Since I have no other alternative but to uninstall and reinstall only EP NL (Sims 2 remains in tact), do you think it will be a good idea to load the last Simpe backup I made (dated 03-08-06) first to see whether objects package file was still in tact then or not? Cos I don't remember.
The objects.package file is not part of the back-up Sim-Pe makes so there is no use to do that.
2) Correct me if I'm wrong, so when I replace them with original ones after I reinstalled the game, I would have both my created sims and those born out of their relationships be still in tact? with present memories? OR not with present memories but with fresh memory? So what happens to those that are born in course. If created sims will have fresh memory then how do they will now about their kids and vice versa??? I could'nt figure out.
You can use sims from the "saved sims" folder to recreate part of your hood. They are sims you either extract using Sim-Pe or template Sims you created in bodyshop. They are not your "played" sims. If you use those templates none will have memory or family ties which is what you need. You can recreate family ties though (but not their memories) once in CAS by remaking the family as they were if you package all the sims in the family.
Example: You have the Johnson family you love in your game and want to keep. You package each member using Sim-Pe (mother, father and the kids). Once in CAS you can recreate the Johson family using all the sim template you saved and give them the appropriate ties in CAS. If the package sim are not at the appropriate age you can of course make adult sims kids or teens again if you wish in CAS since they are only template sims. That Johnson family you loved will still be there and ready to have completely new adventures instead of the old ones it had (new memories). As for the rest of the ties, you can use the insimenator like Ancient suggested.
If yes then...
Do I still have to uninstall/reinstall NL? Can't I just replace all files other than downloads and savedsims files with those saved under Simpe backup ? Would it work?
Since the answer is no, I strongly suggest you reinstall ALL eps (including the base game), not just Nightlife to make sure all the files are created properly and are put in the right folders.
AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, even if I reinstall the game and start fresh, I still would like to get rid of a long list of townies plus N001 and N002 before I start playing or even replacing downloads and saved sims folders. It is a cumbersome and excruciating process plus it takes days. However I'm patient when it comes to things that I'm certain I don't want. I want to know if there is a safer method of removing unwanted townies (dead and alive)?
Like Ancient told you, there are templates without townies and NPC of all the 3 Maxis hood at the MATY site so you won't need to kill any of them, They are very safe to use I am using them personally. Though if you insist on getting rid of them all by yourself, the safest way is to kill them. Since I am in a good mood (just kidding) here are all the links you need to do that (Note that MATY site is sometimes very slow but you will eventually get to the links):
1- If you want to keep them after all but want the Maxis hood to have proper DNA, check this post (note: only Stangetown and Veronaville need fixes):
Strangetown and Veronaville DNA Fixes 2- Link to empty Maxis template of all the 3 Maxis hood coming only with the playable sims:
Empty and cleaned-up templates3- This is a link explaining how to safely create a cc hood without any Maxis default townie coming along with it and explain how to create your own townies and downtownies if you wish too to create them yourself:
Clean custom neighborhyoods+cc townie creations explanationBy the same token, can I export some of my sims after say deleting their entire memory up to the starting point and make 'em sims 2package file. I will never be able to create the exact looks of those sims again. And they are the very reason that keeps me playing sims 2 in the first place.
You can export the sims you want before you do your complete reinstall with Sim-Pe do not play with their memories anymore it is not useful since those sims WON'T HAVE ANY MEMORIES AT ALL, they will be just template of sims you want to keep. Simply follow the instruction of how to export your sims from this post. Once you are done make sure to keep a copy of your saved-sims folder, here is a link to a post explaining how to do this with pics, just follow all the step in the Step 1 part:
Tutorial-Giving your in-game sims a permanent make-over. Note: If you do not have a savedsims folder already make sure to create one or Sim-Pe won't be able to save your sims. It should be spell this way: SavedSims
As for the lots, once you moved out the family there will be no furniture in the houses usless you use this hack object to prevent it:
Stay-things shrub Once you placed that and follow instruction on how to use it, you can safely move the Sims out of the house and package the lot which will appear in the "teleport" or "savedlot" folder, I cannot remember which on the top my head but you can easily check since the lot will keep the name you gave it. Make sure to do a copy of that folder too once you are done before you uninstall the game.
