV. :wink:

  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    15 years ago
    Skip45 wrote:
    So the old way does still work?
    I use the way FuryRed explained it...and it took me a LONG time to understand that. I couldn't imagine trying to figure out yet another way!
    And I haven't done that game update...so it should all still be cool :)


    Yes the old way still works. :wink:

    The difference is that you are installing your cc in a new "officially sanctioned" Mods/Packages folder in your game data folder (Documents). All of your game data exist in The Sims 3 folder, which should be the only folder for the game in that location. Which is also the reason I think you don't need d3dx9_31.dll as you only have the one folder. However, some others feel differently.

    Under Programs is where you would have folders for The Sims3 base game, eps, and sps which run the game. Having the Mods/Packages folder under Programs is confusing to lots of people, especially if you don't know how it works. If you mess up anything in your program folders you can actually destroy your PC/Laptop. Plus all this moving of the folders from the base game to the latest EP/SP is just asking for trouble. :shock:

    I know I answered more than what you asked but I might as well explain it to everyone that reads this. However, there is a price to pay for not knowing how your PC/Laptops work. :? But I'll let you all figure that out on your own.

  • LadyDarkSorrow's avatar
    LadyDarkSorrow
    New Spectator
    15 years ago
    blu I've been passing out this help link you made, so you may be busy for a while :shock: you ask for it :XD: Hugs,kiss,and all that extra fun stuff !! :shock:
  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    15 years ago
    LadyVampiress wrote:
    blu I've been passing out this help link you made, so you may be busy for a while :shock: you ask for it :XD: Hugs,kiss,and all that extra fun stuff !! :shock:

    It's all good! *hugs & stuff & junk*
    http://cdn.content.sweetim.com/sim/cpie/emoticons/000203FC.gif
    Ps.
    Oh I forgot! Go and vote for me on that blog spot I won't mention. :wink:
    I'm up for two of them. I'z Ms. Superbad and looking from some theme music in the neighborhood of Shaft. :lol:
  • LadyDarkSorrow's avatar
    LadyDarkSorrow
    New Spectator
    15 years ago
    blunote00 wrote:
    LadyVampiress wrote:
    blu I've been passing out this help link you made, so you may be busy for a while :shock: you ask for it :XD: Hugs,kiss,and all that extra fun stuff !! :shock:

    It's all good! *hugs & stuff & junk*
    http://cdn.content.sweetim.com/sim/cpie/emoticons/000203FC.gif
    Ps.
    Oh I forgot! Go and vote for me on that blog spot I won't mention. :wink:
    I'm up for two of them. :lol:


    I have, you, kid, and the nutty Hippi person :XD:
  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    15 years ago
    LadyVampiress wrote:
    I have, you, kid, and the nutty Hippi person :XD:

    U meh girl! :mrgreen:
  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    15 years ago
    Skip45 wrote:
    Oh oh oh! I've got a question real quick!
    (also, sorry if I'm sounding repetitive, I'm functioning on 4 hours of sleep!)
    If we do the update, and we have CC downloaded the old way, do we need to delete the CC or move it somewhere else?
    Also, is this new way only for if you have expansion packs or stuff packs? Because if it is, then I won't have to worry being as I've got the base game only..
    I've downloaded CC this way: http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/170393.page

    Again, sorry to bug you! I'm just very technically challenged...


    Updated 01/17/2011
    My suggestion would be:
    1) Backup your "The Sims 3 folder" your game data files under Documents.
    2) Make sure to remove (you don't have to delete) your cc someplace else. (i.e. Desktop or external drive)
    3) Make sure you prep your PC/Laptop for a clean install which I think includes:
    disk cleanup, deleting cache/temp files, disk defrag, update drivers, clean registry to get rid of any corrupt files (if your running Windows)

    Also,

    4) Remove your all your games/launcher from DEP. (Add them back after you have a successful install/reinstall)
    5) If you have gigabytes reassigned to Free virtual memory for LAA (Large Address Aware) via Windows Command Prompt or some 3rd Party program (reset it). You can reassign it after a successful install/reinstall.


    Example of backups (on my desktop) from my last update:
    http://i48.tinypic.com/fto4no.jpg

    After you update, do not move your mods/cc back in right away. Start your game and make sure everything works w/o any mods/cc first. Then after you're satisfied with how it's running, slowly add your cc back in bit by bit.

    It's okay if you have questions, I don't mind answering them and would rather you ask. :wink:
  • blunote00's avatar
    blunote00
    New Spectator
    15 years ago
    Skip45 wrote:
    oh ok. I've got most of my CC in my launcher, from the exchange, will I have to move that to?
    Also, where would you suggest moving it to? Do I just make a new folder and copy every folder into there?
    Oh, and one more question, you only back up your games and CC, correct?

    Chances are if you have cc from the exchange or the store the file extension is (.Sims3Pack) and is located in Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Downloads. However, there is some 3PCC that comes as (.Sims3Pack). Most 3PCC comes as (.package) and is what is placed in your Packages folder that is a subfolder of the Mods folder.

    Backing up files/folders... continued

    I normally make a folder on my desktop that references what I'm doing. Usually same naming convention so that I can remember what it is. Just like in the example picture. (i.e. YYYYMMDD_ts3Folders_backup) That way I know what day I did the installation, what folders I'm backing up.

    Then I will make 3 subfolders within my backup folder. One for Mods only, one for Program files, and one for game data files. As in the picture, I name the subfolders accordingly.

    Update 09/22/2011: Removed references to Mods in Program folder.
    I go to my game data files under Documents and copy/paste that to ts3DocumentsFolder. This will backup a copy of all my game data which includes your screenshots, downloads, exports, etc...

    When that's done and while I'm still in the Documents folder, I cut/paste my Mods folder to ts3CCModsFiles. This will removed (not delete) any of my Mods from the Documents folder. That is why the folder is named ts3CCModsFiles.

    Note: I back up the whole Sims3 folder from both the Documents and Program files.

    Example of game data backed up. See folder structure on the left of all 3 folders.
    http://i46.tinypic.com/1553rs6.jpg

    Proper naming of the files will tell you where you need to put things back, when you're ready to. :wink: In the future, you will backup your mods the same way but remember to change to DocMods instead of ProgMods.

    Also remember that whenever you do patch/updates for the game, you don't want to place your Mods back right away. Test the install first and make sure the game will play w/o any cc. When you're ready to add the mod/cc back into your game, you'll know where they are and remember where it need to go.

    Once you've played your game for a while and you don't have any issues, you can deleted the one backup folder on your desktop. However, I usually keep a copy of the last backup just in case I need to go back for something. Then again I have the room to do it. :wink:

    Hope this answers your question about backing up your files and folders. I know it's confusing (at first) but once you do it a few times you'll be able to do it in your sleep. :shock: :P

About The Sims 3 Technical Issues

Get help with issues in The Sims 3 from fellow Simmers.

337 PostsLatest Activity: 28 days ago