Sims 3 Files?

[Peanuts61]

 Hello gang!

this is just out of curiosity, but I was wondering what would happen if someone accidentally deleted sims 3 files such as the MDMP file, or Bin file or text doc file. does that mean sims 3 could NEVER be played again or if you just re install the game would it be playable. now i haven't deleted these, just wondering what would happen if they were.

thanks!

[MrsFlynn]

I'm not sure I quite understand what you're asking, so please forgive any mis-understanding.

If I'm understanding correctly, your asking about deleted files.

–- If files are deleted out of the Sims 3 install folder, you'll need to  reinstall the game to fix it. Repair game may fix it, depending on what files were deleted.

–- If files are deleted out of the Sims 3 user folder in Documents,
(C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3) The game may become unplayable as well.

However, you can create a new Sims 3 folder as explained in this post linked below -

Sims 3 Factory Reset (What & Howto)
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg401814#msg401814

to get your game back in playing order.

[Peanuts61]

i was just curious, when deleting cache files, and you delete any of the other files, does it affect gameplay or will i have to delete sims 3 (uninstall) and re install the game in order to play

[Peanuts61]

i've never done it by the way, Mrs. Flynn but was curious. the reason: my 14yr old grand daughter plays and i explained to her to clear cache after playing for the night but if she SHOULD accidently delete files that ought not to be deleted i just wanted to know what i could do to help her. thank you so much!

[MrsFlynn]

Thank you for clarifying your question.

It could affect gameplay if you delete the DCBackup, DCCache, and Installed Worlds folders - you may need to reinstall your store and custom content.

The other thing I'd like to note is that if the userPresets.package file gets deleted your saved colors, patterns and textures created in-game via Create a Style will be gone.

I usually delete that file from time to time. In my experience it has caused lag when using Create a Style.

Ooooh -- the Options.ini file. If this file is deleted, the game and graphics settings will need to reset.

I keep a note of my game and graphic settings just in case I need them later, as I've deleted that file before and had to reset them.

I like to experiment every now and again by deleting files and folders inside the Sims 3 user folder to see what "breaks" the game.

For the most part the only thing I've ended up having to do is reinstall my store and/or custom content because of deleting the
DCBackup, DCCache, and Installed Worlds folders.

Before experimenting though, I backup my entire Sims 3 user folder, just in case. lol

–- How to Backup the Sims 3 user Folder:

Go to: (\Documents\Electronic Arts) - right-click on the Sims 3 folder and select Copy/Paste it to the desktop or a usb drive, external drive or any back up media of your choice.

Read more in this post linked below:

Sims 3 - How To: Saving Folders/Files
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=16414.msg313134#msg313134

[Peanuts61]

thank you for this information.. i have to admit that a couple of times i almost hit the dcc cache instead of the back up file. but caught myself. now i slowly delete the cache files that are ok. i just hope my granddaught does slowly too. we don't live in the same place so it would be difficult for me to know if she needed help unless she visits. i alwys tell her to delete the cache slowly not in a fast way.

[MrsFlynn]

You're welcome!! I've deleted the DCCache before and was like uh-oh. lol Made a note for myself to not do that when cleaning up my Sims 3 folder.

Something you could do to help is to print out this thread and the linked posts, take and share notes from them with your granddaughter.

You could snail mail the notes to her. I loved getting gifts in the mail from my grandma.