Hello Bev, been a while since I've seen you post, was hoping you had all fixed! I know some will disagree with what I am going to say, but I have done this successfully a number of times. So here goes:
Use windows uninstaller, (remove peograms) found in control panel to remove all sims 2 games from your computer. This is a clean install! follow these procedures only if you are willing to start over from scratch! 1) after the final game is removed -the base Sims 2 - it asks if you want to save your game. Say no. 2) exit control panel, open widows explorer found in accessories. scroll down the left side panel to "Computer" click on the + sign. Then click the + sign beside "OS {C:} " . Then scroll down to "Program Files", and click the + sign. Scroll down to the file named "EA Games" Click on the file name once then hit the delete key on your keyboard. Say "continue" when it asks for conformation of the delete. Bev, are you with me so far?
Now for the tricky part. Close windows explorer and return to your DeskTop. Click start then in the window at the bottom of your start menue type: "regedit" without the quotation marks. This will open your registry editor. When you begin to do the following steps it will ask if you want to back the registry up. You should say yes, but I don't back it up for this operation myself. Step# R-1):
click the + mark beside: HKEY_Current_User
Scroll down and click the + mark beside Software
Scroll down to the EA Games folder, click it's name once then hit the delete key on your keyboard. Confirm deletion when asked.
Close by clicking the - sign beside HKEY_Current_User
Step #R-2):
Click the + sign beside: HKEY_Locale_Machine
Scroll down and click the + mark beside Software
Scroll down to the EA Games folder,click it's name once then hit delete key on keyboard. Confirm deletion when asked.
Close by clicking the x on the editors window.
Note: In Vista removing the first entry SOMETIMES removes both. Just do both steps R-1) and R-2), If EA Games is not in the list of software in StepR-2) do not worry. If it is just follow the above instructions.
You now have a computer that is free of any bits and pieces of sims 2 information that may buger a reinstallation. I would at this point go to
http://www.thesims2.com and download (save) to your desktop a copy of each patch you need for the games you own. If you are on dial up this will suck!
Then start by putting the sims 2 on first, then run the patch for it. Go to the next EP you plan to put back on and install and run it's patch. Do this for all EP's and SP' that require a patch, FamilyFunStuff is currently the only SP that requires a patch. I would put everything I was planning on using back on the computer before starting the game. Of course you can if you want to, but this is my method!:) You should at this point have a perfect reinstallation with all patches in place.
Be careful with hacks and other CC. Make sure they are updated for use by your game configuration. Throw the newest CEP in an Quaxi's censor remover if you use it. The one he made for Pets seems to work well with both seasons and BV. Ask if you have any questions Bev. Good Luck -Bill
