I don't really know about the launcher constantly disappearing, but you can update your game (which it looks like you need to) using the manual patch.
You can find your game version by hovering over the base game icon with the mouse. Let me know what it is, it should be 1.48 as far as I'm aware, because you're on a MAC.
See here: http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/FAQ-Current-Patch-1-50-Manual-links-and-more/td-p/67858
You'll note that (to quote) "Mac Patch 1.50 is NOT out yet". Read that part carefully
Welcome to the Answer HQ!
Edit: I found this, apparantly it helps find your game version on a MAC: http://bluebellflora.com/ts3-on-a-mac/checking-which-patch-version-youre-running
Thanks for your help, however I am still not sure what i have to do to get it working.
The hovering thing you mentioned doesnt seem to work but i clicked on the link for checking which patch version you're running and it gave me the number I mentioned in the above message.
What should I do now?
You'll need to update your game but I'm not quite sure as you're on a MAC. Give me a sec - I want to see if I can find the link to the old 1.48 patch which would work for you.
Alrighty. I'm rather nervous about this, so I do advise waiting for someone else. Here is the link to the super patch which would take you to patch 1.48: http://simsvip.com/2013/01/22/sims-3-game-update-1-48-12213/
The reason why I'm nervous is because it doesn't specifically mention anything about macs.
It's really your choice - sorry. I'll see if I can find someone else to help you
Hope everthing works out and sorry
what would it do if it was wrong??
Also sounds like such a stupid question but when I download it where do i put the downloaded item?? and how will i know if its worked or not?
