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puzzlezaddict's avatar
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
3 years ago

Re: New Sims 3 expansion: says in-game content, can't install

The only reliable solution to this problem is uninstalling and reinstalling Sims 3.  However, due to the occasional problem reinstalling some or all packs, I would recommend an approach that preserves your existing install, if your computer has the space to accommodate it.  Please see this post for more information:

https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/New-Sims-3-expansion-says-in-game-content-can-t-install/m-p/13122328#M262052

Previous answer (outdated now that Origin no longer works in Windows):

Spoiler

@raebae2005  Can you still run Origin?  Please try if you haven't already.  You can find a download link here:

https://answers.ea.com/t5/Origin-Client-Web-Technical/Downloading-and-installing-Origin-Windows-and-Mac/m-p/11915666

Make sure that the EA App and the EABackgroundService are NOT running in the Task Manager, then launch the installer and see whether Origin opens properly.  If so, open your game library, click the Sims 3 icon, click More > Expansion Packs, find Generations on the list, and install it.

If you see a copy that says Unlocked but none that says Download, you'll need to contact EA customer support and ask that the "entitlement," as it's called, for the 32-bit version of Generations be added to your account.  This problem is common for players running the 64-bit Mac version of the game and much less so for the Windows version, but it does happen.  Use this link:

https://help.ea.com/en/help-contact-us/?product=the-sims-3&topic=missing-game&category=manage-my-account&subcategory=find-missing-game

Make sure you're signed into an EA site (this one is fine) before clicking the link and that the location in the lower-right corner of the browser window is set to U.S. or U.K.

7 Replies

  • avocadosim's avatar
    avocadosim
    3 years ago

    I'm having the exact same issue. Did you figure out how to fix it?

  • ScarlettJohanss's avatar
    ScarlettJohanss
    3 years ago

    I got the Pet Addon today. After 2 times cleaning EA App cache and rebooting my computer I have got the download link. 
    But I think, something they did completely wrong with the EA App. With the older Origin App never had such problems. Want it back :D

    Cheers,

    Roman

  • jessiesummz's avatar
    jessiesummz
    2 years ago

    I tried this and it only made the problem worse. Before it was only the stuff packs that were missing from the game; now it's the stuff packs and two other expansion packs that I had previously purchased through the EA app that are missing. I already tried clearing the cache. I'm at a bit of a loss here. 

    Is this currently a system-wide problem?

  • jessiesummz's avatar
    jessiesummz
    2 years ago

    Is there any way to re-download the expansion packs through the Sims 3 Store? The in-game content that I purchased from the store (i.e. worlds) downloaded correctly.

  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    Hero+
    2 years ago

    @jessiesummz  No, the Sims 3 Store site doesn't host the data for expansion or stuff packs.  The reason the accepted solution of this thread mentions renaming rather than uninstalling the game's program files is for exactly this reason: that sometimes one or more packs won't reinstall properly.  There's not much to do here, unfortunately, except wait for EA to fix it.

    If you're really desperate, I've seen reports that buying an EA Play subscription or a third-party key for the base game can help.  I'm absolutely not telling you to spend more money, and you absolutely shouldn't have to, just sharing info that's been posted elsewhere.  The subscription could be cancelled after everything downloaded; it's not necessary for the game to work going forward.

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