Installing Sims Games

[iluvmydoggz]

I have a stupid question but has really been bothering me;does it matter what order i install sims 2 games, i have freetime and want to install open 4 business will it mess up my game in any way or is it perfectly fine to install it? If any one could help i would apperiate it!!!!

[iluvmydoggz]

I just got seasons and I have freetime already downloaded on my computer will it mess my games up?

[Ultravixen]

There is no need to post two topics for the same question,
People have a life outside these forums too you know ..

This is one of those things where I find I have a mixed opinion.

There are newer update patches than the ones on the CDs/DVDs available on the official site that won't work if a later EP (like Seasons) is install before an earlier EP (like Nightlife).  In my anal-retentive world, this make me personally prefer this install order:

• Sims Base Game
• Install the CD patch downloaded from here: The Sims 2 CD Patch
  --or--
  Install the DVD patch downloaded from here: The Sims 2 DVD Patch
  
• University
• Install the patch downloaded from here: The Sims 2 University EP CD Patch
  
• Nightlife
• Install the patch downloaded from here: The Sims 2 Nightlife EP CD Patch
  
• Open For Business
• Install the patch downloaded from here: The Sims 2 Open For Business EP CD Patch
  
• Family Fun Stuff
• Install the patch downloaded from here: The Sims 2 Family Fun Stuff SP CD Patch
  
• Glamour Life Stuff
• Pets
• Install the patch downloaded from here: The Sims 2 Pets EP CD/DVD Patch
  
• Seasons
• Install the patch downloaded from here: The Sims 2 Seasons EP CD/DVD Patch
  
• Celebration Stuff Pack
• H&M Fashion Stuff Pack
• Bon Voyage
• Install the patch downloaded from here: The Sims 2 Bon Voyage EP CD/DVD Patch
  
• Teen Style Stuff Pack

However, many people say they have no problems if they install the EPs in no particular order.  This has not been my personal experience, but I never said I know everything.

EA has complicated this matter by releasing combo sets like TS2 Deluxe (TS2 + NL) and TS2 Ltd Edition (TS2 + BV), so the "purist" method I prefer may not work for everyone.

[tizerist]

IF you have, for example, installed all expansions, is it still recommended to go back and download a patch for an earlier pack?

[PegasusDiana]

I installed mine in the wrong order because that's how I brought them. After the Sims 2, I installed University. Then Nightlife, then OFB. After that I installed in the right order. But, I got the patches for each as I installed them. I've never had any major issues I know of. (I mean other than normal bugs, or crashing) I didn't get the Sims 2 when it first came out because I was still playing Sims 1. So I was almost a year late to the game. I don't think I ever even downloaded any CC, joined any forums till right before Pets, so I wouldn't have known anyway. lol

[BeosBoxBoy]

The reason you should install the expansion packs and patches in a particular order deals with crucial game fixes that may not install properly if the presence of another patch is detected.

The patching software used by EA for The Sims 2 is particularly notorious for choking or failing if the slightest incongruity is detected.  To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to do everything in as a pristine manner as possible, ergo, install the expansion packs and patches in a recommended order.

This i not to say it is absolutely necessary that you must do it this way, many people experience no problems with the game after installing the expansion packs willy-nilly.  The order I advocate is from the EA tech support manual and follows common sense, but anyone with any experience with The Sims 2 will know that The Sims 2 and its expansion packs seldom behave in a logical or predictable manner, so your guess is as good as mine what will work.

[PegasusDiana]

I just read your list, I guess I lucked out and did install them in the correct order! I thought University came after NL and OFB, but apparently I did it right. I know I did it right after those because I pre-ordered things as they were coming out.