Sims 4 New install and 2 files
I have transfered my old game onto a hard drive that will never leave the drive. I don't have enough room on my new laptop for the base game and packs, so it has to be on an external device to store....
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@Callanosaurusrex There should always be two Sims 4 folders. One contains the game's program files, as in, what the EA App installs, and you can choose to install wherever you want. The other folder contains user data—saves, mods, etc.—and is always in Documents > Electronic Arts. If you'd like to move it, here's how:
You can move this folder almost anywhere, but please do NOT combine it with the program files. Doing so can cause all kinds of problems. If necessary, simply create a new folder on your external drive into which your Sims 4 user folder will go.
I messed something up that I have no way to fix.
I tried to move my documents folder that was on PC to the drive and when it didn't sync up my saves anymore, I realized that I couldn't have my old game file on the drive, like you said.
Now when I tried to move the document folder back, it no longer is reading that game file is part of the game. I have tried over and over to fix it, but when I load the game, none of my save files appear and it only says new game.
I cleared my recycle bin before I knew about this issue, so I have no way to undo what I did. I have tried to make the documents folder with just a new folder with the name Electronic Arts and it does load my sims 4 game saves there with all my screenshots and trays, but it just won't register into the actual game itself.
I'm looking at the main screen right now, and it has the blank Sim with New Game next to it.
I don't know what to do to fix it. It just won't project my saves into the game anymore. Do I just paste my game file into the other Electronic Arts folder where the EA app program is in program files? Or would that not work?
I just wish I never tried to move the documents folder in the first place because now I can't get it back to how it wad before.
@Callanosaurusrex You'll need to find the location of the Sims 4 user folder the game is actually reading and move your saves and other content there. Here's how to find the folder:
https://sims4.crinrict.com/eng/2018/07/how-to-find-your-user-folder/
If you'd like the location of the user folder to be somewhere else, list its current location and the one you'd like to use, and I can help with the process of moving it.
Yesterday I made a new game save to try and see if I could find it myself, but it never showed up where I was expecting.
I did as the guide said and found the game files in...
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Recorded Videos
I'd like this moved to...
C:\Users\cgbri\Documents\Electronic Arts
Or just ending in documents if is better to move the Electronic Arts folder instead of the Sims 4 folder.
But first, can I replace this fake new game save by pasting my old game saves and stuff in there first, or should I wait until I have moved it?
This Public Documents EA folder was made by default through the game, so I could technically leave it there and just replace the game file with my old one now that I know where the game is directing to.
By the way, you are such an angel for doing this! Thank you!
@Callanosaurusrex I would wait to move any saves until your user folder is where you want it, if for no other reason than to avoid any potential complications or sources of error.
The next question is the location of the Documents directory in this Windows account. As you can see, the computer has several Documents folders, but only one is the directory, as designated by Windows. Sims 4 will try to use that location, and if it can't, it sometimes defaults to the Public Documents folder. So the key is to change the directory to what you want and make sure it's in a location the game can access.
Please search in Windows for Command Prompt, open it, and enter this command, starting with reg query:
reg query "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders" /v "Personal"
That will return the location of the Documents directory. You can change it directly in the registry:
However, if OneDrive is involved, it would be best to address that first. Please see this section of a guide I wrote for disappearing content:
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