sims 3 expansion no cd key
I am using a mac and I am reinstalling all of my sims 3 content including the base game through Origin. The base game and some expansions downloaded okay. But when I try to download "Seasons" and "S...
Forum Discussion
@MeganFord1213 For the packs with no code, how did you buy them? If you went through Origin, you might never have received codes at all, as is normal for players these days. You'd need to contact EA customer support to get the keys, but that should be easy—the rep could look up your purchase info and pass along the codes.
https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/
If you originally owned discs, the codes will be on the backs of the inserts inside the CD cases. Or, if you had the game installed previously on a different computer, you could find the codes via Terminal command. (This would work for any computer on which you have installed but haven't done a clean uninstall.)
https://bluebellflora.com/finding-your-serial-key-using-terminal/
Otherwise, EA support is the only option. Since the packs have been registered to your account, the codes will still be in their system.
For the packs that won't download, this workaround has been helpful:
I would contact EA customer support but the chat function no longer appears on their contact page. Maybe it is just because of the holidays? How do I contact them if the chat is not available?
I didn't have discs, I purchase the expansion packs online. The game was previously installed on a different computer but that was a PC running Windows. The Terminal command works on Macs. Is there a similar command that works on PC's running Windows?
I think the work around removes Origin completely? Should that be a last resort? Or is it okay to do that first?
@MeganFord1213 The way to find codes in Windows is to look in the registry; here's a guide:
https://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2013/09/how-to-find-your-serial-number.html
But depending on when you bought the game, you might not have received codes. In that case, you'd still need to contact EA support. If they weren't here today, they should be back tomorrow, but I can check on that for you. It would also help to set your location to U.S., if you haven't already.
The workaround for packs that won't download doesn't remove Origin from the process (and besides, you need to install TS3). What you do is run the Origin reset tool for macs, which removes its cache files and saved preferences. Then you sign in and uncheck the box to automatically keep Origin and your games up to date. Then, you go into Application Settings and re-enable automatic game updates, and quit. When you sign in again, Origin will automatically offer you the downloads of each pack you haven't installed.
Of course, to install those packs in mac OS, you still need your codes. But whether you can find them in your old computer's registry or not, you still own them, and EA support should provide them when asked. If you have any trouble with this, let me know, and I'll try to get someone more official to respond.
It kinda worked. All the expansion packs are now downloaded and installed. Thanks!!
But when I clicked play on Sims 3 it starts to launch Sims 3, then soon after it also starts to launch Into the Future. Then I receive Sims 3 "Unknown error occurred".
@MeganFord1213 The unknown error message pretty much to be expected when installing TS3 in mac OS. It has several causes, depending on your hardware and the packs you've installed. This guide explains all the steps necessary to get the game running:
Alternately, you could post your mac's specs here, along with a list of your expansion and stuff packs, and I could give you advice specific to your situation. Here's how to find your specs:
