[MAC] Sims 3 University Life won't work

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@briannayoung239 wrote:

I recently downloaded The Sims 3 onto my Macbook Air from Origin thinking I could simply install it and play in no time like I had with my other sims games. However I regret paying money for it as it won't work, I keep reading about patching but I don't get it and I don't usually play computer games so its a nightmare. When I click play on my normal sims game now it won't even work either, it starts to open, then exits by after the very first pop up box. When I try to update which is my only other option, it downloads University Life for hours and I can't get out of it, then it disappears and doesn't actually download. What do I do? I think I'd need a step-by-step guide. 

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Hi

How many The Sims 3 games did you get from Origin? I would try to get the base game installed and working first, before attempting to add any expansions.

Try uninstalling everything, then start again and follow the steps I've pasted below in order to reduce the chance of Origin corruption.

Caspin

Uninstalling

When you uninstall TS3 games on your Mac using the uninstaller, the game leaves behind stray files and isn't completely removed from your computer. These files may conflict with future installations. It is best to completely remove them. BluebellFlora's website provides a guide on how to do this:

http://bluebellflora.com/the-sims-3-on-a-mac/how-to-do-a-clean-uninstall-and-reinstall-on-a-mac/

After cleanly uninstalling, install the base game and patch it up to date. If you cannot update via the Launcher, download and apply the latest cumulative manual patch (called the superpatch) for Mac.

Check that your game works properly. Then install any EPs and SPs that you own, in order of release date.

Using Origin

To download and install games through Origin:

Download and install the Origin client for Mac and make sure it is up-to-date. If you already have Origin on your Mac but are having problems with downloading or installing games, delete the client and download a new copy (this sometimes fixes issues with downloading). The latest version can be downloaded from here: http://www.dm.origin.com/mac/download

Additional advice on how to download games (thank you Tremayne for this tip):
When downloading from Origin, do NOT use the first install icon. Move your cursor over the game cover and click on the information (letter i) and then click on the install button from there. For some reason, downloads from Origin frequently become corrupted. Using the i reduces the chance of your download being corrupted. If you have already been unfortunate and have a corrupted download, then it is important to remove all traces of this before trying again, by doing a thorough, clean uninstallation first.

Are you running anti-virus software or any clean-up applications? If so, disable these, as they might be deleting files that Origin needs. A fast, stable internet connection will also help you.

Patching

Many simmers find that patching their game via the "Game Updates" tab of the Launcher does not work properly. It is then better to download and apply the manual superpatch. It is important to download the Mac version rather than the PC version, and to pick the right one for your region.

Instructions and the links to the downloads can be found in the Mac section of the forums at thesims3.com here:

http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/549552.page

Installation sequence

If you own more than just the base game, it is recommended that you install the packs in order of release date, which is as follows.

TS3 (base game)
World Adventures - EP
High End Loft - SP
Ambitions - EP
Fast Lane - SP
Late Night - EP
Outdoor Living - SP
Generations - EP
Town Life - SP
Pets - EP
Master Suite - SP
Showtime - EP
Katy Perry's Sweet Treats - SP
Diesel - SP
Supernatural - EP
Seasons - EP
70s, 80s, 90s - SP
University - EP
Island Paradise - EP
Movie Stuff - SP
Into the Future- EP

General help to bookmark

For general advice, information and tips on how to play TS3 on a Mac, read BluebellFlora's guide here:

http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Links-to-Mac-help-threads-and-guides/m-p/749664#U749664