Hi! I just wanted to share my solution to this problem. I was also having a great deal of trouble installing my Sims 2 games on my new HP laptop, which has Windows 8. I was only able to successfully install The Sims 2 (4 CD pack), University Life Collection, and Open for Business Collection. Every other expansion asked me to insert the Sims 2 Disk 4 to ensure that the Sims 2 was updated. Each time, the update suddenly terminated, and the game would un-install itself from my laptop.
Well, after some prodding around and stumbled upon this solution. I hope it works for others as well.
First, I must mention that I purchased a new laptop b/c the keyboard, mouse, and USB ports stopped working suddenly on my old laptop. I had to remove the hard drive from my old laptop and make it into an external hard drive but I don't think that is necessary though. I copied and pasted all my games from the old hard drive in the Programs file to the Programs (x86) file in Windows 8.
After I transferred all the games from my old HD to the new laptop, I went into the EA Games folder in "Program Files," and then went into Sims 2" folder. Within that folder is a folder titled, "TSBin." In that folder, you should find two files called "TSUPD" and "TSUPD00." I double clicked both of those applications and rec'd messages saying The Sims 2 was successfully updated. Since that was successful, I decided to try to install the patch for the Sims 2 again. The other night I couldn't get the patch to install. Guess what? This time, it successfully installed. So, I went into each of my expansion packs in the Program Files and double clicked those TSUPD files. Each time, the installations were successful (i.e., indicated that the Sims 2 was already updated).
After that, I decided to install Nightlife to see what happened. This time, I was asked to install the Sims 2 Disk 1, and it was successful! It told me the Sims 2 was already updated! Yay! I went into the game and saw that Nightlife had uploaded. Now, I did this a couple of days ago, but I don't think the other expansion packs asked me for any of the Sims 2 disks. YAY! I was able to install all of my expansions successfully. I entered after each installation to make sure everything looked okay.
I then installed, or rather copied, all my old games and custom content into the file in "Documents" where that stuff is stored on Windows 8. Everything showed up in the game! Yesterday, I played for about 2-3 hours straight w/o the game crashing at all. I did not enter CAS though. Tonight, I played for another 2-3 hours w/no problems!
Anyway, I'm very pleased! I would have hated to lose my games! Please share this w/anyone who asks b/c this solution may work for others!
Here is what I installed:
The Sims 2
University Life Collection (includes IKEA Home and Teen style)
Nightlife
Open for Business (includes Kitchen and Home and something else)
Seasons
Bon Voyage
Free Time
Apartment Life
- I don't own Pets!
