Re: Sims 3 Won't Install Any Content

When I went to install the game it kept giving me an invalid code message. I've used the code for years, considering it's the code from the one I bought. I ended up having to use a code I found on yahoo answers, which some other people have had to do as well it seems. I would still like to know why I cannot use my own code, and how it is considered invalid now. The code I was using is from Origin, matching the one I registered my game with, but I couldn't use the disk because it's currently at my home. I'm on vacation right now. I suppose having to use another code isn't much of a solution, since it means I can't use my own copy. I think it's kind of stupid if others have had to do this too.

Was it after you used that code you found that you got issues with the Store content or before ?

Did you get the invalid message on the blue installation screen ? Is your code a DVD code or did you buy the base game on Origin ?

I feel like I confused you somewhere. The game was giving me the invalid code thing and still installing, each time. After I bought this new computer and tried to install the game through Origin. It was already registered, so I just used the code and downloaded from there. It would give me the invalid message even though that was my code, but it will install afterward. Through the whole time I was having the problems, I was using my code from Origin. It was a DVD code, and I would get the invalid message while on the blue install screen yea. The store content issue was while I was going through the invalid messages. I don't know if they're connected or not, but any time I tried to get in touch with help, aside from this, I was given the run-around. Hence why I had to go find a code to use even though I own the game. I'd really love to know why my code won't work.

See there's an issue with the codes for DVDs bought before Origin came out.

When did you buy the base game ? Is the code you have on the back of the manual/white sheet of paper the same as the one you have in Origin ? For me, the codes differe and I cannot use the one on Origin. It doesn't work with that one. The code on the back of the manual works perfectly.

I bought my game in 2009 and that was way before Origin. When they moved all stuff to Origin, they messed up with those codes.

So question is, could this scenario apply to you ?

I actually bought Sims 3 back when it came out in 2009 as well, but I was unaware of this. For the longest time I was unaware you could even download them from Origin once registered. It sounds highly possible that this could be my problem, seeing as the codes could possibly be different. I don't have access to my physical copy since I'm on vacation, and in the process of moving into my own place. It's more than likely that they are different, and perhaps that is the problem, but I still question why it still installed after the invalid message. I know that's a question I would probably have to deal with the help again, but honestly I'd rather never deal with them again. I detest people who can't even pay attention to what I'm saying. I'm not meaning that in a bad way, but I'm sure anyone who has had this problem, which I can see now is a big number of people, can probably understand what I'm saying. I should probably look into installing it again when I can have access to my physical code. It strikes me odd that they haven't done anything to rectify this. By the way, you're pretty awesome, you know that?

If you do have old discs, that s most probably the problem. I have heard from people, where the base game code and the WA code are the same (haven't checked out mine really so maybe that's the issue).

Problem is that they would need to do that to a lot of accounts since they're probably off for everyone that bought the game before Origin. Many people just get new codes when they contact CS but I don't think they're going to globally solved this issue (I could try asking a Communty Manager though).

I don't understand either why you're able to install despite of the message and I also don't know how the Store Content is connected to your serial code. There must be some kind of connection but I just don't know how it works in detail since if they had a direct relation, a lot more people would be having this issue.

All my efforts to get any info on this has been more or less fruitless.

I'm a bit unsure but are you still not able to install Store content ?

I've heard about the base game issues from the older discs before, but I didn't think much of it since it was never a problem for me. That seems to have changed, of course. I do understand that they would need to do something globally to fix it, and that they probably won't. I don't expect special treatment or anything, but my situation does see quite different than others going through the typical store content problems. I don't know if the store content is connected to the serial code, but it does seem that way. You've helped me more than the so called help I was actually getting, so I wouldn't consider your efforts fruitless. I was able to download it again, and I thought the content installed, but it turns out it actually did. Sadly that means I'm still suffering from this issue.

One idea that I have that the fact that you have a code from the net atm is that maybe EA blocked that code entirly and now you're having issues so my best advise is to wait until you have access to your discs again and then reainstall with those codes.

Do you have world adventures ? If so, do check if the base game one and the WA one are identical. If they are, contact a game advisor and tell them that oyu need a new code since they are the same which means, one MUST be wrong. Hopefully it works better with a key you get from EA then one you get from the net.

Know what I'm trying to say ?

Well the only reason I had to use a code from the net is because the Origin one wouldn't work. Not exactly much else I can do if I want to play, you know? I am not entirely sure when I'll have access to my disks again because after I return from vacation I'll be moving. I do understand what you're saying, although I'm fairly sure my codes as far as the base game and WA go are different. I will definitely check into that when I get the chance and let you know. I hope I'm not going to have to buy another base game, or whatever I end up having to do.

You won't need to do that. If your code doesn't work, try a game advisor again. They can give you a new code. If WA and base are the same, you have leverage on that.

Have it escalated to a higher up if chat support isn't willing.