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bowie960619's avatar
bowie960619
6 years ago
Solved

Sims 3 doesn't show Expansion packs

I just spent a couple hours installing Sims 3 and about 10 expension packs (all from discs), Origin says some are installed, some I need to buy.. Sorry Origin but they're on my frickin' laptop. On th...
pc
technical issues
  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    6 years ago

    @bowie960619  You can install TS3 on whichever drive you prefer; it shouldn't make a difference.  There are often issues with uninstalling on one drive and reinstalling on another, but the problem is usually that the game's leftover registry keys weren't cleaned out first.  Those old entries be why the packs you donwloaded through Origin aren't working either.

    So, here are the steps to creating a disc-only install:

    • Uninstall the game and clean your computer's registry of all TS3-related entries, either manually or with a tool like Piriform's CCleaner.
    • Uninstall Origin as well.
    • Download the Super Patch from here:  https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/175477/official-ea-download-link-for-the-sims-3-cumulative-manual-update
    • Take your computer completely offline, as in, turn off wifi and/or unplug the ethernet cable.
    • Install the base game only.  If the EA Download Manager asks to control your install, say no.  The EADM will do everything it can to "upgrade" itself to Origin.
    • When the base game is installed, run the Super Patch and test.
    • Install your packs in order.  When you're done, run the Super Patch again.
    • Test to make sure the game runs.
    • Go online and open the launcher.  Accept any updates it offers; these are not Origin-related.  (Also, it can't download Origin onto your computer for you.)
    • For the missing store content patches, please read this thread:  https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16341942/#Comment_16341942

    This is the usual path to installing via disc, and it works for almost everyone.  If you run into trouble, just let me know, and I'll try to help.

bowie960619's avatar
bowie960619
5 years ago
@puzzlezaddict I'm so sorry to get back to you now but I've been Googling but can't find anything; right now I play Sims 3 now without having Origin installed whatsoever, do I now ruin all the work by installing Origin for other games? Will the expansion packs disappear if I install Origin the same laptop? Thank you.
puzzlezaddict's avatar
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
5 years ago

@bowie960619  It's not a problem to get back to me now, or whenever.  If you install Origin on the same computer where Sims 3 is, Origin may recognize the install and try to update it to 1.69 and take over.  This used to happen to people even when they'd disabled auto updates, and it could happen to you as well.

It's possible that Origin would still allow you to use your existing packs, but there's no guarantee.  You might end up having to wipe the Sims 3 install, and Origin, and start from scratch.

If you're up for a bit of experimenting, I have an idea for an approach you could try.  I don't know if it would work, or if it would break your Sims 3 install (as in, you'd need to reinstall), but it's based on the fact that Origin doesn't recognize my own Sims 3 install at all.  Mine is through Steam, and the install path and registry entries look different; I've wondered if that was why Origin never tried to touch it.  So let me know if you're up for some messing around.  But like I said, it might break your install.

  • bowie960619's avatar
    bowie960619
    5 years ago
    @puzzlezaddict I don't know if I wanna risk it haha, I currently have Sims 3 installed on my main laptop but have Origin with Sims 2, Medieval and Sims 4 on a smaller laptop because I barely play them and sort of.. delete them after playing them for a day haha, but I'll keep it in mind, maybe I'll try it later. Thanks a lot!

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