Need help uninstalling

[Schipperke]

Metro has suggested that uninstalling and reinstalling Sims 3 may fix the problems I've been having with travelling.  Problem is, I am very un-tech-savvy, and am really nervous about this.  I gather I need to do the uninstall in reverse order (Ambitions, World Adventures, base game) - yes?  I'm studying the instructions for Ambitions and have gotten as far as copying the files to the desktop.  Reading ahead, under Backing up the Registry, it says to hold down the Windows key and press R.  What is the Windows key?   And how do you get it to show hidden files?

[Archer0]

You're over complicating things.  Just go into add/remove programs in control panel and remove/uninstall all sims 3 listings there.  Order shouldn't really matter.

If you're having severe enough problems, I would not backup any saves or downloaded content.  But that's just me.  There are specific folders for those though, and you can copy them to another location prior to uninstall.  I'd recommend not copying them back after the reinstall, just to see if they were causing your problems.

99.99999% of PC users should never need to use the regedit program.  You can really foul up your pc in not careful with it.

If you have a really old keyboard it won't have a windows key.  But on most keyboards it is located between the lower left ctrl and alt keys.

[Pam]

You're over complicating things.  Just go into add/remove programs in control panel and remove/uninstall all sims 3 listings there.  Order shouldn't really matter.

If that's the case, why does Electronic Arts have different instructions for how to manually uninstall the games?  They are very specific about removing certain files from your computer.

[Archer0]

If that's the case, why does Electronic Arts have different instructions for how to manually uninstall the games?  They are very specific about removing certain files from your computer.

I'm sure they offer manual uninstall instructions for when the normal uninstall fails through add/remove programs.  Many companies do.

However, you should never goto a manual uninstall as your first attempt at removal.

A novice or average computer user would likely do more harm than good using a manual method. 

[Schipperke]

Thanks for helping me find the Windows key.  But I have to say this comment has me decidedly nervous:

A novice or average computer user would likely do more harm than good using a manual method. 

My big concern about this is that, while I should be capable of following instructions, I really don't know anything about all this and am very concerned about making things worse.  So, I don't know - while a buggy game is very aggravating, at least I have a game.  More or less.  And a good computer with no problems except when my sims go travelling.  One thing I don't understand (of many) is, if I uninstall the games and then reinstall them and put the saved games back (my challenges!  I can't lose those!) - why would anything be any different?  There is just too much I don't understand about all this.  I think I'll sit tight for the time being.

[Metropolis Man]

One thing I don't understand (of many) is, if I uninstall the games and then reinstall them and put the saved games back (my challenges!  I can't lose those!) - why would anything be any different?  There is just too much I don't understand about all this.  I think I'll sit tight for the time being.

If something is messed up with your save file, then you're right — a reinstall followed up by dumping in a messed up save file will have you back to where you started with your problems. However, if the general game files are somewhat buggy, then a reinstall might clear that up. Reinstallation seems to be much more involved and a headache on a PC than a Mac, so if you're not confident, I'd hold off.

[Pam]

Metro's right about adding back a corrupt save file.  When I wipe the game, I let my files go for the sake of having a clean game.  I use the manual uninstall directions given by Electronic Arts and don't have any trouble.  I think if you want to do this, you could start with using the Uninstall program in Control Panel, as Archer has said.  But if that doesn't work for some reason, you can always to the more detailed uninstall.  It's generally a good idea to reinstall the game periodically just to keep it in good shape.  The farther along we get with Expansion and Stuff Packs, the more cumbersome it will be, but still a good idea.  I think Metro's also right about a Mac being easier to use for uninstalling programs, from what he's told me about it.  But you will manage fine.  We've got instructions posted for every step. 

[Archer0]

Schipperke,

Have you tried other, simpler things first before moving to trying an uninstall/reinstall of the game to fix your issues?

Have you tried starting a brand new game using a brand new sim in sunset valley?  You say you are having problems with traveling.  Start a new game and travel.  See if you can duplicate the problems.

Have you tried running without custom content?  There's an option in the launcher, I believe under installed content, where you can disable, but not delete, all custom content you have downloaded.  I don't have the launcher in front of me, so sorry I cannot provide more exact instructions.

[Schipperke]

Schipperke,

Have you tried other, simpler things first before moving to trying an uninstall/reinstall of the game to fix your issues?

Have you tried starting a brand new game using a brand new sim in sunset valley?  You say you are having problems with traveling.  Start a new game and travel.  See if you can duplicate the problems.

Hi Archer0, thanks for your help.

1.  When the problems first happened in my Wishmaster challenge, Metro gave me permission to start over; new game, new sims (with the same traits as the previous ones) ... unfortunately, and the same problems.

2.  As for custom content, I don't see how I could have any of that.  I'm not entirely sure what it is, but I know that all I've ever had in my game is the base game and the 2 expansion packs, plus a few things from the store.  The problems began after installing Ambitions and the patch that came out around the same time, and have been pretty much constant ever since.

I really don't want to lose my saved Challenge files, especially the Wishmasters - I've put so much time into that, I'd rather just keep going at this point if the only alternative is to lose the game.  Maybe if I have a break between Challenges, that would be a good time to consider reinstalling.  Unless there are any other suggestions. 

I really appreciate your help.

[Archer0]

Schipperke,

Custom content is anything NOT from the base game, expansion, stuff pack, or the store.  Not that one of those can't cause problems.    I have to run without the HELS stuff pack installed as it was causing me many glitches.

I took a look at the wishmaster thread to see what your specific travel problems are, and I must say that cloning thing is interesting.  I did a quick google search and found limited info about a travel/clone bug awhile back(11/2009), but nothing new that's cropped up specifically since Ambitions or a new patch.  There were no suggestions in that thread, other than remove custom content.

All I can suggest then, is to save often.  Once your challenges are done, then do the uninstall/reinstall.  But don't backup anything.

[Schipperke]

Well, doing a google search was an excellent idea - why didn't I think of that?  too busy feeling sorry for myself, I expect.  The cloning thing has become such a regular feature of my sims' travel experience, I'm thinking I might need to develop a policy for dealing with it - catch and release?    I can visualize Sunset Valley populated with clones.  If I create a clone, can I count it as one of my monsters for the 3 monster LTW?  Gaaah - this is making me crazy!  Crazier.

Once again, Archer0, I am very grateful for your help.

[Archer0]

You're most welcome.  Sorry there's not a do this simple thing or don't that and the problem goes away. 

Has it only happened in your wishmaster challenge game?
When it happens are you taking multiple sims on the vacation?

[Schipperke]

Wishmasters is the only game I'm playing at present, so that's where it has happened.  Two separate Wishmaster games.  The Romantic Interests challenge also has travelling, and frankly I'm dreading it so much I have been avoiding playing that one yet.

The clones have happened when sims travelled individually and also when a pair travelled.  Another time, one of the pair didn't return after a trip.  I found her in her sister's relationship panel listed as a foreign resident - had to invite her, then get her to rejoin the household. 

Travelling with my sims is REALLY an adventure these days.

[Archer0]

Did another google search and found more recent info(4/2010) this time on the Sims3 forums.  No real solution though, just the delete the clone that you are already doing.    See here.

[Schipperke]

Well, knowing that I'm not the only one having these problems makes me feel a little better.  Thanks again for your help.