FAQ

FTF/First Things First:

If you are new to downloading then you should know some things.

Foremost:it will make your life easier if you are organised and have a nice and tidy download folder. To achieve this you need 3 programs which most download maniacs like me use:

For downloading and further details on these programs refer to the above links please .

FAQ/Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How do i install lots(houses)/sims/pets?

Download the rar file and then use winrar to extract the content to your sims 2 downloads folder (My documents>EA games>The Sims 2>Downloads).

After that you must double click on the sim or lot package to install them to the game.

Note: With clean installer you can install any full sim package even if you just have the sims 2 basegame. But when installing lots (houses) always make sure you have the expansions needed!!!

  • I get an error that says “This content requires expansion pack data that is not installed”

Please use  Clean Installer to install this sim. Sims only require the basegame so with this program you will be able to install any sim, even if you get this error.

  • Where do i find the full sim in the game and create a family with it?

This tutorial will help you if you are new to installing downloaded sims.

  • How do i install sims 2 objects and recolors?

Download the rar file and then use  winrar to extract the content into your downloads folder.Remember that most of the times CEP-Color Enable Package is needed so you must have it installed.

  • “An object i downloaded doesn’t work”

You probably didn’t download the mesh or you downloaded an object that requires an expansion you don’t have.Or it is in your download folder and you forgot to unzip it (i’ve done that).Or it needs CEP (color enabler package).Always read the download descriptions and EP’s required.And always make sure the files are extracted in your downloads.

  • What is a master and a slave mesh?
  • Master: an object that contains both materials and textures
  • Slave:an object that borrows its textures from the master.
  • Maxis slave: an object that borrows its textures from a maxis object.

There are some things to know about masters and slaves

  • If you recolor the Master then you instantly recolored all slaves ( even if there are 100eds of them :-P) .It’s magic :-P

  • If you have already recolors in your downloads of a maxis slave then these get applied instantly to the slave. If you want to recolor a maxis slave object then you must recolor Maxis original instead. For example: if i have made a vase that is a slave to maxis “PottedPotential” then one must recolor “PottedPotential” and the recolors will be applied to the slave vase.In 3 words:slaves aren’t recolorable they draw their textures from their masters.

  • If you upload houses and have used a slave make sure you package the master object as well because otherwise the slave will flash blue ( as it will be missing its texture reference).

source: repository technique tutorial by IgnorantBliss

  • What are defaults or default replacements?

Defaults are either bodyshop or object files that replace original Maxis content. They really enhance gameplay , who can live with maxis skintones for example?Not me.

However there are some things you need to be aware off if you are downloading default replacements:

  • You can never have 2 default sets of the same thing ( eg. skintones) in your downloads.This will cause them not to work correctly.

  • It’s not permanent.You can remove the defaults anytime and the game will revert back to maxis stuff.

  • For that reason be organised, before downloading any defaults, go to your downloads folder and make a subfolder named DEFAULTS ( yes in caps).And place any defaults you will download in that folder.That way you will find easily if you have duplicates and if you don’t like the defaults and you want to delete them.

  • Lastly it’s good to let you know that default replacements do NOT get packaged with sims or lots.