Won't install (error code with product key)
So I had a mega issue with my PC and had to wipe it back to factory settings - and now I can't have my Sims stuff back. It installed (from disc) the base game without any issues. I used my Origin account that I used the first time, so didn't have any trouble. My problem is I have the Sims 3 starter pack, with Late Night expansion and High End Loft Stuff, plus bonus Date Night Clothing. When I try to install (from the disc) the other stuff, it asks for the product key...I've been using the serial number from the game manual, but it says invalid code and I can't proceed with installation....Am I using the wrong code? It's what I used the first time so I'm really confused. Any advice or tips would be really appreciated please, I miss playing! ☹️
@FrozenCokeNoms It's strange that you'd only have the one code. I take it you bought a disc pack with the base game, Late Night, and High-End Loft Stuff all included in one package? (If not, please let me know what format it came in.) When I bought a bundle with the base game and Ambitions, I had two codes printed on the back of the case insert. I'd expect you to have three—one for the base game and one each for LN and HELS.
Origin itself can be fussy with recognizing installs, and sometimes with packs as well. So a good place to start would be to clear Origin's cache, and if that doesn't help, uninstall Origin ("the hard way") and reinstall it. This wouldn't affect your TS3 install.
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/faq/clear-cache-to-fix-problems-with-your-games/
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/origin/origin/manually-uninstalling-origin/
If these steps don't help, this may be an issue with how packs and codes are sold now, as opposed to how they used to be handled. It's kind of complicated, but these days, an all-digital install into Windows only requires the base game code, and other codes aren't even provided. Previously, each pack had its own code. I'm not familiar with the format of the discs currently being sold, but perhaps they're supposed to only contain the one code, matching Origin's current format.
Regardless, since you bought a physical copy of the starter pack, with both LN and HELS included, there needs to be a way for you to get all that content. If Origin won't recognize your ownership of the packs, and you can't install via disc without other codes, you'll need to contact EA customer support. It would be helpful if you could provide photos of your receipt, the discs, their case (showing that what you bought is specifically the starter pack and not just the base game), and the back of the insert with just the single code. A support rep should be able to provide you with codes for your packs, or fix whatever is going on with Origin.
https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/
If you happen to get a support rep who's not as helpful as you would like, you can always leave the chat and try again later. Or, if no one is able to solve your issue, let me know and I'll ask an EA community manager if there's something more you should be doing.
