Expansion Disk problem installing

[Wai]

Hello. I purchased a new computer last December and for various reasons I did not install Sims 3 or 4 until this month.

4 was still in Origin and installed without problems.

However my Sims 3, (apart from the base game which is in the hidden section) appears to have been deleted.

I have installed from disks and the game is working well except for "Showtime" which kept hanging about half way through installation.  I cancelled this expansion.

Does anyone know of any way I can recover this disk other than buying a new one?

[MrsFlynn]

If the disc is bad, redeem your game codes via Origin. Download and install them all through Origin.

Redeem your serial key or product code in Origin
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/origin/origin/redeem-your-serial-code-in-origin

How to Install and/or Uninstall Sims 3, Expansions and Stuff packs
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg425178.html#post_Uninstall

[Wai]

   Many thanks, sounds perfect. 

Sadly, nothing is ever that easy for me.  I have my disk and packaging in hand, but, Origin says that someone else is using that code.   I cannot for the life of me think how that can be as I purchased the disk from the same very well known supplier as all my other expansions.

[MrsFlynn]

It's common to get the code has already been used message. It may mean that you have already registered it before.

In the link below, you'll find more information on that, be aware it's for Sims 4, but can be applied to Sims 3.

This Code Has Already been Used
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=21899.msg431138#msg431138

However, if the tips don't help, contact EA's customer service to see if there's something they can do.

How To: Contact EA's Customer Service / Use EA Help
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=21898.msg401708#msg401708

[Wai]

Many thanks

You are absolutely brilliant.

I wasted about an hour waiting for and talking to the Origin help desk.  No help at all.

But then I came back here and hey presto.  Problem solved.  And, the expansion is up and running.

Thank you for your help.  The guide you directed me to did the trick beautifully.  (And, Origin claimed they had no record of my ever owning the pack.) 

[MrsFlynn]

Yay!!! I'm happy to help and that it's working again!!