CAW and Steam

[Tealeaf]

I'm playing the Steam version of Sims.  I've downloaded lots and such from the exhange with no problems.  I downloaded CAW.  When I attempted to run it, I got the message that I needed to have Sims 3 installed, which I obviously do.  Anyone know of a way to get the CAW installer to recognize that fact?

[Lasnien]

The Steam version of The Sims 3 is incompatible with any addon program you might want to install (CAW, CAP). If you want to be able to use CAW, you'll have to transfer your game to Origin by entering your game codes here. This will require a reinstall of the game, but you'll then be able to use CAW.

[Tealeaf]

Ok, thank you.  I just wanted to play around a bit with the program to see what it could do, but I don't think I want to bother with trying to figure out how to install the steam files for the game elsewhere.

[Ricalynn]

It doesn't involve moving the Steam files elsewhere.  It just involves redownloading the game.  Basically what happens is you register the game under your account on Thesims3.com and then when you open origin,  you have the ability to download the game without using steam.  This means that you'll get patches quicker and it's like having the normal PC version.  It also means you don't have to wait for Steam to get new EPs/SPs before getting them.  You can now order the PC version as well.  Because it's through Origin, you can also DL these files on any computer you own.

[adorkablefae]

So, I bought The Sims 3 on steam because I got a great deal (half off for all the expansion/stuff packs at the time which was several).  I then bought Generations and Pets when they came out, though  I don't have Showtime (it was not the most appealing content to me and I'm kind of broke). 

I recently wanted to use the create a world tool and found out it's basically  not compatible with the steam version, plus I have a handful of other things I dislike about playing my game through Steam, but I've been sucking it up as it were. 

Now, with Supernatural coming out, I would really like to make the switch from Steam to something else.  Since I already own the CD keys for most of the games, how would you make the switch?  I'm already prepared to delete the game in its entirety and redownload (even though it's SOOO BIG FOR ALL OF THEM HOLY COW). It's been mentioned that I might want to buy the discs, but I dont want to buy something I already own again.

Please advise!

Note: My computer skill level is quite high, I have a great machine, and download speed is not an issue. 

Edited by Twinmum  - you may have the CD keys, but we do not discuss anything that comes down to piracy. Please review the Forum Rules

[Pam]

Can we get an explanation of exactly what Steam is and how it works?

[Seabody]

It's like Origin, but it lets you download non-EA games as well - I just checked, and I can get Plants Vs Zombies and Age of Empires III from it.

[Galena]

If you register your game with Origin, will it let you download it?  I know Steam lets you download some games if you register them with them.

[Pam]

It's like Origin, but it lets you download non-EA games as well - I just checked, and I can get Plants Vs Zombies and Age of Empires III from it.

So, it's like an online retail store?  You can purchase and download Sims 3 and other games?  And it's all legal, right?

[Lasnien]

Yes, Pam, Steam is completely legal. There was a discussion of this problem back in March, and you can find the relevant link and explanation to transfer your Steam codes into Origin here.
I, too, got my copy of The Sims 3 from Steam on half-off sale from there about this time last year.

[Pam]

Ah, thank you, Lasnien.  It looks like that's where the answer for this thread is, so I'm merging them.

[adorkablefae]

Thanks for the help; Looks like I will have to redownload... Alas... Would not have used steam in the first place had I known it would be such an issue, but Origin wasnt even out at the time I don't believe.  I really wish they'd make it all compatible *grumble*

But thanks gang! Helps a ton.

[Tealeaf]

An update since this thread has been revived.  I registered my Sims game, stuff packs, and expansions on the EA site.  Then I deleted my sims games (pretty much had to since I had downloaded so much junk from the exhange the game had gotten very glitchy).  I then download all the Sims stuff through Origin.  At the point CAW worked just fine, I created my own weird, functional, complete flat world I'd been wanting.

So, Adorkablefae, this might be your best bet.  Register the stuff you bought from Steam (one of the option from the Links menu to the far right of the Sims Steam menu is CD Key, this is what you need to enter into the EA site).  Download through Origin, delete Steam and all your old Sims stuff, and then just play through Origin.  Hope this helps you out.

[Lasnien]

Once you've gotten the games registered and downloaded through Origin, you don't even need to have Origin running to play the game. It also doesn't give you potentially upsetting statistics... like how many hours you've played The Sims 3!

[adorkablefae]

Does anyone have any advice on what I need to make sure to delete from my steam files? I don't want to just delete steam, as I use it for other games, but I do want to make sure I get all of the sims content deleted so I dont have any strange compatibility issues.  where will Origin install the game?  Could I have both installs of the game? Just thinking of options here but I will do some research.  If anyone has experience with this let me know.

Thanks!