The Sims 3 Install

Sims 3 Game Help Categories:

Custom Content |Installation |Gameplay Guides |Technical & Graphics Issues |Miscellaneous Issues

MTS Help Q&A Forums

For the file to work you must have a pre-installed version of The Sims 3, quite clearly 99% of people downloading won't have The Sims 3 on their computer. This means that the download is a massive. Installing skins in the Sims 3 can be tricky. Fortunately, this tutorial will help. First you'll need to have a package folder in your mods folder. How to install package files: https://youtu.be. Jan 11, 2018  The Sims 3: HOW TO INSTALL MODS AND CC // UPDATE 2019 - Duration: 27:38. PsychoSimHT 80,559 views. Ricky Gervais ROASTING People - Duration: 10:14. Toasty Videos Recommended for you.

TS3:Downloading for Downright Dunderheads

Introduction |Before you download |Get Organized |The Main Event |Additional Info

  • 1Installing Sims 3 Package Files

This guide will explain how to use custom content files that are in .package format in The Sims 3.


Before You Start

Make sure you've read Sims 3 CC Basics first!


While this guide to .package files explains how to get the .package files in your game, TS3 CC Basics explains all about custom content in general, including using zip/rar/7z files, identifying file types, and what information to look for before downloading particular files.

A more step-by-step, guided version is available in Game Help:Downloading for Downright Dunderheads.

Windows


Read before proceeding!

If you have ever had your custom content in Program Files (either manually or using the Helper Monkey/Monkey Bars), you must uninstall Monkey Bars/Helper Monkey, and remove the old framework files from Program Files path first! If you don't, some of your custom content may not work!
You must also get updates from the creator(s) for any hacks/mods before putting them in the Documents path shown below.
For full instructions on switching over from the old way to the new way, see: Installing Sims 3 Package Files: Old Way to the New Way. Do this first, then come back here for instructions on installing to Documents.

Also make sure you have read TS3 CC Basics so you know how to extract from rar/zip/7z files and how to identify file types before continuing with this page.


Game Version

Depending on what patch/update level you have (and any expansion packs), you may need some extra steps to get your .package content working correctly.

The easiest way to find your game version is to open the game Launcher. Look down at the very bottom left corner - you should see some tiny little icons. Float your cursor over the far left one and it will tell you your base game patch version - you need to have at least patch version 1.12.70 or later. If you don't see the icons at all, you need to update your game!


We STRONGLY recommend fully updating your game to the latest patch version!


Play The Sims 3

The sims 4 install

Latest patch versions: Click on Game Help:Patch Table to verify your games are up-to-date.


To update your game: Click on the 'Game Updates' tab in the launcher and click Update Now.


For more information on updating your game, or to Patch manually, see: Patching The Sims 3.




Ready!

The Sims 3 Install Free Download

No Monkey Icon? Pre-1.12/pre-Ambitions' method of Old Framework totally removed and cleaned up? Let's carry on...



Sims 3 Game Help Categories:

Custom Content |Installation |Gameplay Guides |Technical & Graphics Issues |Miscellaneous Issues

MTS Help Q&A Forums

Install The Sims 3

Retrieved from 'http://www.simswiki.info/index.php?title=Game_Help:Installing_Sims_3_Package_Files&oldid=62300'

Install Sims 3 Pc Game

Comments

Sims 3 Installer Download

  • edited March 2018
    Yup... runs just fine. I've been using W10 for a couple of years now.
    edit to add: Unlike TS4, TS3 does not include v-sync through in-game settings. This is very important for this game and should be set to on or adaptive for dedicated cards through the control panel. If your computer has a newer card, you will get a notice about the card not being recognized. This shouldn't be a problem and can be ignored. In most cases, the dedicated card will still be used. All though... on a laptop you may need to direct it to do so.
    Formerly known as Simasaurus09
    i7-7700K • 16GB • GTX 1070
    S3 simblr: http://simplysimming.tumblr.com/
    S4 simblr: http://simlogic.tumblr.com/
  • Yup... runs just fine. I've been using W10 for a couple of years now.
    edit to add: Unlike TS4, TS3 does not include v-sync through in-game settings. This is very important for this game and should be set to on or adaptive for dedicated cards through the control panel. If your computer has a newer card, you will get a notice about the card not being recognized. This shouldn't be a problem and can be ignored. In most cases, the dedicated card will still be used. All though... on a laptop you may need to direct it to do so.

    OK, thank you. I've got a Nvidia 1060, presumably what you're referring to would be in the graphics options menu?
    0
  • edited March 2018
    Yup... runs just fine. I've been using W10 for a couple of years now.
    edit to add: Unlike TS4, TS3 does not include v-sync through in-game settings. This is very important for this game and should be set to on or adaptive for dedicated cards through the control panel. If your computer has a newer card, you will get a notice about the card not being recognized. This shouldn't be a problem and can be ignored. In most cases, the dedicated card will still be used. All though... on a laptop you may need to direct it to do so.

    OK, thank you. I've got a Nvidia 1060, presumably what you're referring to would be in the graphics options menu?
    Sorry, I should have included more info instead of being so brief. Here are my instructions I wrote for someone else:
    • You need to make sure it's using the dedicated card over the integrated.
      Follow this guide here: http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/776882/sims-4-and-switchable-graphics-how-to-nvidia-amd/p1
    • Avoid optimizing the game through GeForce Experience because this has caused problems for people in the past.
    • Unlike Sims 4, Sims 3 does not include v-sync so this is very important to do.
      The goal is to cap frame rate at your screens refresh rate. Double check what yours is....
      • Windows search Display Settings
      • Advanced Display Settings
      • Display adapter properties
      • Click the Monitor tab
      You should see your monitors refresh rate.
      Instructions for Nvidia Control Panel already installed on your computer if you have a Nvidia graphics card. Try this first...
      right-click desktop Nvidia Control Panel
      This method requires fullscreen mode in order to work.

      If you already tried control panel and it didn't work, try Nvidia Inspector.
      Download & Install Nvidia Inspector
      Look for the small tool icon or green symbol next to Driver Version. Click to launch Nvidia Profile Inspector.
      Select Profiles at the top and scroll through the long list to find Sims 3.
      Under Sync and Refresh, select Vertical Sync > Force On
      In windowed mode you may have to add an additional setting. Frame Rate Limiter > 60 fps *This number should reflect your own refresh rate so be sure to double check what yours is.
      Windows search > Display Settings > Advanced display settings > Display adapter properties > Monitor > (here you will see refresh rate for your screen)

      Apply Changes top right corner.

      Track track FPS in-game with the cheat fps on. Small text will appear in the corner and it should be capped at whatever your screens refresh rate is. Frame drops are normal but the goal is to not go over that number. Nvidia Inspector does not require fullscreen mode but if the frames aren't capping, you can try the additional setting under Sync and Refresh setting Frame Rate Limiter to whatever your screens refresh rate is.

    Formerly known as Simasaurus09
    i7-7700K • 16GB • GTX 1070
    S3 simblr: http://simplysimming.tumblr.com/
    S4 simblr: http://simlogic.tumblr.com/
  • In addition to the potential graphics card issues, Windows 10's Creator's Update has been known to wreak havoc on a previously cooperative TS3 install. igazor can give you tips (or links) on how to disable the parts of the update that cause issues; otherwise, your game may not even start. But from what I've read, once you neutralize the various interfering processes, you should be fine.
    Just in case, maybe post your computer's specs here if you want to be sure your laptop will run the game properly. You'll need to manually cap fps rates as well, since the game doesn't do it on its own. Nvidia should let you do this without too much trouble.
  • edited March 2018
    OP should have a proper computer to play this game + the whole collection if they desire... phoebe or chester set them up with one recently. Instructions for FPS/v-sync are given above but feel free to PM me or tag me.
    In addition to the potential graphics card issues, Windows 10's Creator's Update has been known to wreak havoc on a previously cooperative TS3 install. igazor can give you tips (or links) on how to disable the parts of the update that cause issues; otherwise, your game may not even start. But from what I've read, once you neutralize the various interfering processes, you should be fine.
    Just in case, maybe post your computer's specs here if you want to be sure your laptop will run the game properly. You'll need to manually cap fps rates as well, since the game doesn't do it on its own. Nvidia should let you do this without too much trouble.
    Ah, such a good point. I turned off the Creator's update features a while back and forget about it. Here is the post you should follow to turn these features off @BabySquare
    http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/15902876/#Comment_15902876
    Formerly known as Simasaurus09
    i7-7700K • 16GB • GTX 1070
    S3 simblr: http://simplysimming.tumblr.com/
    S4 simblr: http://simlogic.tumblr.com/
  • I see, thank you I was looking at the Nvidia control panel only the other day. I need to see if I can remember my login info to the sims 3 store, as I'm quite fond of Hidden Springs, and at the same time I'll check out the info about the creator's update.
    2
  • I'm not sure how to post all my specs, but the ones that are probably the most significant:
    Windows 10 64 bit
    Intel i7-7700HQ 2.8GHz (3.8 with turbo boost) 6MB cache
    RAM: 16 GB DDR4
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, 3 GB GDDR5
    - 1 TB HDD, 7200 rpm
    - 128 GB SSD
    (I'd install to the HDD as I did sims 4)
    Screen resolution 1920 x 1080
    0
  • I'm not sure how to post all my specs, but the ones that are probably the most significant:
    Windows 10 64 bit
    Intel i7-7700HQ 2.8GHz (3.8 with turbo boost) 6MB cache
    RAM: 16 GB DDR4
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, 3 GB GDDR5
    - 1 TB HDD, 7200 rpm
    - 128 GB SSD
    (I'd install to the HDD as I did sims 4)
    Screen resolution 1920 x 1080
    Yes, that will do just fine. Sims 3 does benefit from a SSD vs HDD but you're correct, because of the size it would be best to put it on the HDD. With the GTX 1060 you're going to get the 'Card Not Recognized' notice but it should go away and this can be ignored. Sims 3 looks beautiful with maxed out settings all though I suggest keeping the in-game graphic setting High Detail Lots low no matter what computer you're on... this game just responds better when it doesn't have to render all of the surroundings at once. Other than that, you should have no problem simming on that with all packs too if you want. Of course... existing game bugs can't exactly be helped but some can if you choose to use NRaas mods.
    Formerly known as Simasaurus09
    i7-7700K • 16GB • GTX 1070
    S3 simblr: http://simplysimming.tumblr.com/
    S4 simblr: http://simlogic.tumblr.com/
  • Thank you. I'll make a note of the high detail lots; with open world I wouldn't like to imagine how much harder a computer would have to work to render everything within a viewable distance to the highest setting.
    1
  • On a system like yours, it's not that bad but it's easy to notice a difference when you lower it no matter what. If I want to make a screenshot look extra nice, I sometimes max that setting out and then lower it again to play in live mode.
    Formerly known as Simasaurus09
    i7-7700K • 16GB • GTX 1070
    S3 simblr: http://simplysimming.tumblr.com/
    S4 simblr: http://simlogic.tumblr.com/
  • On a system like yours, it's not that bad but it's easy to notice a difference when you lower it no matter what. If I want to make a screenshot look extra nice, I sometimes max that setting out and then lower it again to play in live mode.

    Cool, I'll remember that. Thanks
    0
  • Before I forget, does it matter what order I install the packs in? I don't think it's mattered since sims 1 but I thought I better check.
    0
  • Before I forget, does it matter what order I install the packs in? I don't think it's mattered since sims 1 but I thought I better check.

    No. Install in any order you like.
    1
  • Before I forget, does it matter what order I install the packs in? I don't think it's mattered since sims 1 but I thought I better check.

    No. Install in any order you like.

    Thanks.
    0
  • edited March 2018
    Well, I have a laptop running on Windows 10, dedicated to Sims3. I have nearly every EP ( except for two), pages of store content, tons of worlds created in CAW....and the only time I have an issue, is when I enter cheat codes. That's it, no problems.
    Hope yours works smoothly!
  • Thank you it's downloading now. I don't like how Origin did away with the download progress bar; I've no idea how far along it is.
    0
  • Gallery ID: babysquare
  • Formerly known as Simasaurus09
    i7-7700K • 16GB • GTX 1070
    S3 simblr: http://simplysimming.tumblr.com/
    S4 simblr: http://simlogic.tumblr.com/
  • Hi Thank you for asking
    I've had headaches for the last couple of days so haven't had a chance to play again yet, but it's all installed, worked out who's gonna live where, and once I download the worlds I purchased from the stores I'll be ready to go.
    When I've got some I'll post some pics.
    4