Insimenator.org

hi,
  I downloaded a mesh and recolors of mailboxes. Didn't like it, so I removed the files from the buy mode category. Now, none of my lots have mailboxes. I didn't delete the default mailbox file as I don't even know where it was.
   Is there a replacement default mailbox file available anywhere? Or a way for the original file to kick in again?
thanks.

If you weren't using Windkeeper's mailbox, try this one (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=151949).

I would add, also, that maybe you accidentally deleted the mailbox from game files. This may happen e.g. if you have OfB installed: somehow sometimes deleting recolors in OfB may delete resources in installation files.

If you don't have mailboxes anymore in all your game, then is quite probable your files are corrupted. The solution ancienthighway suggest certainly solves the present issue, but you should in any case reinstall the game, to replace the corrupted files with fresh copies.
No harm for your saved games, nor your downloads: just move the EA Games folder inside Documents in another place, like Desktop, then re-put it in place after reinstallation.

Important: after reinstallation, you should set read-only all game files located in The Sims 2/TSData/Res/ and its subfolders, and The Sims 2/Expansion Packs//TSData/Res/ etc., for all your expansion packs. This prevents any other accidental deletion in the future.
You only have to remember to set them writable again in case you'll apply a patch, or install a new EP or stuff pack (then read-only once more).

to avoid reininstalling, you might also try extracting the game file for the base game from the compressed.zip on the installation media.

the normal location for these on your hardrive is:

~/EA GAMES/The Sims 2/TSData/Res/Sims3D

however - since there is no way to know what the game patch changes, it may be best to un-install and re-install everything (may sure to back up you game!)

Thanks for the help. I'll try these things tomorrow.