The definitive EA Store Set & Guide?
Yecats:
In regards to a "guide" of sorts, I've been cataloguing all the store objects (not clothing) content into 1 word file. Once I've finished, I can PDF it and upload it to 4shared, and I'll update it every month with the new items.
Jennel:
Will all the store objects install in the game with your world ? ???
Trystiane:
If your game is not showing decrapified objects, you probably haven't decrapified them, only recompressorized them. Try fjade's tool: http://forum.jfade.com/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=473.
Here is a draft of a cc installing guide I wrote. I haven't included info on Store stuff, but I can do that separately. I'm open to edits, and then if it looks useful maybe we can sticky it or something...
One way to manage custom content (cc):
Managing cc is harder than it used to be. There are different ways to do it. This is just one way and you may not like it. As always, back up everything and if things go wrong I'm sorry, but I'm doing my best to be helpful. I claim no special expertise. This tutorial is only for non-EA custom objects, patterns, walls, floors and CAS stuff (not for houses, sims, or stuff from The Store).
1. I try to be careful what I download (dl) because it is harder to delete stuff than it used to be.
2. I dl into folders categorized by creator and either "object" or "CAS Stuff." Before I extract and install the files I copy the folders as they are into another folder labeled: "installed items." How you want to categorize your dl folders is up to you and depends on how much time and OCD you have. The more clear and specific your folder titles are, the easier it will be to find items if you need to.
3. Now that I know I have the original files safely stored away, I begin the process of organizing and installing. Now this is where you have to make choices. Do you want to use sims3pack files and the launcher? Do you want to use package files and merge them? Do you want to use a mixture? Again, your choice depends mainly on how much time you have and how important it is to you to be able to manage your files once they are installed in your game. I prefer maximum control over what I put in and when I want to take it out.
4. Thus, I convert everything to package files and then merge them. That way I avoid the launcher and maintain the ability to go back and delete individual items. Here are the steps I follow:
a) Unzip or unrar all files. Keep files in separate folders according to what you want to merge together. I separate hairs from other CAS stuff, and organize my objects alphabetically by creator ie: "objects A" "objects B" and so on.]. I put rooves, terrains, and walls & floors in their own folder. Creators who are very prolific get their own folder.
b) Download Delphy's multi-extractor at MTS: http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=364038. Be sure to check the box that says "Rename files on Save." Run it on each subfolder. It is okay to extract within a folder of mixed package and sims3pack files (the package files will just be ignored). Then go in and delete the sims3pack files.
c) If you have dl'ed sets or otherwise want to prune your files before merging them, now is the time. I use Merlin to review the package files. Not all will have icons, so it isn't perfect, but it is all we have right now. Merlin used to be on TSR, but it isn't now. I will try to update with a new link.
d) Put everything you want to merge together into a folder. I make sure no folder has more than 199 items, and I make sure to separate CAS items from Objects and patterns. Later you can add as many items as you want to a merged package file, but I find s3pe locks up if I try to merge too much all at once.
e) Merge all the packages in your folder together using s3pe. You can find it on MTS at: http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=362412. I got the instructions for merging files from Anach who very generously shared them on the MATY website (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,17746.0.html). You will have to choice if you want to import the packages "as dcb" files or "as package" files. Many people say the DCB option will let your game run smoother and faster, but it will also take a long time for the file to save. You have to be very patient. I import as packages because I have little patience.
f) Save your merged files to your package folder which you set up using MATY's framework found at: http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,17454.0.html. Name each file the same thing you named the folder the individual packages are in. That way if you add or delete items from that folder, you can make a new merged package folder and delete the old one.
g) Do Not Delete the folder with the individual package files in it. Place it in a folder called "Installed Individual Package Files." That way if you want to add files or delete files you can. Simply make your changes and create a new merged package file.
Jennel:
Will all the store objects install in the game after that ? :-[
Tangie:
Hmmmm. Apparently you haven't understood anything anyone has said so far, or read any of the other threads on this topic, so trying to answer you is probably fruitless. But the way I understand it, the problem is that you cannot use the "luncher" to install sims3pack content for the store because they have crapified it so it won't work unless you have PAID FOR IT and downloaded it from the EA website.
So if you want it anyway, (edited to clarify that) you can just decrapify the sims3pack files and then you can install those. Follow the directions for decrapifying store content. Here's a post from Freezerburn explaining directions here: http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,18310.0.html Or you can follow Trystiane's patient directions in post #22, at least from step 4 onward, if you wish to install package files instead. I know her tute is for general CC but I believe the same principles apply to any sims3pack. If you convert to package files, then decide if you want to convert to dcb files. Your choice(s). I believe the fireplaces and corner counters were reportedly fixed in the most recent version of the decrapify tool, although as I said previously I have not personally used it and I think some people have said they still don't work for them but could be wrong about that.
ETA: Cleaned up and rearranged additional confusing language. Or just see witch's post instead!
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