Sims 3 Store – Bluebellflora

Sims 3 64-bit – installing Store content, Exchange items and CC and packs not showing in Launcher

Published on November 8, 2020June 7, 2022 by BluebellFlora15 Comments

There are lots of threads and posts highlighting the issues with installing external content into the game since the Sims 3 64-bit was released. There have ALWAYS been issues installing content through the Launcher, this is nothing new, but after having done some proper testing and actually understanding what is going on with this updated version I can post about it. I also have this instructional post about how to successfully install Store content separately.

Why is this happening?
Essentially the Launcher and Origin are not talking to each other properly. An Installer Data folder is not being created in Macintosh HD⁩ > ⁨Users⁩ > ⁨[UserAccount] > ⁨Library⁩ > ⁨Application Support⁩ > ⁨Origin⁩. This folder is important because it stores the preference files associated with your Origin account for the base game and installed packs

If the Installer Data folder does not exist, and it does not contain the .plist files for your base game and downloaded packs, they will not show in the Launcher.
If the base game does not show in the Launcher then it is not possible to install Store/Exchange/CC items.
If Store/Exchange/CC items require EPs or SPs to function then it will not be possible to install that content without the relevant pack showing as installed in the Launcher.

Where can I look for the Installer Data folder?
In Finder click on Go in the menu bar then Go to folder… In the window copy and paste the following then press Go:
~/Library/Application Support/Origin
The Origin folder will open.

How do I fix it?
Firstly, navigate to the Origin folder as above and create a new folder called Installer Data:

Then:

Base game not showing in the Launcher:

Right click the game in your Origin games library and select repair. This will create a base game .plist file in the Installer Data folder resulting in the base game showing in the Launcher.

Expansion and Stuff Packs not showing in the Launcher:

Open the Sims 3 Packs folder in your Applications folder, or wherever your Origin games are installed to:
You will see a folder for each owned pack labelled EP and SP followed by a number. Open each pack folder and trash the GameData folder:
Open Origin and re-download your packs. The .plist files for each Pack should now be in the Installer Data folder and the Packs should show up in the Launcher.

If you run the Origin reset tool you will need to repeat the steps above.

Edit – adding this screenshot to show yes, it is absolutely possible to do this. CC may show up as Store content, Store content may not actually show as Store content in the catalogue but it does show. Make sure you are following the instructions fully 🙂

64-bit Sims 3, quick pointers after installing

Published on October 29, 2020June 7, 2022 by BluebellFlora33 Comments

MaxisJoe has reported that they are currently rolling out the fix for the Installation Verification Error that affected everyone when the game launched yesterday. There is nothing you need to do for this, it will be a fix behind the scenes. You will be able to tell when you have it because a CD key will show up in Origin. Click on the Sims 3 64-bit in your Origin games library then the cog/gear then Game Properties. If you see a serial code next to CD Key then you should now be able to play:

Some brief points on this updated version for Mac players, in no particular order. This list is not exhaustive. You should also check out Puzzlezaddict’s excellent guide here at Answers HQ which will be regularly updated as we familiarise ourselves with this updated version of Sims 3:

Store items

download all your store stuff again from the Sims 3 Store. I have tried and tried to copy over my saved store content into the The Sims 3 > Downloads folder but just could not get it to install. I did however manage to happily use Safari and the link between the browser and Origin then Launcher seems to be solid.
If you need help with installing Store items please see this article which is still relevant to both versions of Sims 3.

Exchange – Downloading from the Exchange can be a bit hit or miss. If you’re having issues please do the following:

In Finder click on Go in the Menu bar then Go to folder. In the window copy and paste this ~/Library/Application Support/Origin/ then press Go. You should now be in a folder called Origin. Create a new folder called Installer Data, if there is not already one there, then repair the game.

Cheat console

The cheat console is now CMD, Shift and C, not CTRL, Shift and C.

Camera

The camera controls are awful and really buggy. Be slow and patient with them, don’t start hitting lots of keys to try and get them to work.

Catalogue items

If you are using a trackpad do not try and scroll in the build/buy catalogue. It’s really glitchy. Use the scroll bar at the side or use a mouse.

Quote of the year

Published on March 20, 2014 by BluebellFlora6 Comments

So the thread I referenced yesterday is still rumbling on with both sides happily fighting each other.

I’m oscillating between laughing and crying over the various replies which are now verging on the ridiculous. But the best response by far, the response which made me laugh out loud and almost choke on my Prosecco (we’re celebrating a newly decorated house – yay!) was angldior’s straight to the point, no holds barred: