It nuked!



Reinstall would be an option.

You got a bunch of things to do, to modify the reloaded version to a retail.

Here a walk-throug for the base game:

0. Complete game deinstall with EA Download-Manager and registry
1. Full install the Reload version
2. Run the sims3patch.exe, get it from http://all4tech.net/games/pcgames/page,1,3,160-the-sims-3-patch-up-reload-version-to-retail.html
3. Change Zone Code from 7 to 2 under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE => SOFTWARE => SIMS => THE SIMS 3 => SKU
4. Overwrite files from "Patch Fix Files" in "C:\Programme\Electronic Arts\Die Sims 3\Game\Bin\HelpPages" and    
    "C:\Programme\Electronic Arts\Die Sims 3\Game\Bin" (Sims3GDF.dll)
    (get it here: http://www.filefactory.com/file/b007101/n/PatchFixFiles.rar)
    Now you actually have a retail version.
5. Apply Sims3_1.6.6.002002_from_1.0.631.00002.exe update patch
6. Apply Sims3_1.7.9.002002_from_1.6.6.002002.exe update patch
7. Install all CC-Items BEFORE udating to 1.8 (all before HELS?!)
8. For using the Launcher to install further CC go  to http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,17743.0.html
    an do exactly as it is written.
9. Apply "Sims3_1.8.25.003002_from_1.7.9.002002.exe"
10. Put AM in
11. Riverview does not show up?! Go use the SEARCH MOAR button.

I did not patch further until now, so I do not know, what more there will be on my list.

Edit due to many ESL errors and please, do use the "Thanks" button.

Thanks, will consider this!

Same problem, that is why I didn´t spend until now. No other way round, isn´t it?

You have to get the DOSpath to your MYDOCUMENTS\Electronic Arts\DCCache\ folder. This is somehow difficult, if you do not know DOS. But why don´t you take the example as a guide if you have a standard installation?
"..\..\DOCUME~1\USERNAME\MYDOCU~1\ELECTR~1\THESIM~1\DCCache" means nothing else, that you have to fill in the username you have choosen for the system.

If you feel unsure about this, get DOS Path 0.3.1 from here
http://softwaredownloadmirror.com/freeware/dos-path-0.3.1/102785557/
install and launch it. Then open up the DCCache window in your MYDOCUMENTS Folder. Copy the Windows path to the "Win Path" line of DOSpath and convert it. Voilá!

The game per se will be launched from the original place. I do not use the launcher file (Sims3Launcher.exe) because it´s mean. Use the TS3.exe (or TS3EP01.exe) instead.

As you launched the game from the "working_launcher" directory, it could not start. See my info above and start the game from its original location! This has been stated here several times. Read before you post!


Edited due to some ESL mistakes.

Sorry, Pescado, you got this one wrong. I was referring to the proposal of AloeOwl by looking at his profile, which will explain my totally nutty idea and, unfortunately, would delete myself as well. But, as obvious as it is, this would not bring ease to the bandwidth, just to the brain drain problem.

Seems this Insane Fix works as well for customized worlds like "Plot" or "Coconut" in my case, which as well couldn´t be installed with the fucked up 1.8 patch.
Once again, lets drink more beer and find insane solutions!

Really sorry for the double post but the "edit" function is out of order.
For sure, we should delete all accounts before 2009 November 26, 03:37:00 to get all the dummbarts out of the system, including myself.

Based on what? Stupidity? Or the easy way, date of registering?
I would suppose to wipe out everyone who registered before 2009 November 26, 03:36:26, not caring how long the lurked around here and did shut up when others were talking.

Works fine for me! Thank you.

Follow this link: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=%22sims+3%22+%2BService+initiation+%22failed+(0x6224dd27)%22.

Thank you for the useful hint without poking me with sticks!

Coyote, you should definitively drink more beer. I did step one and two and it´s working like a charm!

Got almost everthing working. Sims 3 is loading (no WA until now), Riverside and CC are showing up. Old games from Riverside not showing on "select game" screen and this made me somekind of gnäh.

I created a new game on Riverside, moved a Sim to a lot and saved the game. The folder has been created at "C:\Dokumente und Einstellungen\Benutzer\Eigene Dateien\Electronic Arts\Die Sims 3\Saves", which leads me to a big sorry for my German roots and just means "c:\blah\My folderElectronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves".

Restarting the game, does not show the saved game and it is in this case as well not playable.

Doing the same with Sunset Valley works as it should, the lot shows up on start.

Could anybody second this behavior or does anybody, here at the board, even know a solution / link to a solution?

Please be patient with me, I am a retardo lander and a ESL writer. Thanks anyway for your kind and appreciated feedback.

I like it here. My mother tongue isn´t english, althought I am not just learning a lot about the Sims, I am as well improving my grammar. On top of this, I did learn, that I do not have to suck around, thanking people here.

Keep it up!

My error... for sure the sliders are there!!! 

I did not scroll down at the mouth place... stupid!

Thanks a ton for this nice work!

...am I wrong or does this sliders not work anymore with version 3_1.7.9.002002?

I did install the files with the monkey, but there are no sliders showing up, when creating a new sim. Am I at the wrong place, looking for the sliders?!

Thanks for some enlightment