The Sims 3 seasons won't install.

How I fixed a ton of errors with Sims 3

Tried installing Sims 3 Seasons and got the error “The Sims 3 needed to be updated” and also “Can’t connect to Origin”.  Search the web without much help.  Attempted to download a few mega patches to update it manually, nothing worked same error.  Turned out I was playing with the original Sims 3 that it never updated. 

So I uninstalled all my Sims 3 games, I have 3 stuff packs and 2 expansions took some time.  I did not delete any registry keys. 

I then reinstalled Sims 3 base game.  After I installed it I opened up Electronic Arts Download Manager and updated it.  Guess what now it said “Invalid file found”.

I then uninstalled again and cleaned the registry out.  By following the instructions here https://help.ea.com/article/manually-uninstalling-the-sims-3

This time after I installed the base game I opened the launcher first (DO NOT OPEN EADM or ORIGIN) and I had several patches install.  This was the first time I ever saw a patch or had several install to bring my game up to version 1.50.   After all the patches I noticed my launch had the following “Error during Start-up” I found that fix here.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyKMnpKHGg8

After the game was done patching I then went to update EADM (Origin) didn’t work had the same errors coming up.  So this time I removed everything up to the base game.  When I went into the registry to delete some of the related keys, I also decided to wipe the system of EADM and Origin wherever I found it.  I had to go to Program Files and Program Files x 86.  I then went to Origin’s website and installed the newest version.

I then installed each stuff pack and each expansion in the order it came.  After each one I would get a notice that this was an older version.  I just would click ok and keep crossing my fingers and praying it would work.

I then got to the installation of Seasons which is an electronic copy.  I then would get the error “Please insert correct CD” there is no CD with this expansion, so I tried 2 different CD’s I had from different expansions.  Nothing worked.  So I was completely irritated like if it is not one thing it is another thing.  So I got to think that all the errors excluding the first one dealing with the registry.  I then decided to go look in the registry for Seasons because it shouldn’t be there it has been installed.  Sure enough I found it in 3 different places.  Under Origin and under Sims 3, I deleted all of them.

I then logged back into Origin and began installing Seasons…it worked J

The above is the condensed version of the problems I had and everything I did to fix it.  Basically I spent a whole weekend working on this issue.  I do feel that EA and Origin and the Sims do not make their games user friendly for installation.  Lots of work needed there, IMO. 

I hope this helps people out.  Please repost it wherever applicable.  I think very few people return with solutions because of how stressful finding that solution was…but I know how I felt trying to find info...Good Luck!