HELP!! Manual patch cannot find sims 3.

Hi everyone
I'm really hoping someone here can help me.
I've been trying to install the manual patch as part of the ultimate fix.
Ive followed all the instructions exactly.
But when I try use the manual patch I get:
The setup has detected that no version of The Sims 3 is installed. This update requires that a previous version of the application be installed.
Does anyone know how I can get round this please???
Reinstalling is not an option for me.

Thanks in advance.

Hello,

Where exactly did you get the base game from?

Hi,
I believe it was from here.
Would that make a difference ?

Hello,

Yes, it does. If it was a modified installation, the game won't be recognized by your system and therefore you'll not be able to install any expansion packs or update the game.

Hm, well I'm pretty sure it was from here.
What else could it be?

Hello,

Can you please post a screenshot of the base game .rar file you downloaded? (If you still have it)

I don't have it any more. It's not a recent install. I did it quite a few months ago. sorry.

Hello,

I'm sorry, the only fix I can offer at the moment is reinstalling a non-modified version of the base game, preferably the Games4theworld one. (That makes it easier for us to provide help, since we're familiar with the files)

Okay thank you.

Hello,

You're welcome.
Is there anything else we can currently assist you with?