Install sims 3 expansions but run base on origin

@XTraSWEPizzaHere  This does work some of the time, and other times it does not, as in, Origin will only sometimes recognize the packs as installed and valid.  So you'll just need to try it for yourself.

If you need to uninstall the packs, use the manual method here:

https://help.ea.com/en/help/the-sims/the-sims-3/manually-uninstalling-the-sims-3/

@XTraSWEPizzaHere  You could try moving the Sims 3 program files to the location a disc would expect.  Create a folder inside Program Files (x86) called Electronic Arts.  Open Origin, right-click on the Sims 3 icon, and select Move Game, then choose that Electronic Arts folder, and Origin will move the files for you and adjust some other necessary pointers.  Then try installing via disc again.

However, the problem may not be the game's install location but rather the registry entries, which look different in an Origin install than they do in a disc install.  If this is the issue, then there's unfortunately nothing you can do here.

If you're still interested in buying more Sims 3 content, look for Origin to have a sale either the week of Black Friday or during the winter holidays.  Steam may also have a sale on Sims 3 content; you'd need to rebuy the base game as well, but for only $5 (U.S.) extra, it comes out cheaper if you're buying several packs at once.

@XTraSWEPizzaHere Your disc should have come with an activation code. When Sims 3 was released the disc contained SecuROM and SafeDisc DRM. When Windows 10 was released both Windows and IOS dropped support for SecuROM and SafeDisc and the default DRM became Origin. After you get the download version from Origin there is no install limit and you no longer need a disc in the optical drive to play.

@XTraSWEPizzaHere When you used the code the game is locked to the account in use when you entered the code. Jf you entered the code before Origin the activation should have carried over under the email (loin you used to enter code)  you used to enter the code. The game should appear in the Origin my games library. Once the game is in Origin the game is activated and ready for download. Before Origin if you wanted the free world you had to register the game by using the code.You can not re enter the code. The code is now a true activation code. Once used the game is locked to your Origin account. Your account can not be fixed in these public forums. Account issues need to be handled by an EA game consultant.

@XTraSWEPizzaHere  Just to clarify, it's still possible to install Sims 3 via disc IF you have disc copies of all your packs and a base game disc that was manufactured prior to September 2012.  It's just not always possible to combine disc and Origin installs if the discs were already registered, and that's unfortunately the case for you.  However, if you managed to find an old-enough base game disc, you could use your disc-based packs with it.  There are still plenty of players who use discs without Origin's involvement.

Anyway, I'm sorry this didn't work, and I hope you can get your money back.